europe Updated January 20, 2026 Work Remotely from Romania: Complete Guide
Everything about working remotely from Romania for US/EU companies. Visa options, tax implications, best cities, and practical tips for digital nomads.
Updated January 20, 2026 • Verified current for 2026
Yes, you can work remotely from Romania. EU/EEA citizens have full work rights, while non-EU citizens can stay visa-free for 90 days or apply for a digital nomad visa introduced in 2024. Romania is famous for having some of the fastest internet in the world, extremely low cost of living, and beautiful landscapes from medieval castles to mountain resorts, making it increasingly popular among remote workers.
Visa Options
EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens
As an EU member state, Romania provides full freedom of movement to EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens. You can live and work without restrictions. Register your residence if staying longer than 90 days at the local Immigration Office.
Non-EU Citizens: Short-Term Stay
Citizens of visa-exempt countries (including US, Canada, UK, Australia) can stay visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area for tourism or short-term remote work for foreign employers.
Digital Nomad Visa (Introduced 2024)
Romania’s dedicated digital nomad visa is one of the most attractive in Europe:
- Valid for 12 months, renewable for another 12 months
- Requires proof of remote employment or freelance income (minimum €3,700/~$4,000 per month)
- Must work for clients/employers outside Romania
- Health insurance covering Romanian territory required
- Processing time: 30-60 days
- No Romanian taxes on foreign income for non-residents
- Can bring spouse and dependent children
Application made at Romanian embassy/consulate in your home country or online through the Immigration Office portal.
Long-Stay Visa for Independent Activities
For those not qualifying for digital nomad visa:
- Register as self-employed (PFA - Persoana Fizica Autorizata)
- Requires local tax registration
- Provides long-term residence permit
- More paperwork than digital nomad visa but viable alternative
Employment Visa
If hired by Romanian company:
- Work permit required (employer applies)
- Processing time: 2-3 months
- Leads to temporary residence permit
Tax Implications
Tax Residency
You become a Romanian tax resident if you:
- Stay in Romania for more than 183 days in a 12-month period, or
- Have your center of vital interests (permanent home, family) in Romania
Digital Nomad Visa Tax Treatment
Under the digital nomad visa:
- No Romanian income tax on foreign-sourced income for non-residents
- Must not provide services to Romanian clients/companies
- Must continue paying taxes in your home country
- Extremely tax-efficient for remote workers
Tax Rates for Residents (Self-Employed)
If you become tax resident and work as self-employed (PFA):
- 10% income tax on revenue minus expenses
- 10% dividend tax (if registered as micro-company)
- Social security contributions: ~25% of income (with certain thresholds and caps)
- Health insurance contributions: ~10% of income
Micro-Company Regime (SRL)
Very popular among entrepreneurs:
- 1% tax on revenue up to €500,000 (if you have at least one employee)
- 3% tax on revenue if no employees
- Extremely favorable for high earners
- Additional dividend tax when extracting profits
Double Taxation Treaties
Romania has tax treaties with over 90 countries, including US, UK, Canada, and Australia, preventing double taxation. Always consult with a Romanian tax advisor to optimize your situation.
Best Cities for Remote Work
Bucharest
Romania’s capital is the primary hub for remote workers, offering the most extensive infrastructure. Bucharest has hundreds of coworking spaces (Impact Hub, Regus, Sphera), vibrant nightlife, diverse food scene, and large expat community. Internet is incredibly fast and cheap. Cost of living is very affordable ($900-$1,400/month) despite being the most expensive Romanian city. The city can be hectic and lacks the charm of Transylvanian cities, but offers the most opportunities for networking and amenities.
Cluj-Napoca
Considered Romania’s tech capital and startup hub, Cluj offers the best combination of quality of life, infrastructure, and community for remote workers. Beautiful city surrounded by mountains, Cluj has a young population thanks to major universities, excellent coworking spaces, thriving tech scene, and strong English-speaking community. Cost of living is moderate ($700-$1,000/month), and the city hosts numerous tech events and meetups. More expensive than Bucharest but better quality of life and safety.
Brașov
Perfect for remote workers who love outdoor activities and medieval charm. Situated in the heart of Transylvania near the Carpathian Mountains, Brașov offers excellent hiking, skiing in winter, and picturesque old town. Growing digital nomad community, several coworking spaces, and reliable internet infrastructure. Very affordable ($600-900/month) with excellent quality of life. Smaller than Bucharest or Cluj but all essential amenities present. Ideal for work-life balance enthusiasts.
Timezone Overlap
Romania operates on Eastern European Time (EET, UTC+2) in winter and Eastern European Summer Time (EEST, UTC+3) in summer.
Working with US Companies:
- East Coast (EST/EDT): 7 hours ahead (9 AM in New York = 4 PM in Bucharest)
- West Coast (PST/PDT): 10 hours ahead (9 AM in Los Angeles = 7 PM in Bucharest)
Limited overlap with US time zones (1-3 hours with East Coast). You’ll likely need to adjust schedule significantly, working afternoons/evenings, or embrace asynchronous communication.
Working with European Companies:
- 1-2 hours ahead of Western Europe
- Same timezone as Greece, Bulgaria, Finland
- Excellent for European clients and teams
Working with UK Companies:
- 2 hours ahead of UK (GMT/BST)
- Good overlap for collaboration
Working with Middle East/Asia:
- Better timezone alignment than Western Europe
- 1-2 hours behind Dubai
- 3.5-4.5 hours behind India
- 5-6 hours behind East Asia
- Good for working with Asian markets
Your Romania Remote Work Setup Checklist
- 1 Apply for Digital Nomad Visa at Romanian embassy (start 2-3 months before planned arrival)
- 2 Secure accommodation (Imobiliare.ro, Storia.ro, or Airbnb for first month)
- 3 Obtain comprehensive health insurance valid in Romania
- 4 Register at local Immigration Office within 30 days if EU citizen staying long-term
- 5 Set up Romanian bank account (ING, BT, BCR offer English support)
- 6 Get local SIM card (Orange, Vodafone, Telekom - data is very cheap)
- 7 Find coworking space or reliable work location (many cafes have excellent WiFi)
- 8 Register for Romanian fiscal code (CIF) if planning to freelance locally
- 9 Consult with Romanian tax advisor if becoming resident
- 10 Join expat communities (Bucharest Expats, Cluj Digital Nomads Facebook groups)
- 11 Learn basic Romanian phrases (locals very appreciative of language effort)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Romania's internet really that fast?
Yes! Romania consistently ranks among the top 5 countries globally for internet speed. Average speeds are 250+ Mbps, with gigabit (1000 Mbps) fiber connections widely available in cities for just $10-15/month. Even in smaller towns and rural areas, you'll typically find reliable high-speed connections. This infrastructure developed rapidly in the 2000s due to minimal regulation and competition. Mobile 4G/5G coverage is also excellent and affordable, with unlimited data plans costing $5-10/month.
How safe is Romania for foreign remote workers?
Romania is generally safe for foreigners, with low violent crime rates. Cities like Cluj-Napoca and Brașov are very safe. Bucharest has some areas to avoid at night and pickpocketing in tourist areas, but violent crime against foreigners is rare. Standard precautions apply: don't flash expensive items, be aware of surroundings, use licensed taxis (Uber, Bolt work well). Scams targeting tourists exist but are avoidable with basic awareness. The biggest concern is typically stray dogs in some areas and aggressive driving. Healthcare quality is good in major cities, especially private clinics.
What's the actual cost breakdown for living in Romania?
In Bucharest: 1-bedroom apartment $400-600/month (outside center), utilities $80-120, groceries $200-250, eating out $5-10 per meal, coworking $100-200, transport $15 unlimited monthly pass. Total: $900-1,400/month. In Cluj or Brașov: rent $300-500, other costs similar or slightly lower, total $700-1,000/month. Romania is one of the cheapest EU countries while offering excellent quality of life. Local markets, street food, and cooking at home can reduce costs significantly.
Do I need to speak Romanian to work remotely there?
No, especially in major cities and the tech sector where English is widely spoken. Cluj and Bucharest have large international communities, and most services catering to expats operate in English. Coworking spaces, restaurants in city centers, and younger professionals generally speak good English. However, government offices, healthcare (except private clinics), and rural areas require Romanian. Learning basic Romanian phrases greatly enhances your experience and locals appreciate the effort. Romanian is a Romance language, so if you speak Italian, Spanish, or French, you'll recognize many words.
Get Remote Job Alerts
Weekly curated remote opportunities delivered to your inbox.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work remotely from Romania for a US company?
Yes, you can work remotely from Romania for a US company. Most remote workers use tourist visas for short stays or apply for specific work/residence visas for longer periods. You'll typically continue to be paid in USD and remain on your US employer's payroll while working abroad. Check the visa section above for specific options and durations available in Romania.
Do I need a visa to work remotely from Romania?
It depends on your nationality and intended length of stay. Many nationalities can enter Romania visa-free for tourism (usually 30-90 days), during which remote work for foreign companies is generally tolerated. For longer stays, you'll need a specific visa such as a digital nomad visa, work visa, or residence permit. Check the requirements specific to your passport and planned duration of stay.
What's the cost of living for remote workers in Romania?
The cost of living in Romania is relatively affordable, with monthly budgets of $1,200-2,000 being typical for a comfortable lifestyle including rent, food, and coworking space. Major cities tend to be more expensive than smaller towns or rural areas. Your actual budget will depend on your lifestyle choices, accommodation preferences, and which city you choose to live in.
Does Romania have a digital nomad visa?
Check the visa section above for Romania's specific visa options. Many countries now offer dedicated digital nomad visas, remote work visas, or freelance visas designed for location-independent workers. Even without a specific digital nomad visa, there are often alternative visa categories that allow remote work, such as temporary residence permits or self-employment visas.
What are the best cities for remote work in Romania?
The best cities for remote workers in Romania typically offer a combination of reliable high-speed internet, coworking spaces, affordable cost of living, and quality of life. Check the cities section above for specific recommendations, including internet speeds, cost indexes, and the number of coworking spaces in each location. Consider factors like timezone overlap with your team, climate preferences, and local amenities when choosing.
Working Remotely from Romania?
Get visa updates, tax tips, and remote work news for Romania and beyond.