Study in Romania: Student Visas & Permits

Citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland can freely move to Romania and stay for as long as they like. The following requirements are for third-country nationals. This now also applies to UK nationals.

Romania isn’t in the border control-free Schengen Zone, but Schengen visas are valid in Romania, as are Romanian visas in Schengen, as well as in Bulgaria, Croatia and Cyprus. They’re not valid for Ireland, however. Romania’s visa policy is also not too dissimilar to those of Schengen countries. Just remember, you’ll need to enter through Romania. You can’t, for example, arrive in Berlin and then move on to Romania. Fortunately, there are plenty of transit options through Ireland and the UK. 

Here’s what you’ll need to get a study visa for Romania: 

• Your passport and two passport-sized photos
• An acceptance letter from your school, signed by the Ministry of Education
• Proof of finances - this must be at least €2000 (US$2400)
• Proof of a place to live - your school can issue you with a letter stating that you have a place to live in dorms
• Health insurance - if you’re under twenty-six, your school covers this. If you’re over twenty-six, you’ll need to pay a monthly fee of at least 49RON (US$12)

When you get to the border, you’ll need to be able to produce your admission letter and at least €2000 (US$2400) cash or in travelers’ cheques. 

You’ll need to apply for your visa in the country that issued your passport. If you don’t live there, you can handle the application via post. You’ll just need to include your residency documents. 

Once you’re in Romania, you’ll then have ninety days to register. You’ll need to go to your nearest Immigration Office. The HQ is in Bucharest, but there are offices elsewhere. 

You’ll need to take the following:

• Your letter of acceptance
• Your passport with visa
• Your rental agreement
• Evidence of those €2000 (US$2400)
• A medical certificate giving you a clean bill of health - if you’re over twenty-six, you’ll also need to present your insurance documents
• Proof that you have already paid for your residency card

You’ll then be issued a residency card. This is valid for one year. You’ll need to renew it for each year that you’re in Romania. Your residency card allows you to work for up to four hours a day, or twenty-eight hours a week. You’ll be taxed like a Romanian citizen. Do bear in mind, though, that it can be difficult to find work if you don’t speak good Romanian.

Romania also has beautiful beaches, with great bars and views out to sea. Trains head to the seaside city of Constanta from across the country, making it a perfect weekend getaway. Keep reading to find out more about what it’s like to study in Romania.

The content of this country guide has been developed in partnership with Study in Romania.

About Study in Romania

The Study in Romania portal is developed and hosted by the Executive Agency for Higher Education, Research, Development and Innovation Funding (UEFISCDI), within the framework of the "Internationalisation, equity and institutional management for a quality higher education" (IEMU) project. The portal aims to offer a high quality data base with the existing educational offer of Romanian universities.