Romania is a country that almost everyone knows. The place needs no introduction as it is one of the top tourist destinations filled with picturesque places and delicious food spots.
For the digital nomads, here’s some good news. Romania has launched the Digital Nomad Visa, and it’s actually beneficial for those who would like to work from Romania, take time and explore what the country has to offer.
Here’s everything you need to know about Romania’s Digital Nomad Visa.
Wondering if you need a visa for Romania? Check on iVisa.
What Is The Romania Digital Nomad Visa?
The Digital Nomad Visa now allows people to work and live in Romania for up to one year, without paying taxes in Romania.
So basically, if you are an entrepreneur, a freelancer, self-employed, or a remote worker, you can move to Romania and work from there.
The Digital Nomad Visa was made a reality by the Romanian government in expectation of permanent investors and expats in Romania, thus aiming to give a significant boost to the country’s GDP.
Launched in December 2021, the visa allows remote workers to stay in the country for one year. To apply, you will have to fill out the application or visit your local embassy or consulate.
Don’t worry; everything is explained in detail below.
Who Is Eligible To Apply For The Romania Digital Nomad Visa
For you to apply and get a successful response for the Digital Nomad Visa that Romania offers, you will have to meet the following criteria:
- Be from a non-EU/EEA country.
- You must earn EUR 3,300 per month in order to qualify for this visa.
- Be self-employed with your company registered outside of Romania or be employed by a company based outside of Romania.
Even if you meet all of the requirements above, you are not guaranteed to receive your visa.
Romania Digital Nomad Visa Application Process
Here’s an overview of the digital nomad visa application process.
Documents
The following documents are mandatory:
Financial Proof
This proof shows that you are financially independent. You are required to provide a bank statement to prove that you have the EUR 3,300 required to receive this visa.
Letter Of Intention
In order to successfully enter the country on the Digital Nomad Visa, you must provide a letter of intent detailing why you wish to reside in Romania.
Other Documents
- A passport valid for at least 12 months
- 2 color passport photos
- Medical Insurance that will be valid for the entirety of your stay in Romania
- Proof of booked accommodation
How Long Can You Stay In Romania With The Digital Nomad Visa
The Romanian Digital Nomad Visa allows you to stay in the country for up to one year, tax-free.
How To Apply For The Romania Digital Nomad Visa
The application process is straightforward and you can either apply online on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or in your local embassy or consulate.
You will need to gather the above-mentioned documents, submit them either online on the Romanian eVisa platform or in person and complete the application form.
The processing of the visa can take approximately 10 – 14 working days once the application is complete. You should give yourself about a month to wait for the visa just to be safe.
The visa cost is EUR 50. The fee is essential for the processing of the paperwork you have submitted. So, in case your application is rejected or results in a failure, you won’t be getting a refund.
If you want to apply again, you will have to pay EUR 50 again.
And that’s detailed and crisp info on how to get your hands on your Digital Nomad Visa. Count at least 4 weeks to get your visa, and then keep this in your mind and plan the rest of your trip.
This way, even if it takes a month, you can comfortably pack for Romania without any stress.
Best Places To Live In Romania For Digital Nomads
Romania is an excellent country for digital nomads. It has a lot of beautiful places where you can work and live comfortably.
Here are some of the best places in Romania for Digital Nomads.
Brasov
Brasov is located in the Transylvania region of Romania, surrounded by stunning natural beauty. This, along with the low cost of living, makes Brasov a top choice among expats living and working in Romania.
Brasov is a popular destination among tourists due to its famous castles and the myths surrounding them, such as Bran Castle, also known as Dracula’s Castle. Because of this, there are many English-speaking locals in Brasov.
Other pros of Brasov include cleanliness, fast internet speeds, and walkability in the city center. It also has good air quality and idyllic summer weather.
There are many job opportunities, especially in the summer season, but wages are lower than in the capital city. One downside of living in Brasov is there is no international airport; thus, it is not the most accessible city.
The winters can be freezing too, although there is usually snow, so you can enjoy winter sports at the nearby resorts. You can find a one-bedroom apartment for as little as $300 a month in Brasov.
Timisoara
Timișoara ranks as one of the best cities to live in Romania for digital nomads and remote workers. This is due to the exceptionally fast internet speeds, availability of free Wi-Fi, and the fact that English is widely spoken here.
In addition, because of the nomad community, you’ll find plenty of co-working communities and cool cafes throughout the city.
The western Romanian city is often referred to as the European Capital of Culture due to its vast cultural and social events. It has also undergone many historical changes and is now one of the safest cities in the country.
Timișoara is also a beautiful place known for its Secessionist architecture. The central square, Piața Victoriei, is one of the most beautiful parts, surrounded by baroque buildings and an Orthodox Cathedral with mosaic-patterned roof tiles.
If you decide to move to Timișoara, you will find a one-bedroom apartment to rent for as little as $250 to $400.
Cluj Napoca
Cluj-Napoca is the second-largest city in Romania, located in the northwest. It is a university city, so it boasts a young, vibrant atmosphere and thriving nightlife amidst its historic buildings and cultural events.
Because of its young atmosphere, expats living and working here say that Cluj Napoca has a more relaxed and non-confrontational attitude than other large Romanian cities.
It’s also rated the friendliest city for foreigners. In addition, English is widely spoken, so it is easy to get by here.
Another reason why Cluj Napoca is one of the best cities in Romania is because of the picturesque forest and mountain backdrop. Like in most parts of the country, safety is not a concern, and most expats feel safe walking around the city.
Moreover, Cluj Napoca is quickly becoming one of the best Romanian cities due to its rapid development.
The IT industry is thriving here, so jobs in the tech sector are abundant. There are also lots of startups and investment opportunities.
Despite all these pros, Cluj-Napoca is an affordable place to live, although prices are slowly rising. The average one-bedroom apartment rental is between $300 and $500.
Bucharest
Bucharest is Romania’s capital city and is usually loved or hated by expats. However, one main advantage of living in Bucharest is having everything you need at your fingertips.
The capital city has restaurants offering all kinds of cuisine and tons of different entertainment and leisure venues.
Another reason why many expats choose Bucharest is because of the diverse range of job opportunities. It’s one of the best places to live in Romania as it’s relatively easy to find a job, no matter your field.
Along with the expat community, the city’s universities attract many international students, giving Bucharest a very international vibe. And while the city is built up and congested, there is much beauty, such as the Parisian-style boulevards and ancient churches dotted around the city center.
The downside of Bucharest is that it is one of the most polluted cities in Europe and is highly crowded. Thus, if you’re looking for someone peaceful and relaxed, the capital city probably isn’t for you.
Even so, unlike many other European capital cities, the cost of living is still affordable in Bucharest and similar to Romania’s other cities. For example, you can expect to pay between $300 and $500 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
Constanta
Constanta is an ancient port city in the far east of Romania, located in the Black Sea.
Because of its stunning ocean and beaches, it is a popular summer destination. However, it is also a much-loved spot for digital nomads and expats looking to live by the sea.
The coastal city’s long history is still apparent today through its architectural buildings and museums. Even so, the town has a modern, constantly evolving side.
There are excellent public services and facilities and plenty of job opportunities. Trade and tourism are undoubtedly the most thriving industries, but finding work in other sectors is relatively easy.
The downside of Constanta is that it gets hectic in the summer. As a result, prices can go up during this time, so if you’re planning to stay a year or so, it’s best to get a long-term contract when renting an apartment.
One-bedroom apartments range from $250 and $400, so the cost of living is similar to other Romanian cities.
Sibiu
Sibiu is another pleasant area in the Transylvanian region. As a small city, it is ideal for those looking for a more peaceful ambiance.
The city is elegant and historic, with many ancient forts, towers, and bridges still intact. Moreover, the old town still has the original medieval street layout, giving Sibiu a timeless feel.
Because of its size, there are not as many job opportunities here as in the larger cities. Still, you’ll find a few multinational companies that employ foreigners.
The locals in Sibiu are pleasant and polite, and while many speak English, it is not as widely spoken as in the bigger cities.
Lastly, Sibiu is one of the cheapest cities to live in in Romania. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is between $200 and $300.
Cost Of Living In Romania
Living in Romania is definitely cheaper than other hotspots in Europe. You can live a great comfortable life in Romania without spending too much.
While you could easily live in Romania for about USD 500 per month, it depends on the destination chosen and your lifestyle.
Romania is the kind of place where you can live well without spending too much, but it can also be expensive if you’re tempted by expensive restaurants or bars.
Many expats living in Romania love it because you can live here on a tight budget or forget about the money factor and simply enjoy your life without overthinking too much.
You can find cheap monthly rent or stay in a hostel. It’s entirely up to you!
Same regarding the food, you could either cook your own food or eat local food to save money – or you could also appreciate great meals in one of those Western restaurants.
Final Thoughts On Digital Nomads in Romania
Romania is a great country for digital nomads. It has a lot to offer in terms of infrastructure, food, and culture.
And, it’s much cheaper to live here than in other European countries.
If you’re thinking of becoming a digital nomad, Romania is definitely a place you should consider.
Not sure if Romania is the right destination for you? Read one of the following guides:
Do you have your travel insurance?
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