Moving to Romania

Moving Guide

Visa & Residence

Navigating the visa and residence process for Romania largely depends on your nationality. Citizens of European Union (EU) member states, as well as those from the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland, generally enjoy freedom of movement and do not require a visa to enter or reside in Romania. However, if you plan to stay for more than 90 days, you will need to register your residence with the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI).

For non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, a visa is typically required to enter Romania, and a residence permit will be necessary for stays exceeding 90 days. Common routes for obtaining a residence permit include:

• Work Permit: If you have secured employment with a Romanian company, your employer will usually initiate the process for a work permit, which then allows you to apply for a long-stay work visa and subsequently a residence permit.
• Family Reunification: If you are joining a spouse or close family member who is already a legal resident of Romania, you may be eligible for a family reunification visa and permit.
• Study Permit: Enrollment in an accredited Romanian educational institution allows you to apply for a student visa and a temporary residence permit for study purposes.
• Other Residence Permits: Depending on your specific circumstances, there as also options for long-term stays based on economic activities, religious activities, or other special categories.

It is crucial to verify the most up-to-date requirements and procedures directly with official Romanian government sources, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) and the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI), as regulations can change.

Housing & Rental

Finding suitable housing in Romania can be an exciting part of your relocation. The most common ways to find housing include:

• Online Portals: Websites specializing in real estate listings are popular and offer a wide range of options, from apartments in city centers to houses in suburban or rural areas.
• Real Estate Agencies: Many expats opt to use real estate agents, especially for long-term rentals. Agents can help navigate the local market, show properties, and assist with negotiations and paperwork. Be aware that agency fees (typically 50% to 100% of one month's rent) are common and usually paid by the tenant.
• Word-of-Mouth/Social Media: Expat groups on social media platforms can sometimes provide leads for available rentals or recommendations for reliable agents.

The typical rental process involves:

• Viewing Properties: Schedule visits to properties that meet your criteria.
• Negotiation: Rent prices are often negotiable, especially for longer lease terms.
• Lease Agreement: A written lease agreement is standard. Ensure you understand all terms and conditions before signing. It's advisable to have the contract reviewed by a Romanian speaker or legal professional if you are not fully comfortable with the language.
• Deposit: A security deposit equivalent to one or two months' rent is standard. This is held by the landlord to cover potential damages or unpaid rent and is usually returned at the end of the tenancy, provided the property is left in good condition.
• First Month's Rent: You will typically pay the first month's rent upfront, along with the security deposit.

Consider whether you need temporary accommodation upon arrival (e.g., a short-term Airbnb or hotel) while you search for a long-term rental. Many people choose this route to allow themselves time to view properties in person and get a feel for different neighborhoods.

What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The total cost of your relocation to Romania can vary significantly based on several key factors. Understanding these elements will help you budget effectively, though exact prices will always come from a personalized quote:

• Volume of Goods: This is perhaps the most significant factor. The more items you need to move, the larger the shipping container or vehicle required, and thus the higher the cost. Decluttering extensively before your move can lead to substantial savings.
• Distance: The geographical distance between your current location and your new home in Romania directly impacts transportation costs, including fuel, labor, and transit time.
• Seasonality: Moving during peak seasons (e.g., summer months, end of year) can sometimes be more expensive due to higher demand for moving services. Off-peak times may offer more competitive pricing.
• Access at Origin and Destination: Difficult access points, such as narrow streets, lack of parking, properties with many stairs, or no elevator access, can increase labor time and potentially require specialized equipment, adding to the overall cost.
• Mode of Transport: Options include sea freight (most economical for large volumes, but slower), air freight (fastest, but most expensive), or road transport (common for moves within Europe). The choice depends on your budget and urgency.
• Additional Services: Opting for extra services such as professional packing and unpacking, furniture disassembly and reassembly, storage solutions, or specialized handling for delicate or valuable items will add to the total cost. Insurance for your belongings during transit is also an important consideration.
• Customs Duties and Taxes: Depending on the origin of your goods and your residency status, you may be subject to customs duties and taxes upon importing your household items into Romania.

For a precise estimate tailored to your specific needs, it is always best to request a free, no-obligation quote.

Timeline & Packing Tips

A well-organized timeline is crucial for a smooth relocation. Here’s a general checklist, typically spanning 4-8 weeks:

• 8 Weeks Before:
  • Declutter and Downsize: Start going through your belongings. Decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard. This is the most effective way to reduce moving costs.
  • Research Visa/Residence: Confirm requirements and begin gathering necessary documents.
  • Get Quotes: Contact moving companies for free quotes.
  • Create a Moving Binder: Keep all important documents (quotes, contracts, visa papers) in one place.
• 6 Weeks Before:
  • Confirm Mover: Book your chosen relocation service.
  • Arrange Travel: Book flights or other travel arrangements to Romania.
  • Notify Landlord: Give notice if you are renting.
  • Start Packing Non-Essentials: Begin packing items you don't use daily, like books, seasonal clothing, or decorative items.
• 4 Weeks Before:
  • Gather Documents: Collect vital documents (passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, medical records, school records, financial statements). Keep these with you, not in shipped boxes.
  • Arrange Utilities Disconnection: Schedule final readings and disconnections for electricity, gas, internet, and water at your current home.
  • Arrange Mail Forwarding: Set up mail forwarding to your new address or a temporary contact.
  • Pet Relocation: If applicable, finalize pet travel arrangements and veterinary checks.
• 2 Weeks Before:
  • Confirm New Address: If possible, confirm your new address in Romania and any new utility connections.
  • Pack More: Continue packing, leaving only essential items for the last week.
  • Change Address: Notify banks, credit card companies, subscriptions, and insurance providers of your upcoming address change.
  • Prepare a "First Night" Box: Pack essentials you'll need immediately upon arrival (toiletries, medications, a change of clothes, basic tools, snacks, important documents).
• 1 Week Before:
  • Confirm Everything: Reconfirm moving dates, times, and contact details with your moving company.
  • Empty Refrigerator/Freezer: Start consuming perishable food.
  • Clean House: Begin deep cleaning your current home.
  • Charge Electronics: Ensure phones, laptops, and other devices are charged for travel.
• Moving Day:
  • Supervise Movers: Be present to answer questions and ensure everything is loaded.
  • Final Walk-Through: Check all rooms, closets, and cabinets to ensure nothing is left behind.
  • Hand Over Keys: If applicable, return keys to your landlord or agent.

For a precise estimate tailored to your specific needs, request a free quote on relocation123.com today.

Visas, immigration & documents

Moving to this country often involves visas, residence permits, document translation/legalization and customs paperwork. Our verified partners handle the move itself; for visa or immigration help, send the request below and we'll point you the right way.

• Residence permit / visa (work, study, family)
• Document translation & apostille
• Customs clearance for personal effects
• Travel & goods insurance

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Customs & Import Rules

Moving to Romania: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide

Relocating to Romania involves navigating customs regulations to ensure a smooth transition for your belongings. This guide provides a clear overview of what you need to know, whether you're moving from within the EU or from further afield.

If you're relocating as a new resident

If you're moving to Romania from outside the EU and establishing new residency, you may be eligible for duty-free import of your personal effects and used household goods. This exemption is primarily for individuals transferring their primary residence.

What you'll need

• Copy of your Passport (simple scan).
• Copy of your Romanian residence permit or registration certificate (CNP) (simple scan).
• Letter of employment in Romania.
• Lease contract for your residence in Romania.
• A signed statement declaring that the goods have belonged to you for at least 6 months, are not for commercial purposes, and that you have lived outside Romania for the last 12 months.
• Notarized Power of Attorney in Romania for your destination agent.
• Photos (two copies) of high-value items like paintings, carpets, trinkets, jewelry, antiques, or old furniture, with corresponding packing list numbers.
• Packing list of personal effects.
• Client's inventory in English, dated and signed.
• Transport documents (SWB, AWB, or CMR) indicating weight and usual information.

Good to know

• To qualify for duty-free import, you must prove you lived outside the European Union for a minimum of 12 months prior to the import date. If this cannot be proven, import customs duties and taxes will apply.
• There is no duty relief for household goods if you are transferring a secondary residence to Romania without a justified reason such as employment, marriage, inheritance, or studies.
• Exemption of duties for alcohol and tobacco in personal effects shipments is in accordance with Romanian law and subject to strict quantity limits.

Returning Romanian nationals

Romanian citizens returning to the country may also be eligible for duty-free import of personal effects, provided they meet specific conditions.

What you'll need

• Copy of your passport and Romanian ID Card.
• Copy of your working permit or residence permit from your country of origin.
• Original letter from the company you worked for at your origin country.
• Notarized Power of Attorney and declaration, in original, completed at a public notary in Romania (must be in Romanian).

Good to know

• All documents must demonstrate that you lived outside the European Union for at least 12 months prior to the import date for duty-free status.

Diplomatic moves

Diplomatic personnel benefit from specific customs procedures and exemptions for their household goods.

What you'll need

• Passport copy (simple scan).
• Certificate for import free admission of household goods ("CERERE DE IMPORT"), legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This certificate must state your start date, assignment period in Romania, weight, and value of goods, along with an inventory in Romanian.
• Power of Attorney for your destination agent.
• Copy of diplomatic Passport (if available).
• Copy of diplomatic Identity Card (if available).
• Packing list of personal effects.
• Photos (two copies) of high-value items like paintings, carpets, trinkets, jewelry, antiques, or old furniture, with corresponding packing list numbers.

Good to know

• Import of alcohol for diplomats is allowed but limited to an annual quota agreed upon by the local Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the respective embassies. It's crucial to contact your local Embassy before shipping, as these agreements override general quotas.
• General annual quotas for missions are 300 liters of alcohol above 22° and 2000 packs of cigarettes (20 pcs/pack). For families, it's 50 liters of alcohol above 22° and 500 packs of cigarettes.
• The mission will issue a separate application to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for these products; they are not considered part of the household goods shipment.
• The Embassy usually obtains all necessary documents on behalf of the client.

Bringing special items

Vehicles

Importing motor vehicles (cars, motorcycles, boats, jet-skis) into Romania involves specific regulations and potential duties.

• What you'll need: Copy of your property title, registration certificate, invoice, proof of payment or bank account for the vehicle, any other vehicle documents, original sale certificate or invoice (if available), and a checking note from the Romanian Auto Registry (RAR).
• Good to know: Customs duty or a customs guarantee may apply, depending on your status in Romania (diplomat, expatriate with a local working contract, returning Romanian national, tourist, etc.). For temporarily imported vehicles, a bank guarantee will be requested by customs, which is released upon export. The RAR audit needs to be paid separately, preferably directly by the client.

Restricted & prohibited items

Certain items are restricted or completely prohibited from import into Romania.

• Restricted: Non-lethal and lethal firearms and ammunition require authorization from the Romanian Embassy in the country of departure. Non-lethal weapons require advance notice to the Romanian diplomatic or consular office. Medicines are allowed in small quantities, but some may need to be declared. Currency exceeding 10,000 EUR (or equivalent) must be declared when traveling outside the EU.
• Prohibited: Unlawful drugs. Some lethal weapons are completely prohibited. Protected species and products listed by CITES (e.g., ivory, tortoise shell, coral, reptile skin, wood from Amazonian forests).

Alcohol & tobacco

Strict limits apply to alcohol and tobacco products imported as part of personal effects.

• Limits: 1 liter of spirits over 22% alcohol OR 2 liters of spirits up to 22% alcohol, 4 liters of wine, 16 liters of beer, 40 cigarettes OR 100 cigarillos OR 50 cigars OR 250 grams of tobacco.
• Good to know: A mix of these quantities is allowed, but the sum of percentages used from each category should not exceed 100%. Any quantities exceeding these limits will be considered commercial cargo and cannot be imported as part of a household shipment.

Frequently asked questions

What is an EORI number and do I need one?
An EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number is required for all imports and exports to clear customs in Romania, even for private individuals. It's a unique identification number used in all electronic communications with customs offices and other government agencies across the EU.

How do I obtain an EORI number?
If you are already established in the EU, you will be registered within your respective EU member state. If not established in the EU, you must obtain the EORI number from the authorities in the EU member state where you operate or reside.

Should I include food in my shipment?
It is highly recommended to avoid including food of any type, as it significantly increases the risk of customs inspection.

Will I have to pay customs duties or VAT?
Customs duties and VAT may be applicable or not, depending on your status in Romania (e.g., diplomat, expatriate under a local working contract, returning Romanian national, tourist) and whether you meet the conditions for duty-free import.

Are there any restrictions on currency?
There are no restrictions if coming from an EU country. However, amounts exceeding 10,000 EUR (or equivalent in another currency) must be declared when traveling outside the EU.

What if my items exceed the alcohol/tobacco limits?
Any quantities exceeding the specified limits for alcohol and tobacco will be considered commercial cargo and cannot be imported as part of your household shipment.

For personalized assistance with your move to Romania and detailed customs advice, please contact relocation123.com.

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