Types of long-stay visas
Long-stay visas are granted to foreign citizens who wish to reside in Romania for a longer period of time. Depending on the purpose of stay, there are several categories:
Long-stay visa for employment
The long-stay visa for employment is granted to foreigners based on the approval of the Office for Migration of the Labor Force and the Romanian Office for Immigration.
The approval of the Office for Migration of the Labor Force is issued at the request of the employer, who must prove that they carry out a legal activity in Romania. Foreigners can be employed in Romania by employers who operate legally, with the cumulative fulfillment of the following conditions:
- Vacant positions cannot be filled by Romanian citizens, citizens of EU member states, citizens of states signatory to the Agreement on the European Economic Area, as well as permanent residents in Romania;
- They meet the special conditions of professional training, work experience and authorization required by the employer according to current legislation;
- They prove that they are medically fit to carry out the respective activity and have no criminal record incompatible with the activity they carry out or will carry out in Romania;
- They fall within the annual quota approved by Government Decision;
- Employers have paid their obligations to the state budget on time.
Long-stay visa for commercial activities
This type of visa is granted, based on the approval of the Romanian Agency for Foreign Investments, to foreigners who are or will become shareholders or associates of commercial companies, with management and administration responsibilities.
Long-stay visa for other purposes
The long-stay visa for other purposes is granted, upon request, by Romanian diplomatic missions and consular offices in the country where they have their residence or domicile, to the following categories of foreigners:
- Those designated as administrators of a commercial company;
- Those seconded by a foreign company based in a WTO member state to a representative office, branch or subsidiary located in Romania, or to a commercial company, Romanian legal entity, whose associate/shareholder is the foreign company;
- Those seconded by an employer based abroad to a Romanian legal entity, based on a commercial service contract concluded between the two parties;
- Those whose access to the Romanian labor market is regulated by bilateral agreements concluded by Romania with other states.
Long-stay visa for foreign family members of Romanian citizens
The long-stay visa can be granted to:
- Foreigners married to Romanian citizens, provided that it is not a marriage of convenience, as determined under art. 64, and if it was concluded in Romania, the applicant must have had a right of residence at that time;
- Foreigners who prove that they are not married and cohabit with Romanian citizens, provided that they have at least one child together;
- Unmarried minor children, including adopted ones;
- First-degree relatives in the ascending line.
Long-stay visa for family reunification
The long-stay visa for family reunification can be granted to foreigners who are holders of a temporary or permanent right of residence, as well as refugees recognized by the Romanian state. They can request family reunification for:
- Spouse;
- Unmarried minor children of the holder of the right of residence and of the spouse, including children adopted jointly by them;
- Unmarried minor children, including adopted ones, of the holder of the right of residence, if they are in the effective maintenance of the holder;
- Unmarried minor children, including adopted ones, of the spouse of the holder of the right of residence, if they are in the effective maintenance of the spouse.
Long-stay visa for economic activities
The long-stay visa for economic activities is granted to foreigners who will carry out economic activities independently or within family associations, in accordance with the law on the organization and conduct of economic activities by natural persons.
Long-stay visa for studies
The long-stay visa for studies can be granted to foreigners, upon request, within the limit of places established by law by Romanian diplomatic missions and consular offices in the country where they have their residence or domicile.
Long-stay visa for humanitarian or religious activities
The long-stay visa for humanitarian or religious activities is granted to foreigners, upon request, by Romanian diplomatic missions and consular offices in the country where they have their residence or domicile.
Residence permits
After obtaining the long-stay visa or directly under certain conditions, foreign citizens can apply for residence permits to legally reside in Romania. The procedure for issuance or extension is an administrative one and requires strict compliance with the conditions provided by Romanian legislation regarding the regime of foreigners.
Types of residence permits
Depending on the purpose of residence, the legislation provides for several categories of residence permits:
- Residence permit for studies – intended for foreign citizens enrolled in educational institutions in Romania;
- Residence permit for family reunification – granted to family members of Romanian citizens or foreigners who hold a valid right of residence;
- Residence permit for work purposes – granted to foreign citizens who carry out professional activities in Romania;
- Long-term residence permit – may be requested by foreigners who have legally and continuously resided in Romania for a certain period of time.
Why a lawyer is useful in visa and residence permit procedures
Procedures regarding visas and residence permits involve direct interaction with the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) and other competent authorities. A lawyer can provide legal support in the following stages:
- Legal situation analysis – identifying the correct type of visa or residence permit and applicable legal conditions;
- File preparation – verification of documents, certified translations, declarations and forms required by legislation;
- Assistance and representation – in relations with competent administrative authorities;
- Challenging decisions – drafting and supporting appeals against the refusal to issue or extend, including through administrative litigation.
Common problems encountered in practice
In practice, situations often arise such as:
- Rejection of the application for formal reasons;
- Non-fulfillment of legal conditions;
- Incomplete submission of documents;
- Exceeding deadlines for extending the permit;
- Obligation to leave the territory of Romania.
In these cases, rapid reaction and correct formulation of legal steps are essential.
Challenging IGI decisions
Decisions issued by the General Inspectorate for Immigration can be challenged under the conditions provided by law, including before the administrative litigation court. The procedure requires compliance with strict deadlines and formulation of appropriate legal arguments.
When it is recommended to consult a lawyer
It is advisable to request legal assistance:
- Before the expiration of the visa or residence permit;
- In case of refusal to issue or extend;
- In special situations (change of purpose of residence, loss of documents, administrative problems);
- When changing residence conditions or personal situation.
❗ Note: Procedures regarding visas and residence permits have direct implications on the right to reside and work in Romania. An incorrect legal approach can have serious consequences.
For legal assistance in immigration procedures and administrative litigation against decisions of the authorities, we invite you to also consult the dedicated page on administrative litigation or to request a legal consultation.