Romania’s New €400,000 Golden Visa: A Pathway to Europe

Romania is planning to introduce an exciting new Golden Visa program that could offer non-EU investors a five-year renewable residence permit in exchange for a minimum investment of €400,000. This proposed program would make Romania one of the newest players in Europe’s growing residency-by-investment market.

The Golden Visa is a proposed government initiative that would allow non-EU nationals to live in Romania for five years, with the possibility of gaining permanent residency and even Romanian citizenship later on. Investors will need to maintain their investment for the full duration of the visa.

Highlights of the Program

• Minimum Investment: €400,000
• Permit Length: 5 years, renewable
• No minimum stay: You don’t need to live in Romania full-time
• Eligible for citizenship: After 5 years, but details still unclear
• Includes family members: One investment can cover spouse and children

Romania’s Golden Visa program offers flexibility. Investors can choose from four eligible investment options:

1. Government Bonds
   • Minimum: €400,000
   • Must be held for at least 5 years
2. Real Estate
   • Property purchase worth at least €400,000
   • Must keep the property for 5 years
3. ASF-Authorized Investment Funds
   • Investments approved by Romania’s Financial Supervisory Authority
4. Romanian-Listed Company Shares
   • Purchase of public company stocks worth at least €400,000

These diverse choices allow investors to select the route that best fits their financial strategy.

To ensure compliance with international and national standards, the program includes strict due diligence:

• Proof of Funds: Applicants must show that their money is legally earned.
• Security Checks: Background screenings through:
  • Romanian Intelligence Service (SRI)
  • Foreign Intelligence Service (SIE)
  • National Office for Prevention of Money Laundering (ONPCSB)
• No International Sanctions: Applicants must not appear on any global sanctions lists.

One of the most attractive features of this Golden Visa is that it does not require investors to live in Romania. Unlike many other programs in Europe, there’s no minimum number of days you need to spend in the country to maintain your status.

This makes it ideal for global investors who want EU access without needing to move or change their lifestyle.

Although the program offers access to permanent residency after five years, the timeline for citizenship is still a bit unclear. What we know so far:

• After 5 years of holding a residence permit, investors may be eligible for permanent residency.
• Following that, they might qualify to apply for Romanian citizenship under Romanian Citizenship Law no. 21/1991.

More details are expected as the draft law progresses.

Romania is quickly becoming an attractive destination for investment and lifestyle, offering:

• Strategic location in Eastern Europe
• Low cost of living
• Growing economy and real estate market
• Access to the EU market
• Rich culture and natural beauty

With this new Golden Visa program, Romania is positioning itself as a gateway to Europe for global investors.

Romania’s proposed €400,000 Golden Visa program could be a game-changer in Europe’s residency-by-investment space. It combines flexibility, affordability, and a real path to EU citizenship. As the program develops, it’s expected to attract a wide range of investors looking for a smart and secure way to access Europe.

Now is a great time to keep an eye on Romania if you’re considering a move or investment in Europe.