Romania’s dynamic economy and EU membership make it an increasingly attractive destination for entrepreneurs and investors seeking a foothold in Europe. Although Romania does not have a formal citizenship by investment programme, the law provides several legitimate routes through which foreign nationals can obtain residency, build a long-term business presence, and later qualify for Romanian citizenship.
In 2025, the rules governing nationality were modernised through Law No. 14/2025, which amended Law No. 21/1991 on Citizenship. These updates introduced biometric verification, simplified documentation, and improved transparency in applications for naturalisation.
No direct citizenship by investment programme in Romania
Romania has a naturalisation-based system rather than offering direct citizenship through investment. What this essentially means is that one cannot obtain citizenship solely by making an investment; foreign investors can obtain residency through economic activity or long-term investment, and after fulfilling the residence requirements, they can apply for Romanian nationality through the naturalization route.
The Law No. 21/1991, as modified in 2025, stipulates that candidates apply after eight years of lawful residence in Romania, or five years in case of marriage to a Romanian citizen. The application also requires financial stability, good moral conduct, and a basic understanding of the Romanian language and culture.
Changes in 2025 introduced electronic biometric data collection, such as digital fingerprinting and an electronic signature, for greater security and efficiency. The process is still handled by the National Citizenship Authority, ANC.
Residency through investment and business activity
The main legal framework governing the entry and stay of foreign investors in Romania is the Government Emergency Ordinance No. 194/2002 on the Regime of Aliens in Romania, which remains in force and has been periodically amended to align with the Schengen acquis and updated EU visa standards.
Foreign entrepreneurs can apply for a long-stay visa for commercial activities (D/AE), or a long-stay visa for investors (D/IS).
Recent amendments to this ordinance introduced new provisions for categories such as intra-corporate transferees (ICT workers), and refined procedures for investment-related residence permits.
Once granted a visa, the investor must register with the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) to obtain a temporary residence permit, renewable annually. After five years of continuous, lawful stay, the applicant may request permanent residence, paving the way toward citizenship.
Romanian authorities assess both the economic impact and legality of the investment, evaluating elements such as job creation, contribution to regional development, and compliance with financial reporting standards.
Business immigration options for entrepreneurs
Romania’s immigration regime provides multiple pathways for entrepreneurs and company owners:
- The Commercial Activity Visa (D/AE) allows non-EU nationals to manage or establish a Romanian company. Applicants must submit a detailed business plan, demonstrate sufficient funding, and maintain a registered office in Romania.
- The Investor Visa (D/IS) targets large-scale investors contributing substantial capital to Romania’s economy, typically in sectors such as manufacturing, renewable energy, or infrastructure.
- The Tech and Start-up Mobility Visa, developed in cooperation with EU innovation programmes, enables tech founders and skilled professionals to relocate more easily to Romania.
All residence permits issued under these categories are valid for one year and renewable as long as the investment or business remains active and compliant with Romanian law.
From residence to Romanian citizenship
After five years of continuous legal residence, investors may apply for permanent residency, which is a prerequisite for citizenship by naturalisation.
The process, governed by Law No. 21/1991 on Citizenship, now includes biometric verification and stricter documentation requirements introduced by Law No. 14/2025. Applicants must provide proof of stable income, suitable housing, a clean criminal record, and integration into Romanian society.
The standard timeline remains eight years of residence or five years for applicants married to a Romanian citizen. However, the ANC may grant citizenship earlier to those who make exceptional contributions to Romania’s economy, culture, or science.
Romania recognises dual citizenship, meaning successful applicants may retain their original nationality unless their home country prohibits it.
Compliance and due diligence requirements
Before granting residency or citizenship, Romanian authorities conduct detailed due diligence checks to verify the origin of funds, business legitimacy, and tax compliance. Following EU AML standards, all applicants must prove that their investments are funded through lawful sources.
These procedures now include enhanced financial transparency and biometric identity verification, which prevent misuse of the investment route for illicit purposes. Maintaining accurate company records, audited financial statements, and tax filings is essential for applicants seeking residency or citizenship.
Working with specialised legal counsel ensures that documentation meets both Romanian legal standards and EU data protection and AML regulations, helping to prevent administrative delays or rejections.
Advantages of obtaining Romanian citizenship
Romanian citizenship provides full rights of EU citizenship, which include the right of free movement, residence, and employment in the entire European Union and the European Economic Area. Entrepreneurs also have access to EU funding, single-market privileges, and simplified company formation in any member state.
But beyond those regulatory benefits, Romania has a competitive tax regime, a growing innovation sector, and a developing infrastructure system connecting Eastern and Western Europe. For investors, Romanian citizenship offers strategic access to the wider European market.
Conclusion: a secure, long-term path to EU citizenship
Romania’s residency-to-citizenship framework offers a credible, long-term route for investors seeking stability and access to the EU market. Although there is no direct citizenship by investment programme, consistent residence, genuine business activity, and strict legal compliance can ultimately lead to naturalisation.
The 2025 legislative updates, particularly Law No. 14/2025 and the latest amendments to Government Emergency Ordinance No. 194/2002, have made the process more transparent, secure, and aligned with EU standards.
For global entrepreneurs, pursuing Romanian citizenship by investment is less about instant results and more about establishing a sustainable, legally sound presence in one of Europe’s most promising economies.