RomaniaBusiness and self-employment

Romania self-employed and freelance professional visa (D/AP, D/AE)

Long-stay visa for professional activities (D/AP) and economic activities (D/AE)

In short

Romania has two long-stay visas for self-employment. D/AP covers liberal professions regulated by special laws, for which you must meet the Romanian conditions for practising and show that you work in a similar profession at home. D/AE covers economic activities as an authorised natural person, individual or family enterprise under GEO 44/2008. Both cost EUR 300 and lead to a residence permit from IGI.

Apply on Portal IGI (online residence applications) checked 24 October 2026

Key facts

Maximum stay
Visa 90 days; residence permit renewed in steps, at least 30 days before expiry.
Validity
D/AP or D/AE visa: 90 days, one or more entries.
Fee
€300Visa fee from 27 April 2026; residence permit EUR 120 (in lei) plus RON 265.
Funds required
RON 9,192 per monthFor a D/AP permit: means of at least the average gross earnings each month of the period requested (RON 9,192 from 30 March 2026).
Processing time
IGI opinion within 30 days (plus 15); permit within 30 days (plus 15).
Work
Only the professional or economic activity for which the visa was granted.
Family
Family reunification with a residence permit valid for one year.
Path to permanent residence
Long-term residence after 5 years of continuous legal stay.
Where to apply
The Romanian mission responsible for your place of residence, via the e-Visa portal.

D/AE: sole traders and family enterprises

The D/AE visa is for economic activities carried out as an authorised natural person (PFA), individual enterprise or family enterprise under Government Emergency Ordinance 44/2008. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs notes that this ordinance, although written for Romanian and EU nationals, also applies to third-country nationals. You prove that you meet the conditions of that special law, for instance the professional training required for the activity.

D/AP: liberal professions

The D/AP visa is for foreigners who will practise a liberal profession that Romanian special laws allow foreigners to exercise, for example professions organised in professional bodies. Start by checking the law governing your profession: it sets the conditions, such as recognition of diplomas, registration with the professional body or an authorisation to practise.

At the visa stage you must prove that you meet the legal conditions for practising in Romania and that you exercise a similar profession in your country of origin, with a certificate or authorisation issued there.

Applying for the visa

Register the application on the e-Visa portal and appear at the Romanian mission responsible for your place of residence with the proof of professional conditions, the home-country professional certificate (D/AP) or proof of meeting GEO 44/2008 conditions (D/AE), a criminal record certificate translated and legalised, travel medical insurance with EUR 30,000 cover, passport and two photos, and pay EUR 300. IGI gives its opinion within 30 days, extendable by 15, and the visa is issued for 90 days.

  1. Check the Romanian law governing your profession or activity and complete any recognition or registration.
  2. Gather professional certificates, criminal record and insurance.
  3. Register the D/AP or D/AE application on the e-Visa portal and attend the appointment, paying EUR 300.
  4. Travel within 90 days and start practising under the special law.
  5. Apply for the residence permit at IGI at least 30 days before the visa stay ends.

Forms

Residence permit for professional activities

At least 30 days before the visa stay ends, apply at IGI with the form, passport, proof that you actually practise the profession under the special law, means of at least the average gross earnings for each month of the period requested (RON 9,192 from 30 March 2026), proof of lawful housing, social health insurance, a medical certificate and the fees of EUR 120 in lei and RON 265. IGI decides within 30 days, extendable by 15, and renewals are filed at least 30 days before the permit expires.

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 D/AP permit: means of at least RON 9,192 a month for the period requested.

Work

  • D/AP: proof that you meet the Romanian legal conditions for the profession (recognition, professional body, authorisation).
  • D/AP: certificate or authorisation showing you practise a similar profession in your country of origin.

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).

Supporting documents (where they apply)

Work

  • D/AE: proof of meeting the conditions of GEO 44/2008, such as professional training for the activity.

Frequently asked questions

Can I freelance in Romania on a D/AP visa?

Only in a liberal profession that Romanian special law lets foreigners practise, and only after meeting its conditions. Remote work for foreign clients through your own foreign company fits the digital nomad visa better.

What is the difference between D/AP and D/AE?

D/AP is for regulated liberal professions; D/AE is for economic activities as a PFA, individual or family enterprise under GEO 44/2008.

How much income must I show for the permit?

For a professional-activity permit, at least the average gross earnings for each month of the period requested: RON 9,192 a month from 30 March 2026.

What does it cost?

EUR 300 for the visa and EUR 120 in lei plus RON 265 for the residence permit.

Official sources

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

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.

Study and training

  • Student visa Maximum stay: Visa: 90 days. Residence permit: the length of studies, renewed yearly or for the programme term.
  • Researcher visa Maximum stay: Visa 90 days; residence permit for the duration of the hosting agreement, up to 5 consecutive years.

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

Residence

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.

Romania visa guide