Housing
Rental prices in Bucharest have increased, particularly in the northern districts and business hubs such as Pipera, Dorobanti, and the city center. Despite rising costs, renting remains more affordable than buying. New regulations on short-term rentals have led many property owners to shift to the long-term rental market, further impacting demand. A proof of long-term accommodation is required for the residence permit application.
Average monthly rates in Bucharest
Studio
$500–$850
$1,000–$2,900
$1,600–$4,700
$2,100–$7,300
Two-bedroom
apartment
apartment
One-bedroom
apartment
apartment
$600–$1,700
Three-bedroom apartmen
House
Key Trends:
- The rental market is expected to grow further, with prices projected to rise by 5-10% in 2025.
- Foreign investments are increasingly focused on business hubs in cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Constanta.
- Despite rising prices, the rental market remains affordable compared to other EU countries.
- Herastrau, Primaverii, and Dorobanti remain top choices for expatriates, while Aviatiei is gaining interest due to recent modern developments.
Challenges:
- Low availability of four-bedroom apartments in desirable areas is pushing tenants toward suburban housing.
- Rising construction costs and regional geopolitical uncertainties have slowed down new developments.
- Rental prices in Bucharest have risen, especially in the north and business-heavy areas like the city center, Pipera, and Dorobanti
Immigration
Since March 2024, Romania has been in the Schengen Zone, allowing visa-free entry for citizens of 137 countries. A Romanian Schengen visa permits travel across the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in 180 days. In January 2025, land border controls with other Schengen countries were removed.
Most foreign nationals need a visa, work permit, and residence permit for employment. A long-term D visa allows a 90-day stay in 6 months and can be extended. Work permits, issued for up to 1 year, cover local hires, highly skilled employees, intra-company transfers (ICT), and the Single Permit.
The Romanian Digital Nomad Visa is a temporary residence digital visa designed specifically for remote workers from non-EU countries. Applicants must prove employment, self-employment, or business ownership outside Romania and have a monthly income at least three times the national minimum wage. The visa allows a 12-month stay, renewable for another 12 months.
Local hires need a Romanian employer to sponsor their work permit, valid for 1 year with extensions. Highly skilled employees require a degree and double the national average salary, with a 2-year renewable residence permit. ICT employees stay with their foreign employer and work temporarily in Romania under a 1-year, non-extendable permit.
The Single Permit applies to foreign hires and international assignments. A D visa is required, valid for 1 year with extensions. Some nationals, like those from Canada, the U.S., and Australia, don’t need a long-term visa. Residence permits, valid for up to 5 years, are issued for employment, business, study, volunteering, or family reunification.
Most foreign nationals need a visa, work permit, and residence permit for employment. A long-term D visa allows a 90-day stay in 6 months and can be extended. Work permits, issued for up to 1 year, cover local hires, highly skilled employees, intra-company transfers (ICT), and the Single Permit.
The Romanian Digital Nomad Visa is a temporary residence digital visa designed specifically for remote workers from non-EU countries. Applicants must prove employment, self-employment, or business ownership outside Romania and have a monthly income at least three times the national minimum wage. The visa allows a 12-month stay, renewable for another 12 months.
Local hires need a Romanian employer to sponsor their work permit, valid for 1 year with extensions. Highly skilled employees require a degree and double the national average salary, with a 2-year renewable residence permit. ICT employees stay with their foreign employer and work temporarily in Romania under a 1-year, non-extendable permit.
The Single Permit applies to foreign hires and international assignments. A D visa is required, valid for 1 year with extensions. Some nationals, like those from Canada, the U.S., and Australia, don’t need a long-term visa. Residence permits, valid for up to 5 years, are issued for employment, business, study, volunteering, or family reunification.
Moving
Transportation: Romania’s household goods transportation relies on its extensive road network. Main seaport is Constanța and Mangalia. The primary airport is Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP).
Customs Duties: clients may be eligible for duty-free importation of used household goods if they have lived abroad for at least 12 months prior to moving and can provide documentation proving their residence abroad.
Customs clearance usually takes 5 to 7 business days.
Customs Duties: clients may be eligible for duty-free importation of used household goods if they have lived abroad for at least 12 months prior to moving and can provide documentation proving their residence abroad.
Customs clearance usually takes 5 to 7 business days.
