Romania's digital nomad visa has one of Europe's higher income bars, three times the average gross salary (27,576 lei, about €5,240 a month in 2026), but holders who stay under 183 days a year owe no Romanian income tax on foreign income.
Checked against the sources at the end on November 2, 2026. This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the official source before you apply.
At a glance
| Item | What to know |
|---|---|
| Visit first | 90 days in any 180 (Schengen, since 2025) |
| Route for remote workers | Digital nomad long-stay visa (D/DN) and residence permit |
| Money you need to show | At least three times Romania's average gross salary: 27,576 lei (about €5,240) a month in 2026, shown for the past 6 months |
| Length | Initial permit for 6 months, extendable |
| Government fees | About €120 for the visa plus about €120 for the residence permit |
| Timeline | About 10 to 14 working days for the visa |
| Where you apply | Online through Romania's eVisa portal, then collect at a Romanian consulate; residence permit at the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) after arrival |
| Family | Spouse and dependent children can apply for family reunification once you have your permit |
| Long-term residence | Permanent residence after 5 years of legal residence |
| US taxes | Still due every year. See our US taxes and banking guide |
Who qualifies
Romania's digital nomad visa has one of Europe's higher income bars, three times the average gross salary (27,576 lei, about €5,240 a month in 2026), but holders who stay under 183 days a year owe no Romanian income tax on foreign income.
- Remote employees of companies outside Romania: yes.
- Freelancers and business owners: yes.
- Income: At least three times Romania's average gross salary: 27,576 lei (about €5,240) a month in 2026, shown for the past 6 months. That's about $5,790 a month.
Open question: Romania hasn't published a maximum total length for renewals.
Documents
Order US documents first: apostilles and FBI checks are the slowest part.
- Passport
- Employment contract or proof of your own foreign company or clients
- Proof of income for the last 6 months
- Health insurance
- Clean criminal record
- Proof of accommodation
Step by step from the US
- Check your numbers against the rule above, using the last 6 to 12 months of income.
- Order US documents: FBI background check, apostilles and translations where needed.
- Apply: Online through Romania's eVisa portal, then collect at a Romanian consulate; residence permit at the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) after arrival.
- Buy health insurance that meets the requirement for your whole stay.
- Arrive and register your address and any residence card on time.
Taxes
- Under 183 days in any 12 months: no Romanian income tax on foreign income
- Over 183 days: Romanian tax resident at a 10% flat rate on worldwide income, plus social contributions
- The US-Romania totalization agreement took effect Sep 1, 2026
- US citizens still file a US return every year. The foreign earned income exclusion is up to $132,900 for 2026; the foreign tax credit is the alternative. See our US taxes guide.
Common mistakes
- The income bar rises when Romania's average wage rises
- Watch the 183-day line if you want the tax exemption
Where to live in Romania
Our city guides cover costs in dollars, neighborhoods, live weather and the time difference: Bucharest · Cluj-Napoca · Brașov · Timișoara.
Moving with a partner or kids? See Moving abroad with family.
Sources
Checked on November 2, 2026. Where sources disagree, we say so above.
- Romania eVisa portal, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (official)
- Remote Work Europe: Romania digital nomad visa 2026
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