Romania is preparing to launch a new Golden Visa program for non-EU citizens. Investors who invest at least 400,000 euros will be able to obtain a five-year residence permit with the possibility of extension and subsequent acquisition of Romanian citizenship. Find out what the program will offer and the available investment paths

In October 2025, the Romanian government published a draft law to launch an official “Residence Permit by Investment” program for citizens of non-European Union countries. The initiative, already dubbed the “Golden Visa,” offers a five-year, renewable residence permit in exchange for an investment of at least €400,000.

The move aims to attract capital to the Romanian economy, stimulate the development of key sectors, and strengthen the country’s position among other EU countries that have already implemented similar programs.

We will tell you about the requirements, investment programs, and benefits of the Romanian Golden Visa in this article.

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Investment options for obtaining the Romanian Golden Visa program

According to the draft law, investors can choose one of four areas:

- Purchase of government bonds worth at least 400,000 euros with a minimum maturity of 5 years.

- Purchase of real estate worth at least 400,000 euros with mandatory ownership for at least 5 years.

- Investment in authorized investment funds registered with the Romanian Financial Supervisory Authority (ASF).

- Purchase of shares of Romanian companies listed on the stock exchange worth at least 400,000 euros.

Investors must keep the invested funds for the entire period of validity of the permit. There is no requirement for mandatory residence in the country, which makes the program attractive to international investors with a flexible schedule.

Requirements for applicants to obtain a Romanian Golden Visa

Candidates must:

- Confirm the legal origin of the funds,

- Not be on any sanctions lists,

- Pass a security check.

Consultation with the Romanian Intelligence Service (SRI), the Foreign Intelligence Service (SIE) and the National Office for the Prevention of Money Laundering (ONPCSB) will be mandatory before issuing the permit.

Is it allowed to move to Romania with family?

Romanian law allows the inclusion of family members in a single residence permit.

Can Golden Visa holders obtain Romanian citizenship?

The draft law provides that after 5 years of participation in the program, investors can apply for permanent residence and then for citizenship in accordance with Law No. 21/1991.

It is not yet clear whether it will be possible to apply for naturalization immediately after five years of residence, or whether it is necessary to first obtain permanent resident status.

For comparison: the standard naturalization procedure in Romania requires 8 years of residence, but this period can be shortened for people who have made a significant contribution to the development of the country.

When will the Romanian Golden Visa start operating?

The draft law on the “golden visa” program is going through the standard bicameral parliamentary procedure in Romania: first for consideration in the Senate, then in the Chamber of Deputies. The committees on economic, legal and national security issues will be able to make amendments to the text.

After approval by both chambers, the draft law can undergo a preliminary review by the Constitutional Court.

The president then has up to 20 days to sign the law or return it to parliament for a second vote.

After signing and publication in the Official Gazette, the relevant ministries (internal affairs, economy, finance) will prepare regulations with details of the procedure, commissions, fees, and investment control.

Under favorable conditions, the program could start as early as 2026.

Benefits for investors applying for a Romanian Golden Visa

The Golden Visa program promises a number of strategic advantages:

- Access to the EU market. Obtaining a residence permit in Romania opens the door to the European market of over 450 million consumers and facilitates travel within the Schengen area.

- Path to EU citizenship. After naturalization, investors receive all the rights of an EU citizen.

- Promising economy. Romania is one of the leaders in economic growth in the EU, especially in IT, manufacturing and real estate.

- Flexibility. The lack of physical presence requirements makes the program convenient for global businessmen.

Thus, Romania’s Golden Visa could become a new competitive player among European residency investment programs – with a balance between transparency, security and real benefits for investors.

Planning to invest or move to Europe?

The Visit World team will help with the preparation of documents, legalization of status, choosing the optimal permanent residence or citizenship by investment program.

Get individual advice from a migration expert on the Visit World portal.

Recall! Romania is a country in Eastern Europe that attracts expats with its developing economy and affordable cost of living. To move to the country for permanent residence, you need to apply for a visa and obtain the appropriate permit. We have already told you what the current rules for entering Romania are and how a foreigner can stay in the country for permanent residence.

Photo – Freepik

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