Applying for a Long-Term Visa in Romania: What You Should Know

Individuals planning to stay in Romania long-term must first apply for a long-term visa at the General Inspectorate for Immigration in their county. Applicants need to meet certain eligibility conditions before applying, and if approved, they can then move on to submitting the documents required for a long-term residence permit.

Conditions for granting a long-term visa

To be eligible for a long-term visa, applicants generally need to meet the following conditions:

• Having lived in the country for at least 5 consecutive years without being removed from the national territory
• Being absent for no more than 10 months total within those 5 years, provided each absence is shorter than 6 consecutive months
• Time spent abroad for international transport activities, which can be documented and does not count against the applicant
• Time spent in Romania for study purposes, which counts as half of the 5-year requirement

Applicants should confirm which specific conditions apply to their case with the Romanian Immigration Department.

When an application can be denied

Several circumstances can lead to a long-term visa application being denied:

• Holding a temporary residence right for studies, since a long-stay visa may be considered unnecessary alongside an existing temporary study-based residence right
• Being an asylum seeker or a beneficiary of temporary humanitarian protection, or holding temporary protection from the Romanian state, due to the uncertain status and limited ties to the country of origin these statuses can involve
• Being in Romania on a short-stay visa, or a visa or residence right granted through a diplomatic or service visa
• Holding a right of residence for seasonal work or as an au pair, since these are intended for temporary stays and generally do not meet the stricter eligibility criteria for a long-stay visa

Required documents

Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria must submit the following documents:

• Application form
• Border crossing document, such as a passport or travel document, in copy and original
• Proof of housing space, in copy and original
• Proof of social health insurance
• Proof of means of support, except for family members of Romanian citizens
• Criminal record certificate issued by Romanian authorities
• Civil status documents, where applicable

Because long-term visa requirements can vary depending on individual circumstances, applicants are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified professional to help ensure all documents and procedures are handled correctly.

Why this matters

Securing a long-term visa in Romania requires meeting specific eligibility conditions, avoiding common grounds for denial, and preparing a complete set of supporting documents. Understanding these requirements in advance helps applicants navigate the process more smoothly.

Sources: Romanian General Inspectorate for Immigration