RomaniaStudy and training
Romania researcher visa (D/CS)
Long-stay visa for scientific research (D/CS)
In short
Researchers from outside the EU who will work on a project at an accredited Romanian research organisation use the D/CS visa. The host signs a hosting agreement that the ministry responsible for research must endorse; with it you apply for the EUR 300 visa and then for a residence permit valid for the length of the agreement, up to five consecutive years.
Apply on Portal IGI (online residence applications) checked 24 October 2026
Key facts
- Maximum stay
- Visa 90 days; residence permit for the duration of the hosting agreement, up to 5 consecutive years.
- Validity
- D visa: 90 days, one or more entries.
- Fee
- €300Long-stay visa fee from 27 April 2026; residence permit EUR 120 (in lei) plus RON 265.
- Funds required
- RON 4,325 per monthAt least the minimum gross salary for at least 6 months when applying for the first permit.
- Processing time
- IGI opinion within 30 days (plus 15); residence permit within 30 days (plus 15).
- Work
- Research under the agreement; teaching is also allowed under the law.
- Family
- Yes. Researchers can request family reunification even if their permit is valid for less than one year.
- Path to permanent residence
- Research years count towards the 5 years for long-term residence.
- Where to apply
- The Romanian mission responsible for your place of residence, via the e-Visa portal.
The hosting agreement
The research and development unit must be certified under Romanian law and conclude a hosting agreement with you as a researcher for a scientific project. The agreement is endorsed by the ministry in charge of research (named on the IGI page as the Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digitalisation); without that endorsement the visa cannot be requested.
The D/CS visa is meant for researchers proper. Lecturers and specialists coming on bilateral agreements to state universities, and artists in cultural institutions, are hired through the D/AM1 or D/DT employment routes instead.
Visa application
Apply at the Romanian mission responsible for your place of residence after registering on the e-Visa portal. You submit the endorsed hosting agreement, a criminal record certificate from your country of residence, travel medical insurance with EUR 30,000 cover, passport and photos, and pay EUR 300. IGI issues its opinion within 30 days, extendable by 15, after which the National Visa Centre approves the visa for 90 days.
- Agree the project with a certified Romanian research unit and sign the hosting agreement.
- Wait for the research ministry’s endorsement of the agreement.
- Register the D/CS application on the e-Visa portal and attend the appointment, paying EUR 300.
- Travel after approval and apply for the residence permit at IGI at least 30 days before the visa stay ends.
- Bring your family through reunification if needed.
Residence permit and renewals
Within the visa period, and at least 30 days before it ends, apply at the county IGI office or via Portal IGI with the form, passport, endorsed hosting agreement, proof of housing, proof of funds of at least the minimum gross salary (RON 4,325 a month) for at least 6 months, social health insurance, a medical certificate and the fees (EUR 120 in lei and RON 265).
For later renewals you show that you actually carry out research, plus funds, housing, insurance and the medical certificate. The right of residence follows the agreement’s term but may not exceed five consecutive years.
Family, teaching and mobility
Researchers may bring their spouse and minor children through family reunification even when their own permit is valid for less than a year. They may also teach under the law.
After the project ends, the permit can be extended by 9 months to look for work or start a business. Researchers holding a research permit from another EU state can work in Romania for up to 180 days in any 360 days after the host notifies IGI; longer stays follow the long-term mobility rules.
Documents
Required documents
Identity
- National visa application form completed on the e-Visa portal and signed.
- Passport issued within 10 years, valid at least 3 months beyond the visa, with two blank pages; two recent 3 x 4 cm colour photos.
Money
- For the permit: funds of at least RON 4,325 a month for at least 6 months.
Work
- Hosting agreement with a certified Romanian research unit, endorsed by the ministry responsible for research.
Insurance
- Travel medical insurance for the visa’s validity, valid in all Schengen states, minimum cover EUR 30,000.
Other
- Criminal record certificate from your country of citizenship or residence, translated into Romanian, English or French and legalised (apostille).
- For the permit: proof of lawful housing, social health insurance and a medical certificate.
Frequently asked questions
Can my family join me on a research permit?
Yes. Researchers are allowed to request family reunification even when their permit is shorter than one year.
How long is the research residence permit valid?
For the period in the hosting agreement, without exceeding five consecutive years.
What happens when my project ends?
You can extend the permit by 9 months to search for a job or open a business, presenting proof that the research is completed.
I already hold a research permit in Germany. Do I need a Romanian visa?
Not for stays of up to 180 days in 360 days, provided the Romanian host notifies IGI. Longer stays follow the long-term mobility procedure.
Official sources
- IGI – Scientific research activities
- Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, eViza – Types of visas and the purpose of your trip
- Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, eViza – Supporting documents
- Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, eViza – Visa processing fees
- IGI – Fees for the residence permit (EUR 120 consular fee and RON 265 card)
- Ministry of Labour – Minimum gross base salary raised to RON 4,325 a month from 1 July 2026
- IGI – Approval of family reunification with third-country nationals
Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.
Other visa types for Romania
Visits and short stays
- Tourist visa Maximum stay: 90 days in any 180-day period in the Schengen area; it cannot be turned into a residence permit.
- Family and friends visit visa Maximum stay: 90 days in any 180-day period.
Business and self-employment
- Business visa Maximum stay: 90 days in any 180-day period.
- Entrepreneur and start-up visa Maximum stay: Visa 90 days; residence permit for 1 year at a time, or 3 years with EUR 500,000 invested or more than 50 full-time jobs.
- Self-employed and freelancer visa Maximum stay: Visa 90 days; residence permit renewed in steps, at least 30 days before expiry.
Study and training
- Student visa Maximum stay: Visa: 90 days. Residence permit: the length of studies, renewed yearly or for the programme term.
Work
- Work visa Maximum stay: Visa 90 days (seasonal: contract plus 5 days, at most 90); single permit for the contract term, up to 2 years per renewal.
- EU Blue Card Maximum stay: Contract term plus 3 months, up to 3 years per card; renewable.
- Intra-company transfer visa Maximum stay: Up to 3 years for managers and specialists, 1 year for trainee employees, counted from entry.
- Digital nomad visa Maximum stay: Visa 90 days; first residence permit 6 months; later extensions for up to 1 year each.
Family
- Family reunification visa Maximum stay: Visa 90 days; residence permit generally aligned with the sponsor’s permit.
- Spouse and partner visa Maximum stay: Visa 90 days; then a residence permit as a family member of a Romanian citizen.
Residence
- Permanent residence Maximum stay: Indefinite right of residence; the card is renewed.
Protection
- Asylum and international protection Processing time: 30 days from assignment to a decision officer; extendable to a total of 6 months, in some cases 9, plus up to 3 in exceptional situations.