Romania Residency by Investment 2025 – How to Get EU Residency

Romania is preparing to introduce a brand-new Residency by Investment (RBI) program that could open exciting opportunities for foreign investors from outside the European Union. According to a draft law reviewed by Profit.ro, this initiative will allow non-EU citizens to obtain a five-year renewable residence permit by investing at least €400,000 (around USD 430,000) in Romania.

This move is part of Romania’s broader effort to attract foreign capital, create jobs, and boost economic development across key sectors such as real estate, infrastructure, and industry. By offering investors the chance to live and eventually settle in an EU member state, Romania aims to position itself as one of the most attractive destinations in Eastern Europe for international investment.

How the Investment Program Works

The upcoming Residency by Investment program provides four main ways to qualify, each designed to support different areas of the Romanian economy:

1. Investment in Government Bonds:
   Applicants can purchase Romanian government bonds worth at least €400,000 and hold them for a minimum of five years. This helps strengthen Romania’s public finances and shows long-term investor commitment.
2. Real Estate Investment:
   Investors may buy residential or commercial property in Romania valued at €400,000 or more, with the requirement to keep ownership for at least five years. This option is expected to be one of the most popular, as Romania’s property market has been growing steadily, especially in cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Timisoara.
3. Investment Funds:
   Another pathway is to invest €400,000 or more in government-approved investment funds. These funds will be carefully selected to support Romania’s economic priorities, such as innovation, technology, green energy, and tourism.
4. Shares in Romanian Companies:
   Investors can also qualify by purchasing shares in Romanian-registered companies worth at least €400,000. This option could attract business owners and entrepreneurs who wish to take a more active role in Romania’s growing private sector.

Regardless of the option chosen, investors must maintain their investment for the full five-year period to remain eligible. The program also allows applicants to include family members such as spouses and dependent children under the same residence permit, making it appealing for families seeking long-term relocation opportunities in Europe.

Another major benefit is that there’s no minimum physical stay requirement. This means investors do not have to live in Romania full-time, offering them flexibility and convenience while still enjoying legal residency rights in an EU country.

Rules, Background Checks, and Legal Requirements

Romania’s government has emphasized that this program will operate under strict transparency and security standards. All applicants will be required to prove the legal origin of their funds, ensuring that the money used for investment comes from legitimate sources.

Before approval, every applicant will undergo thorough background checks. These will be conducted by Romania’s intelligence services, financial security agencies, and anti-money laundering offices. Authorities will verify that the applicants are not involved in any illegal activities, corruption, or financing of terrorism. Additionally, applicants appearing on international sanctions lists will be automatically disqualified.

This strong due diligence process ensures that only reputable and trustworthy investors can participate, helping Romania maintain a positive international image and prevent misuse of the program for illegal financial activities.

The Path Toward Permanent Residency and Citizenship

Once approved, investors will receive a five-year residence permit that can be renewed upon maintaining the investment. After the five-year period, participants will become eligible to apply for permanent residency in Romania.

Over time, this residency can lead to Romanian citizenship, which also grants European Union citizenship, allowing free movement, work, and business opportunities across all EU member countries.

Typically, Romania requires eight years of legal residence to apply for citizenship. However, this period can be shortened for those who make significant contributions to Romania’s economic, cultural, educational, or social development. This means investors who actively help boost Romania’s economy or contribute to society may be able to gain citizenship faster than usual.

For many global investors, this represents a valuable chance to secure a foothold in the European Union, especially since Romania offers one of the lowest costs of living and most affordable investment thresholds compared to similar EU residency programs.

Why Romania Is Introducing This Program

Romania’s decision to introduce a Residency by Investment program follows a global trend in 2025, where many countries are using investment migration to attract high-net-worth individuals and stimulate their economies.

Countries such as Portugal, Greece, and Spain have already implemented similar schemes, offering residency or citizenship to investors. Romania’s program, however, aims to be simpler, more affordable, and faster compared to its Western European counterparts.

This initiative is also expected to bring foreign currency inflows, support job creation, and promote sustainable development in underdeveloped regions. Moreover, it could encourage more international companies and entrepreneurs to establish a base in Romania, taking advantage of its strategic location, growing economy, and access to the European single market.

A Promising Opportunity for Global Investors

With its upcoming Residency by Investment program, Romania is taking a major step toward becoming a key destination for foreign investors. The program’s flexibility—combined with the possibility of gaining EU citizenship in the future—makes it an attractive choice for individuals and families looking to secure a stable future in Europe.

If implemented, this program could significantly boost Romania’s international reputation as a forward-thinking nation that values investment, innovation, and inclusion.

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