Question 1

How do I register a company in Romania as a foreign investor?

Accepted Answer

Choose SRL (limited liability) as the most common form, prepare bylaws + shareholder ID + proof of registered address, deposit RON 500 minimum capital, then file with ONRC (Trade Registry). Total time: 10-14 business days with full documentation. We handle remote incorporation via power of attorney — you don't need to fly to Romania.

Question 2

How much does VAT registration cost in Romania?

Accepted Answer

VAT registration with ANAF (the Romanian tax authority) itself is available. Realistic professional assistance range EUR 150-450 if a lawyer or accountant prepares the file. Mandatory once turnover exceeds EUR 88,500/year; voluntary registration is possible at any time. Processing: 5-15 working days.

Question 3

How can a foreign company hire an employee in Romania?

Accepted Answer

Three options: (1) Set up a Romanian SRL or branch and hire directly; (2) Use an Employer of Record (EOR) — fastest, no entity needed; (3) Engage as PFA contractor (only if genuine independence — misclassification penalties up to EUR 10,000 per worker). Direct hire requires ReGES registration with ITM and CIM (employment contract).

Question 4

Is cryptocurrency taxed in Romania?

Accepted Answer

Yes — gains from cryptocurrency disposal are taxed at 10% flat rate (Tax Code Art. 116). Per-transaction gains up to EUR 200 are exempt, capped at EUR 600 annually. Crypto-to-crypto swaps count as disposals. Declared via Form 200/212 by 25 May of the following year.

Question 5

How can a non-EU citizen get a Romanian residency permit through investment or work?

Accepted Answer

Main paths: (1) Long-stay D/AS visa as company shareholder/administrator (investment ≥ EUR 100,000 + business plan); (2) D/AM work permit secured by Romanian employer; (3) D/SC visa for company directors. Initial validity 1 year, renewable, leading to permanent residence after 5 years. Application via the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI).

Question 6

How much does EU AI Act compliance cost a startup in Romania?

Accepted Answer

Indicative ranges: minimal-risk AI (chatbots, recommenders) EUR 3,000-8,000 one-off + EUR 1,500/year governance; high-risk AI (Annex III: HR, credit scoring, biometrics, critical infrastructure) EUR 25,000-80,000 setup + 10-20% of revenue for first-year compliance program (technical documentation, risk management, post-market monitoring, third-party conformity assessment).

Question 7

How do I open a holding company in Romania?

Accepted Answer

Establish a Romanian SRL with the activity 'holding of assets' (CAEN 6420), capitalize it, contribute shares of operating subsidiaries (cash or in-kind), and apply the Parent-Subsidiary Directive (2011/96/EU): 0% dividend withholding from EU subsidiaries held ≥10% for ≥1 year, and 0% capital-gains tax on Romanian holdings held ≥1 year (Tax Code Art. 23). Setup: 3-5 weeks total.

Question 8

How do I protect a trademark in Romania?

Accepted Answer

Two routes: (1) National Romanian trademark via OSIM — protects only Romania, EUR 200-400 official fees + EUR 400-800 legal assistance, 4-6 months; (2) EU Trademark via EUIPO — covers all 27 EU states (Romania included), EUR 1,050 official fees, 4-6 months. For international scope add WIPO Madrid Protocol filing.

Romanian Legal Answers