Citizens of non-EU countries generally need a Romania Visa to enter the country. If you’re planning to relocate to Romania, you must apply according to your purpose of travel—whether it’s for study, work, investment, or another legal route, as each option falls under different Romania visa types. In most immigration cases, getting the right visa is a key step, especially for applicants who may need to meet Romania long-stay visa requirements. In this guide, we’ll explain how the application works, what documents are typically required, and what to expect in terms of Romanian visa processing time.
Benefits of Getting a Romania Visa
Romania is a beautiful country in Southeastern Europe that has become an increasingly popular destination for work, study, and investment in recent years. It is an EU member state, and it became a full member of the Schengen Area on January 1, 2025, which has strengthened travel and mobility within Europe.
One of the biggest advantages of obtaining a Visa is affordability: living and studying in Romania often costs less than in many Western European countries, while still offering access to reputable universities and a rich European culture. For professionals, Romania also has growing opportunities—especially in IT, engineering, and specialized fields—making it attractive for those exploring different Romania visa types for career growth.
A Visa can also provide a pathway to temporary residence rights, and in some cases, progress toward longer-term residence depending on your status and route. Since visa-free travel is not available for Iranian and many non-EU citizens, applicants must usually submit their Romania visa application through the Romanian embassy to start the process.
Romania Visa Types
Romania visa types are generally classified based on two key factors: the purpose of travel and the length of stay. Under Romania’s immigration rules, the two main categories are the C visa (short-stay) and the D visa (long-stay). Each category has its own subtypes and specific conditions, so choosing the right option is the first step toward a successful Romania Visa application.
Whether you’re planning to work, study, immigrate, or simply visit for a short trip, you should identify the correct visa category first and then proceed with your application based on your personal situation and supporting documents. The variety of visa options allows applicants with different goals to follow the most suitable legal path.
The most common Romania Visa options include:
- Romania Work Visa
- Romania Student Visa
- Romania Tourist Visa
- Romania Family/Dependent Visa
- Romania Investment Visa
- Other visas such as medical treatment, transit visa, and mission/official travel visa for short-term or work-related visits
Romania Visa Requirements and Documents for 2026
In general, a Romania Visa is issued in two main categories: short-stay and long-stay. Short-stay visas are typically granted for purposes such as tourism, business trips, family visits, or any stay of up to 90 days.
Long-stay visas, on the other hand, are designed for applicants who plan to remain in Romania for longer periods—most commonly for study, work, investment, or family reunification. These routes usually involve stricter documentation and may fall under Romania long-stay visa requirements, depending on the specific visa category.
The required documents for a Visa depend on the visa category you choose, but the core requirements are generally similar. In most cases, you’ll need a valid passport, biometric photos, proof of financial means, accommodation confirmation, a travel plan, travel medical insurance, and a completed Romania visa application form.
Your selected visa type ultimately determines what additional supporting documents you must provide—for example, extra paperwork for work, study, investment, or other long-stay purposes.
Romania Work Visa (D-Type)
A Romania Work Visa is generally issued as a long-stay (D) Romania Visa, allowing non-EU citizens to enter Romania for employment. To apply, you typically must have a confirmed job offer from a Romanian employer.
In most cases, the employer is also responsible for obtaining the required work authorization from Romania’s immigration authorities. Once the work permit is issued, the applicant can proceed with the visa application by completing the official form and submitting the required documents to the Romanian embassy or the appropriate consulate.
Romania Work Visa Requirements and Documents
The Romania Work Visa is usually issued as a long-stay Visa (D/AM) and is typically valid for 90 days. After arriving in Romania, the applicant must apply for a temporary residence permit to legally stay longer and extend their residence based on an employment contract. This category may cover skilled workers, seasonal workers, specialists, and—in some cases—professional athletes.
The key requirement for a Visa for employment is having both a job offer and an approved work permit. Along with the Romania visa application form, applicants usually need to submit the following documents to the Romanian embassy or consulate:
- Valid passport (with sufficient validity)
- Work permit issued for the applicant
- Employment contract or official job offer letter
- Relevant educational documents and work experience records
- Police clearance certificate (criminal record check)
- Medical/health insurance covering the visa period
- Proof of accommodation in Romania (hotel booking or lease agreement)
- Proof of financial means
- Biometric photo
- Visa fee payment receipt
These are the standard documents commonly requested for a Romania work visa. However, requirements can vary by case, so it’s always best to confirm the latest checklist before applying—especially if you’re estimating Romania work visa processing time and planning your travel schedule.
Romania Student Visa (D/SD)
The Student Visa is a long-stay Visa issued under the D/SD category. It allows non-EU citizens to enter Romania for education, including Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD programs, or approved student exchange studies.
To obtain a Romania Visa for study, the applicant must first receive an official letter of acceptance from a Romanian university or educational institution. After that, they can proceed with the visa application by completing the required form and submitting supporting documents through the Romanian embassy.
Romania Student Visa Requirements and Documents
The Romania Student Visa is issued for applicants entering Romania for Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, or approved student exchange programs. To qualify for a Romania Visa for study, the two most important conditions are having a valid university acceptance letter and proving you can financially support yourself during your education.
In most cases, the following documents are submitted along with the Romania visa application form:
- Valid passport (with sufficient validity)
- Official university acceptance letter from Romania
- Proof of tuition payment for one academic year or a scholarship confirmation
- Proof of financial means
- Valid medical/health insurance
- Police clearance certificate (criminal record check)
- Proof of accommodation in Romania (dormitory confirmation or rental contract)
- Biometric photo
- Parental consent letter for underage applicants (if applicable)
- Visa fee payment receipt
This Romania Visa is typically issued with 90 days validity. After entering Romania, students must apply for a student residence permit to extend their stay legally for the duration of their studies.
Romania Investment and Business Visa
The Romania Investment and Business Visa is another important category of the Visa system. This is a long-stay visa, issued under the D/AC (commercial activities) and D/AE (economic activities) categories. It allows non-EU citizens to enter Romania for purposes such as investment, business setup, or company management.
In practice, this Romania Visa is typically granted to individuals who are shareholders or directors of a registered Romanian company, or those planning to operate as a self-employed professional (PFA) and actively contribute to the country’s economy. Applicants must first define their business structure in Romania—such as company registration or professional activity—before booking an appointment and starting the visa application process through the Romanian embassy.
Romania Investment and Business Visa Requirements
The Romania Investment and Business Visa allows applicants to stay in the country for an initial period of 90 days. After entering Romania, applicants must apply for a special residence permit related to commercial or investment activities, which is usually issued on a renewable annual basis.
This type of Romania Visa is suitable for investors, entrepreneurs, shareholders, and company directors. It is also an option for individuals who plan to obtain residence in Romania through job creation or direct investment in the country’s economy. Depending on the scale of the investment, different pathways are available under this category.
The main Romania visa types for investment and the minimum capital requirements for each option are outlined in the table below:
|
Program Type |
Minimum Investment / Job Creation |
Residence Type & Outcome |
|
Initial Investment (Company Registration & Business Activity) |
Approximately €50,000–€70,000 plus creation of 10–15 jobs |
1-year temporary residence, renewable |
|
Higher-Level Investment / Employment |
Approximately €500,000 or creation of 50 jobs |
3-year temporary residence without annual renewal |
|
Large-Scale Investment |
Approximately €1,000,000 or creation of 100 jobs |
Eligibility to apply for permanent residence in Romania after completing the temporary residence period |
The main requirement for obtaining a Romania Visa through investment is submitting a clear and well-prepared Business Plan that outlines the nature of the project, the level of investment, and its economic impact. In addition to the completed Romania visa application form, applicants are generally required to submit the following documents to the Romanian embassy:
- Valid passport with sufficient validity
- Company registration documents in Romania or proof of registration as a PFA / self-employed professional
- Business Plan or detailed investment proposal
- Proof of investment funds or financial capacity (bank statements, investment certificates, shareholding documents, etc.)
- Proof of sufficient financial means to cover living and business expenses
- Police clearance certificate from the country of residence
- Valid medical/health insurance covering the visa period
- Proof of accommodation in Romania (rental agreement, hotel reservation, or host declaration)
- Evidence of managerial background or relevant professional experience (if required)
- Biometric photo meeting consular standards
- Visa fee payment receipt
One of the newest Romania visa types proposed for investors is the Romania Golden Visa, which is currently under legislative discussion and has not yet been fully implemented. The estimated minimum investment required for obtaining residence through this program is around €400,000.
Iranian nationals applying for a Romania Investment Visa must submit their application through the Romanian Embassy in Tehran, following the official procedures and guidelines.
Romania Tourist Visa
Travelers planning a short visit to Romania must apply for a Romania Tourist Visa. This Romania Visa falls under the short-stay C visa category and is issued for purposes such as tourism, sightseeing, visiting historical and natural attractions, or family visits.
With a tourist Romania Visa, you are allowed to stay in the country for a limited period only. This visa does not permit employment or long-term study, and it is strictly intended for temporary stays.
For certain nationalities, Schengen regulations allow entry into Romania without a visa using only a valid passport. However, citizens of many countries—including Iran—must apply for a Romania Tourist Visa in advance through the Romanian embassy or consulate before traveling.
Romania Tourist Visa Requirements and Documents
The Romania Tourist Visa is a short-stay Romania Visa that allows a maximum stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This visa is suitable for travelers planning a holiday, joining guided tours, or making short family visits, without the intention of long-term work or study in Romania.
To successfully obtain a Visa for tourism, applicants must clearly demonstrate the purpose of travel, financial ability, and intention to return to their home country. The standard documents required for a Romania tourist visa include:
- Valid passport (usually with at least three months validity after departure and blank pages)
- Completed and signed visa application form
- One or two biometric photos meeting consular standards
- Round-trip flight reservation or detailed travel itinerary
- Hotel voucher, accommodation booking, or an official invitation letter from a host in Romania
- International travel insurance covering medical expenses for the entire stay
- Proof of sufficient financial means
- Documents proving ties to the home country, if required (employment, studies, family, etc.)
- Visa fee payment receipt
Since requirements may vary depending on nationality and the year of application, applicants should always verify the most up-to-date checklist through the official website of the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the relevant Romanian embassy or consulate before applying.
Romania Medical Visa
The Romania Medical Visa is another type of short-stay Romania Visa, issued under the C/ZA category. This visa is specifically designed for individuals traveling to Romania for medical purposes, such as specialized examinations, surgical procedures, or short-term medical treatment.
With this type of Romania Visa, the primary purpose of travel must be receiving healthcare services. Holders of a medical visa are not permitted to work or stay long term in Romania, and the visa is strictly limited to the duration of the medical treatment.
Romania Medical Visa Requirements and Documents
To apply for a Romania Medical Visa, applicants must first secure a medical appointment or treatment confirmation from a recognized hospital or clinic in Romania. After that, they should book an appointment with the Romanian embassy and submit their documents for review. The basic requirements for this Romania Visa include a valid passport, a completed Romania visa application form, biometric photos, and an official confirmation from the medical institution.
Additional documents usually required for a Romania medical visa include:
- Valid travel medical insurance
- Proof of sufficient financial means
- Proof of accommodation during the treatment period
- Medical records and treatment history from the home country
- Round-trip flight ticket or detailed travel itinerary
- Visa application fee payment receipt
The Romania Visa for medical purposes is issued for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. The exact length of stay is normally determined by the duration of the medical treatment. In exceptional cases, and with approval from Romanian immigration authorities, a short extension may be granted. However, a medical visa cannot be converted into a long-term work or study residence permit.
Romania Family Reunification (Dependent) Visa
The Romania Family Reunification Visa, also known as the Romania Dependent Visa, is a long-stay Visa issued to the spouse and children under the age of 18 of a legal resident in Romania. In certain cases, dependent parents may also be eligible to join their family member who holds lawful residence in the country.
This type of Visa is granted to applicants whose spouse, parent, or main sponsor is either a Romanian citizen or a non-EU national with a valid residence permit in Romania. Iranian applicants seeking a family reunification Visa must submit their application through the Romanian Embassy in Iran, following the official procedures.
Romania Dependent (Family Reunification) Visa Requirements
The Romania Dependent Visa, issued under the D/VF long-stay category, allows family members to join a legal resident in Romania. This Visa is initially valid for 90 days within a 180-day period. After entering Romania, eligible applicants may apply for a long-term residence permit based on family reunification.
This type of Romania Visa is available for spouses, unmarried children under 18, and in certain cases dependent parents or disabled family members. The main requirement is clearly proving the family relationship and confirming the legal residence status of the sponsor in Romania.
Applicants are generally required to submit the following documents to the Romanian embassy:
- Valid passport with sufficient validity
- Completed Romania visa application form
- Official marriage certificate or child’s birth certificate
- Copy of the sponsor’s Romanian residence permit or residence card
- Approval or confirmation letter from the Romanian Immigration Authority for family reunification
- Valid medical/health insurance for family members
- Police clearance certificate
- Proof of the sponsor’s financial means
- Proof of accommodation in Romania
- Biometric photo
- Visa fee payment receipt
A Romania Visa for family reunification may be cancelled or refused for extension if key conditions are no longer met. For example, if the sponsor’s legal residence in Romania becomes invalid, or if submitted documents are found to be incorrect or misleading. In cases of serious immigration violations—such as overstaying, illegal employment, or criminal activity—Romanian immigration authorities may revoke the dependent visa and related residence permits.
Romania Transit Visa
Travelers who are only passing through Romania on their way to a third country must apply for a Romania Transit Visa. This type of Visa is generally issued in two categories: the Airport Transit Visa (Type A) and the Transit Visa (Type B).
The Type A transit visa is intended for passengers who remain solely within the international transit area of the airport and do not enter Romanian territory. In contrast, the Type B transit visa is required for travelers who need to leave the airport and transit through Romania by air or land.
Applications for a Romania Transit Visa are submitted through the online visa system, and for Iranian applicants, the process is typically handled via the Romanian Embassy in Tehran.
Romania Transit Visa Requirements and Documents
The Romania Transit Visa has a very limited validity and is usually issued for a few hours up to a maximum of 5 days, depending on the type of transit and the traveler’s route. It’s important to note that this Visa does not allow tourist activities, employment, or extended stays in Romania.
This visa is required for travelers whose flight stops in Romania and who need to change planes, or for those who must pass through Romanian territory by air or land to reach a third country.
The general documents required for a Romania Transit Visa include:
- Valid passport
- Completed Romania visa application form
- Confirmed onward ticket or reservation to the final destination
- Valid visa or entry permit for the third (destination) country
- Biometric photo
- Valid travel insurance
- Proof of financial means
- Proof of short-term accommodation in Romania (if leaving the airport, when required)
- Visa fee payment receipt
Providing incorrect information or using the visa for purposes other than transit—such as attempting a longer stay—may result in the cancellation of the Visa by border authorities.
Methods for Obtaining a Romania Visa
There are several main ways to apply for a Romania Visa, depending on your situation and nationality. The most common method is individual application, where the applicant completes the form through the official Romania eViza portal and then personally visits the Romanian embassy or consulate to submit documents and provide biometric data. Under current regulations, a Romania visa application must be submitted individually, and applicants are required to attend the final stage in person.
At the same time, immigration agencies or legal representatives can assist with document preparation, appointment booking, and administrative follow-ups. However, they cannot replace the applicant’s personal presence at the embassy.
For certain nationalities, a Visa based on an invitation letter is also available. In this process, a private individual or a registered company in Romania issues an official invitation, which must first be approved by the Romanian Immigration Inspectorate (IGI). Once approved, the applicant can proceed with the Romania visa application using the invitation as supporting documentation.
Romania Visa Processing Time
According to the official guidelines of the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, long-stay Visa (Type D) applications are usually processed within up to 60 days. For this reason, applicants are strongly advised to submit their Romania visa application at least 45 days before their planned travel date, especially when applying for work, study, or investment purposes.
On the other hand, short-stay Visa (Type C) applications are reviewed more quickly. In most consulates, the Romanian visa processing time for short-stay visas ranges from 10 to 15 working days, depending on the applicant’s nationality and the completeness of the documents.
The permitted length of stay and extension rules vary by visa category. A detailed comparison of each visa type, including validity and extension options, is provided in the table below:
|
Visa Type |
Visa Validity |
Extension & Residence After Entry |
|
Short-Stay Visa (Type C)(Tourist, Business, Visit, Medical, etc.) |
Up to 90 days within any 180-day period |
No extension available |
|
Airport Transit Visa (Type A) |
Valid only for the transit period within the international airport zone (usually a few hours until flight change) |
No extension available |
|
Romania Work Visa (Type D – Employment) |
Up to 90 days for initial entry |
Residence can be extended with a work residence permit for up to 1 year, renewable annually based on continued employment |
|
Romania Student Visa (Type D – Study) |
Up to 90 days for initial entry |
Student residence is usually issued for 1 year and renewed until completion of studies (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, etc.) |
|
Romania Family Reunification Visa (Type D – Family) |
Up to 90 days for initial entry |
Family residence is typically valid for 1–5 years, renewed in line with the sponsor’s residence permit |
|
Romania Business / Investment Visa (Type D – Business/Investment) |
Up to 90 days for initial entry |
Business residence is usually 1 year, renewable annually or in some cases issued for up to 3 years, depending on investment level and business continuity |
Medical, tourist, and family or friend visit visas all fall under the short-stay Romania Visa (Type C) category. These visas allow a maximum stay of 90 days within any 180-day period and cannot be extended while you are in Romania.
For stays longer than this period, applicants must apply for a long-stay Romania Visa (Type D) and obtain a residence permit after entering the country.
Romania Visa Fees
According to the latest information published by the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Visa fee varies depending on the visa type and the applicant’s age. As of 2025, the standard fee for an Airport Transit Visa (Type A) and short-stay Visa (Type C) is €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6 to 12. For long-stay Visa (Type D) categories—such as work visas or student visas—the visa fee is set at €120.
These amounts represent the official base fees for each Romania Visa type and are usually collected in local currency at the Romanian embassy or consulate. In some cases, based on bilateral agreements or for specific applicant groups, fee reductions or exemptions may apply. Applicants are advised to check the latest fee rules before submitting their Romania visa application.
Which Countries Can You Travel to with a Romania Visa?
Since Romania fully joined the Schengen Area in 2025, travelers can now use a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) for short visits. If you obtain this Romania Visa from a Romanian embassy or consulate, you are allowed to travel freely within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
This means your travel is not limited to Romania only. You can also visit other Schengen countries such as Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and all other Schengen member states—currently 29 countries in total—for tourism or short business trips.
Holders of a Romania long-stay visa (Type D)—such as student or work visas—can also benefit from Schengen mobility after entering Romania and obtaining a Romanian residence permit (residence card). In most cases, residence permit holders are allowed to travel short term within other Schengen countries, usually for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, without needing to apply for a separate visa for each trip.
However, this right depends on factors such as the type and validity of the residence permit and the absence of specific restrictions. For this reason, before traveling, it’s always recommended to check the latest Schengen rules and the entry conditions of the destination country through official sources.
Romania Schengen Visa
The Schengen Visa is a short-stay Romania Visa that allows you to travel freely within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This means that with a single visa sticker issued by Romania, you can visit most Schengen countries—such as Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Austria, and others—without needing a separate visa for each destination.
The Romania Schengen Visa is typically issued for purposes such as tourism, family visits, short business trips, conferences, or exhibitions. However, it does not permit employment or long-term residence in Europe. For stays longer than 90 days or for work and study purposes, applicants must apply for the appropriate long-stay Romania Visa (Type D) and residence permit.
Important Tips When Applying for a Romania Visa
When applying for a Visa, simply filling out the forms is not enough. Being aware of a few key points can significantly increase your chances of approval and make the process smoother—especially if your long-term goal is to obtain residence and eventually Romanian citizenship. Below are 7 practical tips that apply to all visa types:
- Choose the correct Romania Visa type — whether it’s tourist, work, study, family reunification, or investment.
- Check your passport validity — without sufficient validity, no Visa will be issued.
- Submit complete and accurate documents, especially financial proof, insurance, and accommodation reservations.
- Clearly explain your purpose of travel, so the visa officer understands why you are applying for this specific Romania Visa.
- Apply early for your embassy appointment, particularly for work and study visas, which usually have a longer Romanian visa processing time.
- Remember that a Romania Visa is not a passport — it only grants temporary permission to stay, not citizenship.
- Plan your future carefully — if your goal is to obtain a Romanian passport, choose a legal pathway from the start that leads to long-term residence, such as employment, education, or investment.
Following these tips can help reduce risks, avoid delays, and put you on a more reliable path toward staying in Romania legally.
Romania Visa Application Process with Stinwo
The process of obtaining a Romania Visa with Stinwo Institute, begins with an initial assessment. At this stage, your age, education, work experience, and financial situation are carefully reviewed to identify the most suitable Romania Visa type—whether for study, work, investment, or family reunification.
Once the appropriate visa pathway is selected, the Stinwo team takes care of document standardization and translation, accurately completes all application forms, schedules your embassy appointment, and continuously follows up on your case until a final decision is issued. This structured approach helps minimize errors and reduce the risk of visa refusal.
Stinwo provides professional services for studying, working, investing, and obtaining temporary or permanent residence in Romania, making the Romania visa application process clear and well-planned. With a strong focus on detail and experience, the Stinwo team supports you at every stage of obtaining a Romania Visa. To begin, you can complete the free consultation form on our website, and a Stinwo advisor will contact you shortly.