Research & Build Your Academic Future in Romania
Romania provides a dedicated immigration and residence pathway for eligible third-country nationals who intend to carry out scientific research activities at qualifying Romanian research organisations.
This pathway can allow international researchers to live in Romania while carrying out an approved research project under an agreement with an authorised host organisation.
CETO Global Immigration Consulting & Partners assists international researchers in assessing the applicable immigration requirements and coordinates the process together with qualified legal and immigration professionals.
The researcher pathway is intended for third-country nationals who have been accepted by an eligible Romanian research organisation for the purpose of carrying out scientific research. Applicants generally need to demonstrate:
A central element of the researcher immigration pathway is the hosting agreement, concluded between the researcher and the qualifying Romanian research organisation.
It generally establishes important aspects of the research activity, including:
Hosting Agreement
The host organisation must satisfy the Romanian requirements applicable to organisations receiving third-country researchers. Depending on the circumstances, eligible hosts can include:
Qualifying researchers generally proceed through Romania's dedicated long-stay visa for scientific research.
The application is submitted through the competent Romanian diplomatic mission or consular office.
The applicant must demonstrate the qualifying research purpose and provide the applicable supporting documentation.
Long-Stay Visa for Scientific Research
Depending on the individual case, documentation can include:
Following the applicable visa and entry procedure, the researcher must obtain the appropriate temporary residence permit from the Romanian General Inspectorate for Immigration.
The residence permit allows the researcher to remain in Romania for the approved research purpose.
Temporary Residence Permit
Depending on the individual case, the researcher may need to provide:
Romania participates in the European framework for researcher mobility.
This can provide additional opportunities for certain researchers who already hold a valid researcher residence status issued by another EU Member State.
Depending on the duration and circumstances of the research activity, different mobility procedures can apply.
Eligible researchers may have access to Romanian family reunification pathways. Depending on the circumstances, qualifying family members can include:
Family members are subject to separate immigration requirements.
Researchers who complete their research activities in Romania may potentially have access to other immigration pathways depending on their qualifications and circumstances.
Possible future pathways can include Highly Qualified Employment, the EU Blue Card, Standard Employment, Business Immigration, and Other Qualifying Residence Pathways.
Qualifying research residence can potentially form part of a longer-term European residence strategy.
Romania's long-term residence rules include specific provisions concerning certain periods of residence accumulated by researchers and other qualifying categories. The precise calculation depends on the applicant's residence history.
The researcher pathway can be particularly relevant for:
We review the proposed research activity, qualifications and Romanian host organisation.
The eligibility of the Romanian research organisation and proposed hosting arrangement is assessed.
The required research and hosting documentation is coordinated.
The appropriate Romanian long-stay research visa application is prepared and coordinated.
Following approval, the researcher enters Romania under the applicable immigration procedure.
The researcher completes the Romanian residence procedure with the General Inspectorate for Immigration.
Where appropriate, future employment, EU Blue Card or long-term residence options can be assessed.
Yes. The researcher pathway is based on qualifying scientific research carried out with an eligible Romanian host organisation.
Generally yes. The hosting agreement is a central document demonstrating the approved research relationship and project.
Potentially yes. Eligible Romanian universities and other qualifying research organisations can participate in researcher immigration procedures.
Potentially yes. Eligible researchers may have access to Romanian family reunification procedures.
Potentially yes, but another immigration or employment pathway may be required. Depending on your qualifications and employment opportunity, options can include Highly Qualified Employment or the EU Blue Card.
Potentially yes. Romanian and EU long-term residence rules contain specific provisions for qualifying researcher residence periods. Individual residence history must be assessed.
Research, Innovate & Build Your Future in Europe
If you have received an opportunity to carry out scientific research at a qualifying Romanian organisation, CETO can help you understand the applicable immigration pathway and coordinate the process together with qualified professional partners.
Researcher immigration requirements depend on the research project, host organisation, hosting agreement and the applicant's individual circumstances.
Visa procedures, residence requirements and administrative rules may change. Information provided on this website is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.
