How to Move to Romania – A Complete Guide for Expats in 2025

Romania has quietly transformed into one of the most attractive relocation destinations in Europe. Once overlooked in favor of more high-profile neighbors, the country is now drawing expats with its lower cost of living, stable infrastructure, and surprising diversity.

From the bustling streets of Bucharest to the picturesque towns of Transylvania, Romania offers a dynamic blend of modern amenities and timeless charm. In 2025, the appeal extends beyond tourism: digital nomads, retirees, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals are increasingly making Romania their home.

But moving here isn’t just about showing up. Depending on where you’re from and why you’re coming, there are a few legal and logistical hurdles to cross. Let’s walk through everything you need to know.

Visas and Residence: Who Needs What?

For EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens

Citizens of the EU, EEA countries, and Switzerland enjoy the easiest pathway. No visa is required to enter Romania, and you’re free to live and work here without a special permit. However, if you plan to stay longer than 90 days, registration is mandatory.

You’ll need:

A valid passport or national ID
Proof of accommodation (rental contract or ownership)
Proof of income or employment
Health insurance (public or private)

Once these are submitted to the General Inspectorate for Immigration, you’ll receive a registration certificate, valid for up to five years.

For Non-EU Citizens

The process is more formal for those outside the EU. You will first need a D-type long-stay visa, issued for purposes such as work, study, business, or family reunification. After entering the country with your visa, you must apply for a residence permit.

Requirements typically include:

A valid passport
Proof of accommodation in Romania
A reason for your stay (work contract, university acceptance letter, etc.)
Health insurance
Proof of sufficient income

Plan — the residence permit must be obtained within 90 days of entering the country and is renewable annually.

Where to Live: City Choices and Housing Costs

Romania offers a surprisingly diverse range of cities to suit different expat lifestyles. The capital, Bucharest, is an ideal destination for professionals seeking career opportunities, a vibrant nightlife, and international schools. In contrast, Cluj-Napoca is Romania’s tech and academic hub, while cities like Timișoara, Sibiu, and Brașov attract those looking for a slower pace and picturesque surroundings.

Average Rent (2025)

1-bedroom apartment in central Bucharest: €500–650/month
1-bedroom outside city centre: €300–450/month
Cluj-Napoca, Brașov, and Timișoara tend to be 10–20% cheaper than Bucharest.

Long-term rentals are best found through platforms like Imobiliare.ro, OLX.ro, or local Facebook groups. Expats often begin with short-term Airbnb rentals before securing longer leases.

The Job Market and Freelance Options

For many expats, employment is the key reason for relocating. Romania’s economy continues to expand, especially in the IT, customer service, and engineering sectors. If you’re coming from an EU country, you’re free to work here without restrictions. Non-EU citizens must secure a work contract in advance and receive a work permit before applying for a visa.

Remote workers and freelancers also find Romania highly attractive. Internet speeds are among the fastest in Europe, and the cost of living makes it easy to live well on a remote income. If you plan to freelance for Romanian or EU clients, consider registering as a PFA (authorised freelancer) or even starting an SRL (limited liability company) to streamline your finances.

What It Costs to Live in Romania

Living in Romania can be a breath of fresh air for your budget. Even in Bucharest, you can live comfortably on €1,000/month, and in smaller cities, that figure drops further. Of course, lifestyle choices matter, but Romania consistently ranks among the EU’s most affordable countries.

Monthly Cost Breakdown:

Rent (1-bedroom in city centre): €500–600
Utilities + internet: €100–120
Groceries: €150–200
Transport: €15 (monthly pass)
Dining out and leisure: €100–150

All in, a modest but comfortable lifestyle for a single person ranges between €850 and €1,200 per month.

Healthcare and Education: How Expats Access Services

Romania has a public healthcare system, but most expats opt for private services due to the availability of faster appointments and English-speaking staff. Clinics like Regina Maria, Sanador, and MedLife operate across major cities and offer affordable, high-quality care.

EU citizens can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), though private insurance is still advised for more comprehensive coverage. Non-EU expats are required to have valid insurance — either international or local — as part of their residence application.

For families, Romania offers several international schools, especially in Bucharest:

American International School of Bucharest (AISB)
British School of Bucharest
Lycée Français Anna de Noailles
Deutsche Schule Bukarest

Curricula include IB, British, French, and German systems, with tuition fees ranging between €6,000–€20,000/year depending on age group and institution.

Moving Tips from Expats Who’ve Done It

Planning makes all the difference when relocating to Romania. Here are a few common-sense (but crucial) tips from expats already living here:

Begin your paperwork early, especially if you are applying from outside the EU. Delays are common, and having documents translated and notarised in advance helps.
Learn some Romanian basics — while many young professionals speak English, daily life, such as dealing with landlords or public offices, often requires at least a beginner’s level of Romanian.
Use expat groups on Facebook and Reddit for local insights, trusted real estate agents, and advice on everything from utilities to banking.

Is Romania Right for You?

If you’re looking for a destination where your budget stretches further, where cities are human-scale and nature is close by, Romania deserves a spot at the top of your list. It offers the charm of Old Europe with the connectivity and convenience of the modern age — and increasingly, it provides opportunities for those willing to invest time and energy in making it their home.

Whether you’re a freelancer looking for fast internet and quiet towns or a family seeking stability and international schooling, Romania is more than ready to welcome you.