Moving to Romania: taxes, residence and life
How to become tax resident in Romania: personal, dividend and corporate tax, 7 residence programmes, days needed, climate, safety and economy — compared with 194 countries.
Taxes
In Romania the top income tax rate is 10%, dividends are taxed at up to 16% and companies pay 16% corporate tax.
How to move and become tax resident
You can become tax resident in Romania from arrival once you take up residence (Domicile, centre of vital interests in Romania, or 183 days in 12 months). The typical route is EU/EFTA free movement (Swiss citizens: register as self-sufficient): Sufficient resources + comprehensive health insurance; register within ~3 months; clean record not formally required There are 7 open residence programmes in Romania — see the list below.
Living there
Bucharest has a hot-summer continental climate with winter highs around 2.6 °C and summer highs around 30 °C. The economy grew +1% in 2025; the IMF forecasts 1.4% for 2026. Its passport opens about 158 countries without a visa in advance. Security: NATO flank; Russian drone debris/incursions near Ukrainian border.
Key facts
| Top income tax | 10% |
|---|---|
| Dividend tax | 16% |
| Corporate tax | 16% |
| Verotuksellinen asuinpaikka | saapumisesta — Domicile, centre of vital interests in Romania, or 183 days in 12 months |
| Reittisi | EU/EFTA free movement (Swiss citizens: register as self-sufficient) — Sufficient resources + comprehensive health insurance; register within ~3 months; clean record not formally required |
| Passi | viisumivapaa tai saapuessa 158 maahan |
| Economic growth | +1% (2025), forecast 1.4% (2026) |
| Ilmastotyyppi | hot-summer continental · 2.6° / 30° (Bucharest) |
| Sota ja konfliktit | tension — NATO flank; Russian drone debris/incursions near Ukrainian border |
| Kaikki luonnonuhat | 4/10 |
| Pankkien vakaus | 6/10 · BBB- |
| Omaisuuden suoja | 6/10 |
| Lämpimät kodit talvella | 6/10 |
Residence programmes in Romania
- EU/EEA/Swiss citizen registration certificate — freeMovement · open · 2026-10
- Temporary residence for commercial activities (business investor) — Sijoitus CHF 94'000 · open · 2026-10
- Digital Nomad Visa (long-stay visa for remote work) — Tulot / v CHF 66'000 · open · 2026-10
- Temporary residence for professional/self-employed activities — Tulot / v CHF 22'000 · open · 2026-10
- Work permit / single permit and EU Blue Card (employment) — employment · changing · 2026-10
- Family reunification — Tulot / v CHF 9'600 · open · 2026-10
- Romanian citizenship by descent / reacquisition (Art. 10 & 11, Law 21/1991) — ancestry · open · 2026-10
Plan your residence route
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need to spend in Romania to become tax resident?
saapumisesta. Domicile, centre of vital interests in Romania, or 183 days in 12 months Flat 10% PIT; dividends 16% from 2026
How much tax will I pay in Romania?
In Romania the top income tax rate is 10%, dividends are taxed at up to 16% and companies pay 16% corporate tax.
Which residence programmes does Romania offer?
EU/EEA/Swiss citizen registration certificate; Temporary residence for commercial activities (business investor) (CHF 94'000); Digital Nomad Visa (long-stay visa for remote work); Temporary residence for professional/self-employed activities; Work permit / single permit and EU Blue Card (employment)
What is the usual way to move to Romania?
EU/EFTA free movement (Swiss citizens: register as self-sufficient). Sufficient resources + comprehensive health insurance; register within ~3 months; clean record not formally required
Compare with nearby countries
Albania · Andorra · Austria · Belarus · Belgium · Bosnia and Herz. · Bulgaria · Croatia · Cyprus · Czechia · Denmark · Estonia
General information only — not tax, legal, immigration, investment or financial advice, and no client relationship. Figures are simplified, indicative and may be out of date. Always verify with the official authority and a licensed professional in the country concerned before acting. Partner links, if any, are marked and may earn us a fee.