Emigration to Romania: how can Ukrainians move there in 2025?

In 2025, Romania remains one of the most attractive countries for Ukrainians in terms of education, employment and, of course, tourism. Find out how to obtain a residence permit in Romania for Ukrainians, what are the entry rules for Ukrainian citizens and in which cases a visa is required for Ukrainians to enter Romania

Legal advice on migration issues

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Romania is a real gem for Ukrainian tourists. Many people, seeing this country for the first time, decide to stay for a long time and choose various options for this: employment, education or long-term tourism. At the same time, there is a high probability that you will need a residence permit in Romania for family reunification, especially if we are talking about the Bukovina region. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Ukrainian refugees have been granted temporary protection in Romania. Emigration to Romania has its own nuances, which, in accordance with current legislation and international agreements, are highlighted on the following platforms:

– General Inspectorate for Migration of Romania (Inspectoratul General pentru Imigrări – IGI);

– Romanian Government Platform for Supporting People Who Have Fled Ukraine;

– Romanian Ministry of Internal Affairs (Ministerul Afacerilor Interne – MAI);

– Embassy of Ukraine in Romania;

– UNHCR Romania (UNHCR Romania).

To ensure that Ukrainians can enter Romania quickly, conveniently and successfully, we have compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions in this article:

– What are the rules for crossing the border with Romania in 2025?

– Do Ukrainians need a visa to enter Romania?

– How can Ukrainians obtain a residence permit in Romania?

Read more about this and other topics below.

Are you planning to emigrate to Romania? Visit Ukraine specialists will help you every step of the way.

Visa to Romania for Ukrainians in 2025: main types and requirements

On 1 January 2025, Romania joined the Schengen Area, so Ukrainians no longer need a visa for short stays (up to 90 days within 180 days). If your visit is longer, you will need to apply for a visa. To choose the right visa and avoid any difficulties when crossing the border, contact the qualified visa specialists at Visit Ukraine.

Plan your trip in advance – find out how the Ukraine-Romania border crossing points will operate in 2025.

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

This type of visa is issued to foreigners who have obtained a work permit in Romania.

Basic requirements and documents

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

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

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

4. Certificate of no criminal record.

5. Proof of residence in Romania.

6. Proof of sufficient funds to cover living expenses until the first salary is received (usually not less than the minimum monthly wage).

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

For full details on employment for expats in Romania, visit 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 enrolment in a study programme (letter of invitation from the university or confirmation of enrolment).

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

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

4. Proof of residence in Romania (e.g. rental agreement or confirmation from a dormitory).

5. Medical certificate confirming that you do not have any diseases that pose a threat to public health.

6. Certificate of no criminal record.

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

How to move to Romania: preparation stages

The process of emigrating to Romania is sequential and requires careful preparation at each stage.

First step: choose the type of visa

At this stage, you must clearly define the purpose of your stay in Romania (employment, study, family reunification, business, etc.). This will allow you to choose the appropriate type of long-term visa and prepare the necessary documents. Make sure you meet all the criteria for the visa you have chosen.

Step two: submitting documents

Once you have gathered all the necessary documents in accordance with the requirements for the type of visa you have chosen, you must submit them to the diplomatic mission or consular office of Romania in your country of residence. It is recommended to make an appointment in advance, as some consulates may have a queue. Make sure that all documents are translated into Romanian or English and legalised/apostilled, if required.

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Step 3: Biometric data collection

After submitting your documents, you will most likely be asked to undergo a biometric data collection procedure (fingerprints and digital photograph). This is a standard procedure for visa applications in the Schengen area and many other countries.

Step four: obtaining a visa

Once your application has been successfully processed and your visa has been approved, you will be notified that it is ready. You will be able to collect your passport with the long-term visa affixed. Obtaining a visa entitles you to enter Romania.

At each stage of the migration process, you can get help from Visit Ukraine specialists – get advice and make sure that your emigration to Romania is successful!

How to obtain a residence permit in Romania?

Obtaining a long-term visa is only the first step towards legal residence in Romania. Within 90 days of entering Romania on a long-term visa, you must apply for a residence permit (permis de ședere) at the territorial office of the General Inspectorate for Migration (IGI) in your place of residence.

Main documents required for a residence permit

1. Valid passport.

2. Long-term visa.

3. Proof of address in Romania (rental agreement, proof of ownership).

4. Proof of purpose of stay (work permit, invitation letter from a university, marriage certificate, etc.).

5. Proof of sufficient financial means.

6. Medical certificate.

7. Medical insurance.

8. Receipt for payment of the state fee for the permit.

Important! IGI will review your application and, if approved, issue you a residence permit. It has a limited validity period (usually 1 year, with the possibility of renewal).

For information on how to obtain a long-term residence permit in Romania, visit the Visit World portal.

In what cases can you be denied a residence permit in Romania?

A residence permit may be denied for a number of reasons, usually based on non-compliance with immigration requirements or the existence of threats. The most common reasons include:

1. Failure to provide any necessary documents, or provision of forged or false documents.

2. Failure to provide evidence of sufficient financial means to support yourself during your stay in Romania.

3. Inability to prove the existence of accommodation in Romania.

4. Threat to national security or public order: criminal record, involvement in terrorist activities, etc.

5. Previous violations of the visa regime or rules of stay in Romania or other Schengen countries.

6. Providing false information.

7. Having unpaid fines or debts to the Romanian state.

8. Failure to apply for a residence permit on time (within 90 days of entry).

9. Refusal to provide additional information or undergo the necessary procedures at the request of the IGI.

Important! In case of refusal, the IGI usually provides a written explanation. The applicant has the right to appeal this decision in court within a certain period.

Reminder! Earlier, we reported that on the eve of the presidential elections in Romania, the leader of the far-right AUR party, Gheorghe Simion, announced his intention to stop supporting Ukrainian refugees.

Photo: generated by Gemini

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