Why Romania? A Practical Guide for Westerners Seeking a European Adventure (Without the High Costs)

So, you're dreaming of a life in Europe, but the thought of sky-high prices in Paris, London, or Berlin is daunting? It might be time to look east—to Romania. This hidden gem of the Balkans is no longer Europe's best-kept secret, and for good reason. It offers a nice mix of medieval charm, vibrant modern cities, stunning nature, and one of the most affordable lifestyles on the continent. Personally I left my dream job at Aston Martin as a design manager at the end of 2007, after 4 years of spending all my spare time in Romania, and I never looked back.

If you're from the US, UK, Canada, or another Western country, here’s your practical guide to what emigrating to Romania really entails.

The Allure: What Draws People In

First, the fun part. Why are people choosing Romania?

• Affordable Living: Your Western income or savings will grant you a significantly higher quality of life. From housing and groceries to dining and entertainment, your money simply goes further. You can afford a comfortable, even slightly luxurious, lifestyle that might be out of reach back home.
• Rich Culture & History: Explore centuries-old castles like Bran (often associated with Dracula) and Peleș, wander through cobblestoned Saxon towns like Sibiu and Sighișoara, and discover vibrant, bohemian cities like Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca.
• Breathtaking Nature & Climate: Romania boasts the majestic Carpathian Mountains, the sunny Black Sea coast, the unique Danube Delta, and lush vineyards. You get four distinct seasons, perfect for skiing, hiking, swimming, and enjoying beautiful autumn colors.
• Safety and Security: As highlighted in the previous article, Romania is an exceptionally safe country with very low rates of violent crime, offering immense peace of mind. Seeing is believing, but in my almost 2 decades of an active social life, I have never one time seen fighting in the street, even late at night.
• The Digital Nomad & Expat Community: A growing community of internationals, especially in cities like Bucharest, Cluj, Timișoara, and Brașov, means you can find your tribe and connect with like-minded people.

The Practicalities: Visas, Residency, and Pensions

Now, let's look at the essential paperwork. This is crucial and depends heavily on your citizenship.

For Citizens of the European Union (EU)/European Economic Area (EEA):

Your right to live in Romania is protected by EU law. The process is designed to be straightforward and is based on registration, not permission.

1. Unconditional Right for 3 Months: As an EU citizen, you have an automatic and unconditional right to live in Romania for the first three months.
2. Right of Residence After 3 Months: To stay longer than three months, you must be exercising your "right of residence" under one of these categories:
   • Being employed or self-employed in Romania.
   • Having sufficient financial resources and comprehensive health insurance for yourself and your family members (so you do not become a burden on the Romanian social assistance system).
   • Being enrolled at an accredited educational institution.
3. Registration Certificate (Certificat de Înregistrare): To formalize your long-term stay, you must apply for a Registration Certificate from the Romanian Immigration Inspectorate (Inspectoratul General pentru Imigrări - IGI). This is not a visa, but a document that confirms your right to reside. The process is generally administrative.

For Non-EU Citizens (e.g., from USA, UK, Canada):

The process is more involved but very achievable. Post-Brexit, UK citizens are now considered third-country nationals.

1. Short Stays (Up to 90 Days): You can enter Romania visa-free for tourism or business.
2. Long-Term Stays (Over 90 Days): You will need to obtain a long-stay visa before you travel, which is then converted into a residence permit after you arrive.
   • Common Types of Long-Stay Visas:
     • Work Visa: Requires a valid employment contract with a Romanian company. The employer often initiates the process by obtaining a work authorization for you.
     • Study Visa: For those enrolled in a recognized Romanian educational institution.
     • Family Reunification Visa: If you are joining a family member who is an EU/EEA citizen or a Romanian citizen.
     • Digital Nomad Visa: Romania has officially launched a visa for digital nomads! You must prove you work remotely for a company or have your own business registered outside of Romania and meet a minimum income threshold (which is very reasonable by Western standards). This is a fantastic option for remote workers.
   • The Process: Apply for the long-stay visa at a Romanian embassy/consulate in your home country → Enter Romania with the visa → Within 30 days of arrival, apply for a Residence Permit (Permis de ședere) at the IGJ.

Pension Considerations:

• Transferring Your Pension: If you are receiving a state pension from your home country (e.g., US Social Security or a UK State Pension), you can usually have it paid directly into your bank account in Romania. You must inform your home country's pension authority of your new address.
• Private Pensions & Investments: You can manage your private pensions and investments from abroad, but it's crucial to consult with a financial advisor who understands cross-border tax implications.
• Cost of Living Advantage: This is the key benefit for retirees. A pension that provides a modest lifestyle in the US or UK can afford a very comfortable, active, and secure life in Romania, including travel, dining out, and domestic help.

A Few Cultural & Logistical Tips

• Learn a Little Romanian: While many younger Romanians speak excellent English, learning basic phrases will enrich your experience and help you connect with locals. It’s a sign of respect.
• Embrace the Bureaucracy: Paperwork can be slow and may require patience. Having a local helper or a good lawyer for the residency process is highly recommended.
• Healthcare: Romania has a public healthcare system, but most expats opt for private international health insurance, which is still very affordable compared to Western prices. The private medical clinics in major cities are modern and offer high-quality care.
• Get Connected: Join expat groups on Facebook (e.g., "Expats in Bucharest," "Expats in Cluj") before you move. They are invaluable sources of real-time advice and support.

The Verdict

Emigrating to Romania is an opportunity to trade the high costs and high stress of Western living for a richer, more affordable, and adventure-filled life. While the visa process for non-EU citizens requires diligence, the reward is access to a beautiful, safe, and culturally rich country that is still wonderfully authentic.

Ready for your Carpathian adventure? Start planning—your new European lifestyle awaits.

Need help?

I emigrated from the UK 2 decades ago to create a real estate agency with a difference. White Mountain Property, from day one, was intended to be an affordable, dependable, and class leading property management and real estate agency, since there was a distinct absence of such services. In 2025 we remain one of the highest rated real estate agencies on the entire romanian market. You can read our testimonials here, here and here. You can find example homes in Bucharest and Brasov, plus a few other locations for sale and rent, on our site.