A Guide to Romania’s Digital Nomad Visa

Ever felt curious about life in Romania? While many recognise it for its iconic castles (including the famous Dracula’s Transylvanian Castle), rich history, vibrant city of Bucharest, delectable cuisine, and its unique guests – bears, there’s so much more to learn about this eastern European gem.

Namely, it might just offer the ideal setting for digital nomads seeking to embark on a fresh chapter in their professional journeys.

Can I Work Remotely From Romania?

 
In great news for remote workers everywhere: Romania introduced a digital nomad visa in response to the Coronavirus pandemic. This initiative emerged during a time when many embraced the pleasures of working from home (the WFH lifestyle is now second nature to us!) and the global phenomenon of digital nomadism gained momentum.

A digital nomad is someone who earns a living by working remotely online while residing in a country other than their own. Armed with just a laptop and a reliable Wi-Fi connection, one can forge a professional life from just about anywhere.

Well, almost anywhere. Not every country permits remote workers to live and work on its shores on any kind of long-term basis. Fortunately, Romania is no such country.

In December 2021, Romania unveiled its digital nomad visa program, aiming to attract over 2,000 digital nomads annually. The objective is to revitalise the Romanian economy following the pandemic-induced downturn.

So, this is an opportunity that will benefit both Romania and you! Let’s dive into why Romania may be the affordable, beautiful and culturally rich European destination you’ve been seeking to kickstart your nomadic journey.

Is Romania A Good Place For Digital Nomads?

 
Romania has a lot to offer anyone considering a move to greener pastures.

To begin with the obvious, this country is renowned for its unique and picturesque landscapes where you can find many mountainous hiking trails, catering to avid outdoor enthusiasts. The Carpathian Mountains, in particular, offer some of the best hiking trails teeming with interesting wildlife including bears, wolves and lynxes.

Besides its mountains, continue your extraordinary experience by venturing into the Danube Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site flowing into the Black Sea.  And, of course, to satisfy the tourist in you, exploring the country’s castles, including Dracula Castle and Peles Castle, is a must.

While Romania may not bask in constant sunshine like some of its European counterparts, its cooler temperature may appeal to those seeking a blended climate.

The urban landscape of Romania is equally captivating, featuring cities like Bucharest, Brasov, Sighisoara, and Sibiu. Better yet, within any of these cities, digital nomads can seamlessly work out and about in its abundance of inviting cafes, coffee shops, and co-working spaces like TechHub, Coworkperativa, and Commons Unirii.

Moreover, enjoy easy exploration as many Romanians understand English, so you won’t be caught out if you haven’t mastered the Romanian language yet.

To make life even easier, Romania has one of the fastest internet speeds in the world. Good internet is an absolute must for any remote worker who depends on earning online, so this is a huge benefit of life in Romania.

Finally, Romania is also famous for its relatively low living costs, particularly when compared with other European cities. This makes it perfect for any hopeful nomad who doesn’t cherish the thought of breaking the bank. This affordability is also a result of digital nomads not being required to pay Romanian taxes, as they will already be paying tax on what they earn in their home country.

How To Apply For Romania’s Digital Nomad Visa?

 
Romania’s remote worker visa is one of the easiest digital nomad visas to apply for, automatically putting it in the good books. As with most application processes, it can all be done online and with just a few simple steps.

As mentioned, any non-EU and non-EEA citizen can apply for Romania’s digital nomad visa. To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate proof of remote employment by a country registered and located outside Romania.

Applicants must also show proof of a valid passport, health insurance which must cover at least €30,000, confirmed travel arrangements, accommodation during their stay, a clean criminal record, proof of up-to-date tax payments and proof of a minimum income of at least €3,700 which must date back 6 months.

Applicants will also need to supply a letter of intent detailing their stay.

The application process can be done online via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs eVisa platform or, if you’d prefer, in person at the Romanian embassy. To apply in person, make sure to pre-book an appointment, To app online, simply create an account on the eVisa portal, submit all the required documents, and pay the application fee to apply.

A response will typically come in two weeks, making it a swift and hassle-free process.

Upon approval, the digital nomad visa grants a one-year validity period, with the option for renewal for an additional year for those enamoured with Romania’s lifestyle.