Expat Lifestyle

Private Schools

A-

Family Friendly

Single Friendly

B+

Senior Friendly

C+

LGBTQ+ Friendly

Weather

Healthcare

B+

Cost of Living

A-

Recreation

B+

Nightlife

Restaurants

Crime

Expat Exchange > Romania

Romania

Coastal Beaches

Cost of Living: Low

Train Access: Yes (cfr călători, relatively safe)

Bus Service: Yes (STB (Societatea de Transport București), RATB (Regia Autonomă de Transport București), and various regional operators, relatively safe)

Romania is a country located in southeastern Europe, bordered by Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria, Moldova, and Ukraine, with the Carpathian Mountains running through its center. The nation has a rich cultural heritage blending Eastern European, Ottoman, and Austro-Hungarian influences, evident in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions. Romania's economy is growing and increasingly integrated with the EU, with sectors including IT, manufacturing, and agriculture driving development. The country offers a mix of medieval towns, vibrant cities like Bucharest, and pristine natural landscapes that attract both tourists and relocators. Life in Romania is generally affordable compared to Western Europe, with a welcoming atmosphere in urban centers and a slower pace in rural areas. The population is known for hospitality, and there is a growing expatriate community, particularly in major cities.

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Podcasts

Episode 8: Jake Barber - The Expat Finance Expert Returns

Jake Barber, the Founder and CEO of SJB Global, is a life-long expat and an expert in expat finance. Over the course of Expat Exchange's nearly 30 years online, there are few people we have met with as much lived experience and professional acumen as Jake. We were thrilled to welcome him back to the show and look forward to having him on again!

Episode 6: Jake Barber - Expat Finance Expert and Lifelong Expat

Jake Barber is an expat finance expert and the founder and principal of SJB Global. A lifelong expat currently living in Marbella, Spain, Jake has vast experience helping expats from the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries manage their finances while living abroad. Get a primer on what you need to know both before and after you move abroad!

Living in Romania

Movies Set: Cold Mountain, The Necessary Death of Charlie Countryman, Aferim!

Popular Foods: Romanian cuisine is hearty and influenced by various cultures that have interacted with the region. Some of the most popular dishes include sarmale (cabbage rolls filled with minced meats and rice), mămăligă (a cornmeal porridge often served as a side dish), and mititei (grilled minced meat rolls). For dessert, papanasi (fried doughnuts with sour cream and jam) and cozonac (a sweet bread with nuts or poppy seeds) are beloved by locals.

Unusual Eats: One of the more unusual foods in Romania is "toba," a traditional sausage made from a mixture of pork organs, meat, and fat encased in the pig's stomach. Another is "jumări," crispy fried pork rinds that are sometimes seasoned with garlic.

Popular Sports: football, gymnastics, tennis

Popular Teams: Steaua Bucharest (football), CFR Cluj (football), CSU Craiova (football)

Cultural Faux Pas to Avoid: It is considered impolite to refuse food or drink when offered by a host, as hospitality is an important aspect of Romanian culture. Additionally, it is customary to bring a small gift such as flowers or sweets when visiting someone's home, but be aware that an even number of flowers is associated with funerals, so always give an odd number unless it's a somber occasion.

Best Places to Live in Romania

Discover the top-ranked towns in Romania. Click on the town's name for a full profile of each town.

Rankings are based on a combination of many factors including schools, recreation, family-friendliness, cost of living and crime.

Visa & Residency

Difficulty Obtaining: average

Popular Expat Visa/s: The most popular visas that expats obtain to obtain residency in Romania are the Employment Visa (D/AM), Family Reunification Visa (D/VF), and the Business Visa (D/AE)

Popular Nomad Visa/s: The most commonly used visa by digital nomads is the Business Visa (D/AE), and it allows them to live in Romania for up to one year, with the possibility of extension

Obtaining a residency in Romania involves several steps and the difficulty can vary depending on the type of visa and the applicant's circumstances. The process generally starts with the applicant determining the appropriate visa category. The Employment Visa (D/AM) is for those who have a job offer from a Romanian employer. The Family Reunification Visa (D/VF) is for family members of Romanian citizens or residents. The Business Visa (D/AE) is for entrepreneurs and business owners who want to conduct economic activities in Romania. Applicants must gather the required documents, which typically include a valid passport, application forms, passport-sized photos, proof of accommodation, health insurance, and a criminal record certificate. For the Employment Visa, an employment contract and a work permit are also required. For the Business Visa, proof of the business activity, such as company registration documents, is necessary. Once the documents are collected, the applicant must submit them to the nearest Romanian embassy or consulate. The processing time can vary, but it usually takes around 45 days for the visa to be issued. After arriving in Romania, expats must apply for a residence permit, which involves a separate application process with the Romanian Office. The difficulty of the process can be considered average, as it involves bureaucracy and the need to provide various documents. However, it is generally straightforward if all the requirements are met and the necessary paperwork is in order. It is advisable for expats to start the visa application process well in advance of their intended move date and to consult with the Romanian embassy or immigration experts if they have any questions or concerns.

Healthcare in Romania

Romania's healthcare system is a mix of public and private services. The public healthcare system is funded by the National health insurance House and provides a range of services to citizens and residents, including emergency services, hospitalization, surgeries, and preventive care. However, the quality of public healthcare can vary significantly, with urban areas typically having better facilities and more resources than rural areas. Private healthcare in Romania is known for its higher quality of service and shorter waiting times, but it comes at a higher cost. Expats and digital nomads can access public healthcare by registering with the National Health Insurance House and paying the required contributions, which is mandatory for those who are employed in Romania. For those who are not employed, voluntary contributions can be made to gain access to the public healthcare system.

"Hi,we are Indian citizens staying in Holland and holding 5yrs residence permit and now we would like to move to romania,having the employment contract...anybody can help us out that what papers would be required to get the long term visa..." - alkasagarwal28

Connect with Others on the Romania Community

Cost of Living

Romania offers one of the most affordable costs of living in the EU. Rental prices vary significantly by location: in Bucharest, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately €400-600 per month, while outside the center it drops to €250-400. Property purchase prices range from €1,500-3,500 per square meter in major cities and €500-1,500 in rural areas. Daily expenses including groceries, dining, and utilities are considerably lower than in Western Europe, making Romania an attractive destination for budget-conscious relocators.

Weather

Romania experiences a continental climate with distinct seasonal variations. Winters are cold and snowy, particularly in the Carpathian regions, with temperatures often dropping below freezing from December to February. Summers are warm and pleasant, typically ranging from 20-28°C (68-82°F), with moderate rainfall distributed throughout the year. Spring and autumn are mild transitional seasons with variable weather.

Educational System in Romania

The educational system in Romania is structured into several stages: preschool, primary, secondary, and higher education. Preschool education is optional and caters to children aged 3 to 6 years. Primary education starts at the age of 6 or 7 and lasts for four years, referred to as grades 1-4. Following primary education, students enter lower secondary education, which consists of grades 5-8 and is compulsory. After completing the 8th grade, students take a national examination called Evaluarea Națională, which determines their eligibility for upper secondary education. Upper secondary education, or high school, spans grades 9-12 or 9-13, depending on the type of program. Students can choose between theoretical programs, vocational education, or technological education. At the end of high school, students take the Baccalaureate exam, which is crucial for university admission. The Romanian educational system is known for its strong emphasis on theoretical knowledge, particularly in subjects like mathematics and sciences. However, the quality of education can vary significantly between urban and rural areas. Schools in Romania typically start in mid-September and end in early June, with the school year divided into two semesters. The language of instruction is primarily Romanian, but there are schools offering programs in minority languages and that teach in English or other foreign languages.