Romania Golden Visa

Romania, located in Southeast Europe, offers a dynamic market for high net worth investors and families seeking European residency. The country’s strategic position provides access to the EU, Balkans, and beyond. With affordable real estate and strong growth in cities like Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca, Romania appeals to investors, entrepreneurs, and those interested in second citizenship. Its rich cultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and fast-growing tech sector make it especially attractive for Americans, Europeans, and global investors.

Romania Golden Visa

Romania does not currently offer a Golden Visa programme; however, in October 2025, the government announced that it is considering a draft proposal to launch a Romania Golden Visa programme. Under the proposed legislation, non-EU nationals could obtain a five-year renewable residence permit through a minimum investment of €400,000.

The Romanian Golden Visa proposal outlines several qualifying routes, including investment in Romanian government bonds, real estate held for at least five years, or shares in Romanian-registered companies or authorised investment funds. The investment would need to remain in place throughout the five-year period, and applicants would undergo standard verification and security checks.

This Romania residency by investment programme is still under review and has not yet been approved by Parliament. La Vida are monitoring this development closely.

Romania Citizenship by Investment

Romania does not offer a direct citizenship by investment programme. However, if the proposed Romania Golden Visa is launched, it may provide investors with a long-term pathway to Romanian citizenship, similar to how other European Golden Visa programmes, such as those in Portugal or Italy operate.

Romania’s Residency by Investment Programme

Romania’s current residency options focus on business and company formation. Foreign investors can obtain Romanian residency through investment. Company directors may apply for a temporary, renewable residence permit with an upfront investment of €50,000.

• For a limited liability company (SRL), invest at least €50,000.
• For a joint stock company (SA), the minimum investment is €70,000.
• Applicants must demonstrate a viable business plan and meet legal requirements.

This pathway is popular with business owners and entrepreneurs from non-EU countries, including the UK, US, and Asia, seeking access to the European market.

Romania Citizenship by Descent and Dual Citizenship

Romania allows citizenship by descent for those with Romanian parents or grandparents. This route is popular among applicants from Moldova, Israel, the US, and Canada. Dual citizenship is permitted, so you can hold both Romanian and another nationality.

Romania Passport Strength And Ranking

If Romania were to offer a Citizenship by Investment programme, one of the attractions for applicants would be its passport. The Romanian passport offers visa-free access to around 188 countries worldwide. It is a fairly strong passport. Concerning access for business people, it offers visa-free access to 56.2% of the world’s wealth (as measured by GDP) and 85.4% of the global travel popularity. It ranks 46th overall in La Vida’s comprehensive Global Passport Ranking.