Applying for Romanian Residency Without a Visa

Most foreigners arrive in Romania with a D-type long-stay visa in their passport. They’ve spent months preparing paperwork, mailing apostilled documents overseas, waiting for consulate appointments, and hoping they’ve understood everything correctly.

What many don’t realize is that there is another way for U.S. citizens and other visa-exempt nationals. You can enter Romania under the standard 90-day visa-free allowance and apply directly for residency from within the country, without ever applying for a D visa abroad.

This route isn’t a loophole; it’s a legal exception written into Romania’s immigration law. And for many like myself, it changes everything.

The Legal Foundation

Under Government Ordinance no. 194/2002, the law governing foreigners in Romania, Article 44(2) establishes that nationals of countries excluded from Romania’s visa requirement may enter freely and later apply for residency from inside the country, as long as they entered legally and can show a legitimate reason for stay.

This includes citizens of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and most European nations outside the EU.

In practice, this means:

• You arrive visa-free and receive a 90-day entry stamp.

• You gather documents proving your purpose of stay.

• You apply for a temporary residence permit at the local Inspectoratul General pentru Imigrări (IGI).

• Once your file is accepted, you may legally remain in Romania while your permit is processed (usually 30-45 days).

The critical detail: your application must be submitted no later than 30 days before your 90-day stay expires.

Who Uses This Route

This path is most commonly used by independent professionals, small business owners, and remote workers establishing themselves under Article 27 (1-1), the “economic activity” category. It’s also available for family reunification, study, religious work, or medical purposes.

Why It Matters

For Americans and other visa-exempt nationals, this option removes the most stressful part of relocation: applying (and waiting) from afar.

You can arrive first, rent an apartment, set up a bank account, register a business, meet with an attorney and accountant, and finalize translations from within Romania instead of mailing originals across borders or juggling unpredictable consulate delays.

It’s a quieter, calmer way to transition into life here, especially for those building independent income or exploring long-term settlement.

What to Expect from IGI

Romania’s immigration offices all follow the same law, but not the same speed. Some counties process applications quickly (sometimes within weeks) and even allow walk-ins. Others, especially in larger cities like Bucharest or Brașov, can be backed up for months with appointment-only scheduling followed by processing delays.

Where you apply truly matters. Choosing a smaller initial county for residency and application submission, where the process is faster and less formal, can make all the difference. The faster you get residency, the faster you can work, buy a car, and officially make money through your business.

Another distinction of applying directly for residency without a D visa is that there’s usually no interview, your case is decided entirely on the strength of your documents.

Wherever you apply, bring well-prepared translations, originals, and patience. (I also recommend hiring an attorney to file for you.) With good timing and organization, your residency card could be in hand far sooner than you’d expect.

When Guidance Helps

Even though this route is completely legal, it can still feel daunting the first time through. The instructions aren’t always clear, and each office interprets small rules differently, and the internal application process is fairly new (official in June of 2024).

If you’d like someone to help you prepare your residency packet, ensure translations meet IGI standards, or schedule your appointment on time, HearthFinder offers individualized immigration support for visa-exempt arrivals. It’s the same process I walked through myself, and the same one I’ve guided others through successfully, step by step.

Sometimes what makes the difference isn’t luck or privilege, it’s knowledge, clarity and timing.

The Hearth Beyond the Gate

Romania’s immigration law still allows something rare in Europe: the chance to arrive, breathe, and build your case from within. You can come legally, feel out your surroundings, and move into residency without ever waiting behind consulate glass.

The gate is open and once you step through, you may find that the hearth you were seeking was closer than you imagined.

Need help preparing your in-country residency file? HearthFinder offers relocation strategy, document review, personalized checklists, and on-the-ground guidance to help you stay compliant and confident.

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