The Romanian residence permit: documents, conditions and deadlines
Who needs a residence permit, which documents IGI requires for each purpose of stay, and how to avoid the most frequent reasons files get rejected.
Any non-EU citizen staying in Romania beyond the visa period — typically 90 days — needs a residence permit issued by the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI). The permit type depends on the purpose of stay, and the file differs accordingly.
The main purposes of stay
- Employment: based on the work permit obtained by the employer and the employment contract;
- Business activities: for company shareholders and directors, with a business plan and proof of investment;
- Family reunification: for spouses and children, with translated and legalised civil-status documents;
- Studies: based on enrolment at an accredited educational institution.
The core documents
Whatever the purpose, the file includes: standard application, valid passport, proof of housing (registered contract), health insurance, proof of means of support and paid fees. Each purpose adds its own specific documents — and this is where most rejections happen.
Deadlines to keep in mind
- the renewal application must be filed at least 30 days before your right of stay expires;
- processing usually takes up to 30 days;
- the permit is normally issued for 1 year, with successive renewals;
- after 5 years of continuous stay you can apply for long-term residence.
Why files get rejected
The most frequent reasons: housing contracts not registered with the tax authority, inadequate health insurance, insufficiently documented income and missing translations. All avoidable with a careful check before filing.
At Business Point Consult we prepare the complete file, book the IGI appointment and accompany you at submission with an interpreter — so your first filing is also your last.
