When do Ukrainians need a visa to Romania and how to apply for it?

Ukrainian citizens do not need a visa for a short-term stay in Romania, but a visa is required for work, study or long-term residence. Find out what requirements are imposed on applicants, how to apply, a list of documents, types of visas and much more useful information.

Legal assistance on visa issues for Ukrainians

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For citizens of Ukraine who have a biometric passport, a visa for a short-term stay in Romania is not required. However, if your purpose is to study, work or stay for a long time, you should take care of obtaining the appropriate visa or residence permit in advance.

In this material, we explain in detail when a visa is required to travel to Romania, how to apply for it correctly and how to avoid the most common mistakes.

Do you need a visa but don't know where to start?

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When do Ukrainians need a visa to enter Romania?

Since January 1, 2025, Romania has become part of the Schengen area, so from now on, within the framework of the visa-free regime with the Schengen area countries, Ukrainians with a biometric passport can stay in Romania for up to 90 days within 180 days without the need to apply for a visa.

However, a visa is required in the following cases:

- Long-term trips (over 90 days) - even if the purpose of the trip does not include work or study.

- Work in Romania - for official employment, a permit and an appropriate visa are required.

- Studying at higher education institutions - a student visa is required.

- Family reunification, obtaining a residence permit, doing business, volunteer programs, etc.

Take care of your trip in advance - find out how the Ukraine - Romania border crossings work in 2025.

Main types of long-term visas to Romania

- Work visa to Romania (Long-Stay Visa for Employment – D/AM)

This type of visa is issued to foreigners who have received a work permit in Romania. Main requirements and documents:

1. Work permit (Aviz de angajare), issued by the General Inspectorate for Migration (IGI) at the request of the Romanian employer. This permit is the main document.

2. Employment contract (if already concluded, or confirmation of the intention to conclude one).

3. Documents on education and professional qualifications that meet the requirements of the position.

4. Certificate of no criminal record.

5. Confirmation of residence in Romania.

6. Confirmation of funds for living until receiving the first salary (usually not less than the minimum monthly wage).

Important! The employer submits a request to the IGI. After receiving permission, the foreigner can apply for a visa.

Read all the details of employment for expats in Romania on the Visit World portal.

- Student visa to Romania (Long-Stay Visa for Studies – D/SD)

This visa is intended for foreigners who have been accepted to study at an accredited educational institution in Romania. Basic requirements and documents

1. Proof of enrollment for studies (letter of invitation from the university, or confirmation of enrollment).

2. Confirmation of tuition fees (for at least one academic year, or scholarship).

3. Proof of sufficient means of subsistence (usually not less than the minimum monthly wage). This can be a bank statement, a scholarship or a sponsorship letter.

4. Proof of residence in Romania (for example, a rental agreement or confirmation from a hostel).

5. Medical certificate confirming the absence of diseases that pose a danger to public health.

6. Certificate of no criminal record.

- Family reunification visa (D/AM)

For persons who have close relatives (spouse, children, parents) with legal status in Romania. Documents proving family ties must be submitted.

- Investment visa (D/AC)

For foreign investors who plan to invest in the Romanian economy.

- Other purposes

There are also other types of long-term visas, for example, for long-term medical treatment, religious activities, scientific work, etc.

Follow the link and find out in which cases you need to take out an insurance policy to enter Romania.

For more information on how to obtain a long-term residence permit in Romania, please follow the link.

To determine which visa is right for you and prepare the necessary package of documents, consult a Visit Ukraine visa lawyer. This will help you avoid mistakes and speed up the process of obtaining a document.

How to obtain a visa to enter Romania?

Obtaining a visa to Romania is a multi-stage process, so it is important to act in stages:

Step 1 - Determine the type of visa

Depending on the purpose of the trip, the type is selected: long-term visa (type D), national visa, work, student or humanitarian.

Step 2 - Prepare the necessary documents

The standard list includes: a valid international passport, 2 current photos, health insurance, documents confirming the purpose of the trip, financial capacity (bank statements), confirmation of residence in Romania.

Step 3 – Sign up for submission of documents

You can submit an application through: The Romanian Consulate in Ukraine or an accredited visa center.

Step 4 – Submission of application and payment of fees

The visa fee depends on the type of visa, approximately from 45 euros.

Step 5 – Waiting for and receiving a visa

Processing time: up to 60 days, in some cases longer. Notification of readiness is sent to e-mail or through the visa center’s office.

If you need help obtaining a residence permit or work permit in Romania – contact migration specialists for advice.

What documents are needed to obtain a visa to Romania?

List of main documents that need to be submitted:

- Completed application form for a national visa.

- A valid passport, issued no more than 10 years ago, with two blank pages, valid for at least 3 months after leaving Romania.

- Certificate of no criminal record in the country where the applicant has lived for the last 3 years.

- Two photographs – 35 by 45 mm.

- Medical insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros for the entire duration of the visa (including repatriation and hospitalization).

- Receipts for payment of the visa fee.

- Additional documents confirming the purpose of the trip (contract with the employer, enrollment letter, documents from a family member, etc.).

- Confirmation of the provision of housing by a company or private individual (notarized), copy of the rental agreement.

- Bank statement confirming the availability of funds (for living at first).

All documents are submitted in original, and copies are certified by a notary at the place of issue (in Ukraine or Romania).

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How can you avoid errors when applying for a visa to Romania?

Most refusals occur due to technical or formal errors. The most common of them are:

- Incorrectly filled out application form.

- Missing documents or errors in dates.

- Outdated certificates.

- Lack of financial evidence.

- Incorrectly selected visa type.

- Attempt to submit false documents.

Such errors lead to refusal of a visa application. To avoid them, check in detail all the information you indicate in the application form and make sure that the package of documents is complete. It is also important to monitor changes in migration legislation and respond to them in a timely manner.

Why should you contact Visit Ukraine lawyers when applying for a visa to Romania?

Applying for a long-term visa is often associated with bureaucratic difficulties, lack of up-to-date information and the risk of refusal due to formal errors in the documents. Visit Ukraine lawyers will help you avoid common mistakes, correctly prepare a package of documents and navigate all the legal nuances, especially if your situation is non-standard.

Turning to specialists is an opportunity to save time, nerves and get support at every stage of the application.

What can Visit Ukraine lawyers help with?

- Consultation on the type of visa in your situation.

- Verification of the package of documents.

- Assistance in filling out the application form.

- Preparation for application.

- Support in case of refusal or appeal.

Get professional advice from Visit Ukraine lawyers to avoid mistakes and unnecessary expenses. Our experts will help you with applying for a visa to Romania quickly and without stress.

Reminder! Romania for Ukrainians in 2025 remains one of the most attractive countries in the context of study, employment and, of course, tourism. We have already told you how a residence permit in Romania is issued for Ukrainians and what are the rules for entering Romania for citizens of Ukraine.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

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