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Residence in Romania: permits and requirements

WorkInvestmentPermanentStudyFamilyInternational Protection
Verified: 2026-10-11Informational guide; the linked official source is the valid reference.6 types

Living legally in Romania is possible through 6 permit types: work, investment, permanent, study, family, international protection. Each program has its own requirements; below are the duration, renewal, costs and documentation according to the country's official sources.

Temporary Residence for Work

Residence type #1 of 6

Temporary residence permit for third-country nationals with the purpose of employment in Romania

Requirements

  • Work permit or exemption from it issued by the General Inspectorate for Immigration
  • Valid work contract
  • Guaranteed accommodation
  • Social health insurance
  • Means of subsistence
  • Medical certificate
  • No criminal record representing a threat

Documentation

  • Completed application form
  • Valid passport (original and copy)
  • Work permit or exemption certificate
  • Work contract
  • Accommodation certificate (original and copy)
  • Social health insurance certificate
  • Medical certificate
  • Criminal record certificate from the country of origin (apostilled and translated)
  • Photographs
  • Proof of fee payment
Duration: For the validity of the employment contract, max 2 years (renewable); Blue Card: contract + 3 months, max 3 years
Renewable
Official link

Frequently asked questions about residence in Romania

How many types of residence permits are there in Romania?

Romania offers 6 residence permit types, grouped into the categories work, investment, permanent, study, family, international protection. Each permit has its own requirements, duration and documentation, detailed in this fact sheet according to the country's official sources.

How long do residence permits in Romania last?

Durations vary by permit type: For the validity of the employment contract, max 2 years (renewable); Blue Card: contract + 3 months, max 3 years; 1 year (renewable); Indefinite (card valid 10 years if family member of a Romanian citizen; 5 years for other purposes); 1 year, renewed annually (Romanian state scholarship holders: total duration of the studies); +6 months after graduation to formalise degrees. The exact details of each type appear in the corresponding fact sheet.

Can residence permits in Romania be renewed?

Yes. All residence permit types of Romania (6 in total) are renewable before their expiration, according to the rules of each program.

What documentation is usually required to reside in Romania?

Although each permit requires its own file, the most recurrent documents are: Formulario de solicitud; Justificante de domicilio; Seguro médico; Photographs; Proof of fee payment. The complete list by residence type appears in each fact sheet, together with the corresponding official link.

Does residence in Romania lead to nationality?

Yes, through the Naturalization by residence pathway, which requires 8 years of legal residence. The complete requirements are in the nationality fact sheet of Romania.

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