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RomaniaPermanent residenceLast checked October 17, 2026

Long-term residence right

drept de sedere pe termen lung

Non-EU nationals with 5 years of continuous legal residence in Romania can apply for long-term (permanent) residence. It is a two-stage process: IGI first grants the right, then issues the long-term residence permit. Study time counts only half, and some categories are excluded.

See requirements ↓

Life in Romania

Money

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).

Official rates, 2026 · headline only

Living

1

Happiness

6.6

#32 of 145 countries

World Happiness Report 2025

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Who it’s for

Non-EU nationals with 5 years of continuous legal residence in Romania.

Eligibility

  • Continuous residence

    You need 5 years of continuous residence in Romania, with limits on absences and no removal order.

    Residence and absence limits

    Residence
    5 years
    Single absenceconsecutive
    under 6 months
    Total absences
    not over 10 months
    Official wording

    5 years in Romania; absences under 6 consecutive months and not over 10 months in total, and no removal order.

  • Study periods

    Time spent on a study residence permit counts at half value toward your residence period.

    Official wording

    Time on a study residence counts at half value.

  • Excluded

    Study permit holders, asylum seekers and protection beneficiaries (per this page), short-stay, diplomatic or service visa holders, seasonal workers and au pairs.

A sneak peek at what's inside

  • Next requirementMeans and insurance
  • Document checklistApplication
  • FeesPermit fees

The full requirements are for members

Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.

  • 1 more requirement
  • 7 documents
  • 1 fee
  • 4 steps
  • Processing times and conditions
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Other routes to Romania

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Permanent residence in other countries