Living in Romania: The guide to a smooth relocation

Romania is increasingly attracting expatriates looking for an affordable European lifestyle that combines modern cities, nature, and strong digital infrastructure. From Bucharest to Cluj-Napoca and Brașov, the country offers a good quality of life at a lower cost than most Western European destinations.

However, relocating still requires preparation. Administrative processes can be complex, healthcare quality varies between regions, and adapting to local systems takes time. This guide covers the essentials: visas, housing, cost of living, and healthcare in Romania.

The pros and cons of living in Romania

While a life in Romania comes with a bunch of advantages for expats, there are a few things that need consideration. Here are some of the pros and cons of expat life in this country.

Pros

• Lower cost of living than most Western European countries. 
• Fast and reliable internet infrastructure. 
• A growing digital nomad and tech scene.
• Beautiful natural landscapes, Romania comes with a bunch of including the Carpathian Mountains and Black Sea coast. 
• Safe cities and a generally peaceful lifestyle. 
• Excellent private healthcare facilities in larger cities. 
• Access to the European Union and Schengen travel opportunities.

Cons

• Administrative procedures can sometimes be slow and paper-heavy. 
• Romanian can be difficult to learn for foreigners. 
• Healthcare standards vary significantly between urban and rural regions. 
• Infrastructure outside major cities is still developing in some areas. 
• Traffic congestion in Bucharest can be challenging.

Administrative procedures for moving to Romania

Obtaining the right to stay in Romania

EU and EEA Citizens

Citizens of EU and EEA countries can enter Romania freely and remain in the country for up to 90 days without registering.

If you plan to stay longer than those three months, you must register your residence with the Romanian Immigration Office (Inspectoratul General pentru Imigrări). The process is relatively straightforward and usually requires:

• A valid passport or national identity card, 
• Proof of accommodation (rental agreement or ownership documents), 
• Proof of employment, self-employment, or sufficient financial means, 
• Proof of health insurance, 
• Passport photographs. 

Once approved, you receive a registration certificate confirming your legal residence in Romania.

Non-EU Citizens

For third-country nationals, the process is more complex. Most expats moving from outside the EU require:

• A long-stay visa (D visa), 
• A residence permit, 
• Proof of income or employment, 
• Health insurance coverage, 
• Accommodation documents.

Romania has also introduced a digital nomad visa, making the country increasingly attractive for remote workers employed by foreign companies. Applicants generally need to prove stable remote income that exceeds the Romanian average salary threshold.

Residence permits are normally issued for one year and renewed locally.

For the latest procedures and documentation requirements, expats should consult the official Romanian immigration authorities, the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI – Inspectoratul General pentru Imigrări) before relocating.

Applying for a Romanian CNP and tax registration

One of the most important administrative steps after arriving in Romania is obtaining a CNP (Cod Numeric Personal), the Romanian personal identification number.

The CNP is essential for opening a bank account, employment contracts, healthcare registration, paying taxes, utility contracts, purchasing property and of course accessing many government services. Most expats receive a CNP during the residency registration process.

Freelancers, entrepreneurs, and self-employed expats may also need to register with the Romanian tax authority (ANAF), particularly if generating local income or opening a Romanian company.

Finding accommodation in Romania

Romania offers a wide range of housing options, from modern apartments in city centres to countryside homes and mountain properties.

Many expats initially rent before deciding whether to purchase property long term.

Where to live in Romania as an expat?

Choosing where to live in Romania depends heavily on lifestyle preferences, work opportunities, and family needs.

Bucharest 

Bucharest is Romania’s economic and cultural centre. As the capital, it offers the largest expat community, international schools, private hospitals, co-working spaces, restaurants, and entertainment options. Living in Bucharest provides access to the country’s best infrastructure and healthcare facilities, although traffic congestion and fast-paced urban life can be challenging for some newcomers.

For professionals, entrepreneurs, and expats seeking convenience and international connectivity, Bucharest remains the most practical option.

Cluj-Napoca 

Cluj-Napoca has gained a strong reputation as Romania’s technology and innovation hub. The city feels younger, cleaner, and more relaxed than Bucharest while still offering excellent amenities. Many international companies have offices here, and the growing digital nomad lifestyle in Romania is especially visible in Cluj.

The city is particularly popular among younger professionals and remote workers who want a balance between career opportunities and quality of life.

Brașov 

Brașov is often considered one of the most attractive cities in the country. Located near the Carpathian Mountains, it offers beautiful scenery, cleaner air, and a more relaxed atmosphere. Families and retirees are often drawn to Brașov because of its safety, manageable size, and access to outdoor activities.

Timișoara 

Timișoara, close to the Hungarian and Serbian borders, has a distinctly Central European feel. The city has invested heavily in infrastructure and culture in recent years and continues to attract foreign investment.

Smaller towns and rural areas

Living outside major urban centres can be extremely affordable and peaceful. However, expats should carefully evaluate infrastructure, healthcare access, and language barriers before relocating to more remote regions. Rural Romania can offer charm and authenticity, but daily life may be considerably less convenient for foreigners unfamiliar with the local system and language.

Rental prices in Romania

Property prices vary depending on the city, neighbourhood, and apartment quality.

Here is an overview of average monthly rental prices in 2026:

Property Type	Bucharest	Cluj-Napoca	Brașov	Timișoara
Studio apartment in city centre	€450 – €700	€450 – €650	€350 – €550	€350 – €500
Studio apartment outside centre	€320 – €500	€350 – €500	€280 – €420	€280 – €400
3-bedroom apartment in city centre	€900 – €1,600	€850 – €1,400	€700 – €1,100	€650 – €1,000
3-bedroom apartment outside centre	€650 – €1,100	€6508 – €1,000	€500 – €850	€500 – €800
Purchase price per m²	€1,800 – €3,500	€2,000 – €3,800	€1,600 – €2,700	€1,500 – €2,500

Source: Numbeo and Romanian property market averages.

Compared with the United Kingdom, rental prices in Romania remain substantially lower. A modern one-bedroom apartment in central Bucharest often costs less than a room in central London.

The cost of living in Romania

Romania remains one of the more affordable countries in the European Union, although prices have risen in recent years.

Average estimated monthly budgets in 2026 are:

Lifestyle	Estimated Monthly Budget
Single expat	€1,200 – €1,800
Couple	€1,800 – €2,800
Family of four	€3,000 – €4,800

Typical everyday expenses include:

• Cappuccino: €2 – 3 
• Mid-range restaurant meal: €10 – 18 
• Monthly public transport pass: €16 – 20 
• Fibre internet: €8 – 12 per month 
• Gym membership: €35 – 60 

Compared with the United Kingdom:

• Rent is often 60 – 70% lower 
• Restaurant prices are approximately 40 – 50% lower 
• Utilities generally cost 25 – 35% less  

Romania is also typically cheaper than neighbouring countries such as Croatia and Hungary, particularly outside its largest cities.

Want to learn more? Check out our dedicated guide on the cost of living in Romania.

Getting around in Romania

Many Romanians rely on cars for everyday transport, especially outside major cities.

Foreign driving licences from EU and EEA countries are generally recognised in Romania. Non-EU licences may need to be exchanged after a certain period depending on bilateral agreements.

Public transport in larger cities is affordable and widely used.

Bucharest Metro

Bucharest has an efficient metro system operated by Metrorex, with monthly passes typically costing around €16.

Trains 

Romania’s rail network connects most major cities, although train travel can be slower than in Western Europe. However, routes through the Carpathian Mountains are often scenic and relatively inexpensive.

Ride-sharing apps

Apps such as Uber and Bolt are widely available in major cities and generally affordable compared with Western European prices.

Family life and education in Romania

Romania is increasingly popular among expat families due to its affordability, safety, and growing selection of international schools.

Children often adapt quickly, particularly in larger cities where international communities are well established.

Annual tuition fees generally range from €4,000 to €12,000 depending on the school and year group. Families sending children to Romania often compare international health insurance options designed for expatriates, travellers, and students.

The Romanian working system

Romania has become increasingly attractive for remote workers, entrepreneurs, and professionals in sectors such as:

• IT and technology, 
• engineering,
• shared services, 
• construction, 
• manufacturing, 
• customer support and multilingual services.

The local salary market remains lower than in Western Europe, but expats earning foreign incomes often benefit from a very comfortable standard of living.

Romania’s growing start-up ecosystem, especially in Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca, has also created opportunities for internationally mobile professionals. 

Taxation for expats in Romania

You are generally considered tax resident in Romania if:

• you spend more than 183 days per year in the country,
• or your centre of vital interests is located there.

Romania currently applies a flat income tax rate of 10% on many forms of personal income, which is relatively competitive by European standards.

Social contributions and healthcare contributions may also apply depending on employment status and income source.

Romania has tax treaties with many countries to help prevent double taxation.

Because tax situations can vary considerably, many expats choose to consult international tax specialists when relocating.

Healthcare and health insurance in Romania

The Romanian healthcare system is overseen by the Ministry of Health together with the public insurance structure, and Romania operates a public healthcare system funded through social contributions, but many expats rely heavily on private healthcare facilities.

Public healthcare is accessible to residents, including expatriates, and expats employed in Romania can generally use the public system through contributions. Healthcare quality varies substantially between urban and rural regions, and public hospitals can face overcrowding and limited resources, which is one reason many expats prefer private care.

In cities such as Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca, private clinics and hospitals are often modern and efficient. However, outside major urban centres, infrastructure and service quality can be less consistent. Many doctors and medical staff in private facilities speak English.

Typical private healthcare prices include:

Service	Average Cost
GP consultation	€30 – €70
Specialist consultation	€50 – €120
MRI scan	€150 – €350
Dental cleaning	€40 – €80

Emergency medical services, including ambulance service via 112, are free for all patients, and emergency hospital care is typically provided regardless of insurance status. Residents can register with a family physician, and expatriates are generally free to choose one for primary care.

Because of the differences in healthcare standards and waiting times, many expatriates choose international health insurance in Romania.

Local cover is often cheaper, while international insurance offers broader cover and more flexible benefits. International health insurance can provide:

• Routine visits, specialist care, and hospital care,
• Mental health support,
• Telemedicine with 24/7 digital consultations,
• Second medical opinion online,
• Get Fit programme,
• Emergency medical evacuation,
• Maternity services where needed,
• Plans tailored by geographic area.

Some plans also offer multilingual support, direct billing with the healthcare provider to reduce upfront payment, and stronger financial protection against unexpected costs.

For families, retirees, and internationally mobile professionals, this additional flexibility and reassurance can be particularly valuable when settling abroad.