How to register a company in Romania?

In order to register a company in Romania, you need to choose the type of company form you want to incorporate, to prepare the necessary documents and to submit the application to the Romanian Trade Registry. Most common forms of companies in Romania are the Limited Liability Company (LLC), Joint Stock Company (SA) and sole trader (PFA).

How long does it take to open a company in Romania?

The company formation in Romania process will take 2 working days, since the date the incorporation application is submitted to the Romanian Trade Registry.

What is the main advantage to open a company in Romania?

One of the lowest taxation in EU: 1% turnover tax for the companies whose turnover does not exceed EUR 60,000 and have at least one employee or 3% turnover tax if the companies has a revenue exceeding EUR 60,000 or the companies is engaged in some specific activities.

Can I start a company in Romania as a foreigner?

Foreign citizens and legal persons can quickly and easily incorporate their own company in Romania, without any restrictions. There is no need for a Romanian shareholder and director

Expat Life in Romania: Living in Bucharest for Expats

Are you considering making the move to Romania or are you already living as an expat in Bucharest? Whether you're an American or British expat, living in Romania offers a unique and rewarding experience. In this guide, we’ll explore what it's really like to live in Romania as an expat—from tips on settling into Bucharest to insights from Romania expats' forums and Facebook groups

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Living as an expat in Romania offers a unique experience. With its rich culture, picturesque landscapes, very affordable cost of living and thriving cities like Bucharest, Romania is becoming an increasingly popular destination for expats from around the world. Whether you’re a British or American expat looking for a new adventure or exploring your options for relocation, Romania has much to offer. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about expat life in Romania, from settling in Bucharest to joining the expat community and navigating the challenges of expat living in Romania, including the best spots for expats in Bucharest, the expat community, and what makes Romania a fantastic destination for foreign residents.

What Is the Expat Meaning?

Before diving into the specifics of expat life in Romania, let’s clarify what "expat" means. The term "expat" (short for expatriate) refers to a person who temporarily or permanently resides in a country other than their native country.

Expatriates often relocate for work, family, or lifestyle reasons. In the context of Romania, expats are people from various countries, including the US, UK, and beyond, who choose to make Romania their home, whether for the short or long term. The expat community in Romania is diverse and growing, providing an enriching experience for those looking to live abroad.

Expat Life in Romania: An Overview

Romania is a hidden gem in Eastern Europe, with a combination of historical charm, modern infrastructure, and affordable living. Whether you’re living in Bucharest as an expat or settling in other cities like Cluj-Napoca, Brasov, or Timisoara, Romania is increasingly being recognized as an expat-friendly destination.

Romania for expats is all about a balance of old-world culture and contemporary amenities.

Key Benefits of Expat Life in Romania. Why Choose Romania for Expat Life?

Romania offers several advantages for expats, making it an appealing destination for those considering relocation. Here are some reasons why living in Romania as an expat is an excellent choice:

Affordable Cost of Living: One of the biggest advantages of living in Romania as an expat is the cost of living. Compared to Western Europe and the United States, living expenses in Romania are quite affordable, from housing to groceries and entertainment, Romania offering significantly lower living expenses. This makes Romania an ideal destination for expats looking to live comfortably without breaking the bank.
Rich Culture and History: Romania boasts a rich cultural heritage, with medieval castles, ancient monasteries, and vibrant cities. Expats living in Romania will find a wealth of historical sites, art, and cuisine that make the country an exciting place to explore. Expats in Romania are never short of things to do or explore, from the historic streets of Bucharest to the beautiful countryside.
Good Quality of Life: Despite its affordability, Romania offers a high standard of living, especially in cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Sibiu. You’ll find modern infrastructure, the fastest Internet speed in the world, good healthcare, and a growing job market, particularly in fields like IT, engineering, and teaching.
Welcoming Expat Community: Romania has a thriving expat growing community, particularly in Bucharest, the capital city. Expats from countries like the US, UK, and Germany have made Romania their home, and you’ll find many international communities and expat meetups, making it easy to settle in and make new friends.
Quality Healthcare: Romania offers excellent healthcare services, with both public and private hospitals. As an expat in Romania, you’ll find that healthcare is of high quality, especially in major cities like Bucharest.

For a better understanding and everything you need to know prior to consider on moving in Romania, please check our very insightful information available on our blog The Lawyer Blog called Relocation to Romania: Everything You Need to Know on Moving to Romania.

Cost of living in Bucharest as an Expat. Beer Price in Romania

Bucharest, the capital city, is often where most expats in Romania begin their journey. This bustling metropolis offers a mix of old-world charm and modern conveniences, making it an exciting place to live as an expat.

The cost of living in Bucharest is much lower than in major Western cities like London, New York, or Paris, or other European capitals, with relatively low prices for everyday items and services. Rent in Bucharest is affordable, especially if you choose to live in the city’s outskirts or less touristy neighborhoods. Public transportation is also cheap, making it easy to get around the city. Eating out is affordable too, with a wide range of local and international dining options available. Here’s an overview of the cost of living in Bucharest:

Food: Dining out in Bucharest is relatively inexpensive. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant typically costs between €8 and €20. If you prefer to cook at home, grocery prices are also reasonable. For example, a liter of milk costs around €1, and a loaf of bread costs about €0.80.

Utilities: Monthly utility bills (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for a standard apartment are typically between €100 and €150, depending on the size of the property and energy consumption.

Internet: For expats moving to Romania, having reliable and fast internet access is essential. Fortunately, Romania offers some of the fastest internet speeds in the world, consistently ranking in the top tier for broadband speeds. This makes expat living in Romania especially appealing for digital nomads, remote workers, and anyone who values top-tier internet quality. One of the most significant benefits of expat life in Romania is how affordable internet costs can be: the cost of a standard fiber-optic internet plan in Romania starts at around €10 per month for speeds of 100 Mbps, which is more than enough for casual browsing, streaming, and light work. And it reaches €20 per month for ultra-fast speeds of 1 Gbps (1000 Mbps).

Transportation: Bucharest has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, trams, and a metro. A monthly transportation pass costs about €10. For those who prefer driving, fuel prices in Romania are affordable, with a liter of gasoline costing around €1.2. Taxis are also inexpensive, and ride-hailing services like Uber are widely available.

Shopping in Bucharest: You’ll find that prices in Bucharest for clothing, electronics, and household goods are comparable to other major European cities, but often at a lower price point. For example, a pair of jeans might cost between €30 and €60.

Beer Price in Romania: Romania is known for its beer culture, with a wide selection of local and international beers available. The cost of beer in Romania is quite affordable, especially when compared to Western European prices. In Bucharest, a pint of beer in a local pub costs around €3 to €4 and in a supermarket, the price for a bottle of local beer is usually between €1 and €2.50. The Romanian beer price is one of the many perks of expat life in Romania, especially if you enjoy socializing with friends and locals at one of Bucharest’s many cafes and bars.

Housing in Bucharest for Expats

As a Bucharest expat, you’ll find a variety of housing options, from modern apartments in the city center to more spacious homes in the suburbs. Many expats prefer to rent apartments, and there are plenty of listings on local real estate websites, international property forums, or Facebook groups like "Expat in Romania" or "Romania Expat Forum."

Average rent in Bucharest varies depending on the location, the age of the building, size of the property and amenities and it can range from €350 to €600. For instance:

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost between €300 and €600 per month.
For those looking for larger spaces, a three-bedroom apartment in the city center may range from €500 to €1,200 per month.
Apartments outside the city center are more affordable, with rents for a one-bedroom apartment starting at €250 per month.

The average apartment price in Bucharest for buying a property can range from €1,300 to €2,500 per square meter, depending on the neighborhood, the age of the building and amenities. For those considering long-term living, Bucharest offers a wide range of accommodation options suited to different budgets.

The Expat Community in Romania

One of the biggest advantages of expat life in Romania is the welcoming expat community. Whether you’re an American expat in Romania or a British expat in Romania, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to connect with like-minded people.

Romania is home to a growing expat community, especially in the capital, Bucharest. This city, along with other major urban centers like Cluj-Napoca and Timisoara, has become a hub for international professionals, retirees, and students alike. Whether you’re an American expat in Romania, a British expat in Romania, or someone from another part of the world, you’ll find that the expat experience in Romania is diverse and full of opportunities.

The expat community in Romania is vibrant and well-connected. Online forums such as the Romania Expat Forum, Expat in Romania Facebook groups, and Reddit expats threads provide valuable resources for new arrivals, offering advice on everything from housing and healthcare to social events and local tips. Engaging with the expat community can significantly enhance your experience living in Romania, helping you feel connected and supported.

Expat Forums and Facebook Groups. Romanian expats frequently turn to online platforms like the Romania Expat Forum or the "Expat in Romania" Facebook group for advice, support, and social events. These online spaces are great for finding expat tax advice, relocation tips, and practical information on daily life in Romania. Reddit expats’ threads also provide helpful insights from fellow expats living in Romania, with answers to common questions about living and working in the country.

Expat Meetups and Social Events. Romania’s expat community hosts a variety of meetups and social events throughout the year, making it easy to meet new people. Cities like Bucharest, Cluj, and Timisoara often have expat-specific events ranging from casual get-togethers to more formal networking events. Many international organizations also host regular gatherings for expats, including the American and British expat communities.

Expat Tax Advice in Romania Expat Taxes

Living as an expat in Romania also means navigating tax laws. As an expat, you’ll need to ensure you understand Romania’s tax system and how it applies to your income, particularly if you continue to receive income from your home country.

Many expat forums and online resources offer valuable expat tax advice to help you stay compliant with local laws. Romania offers favorable tax rates for expatriates, especially those with international companies. However, it’s important to seek expat tax advice to ensure that you understand your tax obligations, both in Romania and in your home country.

If you consider starting a business in Romania as an expat, please check our very insightful information in our article Starting Limited Liability Company in Romania: Your ultimate guide to business success!, available on our blog The Lawyer Blog.

Expat Life in Romania: Navigating the Challenges. What’s It Like Living as an Expat in Romania?

Living as an expat in Romania comes with its own set of challenges, but the rewards are equally significant. Romania is still evolving as a destination for expats, but with its low cost of living, vibrant culture, and expanding expat community, it’s quickly becoming a popular choice. Here are some tips for navigating expat life in Romania:

Cultural Adaptation as an Expat. Learning the Romanian Language

Romania’s culture is diverse and rich in traditions. As an expat in Romania, you'll likely encounter a mix of both modern and traditional customs. Learning Romanian can be helpful, especially when interacting with locals outside of major cities like Bucharest, but many Romanians speak English, especially in urban areas. Embracing the local culture, food, and traditions will enhance your expat experience.

Learning the Language. While many Romanians speak English, especially in larger cities, learning Romanian will help you integrate better and make your daily life easier. Romanian is a Latin-based language, so it may be easier for speakers of Romance languages like Spanish, French, or Italian to pick up.

Adapting to Local Culture: Romania has its own customs, traditions, and social norms. Understanding local culture will help you feel more at home. Expats living in Romania often appreciate the warm and hospitable nature of the Romanian people.

Healthcare and Safety for Expats in Romania

Romania offers both public and private healthcare, and expats are encouraged to purchase private health insurance to ensure top-quality care. Romanian healthcare standards are generally high, particularly in large cities. While the public healthcare system is improving, many expats opt for private healthcare due to shorter waiting times and higher quality of service. It’s recommended to have private health insurance to ensure access to top-quality care.

As far as safety goes, Romania is considered a safe country, with low crime rates in most areas, especially compared to other European countries.

Is Romania a Good Place for Expats?

In short, yes! Romania offers a good quality of life at an affordable cost, with the charm of Eastern Europe and the conveniences of a modern city. Whether you’re relocating for work, retirement, or a lifestyle change, Romania for expats is full of potential.

From the thriving expat community in Bucharest to the cultural richness and affordability of life in cities like Cluj-Napoca and Brasov, expat life in Romania is a rewarding experience. With its welcoming atmosphere, Romania offers something for everyone, whether you’re seeking adventure, business opportunities, or a fresh start.

Final Thoughts on Expat Life in Romania

Living in Romania as an expat can be an enriching experience. Whether you’re relocating for work, family, or adventure, Romania is a great place to live as an expat. From the affordability of everyday expenses to the strong sense of community among expats, Romania is an increasingly popular destination for those looking to relocate abroad.

For a comprehensive understanding and everything you need to know prior to consider on a visa application process in Romania, depending on each type of visas, please check our very insightful information available on our blog The Lawyer Blog within the following articles:

So, if you’re considering making Romania your new home, don’t hesitate—embrace the expat life in Romania and start your adventure today! Join expat forums, check out expat relocation packages, and explore local Facebook groups to find the resources and support you need for a successful transition to life in Romania.

For any question regarding the expat life in Romania, feel free to reach out to us at tudor@roadvocacy.ro or give us a call at +40 723 77 37 59. Alternatively, you can also use the contact form on our website at www.roadvocacy.ro.

Expat Life in Romania: A Complete Guide to Living in Bucharest and Beyond