Europe – Romania Visa – Long Stay

1. Who needs a visa to enter Romania for a long stay?

Generally, non-EU citizens seeking to stay in Romania for longer than 90 days need to apply for a long-stay visa. This includes individuals planning to work, study, join family members, or engage in other activities in Romania.

2. How do I know if I need a tourist visa to enter Romania?
Citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland do not need a visa to enter Romania for tourism purposes. Additionally, citizens of certain countries, such as the United States and Canada, can enter Romania without a visa for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

If you are unsure if your country is exempt from requiring a tourist visa for entering Romania, you can check the official website of the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or consult with your local Romanian embassy or consulate.

3. Can I extend my long-stay visa while in Romania?
Yes, it is possible to extend your long-stay visa while in Romania. However, you must apply for an extension at least 30 days before your current visa expires by submitting an application and supporting documents to the Romanian Immigration Office. The extension will be granted based on the purpose of your stay and the validity of your travel document.

4. How long does it take to process a Romanian visa?
The processing time for a Romanian visa can vary depending on the type of visa and individual circumstances. As a general guideline, it can take anywhere from two weeks to several months for a decision to be made on your application.

It is recommended that you apply for your Romanian visa well in advance (at least three months) of your intended date of travel.

5. Can I work with a tourist or short-stay visa in Romania?
No, it is not allowed to work with a tourist or short-stay visa in Romania. These visas are strictly intended for tourism purposes only and do not allow for any employment in the country. Individuals planning to work in Romania must obtain a long-stay visa and a work permit before entering the country.

6. Can I apply for a Romanian visa online?
Yes, it is possible to submit an online application for certain types of Romanian visas, such as short-stay visas for tourism or business purposes. However, applicants still need to schedule an appointment at the nearest Romanian embassy or consulate to submit their supporting documents and biometric data.

7. Do I need travel insurance for my trip to Romania?
While not mandatory, it is highly recommended that you purchase travel insurance when visiting Romania. This can help cover unexpected medical expenses, lost luggage, or trip cancellations during your stay in the country.

8. Can I enter Romania without a visa if I have a valid Schengen visa?
No, having a valid Schengen visa does not exempt you from obtaining a separate Romanian visa if your nationality requires one. However, citizens of certain countries may enter Romania with a valid Schengen visa for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

It is important to check the specific entry requirements based on your nationality before traveling to Romania.

2. What are the requirements for obtaining a long-stay visa in Romania?

To obtain a long-stay visa in Romania, you will need to meet the following requirements:

1. Purpose of stay: You must have a valid reason for staying in Romania for longer than 90 days, such as work, study, family reunification, or investment.

2. Application form: You must fill out an application form and submit it along with all necessary documents. The application form can be obtained from the Romanian embassy or consulate in your home country.

3. Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned stay in Romania.

4. Passport photos: You will need to provide two recent passport-size photos with white background.

5. Financial means: You will need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Romania.

6. Health insurance: You must have valid health insurance that covers your entire stay in Romania.

7. Proof of accommodation: You must provide proof of accommodation for the duration of your stay in Romania, such as a rental agreement or hotel reservation.

8. Background check: Depending on the purpose of your visit, you may be required to provide a criminal record certificate issued by authorities in your home country or previous countries of residence.

9. Application fee: A non-refundable fee must be paid when submitting the visa application.

10. Other specific requirements: Depending on the type of long-stay visa you are applying for, there may be additional requirements such as employment contract, acceptance letter from a Romanian university, or proof of financial investment.

It is important to carefully review the specific requirements for the type of long-stay visa you need before submitting your application. These requirements may vary depending on your nationality and other factors. It is recommended to contact the Romanian embassy or consulate in your home country for further information and guidance on obtaining a long-stay visa.

3. How long can I stay in Romania with a long-stay visa?


A long-stay visa allows you to stay in Romania for a period of 90 days within a period of six months from the date of entry into the country. After this initial 90-day period, you will need to apply for a residence permit if you wish to stay longer.

4. Can I work in Romania with a long-stay visa?


If you have a long-stay visa (valid for more than 90 days) for Romania, you are allowed to work in the country. However, you will need to apply for a work permit in addition to your visa. The work permit application should be handled by your employer and approved by the Romanian authorities before you can start working. You must also register with the local authorities upon arrival in Romania and obtain a residence permit.

5. Do I need travel insurance for my long stay visa in Romania?


Yes, it is highly recommended to have travel insurance when staying in Romania on a long stay visa. Travel insurance can provide protection and coverage for any unexpected events such as accidents, illnesses, or loss of personal belongings during your stay. In some cases, travel insurance may also be required in order to obtain a long stay visa for Romania. It’s important to carefully review the terms and coverage of your travel insurance policy before purchasing to ensure it meets your needs and the requirements for your long stay visa.

6. Can I apply for a Romanian residency permit with a long-stay visa?


No, you cannot apply for a Romanian residency permit with a long-stay visa. A long-stay visa only allows you to enter and stay in Romania for a limited period of time, typically up to 90 days. In order to obtain a residency permit, you will need to apply for one separately at the Romanian Immigration Office.

7. Is there an age limit for applying for a Romanian long-stay visa?


There is no specific age limit for applying for a Romanian long-stay visa. However, applicants must meet the general eligibility requirements, which include having sufficient financial means and health insurance, and not being considered a threat to public order or national security. The applicant’s age may be taken into consideration when assessing these criteria.

8. What is the processing time for a Romanian long-stay visa application?

The processing time for a Romanian long-stay visa application can vary depending on the specific circumstances of each applicant, such as their country of residence and the workload of the Consulate/Embassy. According to the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the average processing time for a long-stay visa application is 10-30 days. However, in some cases it can take up to 60 days or longer. It is recommended to submit your visa application at least 30 days before your intended travel date to allow sufficient time for processing.

9. Do I need to have proof of financial means for my long stay in Romania?


Yes, you will need to provide proof of financial means for your long stay in Romania. This may include bank statements, employment contracts or proof of income from other sources. The amount required may vary depending on the purpose of your stay and any specific requirements set by the Romanian Embassy or Consulate in your country. It is best to check with them for the most accurate information.

10. Can I bring my family members on my Romanian long-stay visa?


Yes, you may be able to bring your family members on your Romanian long-stay visa. Family members of EU/EEA citizens have the right to accompany or join them in Romania, as long as they meet certain criteria and are able to provide proof of their relationship. This may include spouses, children under 21 years old, dependent parents and grandparents, and other dependent relatives. Each family member will need to apply for their own visa and meet the necessary requirements.

11. What is the cost of a Romanian long-stay visa application?


The cost of a Romanian long-stay visa application varies depending on the type of visa and the applicant’s nationality. Generally, the fee ranges from 120 EUR to 240 EUR. Additional fees may also apply for certain types of visas or for expedited processing. It is best to check with the Romanian embassy or consulate in your country for specific fees and payment options.

12. Are there any special requirements or documents needed for a studentlong stay visa in Romania?


Yes, there are certain requirements and documents that are needed for a student long stay visa in Romania. These may include:

1. A completed and signed visa application form.
2. A valid passport with at least two blank pages and a validity of at least 3 months beyond the intended stay in Romania.
3. Two recent passport-sized photographs.
4. Proof of enrollment in a recognized educational institution in Romania.
5. Evidence of financial means to cover the expenses during the stay in Romania, such as bank statements or a letter from a sponsor.
6. Health insurance covering the entire period of stay in Romania.
7. A criminal record certificate issued by the authorities in the applicant’s country of residence.
8. Accommodation proof, such as a rental agreement or a letter from the university confirming on-campus accommodation.
9. Proof of payment for the visa application fee.
10. Medical certificate stating that the applicant is physically and mentally fit to study in Romania.

In addition to these documents, it is important to note that each Romanian embassy or consulate may have its own specific requirements for student visas, so it is best to check with them beforehand.

13. Can I apply for a Romanian work permit with a long-stay visa?


Yes, you can apply for a Romanian work permit with a long-stay visa. However, the work permit must be issued before or at the same time as the long-stay visa. Without a valid work permit, you will not be allowed to work in Romania even if you have a long-stay visa. Additionally, your employer must also confirm that they will hire you and sponsor your work permit application.

14. What is the difference between a Schengen and non-Schengen country when it comes to obtaining a Romanian long-stay visa?


A Schengen country is a member of the Schengen agreement, which allows for free movement and eliminates border controls between member states. These countries have a common visa policy and issue Schengen visas that are valid for travel to all other Schengen member states.

A non-Schengen country does not have these agreements in place and has its own individual visa policies. This means that if you are applying for a Romanian long-stay visa from a non-Schengen country, you will need to meet the specific requirements and follow the application process set by Romania.

If you are applying for a Romanian long-stay visa from a Schengen country, you may be able to use your valid residence permit or national long-stay visa from that country as part of your application. However, it is important to note that this may vary depending on your nationality and the type of Romanian long-stay visa you are applying for. It is best to consult with the nearest Romanian embassy or consulate for specific instructions in this case.

15. Will I be able to leave and re-enter Romania multiple times on my long-stay visa?


Yes, you should be able to leave and re-enter Romania multiple times on your long-stay visa as long as it is valid. However, you may want to check with the Romanian embassy or consulate in your home country for any specific restrictions or requirements.

16. Are there any specific rules or restrictions on staying longer than 90 days in Romania on my visa?


Yes, if you wish to stay in Romania for longer than 90 days on your visa, you must apply for a temporary residence permit at the Romanian Immigration Office. This permit is usually granted for specific purposes such as work, study, or family reunification. You must also provide proof of accommodation and sufficient financial means to support yourself during your stay in Romania. In some cases, a medical certificate may also be required. Failure to obtain a residence permit could result in fines and possible deportation from the country. It is important to note that a tourist visa cannot be extended beyond the initial 90-day period.

17.Can I extend my Romanian long stay visa while in the country?


Yes, it is possible to extend your Romanian long stay visa while in the country. However, you must apply for the extension at least 30 days before your current visa expires. You will need to submit a new application with all the required documents to the Romanian Immigration Office. The decision on whether to grant the extension is at the discretion of the authorities. It is recommended to consult an immigration lawyer or contact the Romanian Immigration Office for further information and assistance with your application.

18.What happens if my Romanian resident’s permit expires before my stay ends?


If your Romanian resident’s permit expires before your stay ends, you will need to apply for an extension of your permit. You will need to submit a new application with updated supporting documents and pay the necessary fees. It is important to do this before your current permit expires to avoid any potential penalties or complications. If you are unable to extend your permit before it expires, you may be required to leave Romania and reapply for a new resident’s permit once you are able to return.

19.Is it possible to change the purpose of my visit while on my Romanain Long Stay Visa?

No, the purpose of your visit on a Romanian Long Stay Visa cannot be changed. You must apply for a new visa with the correct purpose of your visit.

20.What steps do I need to take upon arrival in Romania with my Long Stay Visa?


1. Present your passport and Long Stay Visa to the immigration officer at the airport or border control.

2. Collect your luggage and proceed to the designated baggage claim area.

3. Make sure to have all necessary documents with you, such as proof of accommodation, medical insurance, and financial means.

4. Upon exiting the airport, you may be required to fill out a declaration form for customs authorities.

5. Arrange transportation from the airport to your place of residence in Romania.

6. Within 30 days of arriving in Romania, you must register with the Romanian Immigration Office or local police station in the area where you will be living.

7. At the Immigration Office or local police station, you will need to submit additional documents, such as a completed application form, biometric data (fingerprints), and potentially pay a fee.

8. The authorities will stamp your passport with a temporary residence permit that is valid for one year or until your Long Stay Visa expires.

9. Within 30 days before your temporary residence permit expires, you must apply for a long-term stay permit at the Romanian Immigration Office in order to extend your stay.

10. If you plan on working or studying in Romania, you will also need to obtain a work or study permit from the Romanian Immigration Office within 30 days after receiving your temporary residence permit.

11. Once you have completed all necessary registration procedures and received all required permits, you can begin working or studying in Romania according to the terms of your visa.