Asylum (international protection) in Romania
Official name: Azil: statut de refugiat / protecție subsidiară
People who fear persecution or serious harm can ask Romania for protection. Claims are lodged with the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) or the Border Police; IGI decides and runs regional procedure and accommodation centres. The governing law is Law no. 122/2006 on asylum in Romania.
Life in Romania
Finance
3
Currency
Romanian Leu
RON
Romanian Leu
Cost of living
49
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
Flat 10%
Income tax (national)
VAT 21% · social security 35%
Flat 10% on income from each source (Fiscal Code art. 64).
Living
1
Happiness
#32 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Who it’s for
People at Romania's border or inside Romania who fear persecution or serious harm at home.
Eligibility
Persecution or serious harm
Romania grants refugee status or subsidiary protection under Law no. 122/2006.
Lodge the claim in Romania
Make your asylum claim in Romania at an IGI office, with the Border Police, or with other competent bodies.
Where claims were lodged (January to September 2026)
- With IGI
- 46.2%
- Border Police
- 52.7%
- Most IGI claims are made at the Bucharest Regional Centre for Procedures and Accommodation for Asylum Seekers
Official wording
Claims can be made at IGI offices (most at the Bucharest Regional Centre for Procedures and Accommodation for Asylum Seekers), with the Border Police, or with other competent bodies. In January to September 2026, 46.2% of claims were lodged with IGI and 52.7% with the Border Police.
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- 2 documents
- 1 fee
- 3 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Official sources
Other routes to Romania
- Visit & tourismRomania Schengen short-stay visa (uniform visa type C) and visa-free visits
- StudyLong-stay study visa (D/SD) and student residence permit
- Work permitsLong-stay employment visa (D/AM1, D/AM2) via the WorkinRomania single application
- 3 more routes with Premium
