Obtaining a business visa in Romania in 2026 is a process that involves several steps and can be fully assisted by our team of immigration lawyers.
Who can apply for a business visa in Romania?
Entrepreneurs can apply for one of two long-term stay visas, according to the activity they will undertake in the country in 2026:
- For carrying out economic activities (symbol D/AE) – the visa is issued to foreigners who plan on engaging in economic activities on the territory of Romania that are regulated by special laws;
- For carrying out commercial activities (symbol D/AC) – the visa is issued to foreign nationals who act as shareholders or associates, have management or administrative duties, within commercial companies, Romanian legal entities, which are going to invest in Romania.
Foreign nationals also have the option to apply for the D/AP long-stay visa, which will allow them to engage in liberal professional activities within the territory of Romania (according to the applicable local regulations for the respective activity).
What are the requirements for the business visa in Romania?
Non-EU/EEA foreign investors who wish to open a business in Romania need to apply for the adequate long-stay visa type D at the Romanian Embassy or Consular Office in their country of origin, before arriving in the country.
Not all non-EU/EEA foreign nationals require a visa to enter the country for short-term purposes not exceeding days.
Examples of countries that are not subject to a visa requirement for entering Romania for short-term purposes include: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, Israel, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States, Singapore, or Hong Kong, among others.
While short-term business stays for these foreign nationals might suffice in order to open a company in Romania, for longer terms, as in the case of company management by the foreign national, applying for the long-stay visa type D for business purposes is required for those who wish to move to Romania for business purposes.
Moreover, foreign investors who apply for a business visa can also bring their family members, as stated above.
What documents must I submit for a business visa in Romania?
Our team of immigration lawyers in Romania can assist you as soon as you decide to apply.
To obtain a long-stay visa for commercial activities, you must submit the following documents:
- The specialized technical opinion issued by the Ministry of Economy, Energy and Business Environment;
- A criminal record certificate or other document of the same legal value;
- Medical insurance valid throughout the visa period;
- Proof of accommodation.
What are the costs associated with a business visa application?
Long-stay visa applications submitted to a Romanian diplomatic mission (via the e-Visa Portal) are subject to a 300 euro visa fee.
The following conditions apply to the visa fees:
- These are payable in advance;
- Can also be paid in USD or the currency of the country in which the application is made.
Foreign investors who opt for a short-stay visa for Romania are subject to lower consular fees. A fee of 35 euros per application is charged for citizens of countries with which the EU has concluded bilateral visa facilitation agreements (Bosnia, Serbia, Montenegro, Azerbaijan, and others).
How long does it take to receive a visa for business purposes in Romania?
The long-stay visa shall be approved by the National Visa Center only after obtaining the opinion of the General Inspectorate for Immigration. The notice shall be issued no later than 30 days after the receipt of the request, with the possibility of extending the term by 15 days.
The long-stay visa is granted for a period of 90 days with one or more trips.
What steps do I follow once I receive the business visa?
Once a foreign entrepreneur enters the country with a business visa in 2026, an application for a residence permit in Romania must be submitted to the General Inspectorate for Immigration in the county where the business owner will reside. The permit is applied for before the expiration of the right to stay in the country granted by the visa (at least 30 days before this date).
Can I extend my stay in Romania under a business visa and residence permit?
Yes. In fact, it is common for foreign investors in Romania to extend their initial permit.
The following documents are required for the first extension of the residence permit for commercial activities:
- Filled-in application form;
- Personal identification document (original plus copy – this is usually the entrepreneur’s passport);
- The company’s business registration certificate (issued by the Romanian National Trade Register Office);
- The company’s Articles of Incorporation;
- Proof of registered address for the company (original and copy);
- Proof of sufficient means (500 euros per month for shareholders in a private LLC and 700 euros per month for shareholders in a public LLC);
- Proof of adequate accommodation for the foreign investor (original and copy);
- Proof of social security payments and medical insurance;
- Proof of renewal tax payments and other documents as may be required on a case-by-case basis.
You are required to submit the business residence permit renewal application no later than 30 days before the expiry date of the existing one.
Can I bring my family with me as a foreign investor in Romania?
Yes. This is possible for your spouse (with whom you are legally married) and your minor children, including adopted ones.
In some cases, family members are exempt from the mandatory visa fee (payable to the Romanian consulate or diplomatic mission abroad). Examples include minors of up to 6 years of age and the family members of British nationals (subject to requirements).
Contact our immigration lawyers for more information on the business visa for Romania and to receive personalized assistance during your application.