Can foreign companies buy land in Romania?

EU companies: yes, directly. Non-EU companies: through a Romanian subsidiary (SRL). We set up the SRL and handle the full acquisition process. Agricultural land has additional pre-emption restrictions.

What is the property transfer tax?

0% for properties under €450K, 1% for €450K-€600K, 3% above €600K. Plus notary fees (0.5-1%) and Land Book registration (0.15%). Total transaction costs: 3-5% — very competitive vs EU average.

How do you verify property title?

We examine the Land Book (Cartea Funciară), trace the ownership chain back 30+ years, check for encumbrances (mortgages, liens, easements), verify zoning compliance, and confirm all construction permits.

Asset deal or share deal — which is better?

Asset deal: cleaner (no inherited liabilities), but triggers transfer tax. Share deal: no transfer tax but inherits all company liabilities. We analyze your specific situation to recommend the optimal structure.

What about agricultural land restrictions?

Pre-emption rights apply to agricultural land: co-owners, neighbors, state. The sale must be publicly advertised for 45 days. We manage the full pre-emption procedure.

How long does a commercial property acquisition take?

Simple residential: 4-6 weeks. Commercial property: 6-12 weeks (due to more complex due diligence). Development land: 8-16 weeks (zoning and permit verification).

EU Citizens: Full Rights • 30-50% Below EU Average Prices

Real Estate Acquisition Romania 2026

From commercial buildings to land development — full legal support for real estate acquisitions in Romania.

Consultation +40 740 011 411

Cross-border practice

Years experience

Mon–Fri

Due diligence starts on working days

Acquisition Legal Services

Commercial Property

Office buildings, retail spaces, warehouses, industrial facilities — full transactional support.

Land Acquisition

Agricultural, industrial, and residential land. Zoning verification, pre-emption rights, SRL structuring for non-EU.

Due Diligence

Title chain, encumbrances, zoning, environmental, permits, litigation check.

Transaction Structuring

Asset deal vs share deal analysis, tax optimization, escrow arrangements.

Development Projects

Construction permits, urban planning certificates, environmental assessments, contractor agreements.

Foreign Investor Solutions

SRL formation for non-EU land purchase, repatriation of profits, withholding tax optimization.

Our Process — Step by Step

Opportunity Review

We assess the property and provide a preliminary legal risk assessment.

24-48 hours

Full Due Diligence

Land Book, zoning, environmental, permits, encumbrances, ownership chain.

5-10 days

Transaction Structuring

Asset vs share deal, tax optimization, contract negotiation, escrow.

2-4 weeks

Closing & Registration

Notary execution, Land Book registration, post-closing compliance.

Closing day + 30 days

Real Estate Market Romania 2026 — Investment Opportunity

Romania's real estate market offers exceptional value: Bucharest office yields of 7-8% (vs 3-4% in Western Europe), residential prices 30-50% below EU average, and strong rental demand driven by economic growth and EU fund absorption.

Foreign investors can acquire property through direct purchase (EU citizens) or through a Romanian SRL company (non-EU). Land acquisition by non-EU nationals requires an SRL — we handle the full company formation and property acquisition process.

Pantilimon Avocat provides end-to-end legal support for real estate acquisitions across Romania, advising international investment funds, developers, and individual investors on commercial and residential transactions.