1. What is a Digital Nomad Visa?
A Digital Nomad Visa is a special type of visa that allows individuals to live and work remotely in a foreign country for an extended period of time. This type of visa is designed for individuals who are self-employed or whose jobs can be done remotely, such as freelancers, entrepreneurs, and virtual employees. It usually allows the holder to stay in the country for up to a year or more without having to obtain a traditional work visa. The purpose of this visa is to support location-independent professionals who wish to travel and work from different countries without being tied down to one specific location.
2. Who is eligible for a Digital Nomad Visa in Romania?
Anyone who is a non-EU/EEA citizen and works remotely as a freelancer or self-employed individual can apply for the Romanian Digital Nomad Visa.
Additionally, applicants must meet the following criteria:
1. Have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity.
2. Have no criminal record.
3. Be able to prove their status as a freelancer or self-employed individual, with recent invoices from clients or other relevant documents.
4. Have proof of accommodation in Romania, such as a rental agreement or booking confirmation.
5. Have proof of sufficient financial means to support themselves during their stay in Romania (minimum monthly income requirement of around €2000).
6. Provide proof of health insurance, covering both medical and repatriation costs, valid for the duration of their stay in Romania.
Please note that these eligibility criteria may vary depending on the specific requirements set by the Romanian government. It is recommended to check with the relevant authorities for the most up-to-date information before applying for the Digital Nomad Visa.
3. What are the benefits of obtaining a Digital Nomad Visa in Romania?
There are several benefits of obtaining a Digital Nomad Visa in Romania:
1. Ease of travel: With the Digital Nomad Visa, you will have easier and faster access to Romania without the need for a work permit or residence permit, making it easier for you to travel and work remotely.
2. Extended stay: The visa allows for extended stay in Romania, up to 12 months initially with the possibility of extension.
3. Work legally: With this visa, you can legally work and earn income in Romania while staying there as a digital nomad.
4. Affordable cost of living: Romania is known for its relatively low cost of living compared to other European countries, making it an attractive option for digital nomads on a budget.
5. Vibrant startup scene: Romania has a thriving tech community and startup ecosystem, providing opportunities for networking and collaboration with other digital nomads and entrepreneurs.
6. Fast internet connection: Romania has one of the fastest internet speeds in Europe, providing digital nomads with reliable connectivity for remote work.
7. Rich culture and history: As one of the oldest countries in Europe, Romania boasts a rich cultural heritage, with many historical sites, museums, and traditional festivals to explore during your stay.
8. Stunning natural beauty: From the Carpathian Mountains to the Black Sea coast, Romania offers beautiful scenery and outdoor activities for digital nomads looking to balance work with adventure.
4. What type of work is allowed under the Digital Nomad Visa in Romania?
The Digital Nomad Visa allows individuals to work remotely for a company or clients located outside of Romania, as well as engage in self-employment or freelance work. The work must be done predominantly through electronic means and the individual must have a valid contract or service agreement with the company or client.
5. Is there a minimum income requirement for the Digital Nomad Visa in Romania?
At the moment, there is no specific minimum income requirement for the Digital Nomad Visa in Romania. However, applicants are required to prove that they have sufficient and stable income to support their lifestyle while living and working in Romania. This can include income from remote work, investments, or savings.
6. How long does the visa application process take in Romania?
The visa application process in Romania can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the type of visa and individual circumstances. Generally, it is recommended to apply for a visa at least 4-6 weeks before the planned travel date to avoid any delays or issues. Processing times may also vary depending on the workload of the embassy or consulate where the application is being processed. It is best to check with the relevant embassy or consulate for more specific information about current processing times for your particular case.
7. Can I bring my family with me on a Digital Nomad Visa in Romania?
Yes, you can bring your family with you on a Digital Nomad Visa in Romania. Your spouse and any dependent children can also apply for this visa and live with you during your stay in Romania. They will need to provide proof of their relationship to you and meet the same requirements as the main applicant.
8. How long can I stay in Romania on a Digital Nomad Visa?
The Digital Nomad Visa allows eligible individuals to stay in Romania for up to 180 days within a 12-month period. After the initial 180-day period, you can apply for an extension if needed.
9. Do I need health insurance to apply for the Digital Nomad Visa in Romania?
As of now, there is no official requirement for health insurance to apply for the Digital Nomad Visa in Romania. However, it is always recommended to have health insurance coverage while traveling and living abroad. In case of any medical emergencies or unforeseen circumstances, having health insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection. It is always advised to check with your local embassy or immigration authorities for any potential changes or updates regarding health insurance requirements for the Digital Nomad Visa in Romania.
10. Are there any restrictions on where I can work while on the Digital Nomad Visa in Romania?
There are no specific restrictions on where you can work while on the Digital Nomad Visa in Romania. However, it is important to ensure that you have a visa that allows you to work and that you comply with any other work-related regulations in the country. Additionally, it is recommended to have proper internet access and a suitable working environment to be productive during your stay in Romania.
11. Can I renew my Digital Nomad Visa in Romania?
Yes, the Digital Nomad Visa can be renewed in Romania. However, you must apply for renewal at least 15 days before your current visa expires. The renewal process will require submitting the same documents as the initial application and providing proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Romania.
12. Are there any fees associated with the application for the Digital Nomad Visa in Romania?
Yes, there are fees associated with the application for the Digital Nomad Visa in Romania. The visa fee is 100 euros, and there may be additional administrative or processing fees depending on your country of citizenship. You may also need to pay for any required documents such as health insurance or proof of accommodation.
13. Do I need to have a job offer before applying for the visa?
It is not mandatory to have a job offer before applying for the visa, but it may improve your chances of approval. The visa application will require you to provide information about your employment history and future plans, so having a job offer can strengthen your case for being granted a visa. However, if you do not have a specific job offer, you can still apply based on your qualifications and skills, stating that you are seeking employment in the UK.
14. Is there a limit on how many times I can enter and exit Romania with the Digital Nomad Visa?
15. Are there any specific requirements for remote workers under the Digital Nomad Visa program in Romania?
Yes, there are specific requirements that must be met by remote workers under the Digital Nomad Visa program in Romania. These include:
1. Employment status: You must be a remote worker or freelancer working for companies outside of Romania.
2. Income: You must have a minimum monthly income of 1,700 euros or equivalent in order to cover your living expenses while in Romania.
3. Proof of work: You must provide proof of work contracts, invoices for services rendered, or other documents that prove you are working for clients or companies outside of Romania.
4. Duration of stay: The Digital Nomad Visa is valid for one year and can be extended twice for a maximum stay of three years.
5. Health insurance: You must have valid health insurance coverage for the entire duration of your stay in Romania.
6. Taxes: You are not allowed to conduct business within Romania while on the Digital Nomad Visa and you are required to pay taxes only in your home country.
7. Accommodation: You must have proof of accommodation for the duration of your stay in Romania, such as rental agreements, hotel reservations, or a letter from a host providing accommodation.
8. Clean criminal record: You must provide a clear criminal record certificate issued by your home country.
9. Documentation: All documents required for the Digital Nomad Visa application must be translated into Romanian and legalized if they are not issued in English.
10 . Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the end date of your intended stay in Romania.
16. Can I also study while on a Digital Nomad Visa in Romania?
Yes, you are allowed to study while on a Digital Nomad Visa in Romania. However, the visa is intended for remote work purposes and not for full-time studies. Therefore, you may need to provide evidence of your work or business activities while applying for the visa, and you should ensure that your studies do not interfere with your work responsibilities.
17. Will holding a Digital Nomad Visa impact my tax status or obligations while working remotely from Romania?
Holding a Digital Nomad Visa does not automatically impact your tax status or obligations while working remotely from Romania. It is important to consult with a tax professional or financial advisor to understand any potential tax implications of working remotely while living in Romania. You may also need to comply with any tax laws or regulations in your home country, depending on the length of your stay in Romania.
18. Can I apply for permanent residency or citizenship through the Digital Nomad Visa program?
The Digital Nomad Visa program does not provide a direct path to permanent residency or citizenship. However, it may be possible to qualify for permanent residency or citizenship through another immigration pathway after living and working in the host country for a certain period of time. It is recommended to consult with an immigration lawyer or the government’s immigration department for more information on obtaining permanent residency or citizenship.
19.May I travel to other Schengen countries while on a Romanian digital nomad visa?
Yes, you can travel to other Schengen countries while on a Romanian digital nomad visa. The visa allows you to enter and stay in Romania for the duration of the visa, but it also allows for free movement within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This means that you can visit other Schengen countries for up to 90 days during your stay in Romania as a digital nomad.However, please keep in mind that as a digital nomad on a Romanian visa, your main place of residence and work should be in Romania. If you are spending more time in other Schengen countries than in Romania or if authorities suspect that your main purpose is not digital nomadism, they may revoke your visa. It is recommended to maintain proof of your work and residence in Romania at all times during your travels.
20.What happens if my employment situation changes while holding a Romanian digital nomads visa?
If your employment situation changes while holding a Romanian digital nomads visa, you may need to apply for a different type of visa or permit to continue living and working in Romania. You should inform the relevant authorities about the change in your status and follow their instructions for obtaining the necessary documentation. Failure to do so could result in visa violations and potential consequences such as fines, deportation, or difficulty obtaining future visas. It is important to always follow the guidelines and regulations set forth by the Romanian government for digital nomads.