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.
Inspectoratul General pentru Imigrări (IGI) - 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?
Inspectoratul General pentru Imigrări (IGI) - 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.
English 
Deutsch 