Romania Introduces a New Residency Program With a EUR 400,000 Investment Requirement

When it comes to global mobility and long-term strategic residence planning, investor residency programs continue to help individuals diversify their personal, financial, and lifestyle options. These programs allow applicants and their families to obtain legal residency in return for qualifying investments, supported by due diligence, economic contribution, and regulatory frameworks.

Now, Romania, one of Eastern Europe’s fastest-growing economies, has announced plans to introduce a new residency pathway requiring a minimum EUR 400,000 investment. Known for its expanding technology sector, competitive labor market, and strategic location within the European Union, Romania is positioning itself as a strong emerging destination for investors seeking long-term EU access.

For individuals exploring alternative European residency routes, this development is especially significant.

What We Know About Romania’s New Residency Program

Romania’s proposed investor residency initiative is built around attracting foreign capital to strengthen national development priorities such as infrastructure, manufacturing, technological innovation, and energy diversification. While administrative and legislative details are still in progress, the core eligibility requirement has already been confirmed.

Key highlights:

• A structured investor residency pathway, designed to stimulate economic growth and bring foreign investment into strategic national sectors.
• Minimum required investment: EUR 400,000, expected to be directed into government-approved industries or investment vehicles.
• Eligibility for family members, allowing applicants to include spouses and dependent children.
• Due diligence and compliance checks, aligned with EU regulatory and financial-transparency standards.
• Clearer and more predictable processing, especially once Romania modernizes its residency procedures.
• Program launch anticipated soon, following parliamentary approval and final administrative setup.

Romania aims to leverage this new pathway to strengthen its economic attractiveness and improve its standing among EU investor residency destinations.

Romania Residency Program – Cost Structure

Romania’s new investor residency program requires a minimum investment of EUR 400,000, forming the foundation of program eligibility. While the full government fee structure is forthcoming, several expected cost categories are already identifiable.

Investment Requirement

• Minimum Investment: EUR 400,000
  To be directed into approved sectors such as real estate development, industrial expansion, technology, renewable energy, or national development funds.

Expected Government & Processing Fees

(Official amounts to be published once the program is finalized)

• Residency application fee (per applicant): To be determined
• Residence permit issuance fee: To be determined
• Biometrics and administrative processing: Expected to align with current Romanian residency fees
• Document translation, apostille & legalization: Typically EUR 150–300 per applicant

Dependent Costs (Expected Structure)

• Spouse & dependent children: Additional administrative fees per person
• Adult dependents: May require separate documentation and added fees
• Residency renewal fees: Generally EUR 100–250 per renewal cycle
• Annual compliance or tax representation costs: Depending on the investment structure used

Final dependent fee structures will be confirmed once the program receives full regulatory approval.

Legal & Advisory Fees

Applicants should also anticipate:

• Legal representation: Typically EUR 3,000–7,000 per application
• Corporate or investment structuring (if needed): Varies by case
• Ongoing compliance or reporting fees: Often required when using corporate investment routes

These fees vary depending on complexity, family size, and investment type.

Why This Matters for Investor Residency Programs

1. A new EU-based investor residency option

Romania’s entry into the investor residency market expands options for individuals seeking a foothold in the European Union without going through more expensive or restrictive programs such as those in Portugal, Spain, or Ireland.

2. Competitive investment threshold

At EUR 400,000, Romania’s residency program may offer a compelling mid-range alternative—more affordable than some Western European residency-by-investment schemes while providing long-term EU mobility potential.

3. Strong economic growth potential

Romania has one of the fastest-growing technology sectors in Europe, an expanding industrial base, and increasing foreign investment interest. Residency investors may gain long-term exposure to a rapidly developing EU market.

4. Simplified pathways for families

The ability to include spouses and dependent children strengthens Romania’s attractiveness to families seeking long-term stability and access to EU education, healthcare, and travel freedoms.

What Investors Should Watch Out For

• Pending legislation: Final investment routes and administrative requirements await government confirmation.
• Citizenship timeline: Romania follows standard EU naturalization timelines (typically 8–10 years).
• Eligible investment categories: Details are expected to be clarified shortly.
• Processing capacity: Initial program rollout may experience slower processing before optimization.
• Comparative evaluation: Investors should compare Romania with other European residency programs to determine the best strategic fit.

How This Fits Into a Strategic Residency Portfolio

For investors seeking long-term EU access, Romania offers:

• entry into an emerging European economy,
• strategic geographic positioning,
• long-term mobility benefits through EU residency,
• diversification beyond traditional EU investment routes,
• potential future access to Romanian citizenship.

It may complement or serve as an alternative to established investor residency pathways in Portugal, Greece, Malta, or Spain.

Summary

Romania’s proposed EUR 400,000 investor residency program introduces a valuable new option within the European immigration landscape. With strong economic fundamentals, a growing investment climate, and a clear residency pathway, Romania is positioned to become an attractive destination for investors seeking long-term EU presence.

As with any residency-by-investment program, applicants should closely monitor legislative updates, prepare financial documentation, and evaluate strategic benefits across multiple jurisdictions.

If you’re exploring EU residency solutions whether for mobility, lifestyle, or long-term strategic planning we can help you compare Romania’s program with leading alternatives across Europe.