A New Pathway to EU Residency
Romania has announced plans to introduce a Golden Visa Program, offering non-EU investors a renewable five-year residence permit in exchange for a minimum €400,000 investment.
The initiative aims to attract responsible international investors while strengthening Romania’s position as a growing economic hub within the European Union.
While the law is still under parliamentary review, early details suggest a transparent, well-regulated, and investment-secure system. The Romanian model stands out for including a mandatory pre-approval phase, ensuring that applicants are legally and financially qualified before any funds are committed — reducing risk and increasing trust.
Who Qualifies
The program is designed for non-EU and non-EEA citizens who can:
- Prove the legal origin of their investment funds.
- Pass security and anti-money-laundering checks conducted by Romanian authorities.
- Include their spouse and dependent children under the same application.
All applicants will be reviewed through inter-agency verification, including the Romanian Intelligence Service (SRI), Foreign Intelligence Service (SIE), and the National Office for Preventing and Combating Money Laundering (ONPCSB).
Investment Options
Applicants may invest €400,000 or more through one of four eligible routes:
- Real Estate – purchase of property (residential or commercial) held for a minimum of five years.
- Government Bonds – investment in five-year state bonds with fixed maturity.
- ASF-Authorised Investment Funds – regulated funds approved by Romania’s Financial Supervisory Authority.
- Listed Shares – acquisition of equity in Romanian companies traded on the Bucharest Stock Exchange.
Each investment route will undergo verification by the relevant ministry or financial authority prior to final approval.
Application Process — Step by Step
The following structure is based on the current draft and Romania’s immigration framework. Final details will be confirmed once the law is enacted.
Pre-Approval – Authorities conduct eligibility and background checks to confirm that applicants meet all legal and financial requirements. No investment is made during this phase.
Investment Stage – Once pre-approved, investors will likely provide proof of commitment, such as funds held in escrow or a conditional purchase agreement.
Visa Application – Applicants submit documents through a Romanian consulate, including proof of funds, a clean criminal record, medical insurance, and family documents.
Security Review & Residence Card – After verification, authorities issue a five-year renewable residence permit, provided the qualifying investment is maintained.
The full process is expected to take approximately four to six months once implementation begins.
Rights and Benefits
- Legal right to reside, work, and invest in Romania.
- Access to healthcare, education, and business incorporation.
- Family inclusion under one application.
- Renewable residency as long as the investment remains active.
After five years, investors may apply for permanent residence, and later for citizenship under Law No. 21/1991 — typically after eight years of legal residence, or sooner in cases of significant economic or cultural contribution.
Safeguards and Risks
- The program is still in draft form and may be amended before publication in the Official Gazette.
- Investments must remain active and above €400,000 for five years.
- Minor market fluctuations will not affect compliance if ownership is maintained.
- Applicants must meet strict AML, KYC, and security requirements.
Why Romania Stands Out
With its moderate entry threshold, EU access, and low cost of living, Romania offers one of Europe’s most approachable and well-regulated residency-by-investment programs.
The absence of a mandatory stay requirement makes it especially attractive to entrepreneurs, investors, and digital nomads seeking a flexible European base.
Romania’s growing economy, stable political environment, and developing infrastructure make it a long-term opportunity for those looking to combine lifestyle and investment in one EU destination.
How Door to Romania Can Help with the Golden Visa
As one of the leading agencies for Romania’s Golden Visa, Door to Romania provides full legal, strategic, and administrative support for investors and their families.
Our licensed lawyers and in-house immigration experts ensure accuracy and compliance at every stage:
- Eligibility and KYC verification before any investment is made.
- Guided investment selection through vetted, government-approved channels.
- Complete document preparation and submission to Romanian consulates and the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI).
- Ongoing legal support for renewals, family inclusion, and relocation logistics.
We focus on making the Romania Golden Visa process clear, compliant, and secure, handled by professionals with direct legal and governmental coordination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to live in Romania?
No minimum stay is mentioned in the draft; you must only maintain your investment.
When will the program launch?
After parliamentary approval and publication in the Official Gazette, expected in 2026.
Can my family apply with me?
Yes — spouses and dependent children can be included under one residence permit.
Can I finance part of the investment?
No. Only personal or company funds with verified legal origin are eligible.
Final Thoughts
The Romania Golden Visa 2025 represents a transparent and credible route to EU residency through investment. It blends accessibility, legal security, and long-term opportunity in one of Europe’s fastest-growing economies.
At Door to Romania, every client is supported from pre-approval to citizenship planning, ensuring full compliance and professional handling at every stage.
Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
To maintain quality and personalised attention, our legal team will work with a limited number of early clients once the program officially launches.