Romania Business Register (Business Visa)

What is the Romania Business Visa (D/AC)?

The Romania Business Visa is a long-stay visa category (D/AC) designed for foreign nationals who intend to carry out commercial activities in Romania. It is the necessary first step for an entrepreneur to legally reside in the country while managing their business. Unlike a short-stay visa for business, this visa is specifically for individuals who will be a shareholder or a member of the management board of a newly established Romanian company.

A recent update is Romania’s partial accession to the Schengen area on March 31, 2024, for air and sea travel. While this primarily impacts short-stay visas, the fundamental requirements for the long-stay D/AC visa remain consistent, though the application process continues to be a rigorous, multi-step procedure.

Eligibility and Key Requirements

To be eligible for the Romania Business Visa, you must demonstrate a serious and substantial commitment to your business. The core requirements revolve around your company’s investment and job creation.

• Official Approval: A crucial first step is obtaining a positive official opinion from the Romanian Ministry of Energy, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Business Environment (MEIMMMA). This is a mandatory document that proves the economic viability of your business plan.
• Company Role: You must be a shareholder, administrator, or a member of the management board of a company registered in Romania.
• Minimum Investment: You must meet minimum capital investment requirements. This is a key factor in the evaluation of your application.
• Job Creation: Your business plan must include the creation of a specified number of full-time jobs. This is one of the main criteria used to assess the benefit of your business to the Romanian economy.
• Proof of Funds: You must demonstrate sufficient financial means to support yourself, typically an amount equivalent to a monthly salary of at least €500. For very high investments (over €200,000), this requirement can be waived.

The Application Process: Step-by-Step

The application for a Romania Business Visa is a two-part process involving a visa application abroad and a residence permit application upon arrival.

1. Obtain Ministerial Approval: You or your legal representative must submit a detailed business plan and company documents to the MEIMMMA to obtain a favorable opinion. This can be a lengthy process.
2. Visa Application: Once you have the ministerial approval, you must submit your D/AC visa application to a Romanian diplomatic mission or consular office in your country of residence.
3. Visa Issuance: After your application is processed, you will be issued a long-stay visa, which is typically valid for 90 days. This allows you to enter Romania.
4. Residence Permit: Upon arrival in Romania, you must apply for a temporary residence permit from the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) at least 30 days before your visa expires. This permit allows you to legally reside and continue your business activities in the country for a longer period.

Key Requirements and Benefits at a Glance

This table provides a quick overview of the essential details and requirements of the Romania Business Visa.

By fulfilling these requirements, you can establish a strong presence in Romania’s growing market. The D/AC visa offers a clear pathway not only to run a business but also to integrate into the country, with the potential to renew your residence permit and eventually apply for long-term residency.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and is not legal advice. Visa regulations and requirements can change. It is crucial to consult the official websites of the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the nearest Romanian consular authority for the most accurate and up-to-date information before applying.