Tipps zum dauerhaften Aufenthalt in Rumänien Archive | Karpatenkalle

Hauskauf in Rumänien

Karpatenkalle — Sun, 21 Sep 2025 10:46:46 +0000

When we decided to emigrate to Romania, we quickly realized that we wanted to buy our own house, because this would not only make us more independent, but also give us a much stronger connection to the country. However, we soon noticed that buying a house here works very differently than in Germany, so it is essential to take the time to really understand the process. On the one hand, real estate prices are often temptingly low, but on the other hand, you often encounter surprises because not every property is correctly registered in the land registry and because many houses exist without official building documents. To avoid unpleasant surprises, it is important to find a trustworthy notary and, at the same time, have a lawyer at your side who can clarify legal issues and ensure that everything is handled properly. It is also important to remember that you need a lot of patience here, because some formalities take longer and not all information is immediately available. Nevertheless, for us, the positive aspects outweigh the negative, because those who are willing to embrace the country, the people, and the sometimes slightly different ways of doing things will ultimately gain not only a house, but also a real piece of a new home.

The most important question for many people first:

As a German citizen in Romania, do I have anything to fear?

No—on the contrary.

🟢 Reality:

Germans have a very good reputation in Romania—because of their quality, punctuality, and reliability.
“German” = positive connotation, often with admiration.
Communities of German origin still exist, particularly in Transylvania and Banat..
There is no significant racism against Germans or EU foreigners..

🔒 Safety for foreigners:

In rural areas, people react with curiosity but not hostility .
In cities, people are used to foreigners (many Italians, French, Germans, Israelis, and Americans live there).
No political groups that explicitly present themselves as “anti-Western” or “anti-German.”

✅ General safety:

Violent crime is very low in Romania.
Crimes against foreigners are extremely rare..
Burglary does occur in the suburbs, but significantly less than in many German cities.

⚠️ What you should pay attention to:

Traffic conditions are sometimes chaotic (aggressive driving).
In the healthcare sector, you should give preference to private clinics, especially for children.

Now that we have clarified the issue of safety and addressed the biggest prejudices against Romania, let's return to the topic of buying a house:

🔎 Real estate portals for Romania (2025)

Here you will find reputable platforms for buying a house without too many overpriced offers for foreigners:

storia.ro
- One of Romania's largest portals (part of OLX).
- Filters for region, price, rural/urban.
- Tip:Search in Romanian (e.g., “casă de vânzare Sighișoara”).
imobiliare.ro
- Very detailed, including location assessment and neighborhood comparison.
- Good filters for properties, yards, apartments.
olx.ro
- Classified ads platform, many private sales = lower prices.
- Caution: Exercise caution with advance payments, and only make them with an interpreter or companion if necessary.
romimo.ro
- Particularly popular in Banat and Transylvania.
- Plenty on offer in rural areas.

Additional tip for buying a house: Search in Romanian

For lower prices, you should use Romanian terms:

House = casă
Farmhouse = casă țărănească
Property = teren
Buy = vânzare

Example search for Sighisoara on imobiliare.ro:
casă de vânzare în Sighișoara

✉️ Sample texts for messages to sellers or real estate agents when buying a house (Romanian + English)

A. Request to view the house / price inspection

Romanian:
„Bună ziua, sunt American și sunt interesat de proprietatea dvs. din Sighișoara (adresă/ID). Aș dori să o vizionez în luna următoare. Este disponibil un tur? Mulțumesc anticipat!“

English:
“Hello, I am American and interested in your property in Sighișoara (address or listing ID). I would like to view it sometime next month. Would it be possible to arrange a viewing? Thank you in advance!”

B. Express interest + negotiate price

Romanian:
„Locuința arată foarte bine, dar este puțin peste bugetul meu actual. Există spațiu pentru negociere?“

English:
“I really like the property, but it's a little over my current budget. Is a discount negotiable?”

👥 On-site information: Tour & trust

Translation support: If you don't speak Romanian, use Google Translate beforehand. At the appointment itself: younger real estate agents often speak English or German—especially in Transylvania.
Brokerage fees: The usual commission is 1–4 % of the purchase price, often around 1,5–2 % for buyers if purchased through an agency. Manche Objekte – insbesondere bei Privatverkauf – sind provisionsfrei.
Beware of fake ads or overpriced redundancies:
Many broker lists are very similar, but with a price premium. Better: communicate directly with the owner on OLX, Storia, or Imobiliare RO.
Sightseeing tips:
- Ideally, book an Airbnb or a guesthouse in the area you are considering for 1–2 weeks.
- Use the time to explore the area, talk to neighbors, contact the town hall/law office (local council) for more information about the property..

📝 On-site checklist for buying a house

Contact us by email or phone at Private Imobiliare or Real Start.
If necessary, copy/save the cover letter in Romanian.
During the tour: Ask about the land registry (“Cadastru / Carte Funciară”), contaminated sites, NIF (tax number), connection costs.
Be clear with suppliers, but always polite.
No payment before objectivity – Brokerage fee payable only upon successful completion of purchase.
Optional: Have an interpreter or Romanian-speaking companion with you. ChatGPT can help you prepare for this.

Suitable places for conservative, safe living in Romania

1. 🇷🇴 Schäßburg (Sighișoara) – Transylvania

UNESCO World Heritage Site, medieval townscape, peaceful way of life
Strong German influence (Transylvanian Saxons) – historical connection noticeable.
Religiously influenced: a mixture of Orthodox, Protestant, and Catholic.
Very safe, low crime rate, no significant migration.
Low cost of living, increasingly popular with German retirees.
Internet & Infrastruktur gut, medizinische Versorgung befriedigend (nächstgrößere Stadt: Târgu Mureș).
German school (Liceul Teoretic „Josef Haltrich“)) and kindergarten (preschool)

2. 🌆 Sibiu (Hermannstadt)

Largest “German city” in Romania, historically strongly influenced by Germany.
Conservative but open-minded—the perfect mix for many expats.
Good hospitals, many German-speaking doctors, German schools.
Prices are rising, but quality of life is excellent.

3. 🏔️ Fogarasch (Făgăraș) – Zentrums-Karpaten

Quiet small town with mountain views, ideal for nature lovers and self-caterers.
Strong Romanian Orthodox influence, conservative population.
Affordable real estate, including some farms, starting at €20–30,000.
Little tourism, hardly any international migration.

4. 🌲 Hatzeg (Hațeg) – Southwestern Transylvania

A small town surrounded by many traditional villages.
Particularly suitable for self-sufficient individuals, dropouts, or preppers.
Very conservative, Christian-influenced environment.
Low crime rate, family-friendly.

5. 🏞️ Suczawa (Suceava) – Bukowina

If you are looking for stronger religious roots, this is the place for you.
Orthodox heartland, hardly any foreigners, hardly any migration.
Very family-oriented society, low crime rate.
Cold climate, remote – but culturally interesting.

✅ Conclusion: Suitable for you as a conservative dropout

Regional characteristics: All locations—especially Sighisoara and Făgăraș—are traditionally Christian with strong religious support and little migration.
Safety: Very low crime rate, good neighborhoods, especially in the traditional districts.
German connection: Sighisoara has a noticeable German history, polite tone, respectful towards EU foreigners – particularly open towards Germans.
Family-friendly: Often spacious properties, space for children, stable social structure – low crime rate and affordable housing costs.

Der Beitrag Hauskauf in Rumänien erschien zuerst auf Karpatenkalle.

Gründe zur Auswanderung nach Rumänien

Karpatenkalle — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 13:47:22 +0000

I asked ChatGPT on a whim:

"Why should I emigrate from Germany to Romania in 2025? Give me a few reasons. Do the advantages or disadvantages outweigh the disadvantages?"

That's what the AI told me:

Here is a sober analysis ofwhy you should - or shouldn't - emigrate from Germany to Romania in 2025. I list specific advantages, disadvantages and at the end a conclusion with a clear assessmentof whether it's worth it - without bullshit..

✅ Advantages of moving to Romania (2025)

1. Low cost of living

You pay 50-70% less for rent, food, services and leisure.
Example: In cities like Cluj-Napoca / Klausenburg or Iași, you can get a modern 2-room apartment for less than €400-500 cold..
Source: Numbeo, Eurostat 2025

2. Favorable tax structure

Flat tax on income: 10 % flat tax
Dividend tax: 8 %
No trade tax as in Germany.
Very interesting for the self-employed, online entrepreneurs or investors.
Source: Romanian Tax Code 2025 (ANAF)

3. Fast Internet & digitization

Romania is one of the top 5 countries in the world for fiber optic expansion (also in rural areas) and offers gigabit speed for less than €10/month.
Digitization in administration is mixed, but better than in Germany in some areas.
Source: Ookla Speedtest Global Index 2025, DESI-Report EU

4. Economic growth

Romania has real GDP growth of around 2.8 %-3.5 % in 2023/24, well above the German average.
Many German companies are relocating parts of their production there.
New opportunities are emerging in tech, engineering, services and agriculture.
Source: Weltbank, Eurostat

5. EU membership & freedom of movement

As an EU citizen, you can live, work and invest there without any problems.
Social security entitlements (e.g. pension entitlement) are also retained.
Source: europa.eu

6. Less woke bureaucracy & restrictive laws

Less state interference in private life.
Society more conservative, less prohibition culture.
Example: No ideologically charged heating mania, no green ban agenda as in Germany.

❌ Disadvantages of moving to Romania (2025)

1. Healthcare

Public hospitals are often outdated, understaffed and prone to corruption.
Private clinics are much better - but you have to pay (approx. 50-100 €/month for good additional insurance).
Source: OECD Health Report 2024

2. Corruption & inefficient administration

According to Transparency International, Romania is in the bottom third of the EU in terms of perceived corruption..
Offices work more slowly and often only via contacts/“vitamin B”.
Source: CPI Index 2024, Transparency.org

3. Language & Integration

Romanian is not easy for Germans to learn (Romance language, but many rules of its own).
Many people speak English in big cities, but it's difficult in the countryside.
Source: Experience reports from expats (e.g. Reddit r/expats, InterNations)

4. Infrastructure outside the cities

In rural regions, roads, medical care and public authorities are often dilapidated.
Public transportation worse than in Germany.
Source: EU Infrastructure Report 2024

5. Weaker social security

Unemployment insurance, social assistance and pensions at a significantly lower level.
You are more on your own - good if you are financially independent. Bad if you're looking for security.
Source: Eurostat social system comparison 2025

🔍 Conclusion: Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

Category	Rating
Costs	✅ Clear advantage
Taxes	✅ Clear advantage
Quality of life	⚖️ City: good / Country: good
Bureaucracy	❌ Problematic
Healthcare system	❌ Weaker
Digitization	✅ Strong (Internet)
Language & Culture	⚖️ Needs getting used to
Live for the long term	✅ Possible if you are independent

👉 Recommendation:

Yes, emigration to Romania can be worthwhile, if:
- you work from anywhere,
- you want a low tax burden,
- you are not afraid of personal responsibility,
- you do not insist on the German level of state provision.
No, if you:
- comfort, German standards and security,
- can't deal with chaos and initiative,
- hoping for a rural idyll - that's often just romanticized.

Note for like-minded people Each of us has a certain amount of personal responsibility and should know what we are doing in life. In any case, emigration from Germany should always be well considered and prepared. A vacation is not the same as living permanently in another country. For my part, I can confirm ChatGPT's answer in any case. For better or worse. Nevertheless, I have never regretted my decision to leave Germany and move to Transylvania.

Der Beitrag Gründe zur Auswanderung nach Rumänien erschien zuerst auf Karpatenkalle.

Bankkonto eröffnen

Karpatenkalle — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 14:15:33 +0000

As a German citizen, you can open a bank account in Romania relatively easily,both as a private individual and for business purposes. Here are the most important steps and information:

✅ Requirements and documents for opening an account

📄 Required documents:

Valid passport or identity card
- A German ID card is sufficient; a residence permit is not absolutely necessary.
Romanian tax number (optional, but recommended)
- „Număr de identificare fiscală (NIF)“ – can be applied for locally at the tax office.
Proof of residence in Romania
- For example: rental agreement, hotel receipt, or registration confirmation.
- Some banks also accept a German address, especially for EUR accounts.
Phone number and email address
- Often required for online banking and communication.

💡 At some banks, your ID card and a Romanian address (even a temporary one) are sufficient to open a standard account.

Tip: In Romania, multi-currency accounts (RON + EUR) are common – keep this in mind when opening an account.

🏦 Recommended banks for opening an account in Romania for Germans

Bankname	Advantages / Special features
Banca Transilvania (BT)	✅ Largest Romanian bank ✅ Many branches, even in smaller towns 🌐 Website partially available in English 📱 Good mobile app
BRD – Groupe Société Générale	✅ International structure ✅ Excellent online banking 💳 A wide range of account models
Raiffeisen Bank Romania	✅ Austrian roots ✅ Some contact persons speak German 📱 Solid online platform
ING Bank Romania	✅ Modern app and digital banking 🚀 Quick online account opening possible 🔒 High security standards
CEC Bank	🏛 Government-run 💼 Traditional services 🕰 Somewhat conservative, but reliable
BCR – Banca Comercială Română Sparkassensymbol	✅ Part of the Austrian Erste Bank Group ✅ Extensive branch network 📱 Well-developed app & internet banking 🌐 Website also available in English

📍 How to open an account

On site:

Make an appointment or go directly to the branch (depending on the bank).
Show your ID, fill out the forms.
Select account type (e.g., checking account, savings account, foreign currency account in EUR or RON).
Bank cards and IBANs are usually issued directly or sent by post.
Your PIN and online access will be sent separately or activated in the app.

Online:

Some banks (e.g., ING or Revolut) allow Digital account opening with video identification.
Requirements: Internet access, smartphone, camera, ID card.

💶 Costs and account management

Cost category	Typical amount
Account maintenance fee	0–10 RON/month
Bank card	0–25 RON / year
ATM withdrawals	Often free of charge at your own bank
Foreign currency fees	Varies depending on account type

🔒 Tax reporting & tax office

As a German tax resident, you are required to report any bank accounts you hold abroad to the Tax office in Germany (§ 138 AO).
Banks in Romania automatically report accounts to German tax authorities under the CRS (Common Reporting Standard) , so you don't have to worry about any tax tricks.

📌 Conclusion

Opening a bank account in Romania is easy, especially if you are staying in the country.

You need:

valid ID,
Ideally, a Romanian address or tax number,
and a little patience when opening an account (takes 30–60 minutes on site).

Note I am not an official advice center for emigrants or people changing their place of residence within the EU. I therefore accept no liability for the accuracy and completeness of this article.

Der Beitrag Bankkonto eröffnen erschien zuerst auf Karpatenkalle.

Fahrzeugüberführung und Zulassung in Rumänien

Karpatenkalle — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 09:56:46 +0000

1. Transportation of the vehicle to Romania

With German license plates: As long as the vehicle is registered and insured in Germany, you can drive it to Romania yourself.
Without German approval: If the vehicle has been deregistered in Germany, you will need an export license plate (also known as a customs license plate) for the transfer. German temporary license plates (yellow border) are not valid in Romania and may not be used.

2. Use of the vehicle in Romania

After entering the country, you may use the vehicle with foreign license plates for up to 90 days . The vehicle must be registered in Romania within this period.

3. Registration of the vehicle in Romania

Required documents:

Vehicle documents: Registration certificate parts I and II (vehicle registration certificate and title)
Purchase contract (in the event of a change of ownership), with a certified translation if necessary.
Identity card or residence permit (certificat de înregistrare)
Proof of valid general inspection (ITP)
RCA insurance (Romanian motor vehicle liability insurance)
Authenticity certificate from the Romanian Vehicle Registry (Registrul Auto Român, RAR)
Proof of payment for registration fees

How it works:

Technical inspection: Make an appointment with the RAR for the technical inspection and certificate of authenticity.
Insurance: Take out RCA insurance.
Application for approval: Submit all necessary documents to the relevant registration office (Serviciul regim permise de conducere şi înmatricularea vehiculelor).
License plate: After passing the test, you will receive Romanian license plate numbers and the registration certificate.

4. Deregistration in Germany

Following successful registration in Romania, the Romanian registration authority informs the German registration authority of the change of registration.

5. Alternatively, you can also deregister the vehicle yourself online in Germany.

Vehicles that were first registered or re-registered after January 1, 2015, can be deregistered online in Germany.

Requirements for online deregistration:

Registration certificate part I (ZB I) with security code:

The registration certificate Part I must contain a hidden security code.
License plate with security code:

The license plates must be equipped with seal stickers that display a serial number.
i-Kfz portal of the registration authority:

Online deregistration is carried out via the i-Kfz portal provided by the district or city.
Valid insurance:

The vehicle insurance must still be valid.

Online deregistration procedure:

Enter security codes:
The security codes from the registration certificate part I and the license plates are entered into the i-Kfz portal.
Payment of fees:
The fees for online deregistration are paid via the portal.
Confirm unsubscription:
The deregistration is confirmed via the portal and the registration authority receives the information.
Vehicle registration certificate is stored electronically:
The registration certificate Part I is stored electronically after deregistration.

[See image gallery at karpatenkalle.com]

Note: My recommendation is to hire an insurance agency or service provider to handle the process, especially if you don't speak Romanian. They can make the process easier and faster. It is possible to request a personalized license plate number, whereby you can choose the numbers and the last three letters (if available).

💡 Important information

Deadlines: Ensure that registration in Romania takes place within 90 days of entry to avoid fines.
Technical requirements: The vehicle must comply with Romanian technical standards. A valid general inspection (ITP) is required.
Taxes: Vehicle tax in Romania is set at the local level and is based on the engine capacity of the vehicle.
Toll requirement: The Romanian national road network requires a vignette. All vehicles except motorcycles require the electronic vignette "Rovinieta". (Cost per year approx. €50)

Der Beitrag Fahrzeugüberführung und Zulassung in Rumänien erschien zuerst auf Karpatenkalle.

Als Rentner in Rumänien leben

Karpatenkalle — Thu, 15 May 2025 16:16:15 +0000

Living as a retiree in Romania, can be an attractive option, especially because of the lower cost of living compared to many other European countries.. However, it is important to be aware of the residence regulations, pension taxation, and cost of living. Romania offers a rich culture, diverse landscape, and a growing expat community.

Pensions and taxes:

Pension payments: As a pensioner, you can also receive your German pension in Romania.
Double taxation agreement: Germany has concluded a double taxation agreement with Romania. As a rule, German pensions are taxable in Germany.
Company/private pension plans: Benefits from occupational or private pension schemes are generally taxed in Romania.

If you are a German live in Romania as a retiree, simplified rules apply to you as an EU citizen Here is a detailed step-by-step guide on how to live legally in Romania, including CNP, residence permit and insurance..

✅ Requirements for retirement in Romania

You need:

Proof of your retirement (pension)
A bank account so that the pension fund can transfer your pension to you
Health insurance
Proof of residence in Romania
Valid passport or identity card
Registration with the immigration authorities (IGI)

🧾 Step-by-step instructions

1. Establish residence in Romania

You need a rental contract or a notarized confirmation of residence (if you live with someone).
This must be in Romanian and can be notarized by the notary.

2. Proof of health insurance

You have two options:

Option A: EHIC (European Health Insurance Card)

Sufficient for the first registration..
Sometimes only accepted on a temporary basis, especially in rural IGI posts.

Option B: Romanian National Health Insurance (CNAS)

Recommended for long-term stays.
You sign up voluntarily.
Contribution (as of 2025): approx. 330–400 RON/Monat (~65–80 €).
You need a tax identification number (NIF) and must register with the tax office (ANAF).

💡 There may be special regulations for EU pensioners, e.g. if you receive an S1 certificate from your German health insurance fund – this allows you to register with CNAS free of charge, as the German fund covers the costs.

3. Proof of your pension

Pension statement (e.g., from the German Pension Insurance Fund)
Translation into Romanian (by a certified translator)

4. Registration with the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS)

You must apply for a Certificat de Înregistrare (residence certificate) from the Inspectoratul General pentru Imigrări (IGI).

What to bring:

Passport or ID card
Rental agreement or notarized certificate of residence
Proof of pension
Health insurance (EHIC, S1, or CNAS)
2 passport photos (biometric)
Certified Romanian translations, if necessary

5. Receive CNP

When you are issued with a residence certificate, you will automatically receive a Cod Numeric Personal (CNP).
The CNP appears on your residence permit and is used by all authorities (e.g., tax, bank, health system).

⏳ How long does it take?

The process takes between 1 and 4 weeks, depending on the region..
The residence permit is generally valid for five yearsand can be renewed thereafter.

🏥 Important information about insurance – S1 or voluntary?

If you statutory health insurance in Germany (e.g., AOK, TK, DAK, etc.)you can request Form S1 from your health insurance provider.

You can register with CNAS free of charge using the S1 form . Romania will then settle the costs with Germany.

You get S1:

With German health insurance
If you move to another EU country and live there
If you remain insured in Germany

✅ Conclusion: What you need (checklist)

Document / Proof	Purpose
Valid identity card/passport	Identity
Rental agreement or proof of residence	Residence in Romania
Pension statement (translated)	Proof of means of subsistence
Health insurance (EHIC / CNAS / S1)	Access to healthcare
2 passport photos (biometric)	For residence permits

Note I am not an official advice center for emigrants or people changing their place of residence within the EU. I therefore accept no liability for the accuracy and completeness of this article.

Der Beitrag Als Rentner in Rumänien leben erschien zuerst auf Karpatenkalle.

Krankenversicherung

Karpatenkalle — Thu, 15 May 2025 14:08:34 +0000

You need valid health insurance to obtain a residence permit and the Cod Numeric Personal (CNP) in Romania. The type of insurance depends on your residence status and your occupation.

🟩 For EU citizens (e.g. Germans)

✅ Option 1: European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

Applies to temporary stays (e.g. as a tourist, freelancer or retiree resident in Germany).
For medical emergencies and basic care only.
Not suitable for long-term stay or residence.

✅ Option 2: Romanian health insurance (CNAS)

If you live or work in Romania,you usually have to register with the state health insurance system CNAS :

a) You are employed:

Your employer will automatically register you with CNAS.
Contributions are deducted from the salary (approx. 10% social insurance incl. health).

b) You are Self-employed or entrepreneur:

You register voluntarily with CNAS.
You pay contributions yourself, usually as a lump sum, depending on the minimum wage (approx. 330-400 RON/ 65-80 € month, as of 2025).
As a rule, you need a Romanian tax number (CIF) and register with the tax authorities (ANAF) .

c) You are Pensioner or without income:

You can take out voluntary insurance.
Contribution depending on situation, or exemption with proof of pension or social security benefits.

✅ Private international health insurance

Can be accepted temporarily, e.g. when applying for a residence certificate.
Must provide proof of cover in Romania .
Not sufficient for permanent residence, as you should register with the CNAS on a long-term basis.

🟥 For non-EU citizens

You need private health insurance valid for Romania before applying for a visa and residence permit.
After receiving your residence permit, you will usually be required to register with the CNAS or provide proof of permanent health insurance.

Summary

Situation	Insurance required	Type of insurance
Short stay (tourist)	Yes	EHIC or private international health insurance
Long-term stay	Yes	Romanian CNAS or permanently private
Work in Romania	Yes	CNAS via employers
Self-employment in Romania	Yes	CNAS voluntary registration
Retirement / without income	Yes	CNAS (voluntary) or private with proof

Note I am not an official advice center for emigrants or people changing their place of residence within the EU. I therefore accept no liability for the accuracy and completeness of this article.

Der Beitrag Krankenversicherung erschien zuerst auf Karpatenkalle.

Aufenthaltsgenehmigung für Rumänien

Karpatenkalle — Thu, 15 May 2025 08:31:36 +0000

In order to obtain a Cod Numeric Personal (CNP) and a Residence permit for Romania a few formal steps are necessary, which vary slightly depending on your nationality (EU/non-EU citizen). Below you will find an overview of how to proceed if you are an EU citizen (e.g. German) or a non-EU citizen.

For EU citizens (e.g. German citizens)

1. Registration with the Romanian immigration authorities

You must register with the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI - Inspectoratul General pentru Imigrări) within 90 days of entering the country.
There you apply for a registration certificate (Certificat de Înregistrare), which is also valid as a residence permit .

2. Required documents for the residence permit

The documents may vary depending on the purpose of your stay (e.g. work, self-employment, study, pension). Typically required are:

Valid passport or identity card
Proof of residence in Romania (e.g. rental agreement or notarized declaration from the landlord)
Health insurance (e.g. EHIC or local health insurance)
Proof of purpose of residence (e.g. employment contract, company foundation, pension certificate) or, if not available, a Romanian bank account with a certain balance to prove that you can finance your own living expenses.

⚠️ There may be additional requirements for self-employed persons or entrepreneurs, e.g. entry in the Romanian Commercial Register (ONRC).

3. Receipt of the residence certificate and allocation of the CNP

You will automatically be assigned a Cod Numeric Personal (CNP) with your residence certificate.
The CNP is a Romanian personal identification number, comparable to the tax ID in Germany.

You can find your CNP on official documents such as your residence permit or registration certificate.

Certificat de Înregistrare (residence certificate) - locally responsible branch office.
Website (official): https://igi.mai.gov.ro

Here you can find the district responsible for you: https://igi.mai.gov.ro/contact/

For non-EU citizens

1. Visa

A long-term visa(D-type) is usually required before entering the country.
Applications can be made at the Romanian embassy or consulate in your home country.

2. Residence permit after entry

After arrival, you must submit an application for a residence permit to the immigration authorities within 30 days.
You will receive a residence card (permis de ședere).

3. Preservation of the CNP

The CNP is also created automatically when you apply for a residence permit.

Where do I submit the application?

Certificat de Înregistrare (residence certificate) - locally responsible branch office.
Website (official): https://igi.mai.gov.ro

Here you can find the district responsible for you: https://igi.mai.gov.ro/contact/

Tips

Many cities offer online appointment booking with the IGI - use it early!
Documents such as rental agreements or notarized declarations often have to be translated into Romanian and possibly notarized .
It is advisable to consult a Romanian tax advisor or lawyer if you want to settle permanently and do business.
IMPORTANT: The Immigration Office may proceed somewhat differently in the various districts.

Note I am not an official advice center for emigrants or people changing their place of residence within the EU. I therefore accept no liability for the accuracy and completeness of this article.

Der Beitrag Aufenthaltsgenehmigung für Rumänien erschien zuerst auf Karpatenkalle.

Mobilfunk in Rumänien

Karpatenkalle — Sun, 27 Apr 2025 13:48:24 +0000

In 2025, Romania will offer a remarkable mobile network characterized by high speed, comprehensive coverage and low costs. In comparison, Germany faces challenges in terms of value for money and network quality.

Network coverage and speed

In Romania, the four main providers - Orange, Vodafone, Digi and Telekom - cover over 90% of the country with 4G or 5G networks. Orange offers the best network coverage and the highest speeds, with average download rates of 176 Mbit/s and a latency of just 26 ms. Digi scores with the highest availability and a 5G upload speed of 28.2 Mbit/s.

In comparison, Germany ranks 22nd in Europe with an average mobile download speed of 62.3 Mbit/s, while Romania follows in 26th place with 55.0 Mbit/s.

Costs and rates

Mobile phone costs in Romania are very low by European standards. According to the International Telecommunication Union, the average monthly cost of a mobile phone contract in 2023 was around €5.80, compared to around €13.70 in Germany.

I personally have the Digi contract Mobile Optimum 2. I have upgraded to Unlimited for two mobile phones. My monthly costs for this are €8.

Information for tourists

Prepaid tariffs and eSIM offers are also attractive in Romania. Providers such as Holafly offer eSIMs with unlimited data volume for prices between €19 and €99.

Conclusion

Romania boasts a high-performance mobile network with high speeds, comprehensive coverage and low rates. In comparison, Germany has some catching up to do in these areas. For travelers and digital nomads, Romania is therefore an attractive destination with excellent mobile connectivity.

Der Beitrag Mobilfunk in Rumänien erschien zuerst auf Karpatenkalle.

Internet in Rumänien

Karpatenkalle — Sun, 20 Apr 2025 14:01:38 +0000

Internet speed in Romania

Romania is one of the countries with the fastest and cheapest internet access in the world. In February 2025, the average download speed in the fixed network was 237.61 Mbit/s, with an upload speed of 159.93 Mbit/s. This put Romania in 14th place worldwide for fixed broadband.

💰 Costs for Internet connections

Some example tariffs for landline Internet:

Digi (RCS & RDS): Up to 940 Mbit/s download and 450 Mbit/s upload for around €8.00 per month. (in my case even only €5, because I live in the village and it's cheaper that way 😃)
Orange: Up to 1800 Mbit/s download and 940 Mbit/s upload for around €9.50 per month.
Telekom Romania: 150 Mbit/s download and 50 Mbit/s upload for around €6 per month. (limited to 150 GB, after which the speed drops to 256 Kbps).

Internet subscriptions in Romania are usually offered without a data volume limit.

Speed test with my iMac. Connected via Ethernet.

✅ Comparison with Germany

While users in other EU countries only pay a few cents per Mbit/s for their fiber optic tariff (1 GBit/s) the price in Germany is 8-12 cents per Mbit/s depending on the term (12 or 24 months) + a so-called provisioning fee which can amount to as much as 70€.(Telekom)

In Romania, the cost per Mbit/s is just one cent – only about one-tenth of the price in Germany.
In Poland and Slovakia, the price is three cents per Mbit/s, which is also a huge difference.

In Ookla's Global Speed Index for February 2025, Germany still only ranks 55th, with an average download bandwidth of 96.33 Mbps. The upload reaches 34.49 Mbit/s. This means that the internet in Germany is about as fast as in Montenegro (54th place) or Latvia (56th place).

🏠 Installation and availability

Internet connections are usually installed within a few days. A valid ID and a rental contract are usually required. Many providers combine Internet services with television and landline telephony in one package.

✅ Conclusion

Romania offers one of the best combinations of high Internet speed and low costs. The country is particularly attractive for digital nomads, expats and companies as it offers reliable and affordable internet services.

Der Beitrag Internet in Rumänien erschien zuerst auf Karpatenkalle.