In December 2021, following the COVID-19 pandemic, Romania became one of the European countries to introduce a visa program for digital nomads. As of early 2024, Romania ranks third among the best countries for freelancers.
The Romanian Digital Nomad program offers temporary residence permits for 12 months or more to remote workers from non-European countries as a means to stimulate local economic development.
Specifics of the Freelance Visa in Romania
The Romanian Digital Nomad Visa is available to foreigners who meet the following requirements:
- Citizenship of a non-EU/EEA country.
- Employment with a company registered and located outside Romania (self-employed status is also acceptable).
- Ability to perform all work duties remotely.
Additionally, the qualification requirements for the nomad visa include proof of an average income at least three times higher than the average salary in Romania (€3,300 per month) for each of the previous six months before applying.
The process involves two main steps: applying for a long-term visa (type D), which allows staying in the country for up to 90 days, followed by an application for a freelancer residence permit based on the Digital Nomad visa, which legally allows living and working in the country for 12 months with the possibility of extending for another 12 months. It is important for Russians to apply for the visa before entering Romania.
What Taxes Do Freelancers Pay?
Unlike Romanian citizens, digital nomads are not considered tax residents. Therefore, they are not subject to any Romanian taxes for the first six months. According to Law No. 69 dated March 29, 2023, after six months of legal residence in the country, nomads come under the general legislation for tax residents. In this case, they must pay 10% on worldwide income. Social contributions of 25% must also be paid.
Cost of the Visa?
Applications for the Digital Nomad Visa should be submitted no earlier than 90 days before the planned trip and no later than 14 days prior. The cost is €120. Upon arrival in the country, the freelancer must obtain a temporary residence permit, which also costs €120.
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Necessary Documents and Requirements
When applying for a freelancer visa, the following documents are required:
- Application form for the residence permit.
- Valid passport (original and copy).
- Proof of accommodation in the country – property purchase or rental agreement.
- Evidence of meeting minimum income requirements.
- Employment contract.
- Medical certificate of health.
- Proof of fee payment for the residence permit application.
After submitting the application, the processing time is 10-14 days. Progress can be checked in your eVisa platform account.
Recent Changes in Visa Matters
Following legislative changes in 2021 regarding long-term visas for digital nomads, an important change was the publication by the Romanian tax authorities of Law No. 69/2023, which directly regulates the taxation process. According to this law, foreigners who come to Romania to work remotely for foreign companies using information and communication technologies are exempt from the requirement to pay income tax and social insurance contributions on wages and incomes earned abroad.
Tax benefits are valid only if the digital nomad stays in Romania for no more than 183 days (either in one period or several cumulative periods) during any consecutive 12-month period ending in a given calendar year.
Popularity statistics for Digital Nomad Visa to Romania
Recent news about tax incentives has had a positive impact on interest in Romania’s digital nomad visa. The graph compiled using open data from Google Trends and Yandex.Wordstat shows that by the beginning of the fourth quarter of 2024, demand for the program almost tripled. According to the trend, it can be assumed that already in 2025 the program will try to enter the top ten leaders in the direction.
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