Romania Introduces Golden Visa for Global Investors
Romania is taking a significant step toward joining Europe’s growing list of Residency-by-Investment destinations. The government has drafted legislation introducing a renewable five-year residence permit for non-EU nationals who invest a minimum of €400,000 in Romania’s economy. The proposed plan aims to attract global investors seeking long-term European residency options while strengthening Romania’s financial and real estate sectors.
The initiative, reviewed by Profit.ro, positions Romania alongside countries such as Portugal, Greece, and Spain—nations that have successfully used investor visas to attract foreign capital and stimulate growth.
Four Investment Routes Under the Program
The draft legislation offers investors four distinct options, each designed to promote local economic activity while ensuring compliance and transparency. Eligible investors must commit at least €400,000 for a minimum of five years through one of the following channels:
- Romanian Government Bonds – with a minimum maturity of five years.
- Real Estate Purchases – properties must be retained for at least five years.
- ASF-Regulated Investment Funds – investment in approved funds under Romanian oversight.
- Stock Purchases on the Romanian Exchange – direct investment in publicly traded Romanian companies.
A notable feature of this program is that it does not require a minimum stay in Romania, allowing investors to maintain residency status without living in the country full-time. This flexibility could make Romania a strong alternative to other European programs that demand physical presence.
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Compliance, Security Screening, and Family Benefits
Applicants must go through strict compliance and background checks before approval. These include:
- Proof of legal source of investment funds
- National security and anti-money-laundering clearance
- Verification against international sanctions lists
Security procedures will involve several Romanian authorities, including the Romanian Intelligence Service (SRI), Foreign Intelligence Service (SIE), and the ONPCSB (the national financial intelligence unit).
Additionally, investors will be able to include immediate family members—spouses and dependent children—under the same residency permit, ensuring family relocation benefits similar to other European investor visa schemes.
Pathway to Permanent Residency and Citizenship
The proposal indicates that investors may qualify for permanent residency after five years and potentially for citizenship under Law 21/1991. However, the legal text remains ambiguous about the exact timeline for naturalization.
There are two possible interpretations:
- Applicants might be allowed to apply for citizenship immediately after holding the visa for five years, or
- They may need to obtain permanent residency first and wait additional years before applying.
Under Romania’s standard law, naturalization typically requires eight years of residence, though the requirement may be shortened by up to three years for those who make significant economic or cultural contributions.
Legislative Process and Next Steps
The proposed Golden Visa legislation must undergo Romania’s full parliamentary approval process before implementation.
- The bill will first be reviewed in the Senate, followed by the Chamber of Deputies.
- Committees on Economy, Law, and National Security will review and amend the text.
- After passing both chambers, the Constitutional Court may examine the legislation’s validity.
- Finally, the President of Romania will have 20 days to sign the bill or return it for reconsideration.
Once enacted, the Ministries of Interior and Finance will define detailed implementation rules, including due diligence and verification procedures for investors.
Part of a Global Wave of Investor Visa Programs
Romania’s move comes as several nations are relaunching or expanding investor visa programs in 2025, reflecting the worldwide competition for foreign investment.
- Maldives recently introduced a $250,000 property-based investor visa.
- The United States is preparing its Gold Card Suite program for high-net-worth investors.
- Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have launched Residency-by-Investment (RBI) schemes at $300,000 and $250,000 respectively.
- The United Arab Emirates expanded its Golden Visa in October 2025, now including donors and philanthropy contributors.
Romania’s entry into this global trend highlights Europe’s continued attraction for international investors seeking financial stability, mobility rights, and family security.
Conclusion
The proposed Romania Golden Visa represents a promising opportunity for global investors who wish to secure European residency while contributing to one of the region’s fast-developing economies. Though still awaiting parliamentary approval, the initiative could soon place Romania among Europe’s top destinations for foreign investment.
If approved, it would strengthen Romania’s role in the EU’s economic landscape—balancing foreign capital inflow with strict transparency and compliance measures. For investors looking beyond traditional EU options, Romania may soon offer an affordable and flexible gateway to Europe.
👉 Read the full draft legislation details on Profit.ro
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