Romania Digital Nomad Visa 2026: Requirements, Income Threshold, Taxes & How to Apply

By Marco · February 20, 2026 · 9 min read

Romania is quietly becoming one of Europe's best-kept secrets for digital nomads. Fast internet (consistently ranked top 10 globally), a cost of living that's roughly half of Western Europe, and a digital nomad visa with a surprisingly generous tax exemption make it an increasingly popular choice for remote workers.

This guide covers everything you need to know about the Romania Digital Nomad Visa in 2026 — from income requirements and tax rules to the application process and what life actually looks like on the ground.

What Is the Romania Digital Nomad Visa?

Introduced in January 2022 under Law 22/2022, the Romania Digital Nomad Visa (officially a Long Stay Visa for Other Purposes — D/AS) is a residence permit for non-EU/EEA citizens who work remotely for companies or clients based outside Romania. It's not for people seeking local employment — it's specifically designed for remote workers, freelancers, and business owners who earn their income internationally.

The visa allows an initial stay of up to 12 months, renewable for another 12 months, for a maximum of 24 months total.

Income Requirements

This is where most applicants have questions. The minimum income threshold is set at three times Romania's average gross monthly salary. Because the average salary changes annually, the exact figure shifts slightly each year.

For 2026, you should expect the requirement to be approximately €3,700–€4,500 per month, depending on which reference period is used. You'll need to demonstrate this income level for each of the six months preceding your application.

Acceptable proof includes employment contracts, payslips, bank statements, freelance invoices, or company financials if you own a business registered abroad.

The Tax Advantage

Here's what makes Romania particularly attractive: under Law 69/2023, digital nomads who work remotely for foreign companies are exempt from paying Romanian income tax and social contributions for the first six months of their stay.

After 183 days, you become a Romanian tax resident. At that point, your worldwide income becomes subject to Romanian income tax (10%) and potentially social contributions (25% for health and pension). However, Romania has a flat 10% income tax rate — significantly lower than most Western European countries.

Self-employed digital nomads can potentially benefit from a micro-enterprise regime with just 1% tax on revenue, making Romania one of the most tax-efficient bases in Europe.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Romania Digital Nomad Visa, you must:

Be a non-EU/EEA citizen. EU citizens don't need this visa — you have freedom of movement and can live in Romania without restrictions.

Work remotely for a company registered outside Romania, or own a company incorporated abroad that has been operating for at least three years.

Meet the income threshold for the six months before your application.

Have private health insurance covering at least €30,000 for the duration of your stay. Travel insurance is not accepted — it must be long-term residency health insurance.

Have a clean criminal record from your country of origin (apostilled and translated into Romanian).

Show proof of accommodation in Romania — a lease contract or hotel reservation for a minimum of 3 months.

How to Apply

Step 1: Gather your documents. This includes your passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended stay), proof of income, employment contract or business registration, criminal record certificate, health insurance, and accommodation proof. All documents must be translated into Romanian by an accredited translator.

Step 2: Apply online or at a Romanian embassy. You can submit your application through Romania's eVisa platform (evisa.mae.ro) or visit the nearest Romanian embassy or consulate. Apply no earlier than 3 months and no later than 14 days before your planned entry.

Step 3: Wait for processing. Online applications typically take 7–14 business days. Embassy applications may take longer depending on the consulate.

Step 4: Enter Romania and apply for your residence permit. Once you arrive with your approved D visa, you'll need to apply for a temporary residence permit at the local immigration office. This costs an additional €120 and extends your legal stay to 12 months.

The total application cost is approximately €240 (€120 for the visa + €120 for the residence permit).

Cost of Living

This is Romania's biggest selling point. A comfortable lifestyle in Bucharest costs roughly €1,200–€1,500 per month, including rent, food, transport, and entertainment. Outside the capital — in cities like Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, or Brașov — it's even cheaper.

For comparison, the same lifestyle would cost €2,500–€3,500 in Berlin, €3,000–€4,000 in Amsterdam, and €4,000+ in London or Zurich. If you're earning a Western European or American salary, Romania offers an exceptional quality of life relative to cost.

Internet speeds are excellent — Romania consistently ranks among the top countries globally for broadband speeds, with fiber connections widely available even in smaller cities.

Best Cities for Digital Nomads

Bucharest — The capital and largest city. Most international, most coworking spaces, best nightlife. Old Town has become a hub for remote workers. Expect to pay €600–€900/month for a one-bedroom apartment in the center.

Cluj-Napoca — Romania's tech hub in Transylvania. A university city with a young, international crowd. Growing startup scene and slightly lower costs than Bucharest.

Timișoara — Near the Hungarian and Serbian borders. Was European Capital of Culture in 2023. Architecturally beautiful with a relaxed, café-culture vibe.

Brașov — At the foot of the Carpathian Mountains. Ideal if you want mountain access combined with city amenities. Popular with digital nomads who like hiking and skiing.

Can I Extend or Get Permanent Residency?

The digital nomad visa can be renewed once for an additional 12 months, giving you a maximum of 2 years. There's no direct path to permanent residency or citizenship through this visa, but it can be a stepping stone — especially if you later establish a business in Romania or transition to another type of residence permit.

Romania vs. Other European Digital Nomad Visas

How does Romania compare to other popular options?

Portugal (D7 Visa): Lower income requirement (~€705/month) but higher cost of living, especially in Lisbon. Path to permanent residency and citizenship.

Spain: Requires €2,520/month. Higher cost of living. Offers path to residency.

Croatia: Requires €2,539/month. Beautiful coastline but limited beyond tourism season.

Greece: Requires €3,500/month. 50% tax reduction for 7 years. Higher costs on islands.

Romania's combination of low income requirement, tax-free first 6 months, exceptionally low cost of living, and excellent internet makes it arguably the best value proposition in Europe for digital nomads.

Bottom Line

If you're earning €4,000+ per month remotely and want to maximize your savings while living in Europe, Romania deserves serious consideration. The visa process is straightforward, the tax benefits are real, and the cost of living means your money goes 2–3x further than in Western Europe.

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