Visa Fee
The current official visa fee for the Romanian long-stay study visa is €120.
The fee is paid in the country where the visa application is submitted.
🇷🇴 Romania
Romania Student Residence
Study & Build Your Future in Romania
← Back to Romania
Romania offers a dedicated immigration and residence pathway for third-country nationals who wish to pursue qualifying studies at accredited Romanian educational institutions.
The Student Residence pathway allows eligible international students to live in Romania for the purpose of full-time education and, under applicable conditions, work during their studies and remain temporarily after graduation.
CETO Global Immigration Consulting & Partners assists international students in understanding the applicable immigration requirements and coordinates the process together with qualified legal and immigration professionals.
Who Can Apply?
The Romanian study pathway can be available to third-country nationals accepted to qualifying educational programs in Romania. This can include:
- Bachelor Students
- Master Students
- Doctoral / PhD Students
- Certain Exchange Students
- Certain Trainees
- Other Qualifying Students
The educational institution must generally be accredited or provisionally authorized under Romanian law.
University Admission
Applicants must first obtain acceptance to a qualifying Romanian educational institution.
For higher education, the applicant generally needs a Proof of Acceptance for Studies issued by the Romanian Ministry of Education.
The acceptance must confirm that the applicant will attend a Full-Time Study Program at an eligible Romanian institution.
Long-Stay Visa for Studies
After obtaining admission, the applicant generally proceeds with the Romanian long-stay visa for studies.
The visa is applied for through the competent Romanian diplomatic mission or consular office.
D/SD
Visa Requirements for University Students
Applicants generally need to provide:
- Proof of Acceptance for Studies
- Proof of Tuition Fee Payment for at Least One Academic Year
- Proof of Sufficient Financial Means
- Criminal Record Certificate or Equivalent Document
- Medical Insurance
- Parental / Guardian Consent if the Applicant Is a Minor
- Other Documents Required by the Romanian Authorities
Financial Means
Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial resources for the study period covered by the visa.
The current IGI guidance requires proof of means of support at least at the applicable Romanian minimum wage level for the relevant period.
Because statutory wage levels change, the exact amount should always be checked at the time of application.
Tuition Fees
For standard higher-education applicants, proof of payment of tuition fees for at least one academic year is generally required for the long-stay study visa.
Certain categories, including qualifying Romanian state scholarship holders or applicants exempt from tuition fees, can be subject to different rules.
1 Academic Year
Visa Fee & Validity
Visa Validity
The Romanian long-stay visa for studies is generally granted for 90 Days with one or more entries.
After Arrival in Romania
The long-stay visa is only the first immigration stage.
After entering Romania, the student must obtain a Residence Permit from the territorial unit of the Romanian General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) responsible for the student's place of residence.
When to Apply for the Residence Permit
The application should generally be submitted at least 30 days before the expiry of the lawful stay granted by the visa.
At Least 30 Days Before Visa Expiry
Residence Permit Documents
For students, master students and doctoral candidates, documents can generally include:
- Application
- Valid Passport / Travel Document
- Letter of Acceptance for Studies for the First Residence Extension
- Certificate of Enrollment
- Proof of Full-Time Study
- Proof of Sufficient Financial Means
- Proof of Accommodation
- Health Insurance
- Medical Certificate
- Applicable Fees
- Other Documents Requested by IGI
Enrollment Requirement
The student must demonstrate continued enrollment at a Public or Private Educational Institution that is accredited or provisionally authorized under Romanian law.
The course of study must generally remain full-time.
Can International Students Work?
Romanian immigration law allows holders of temporary residence for studies to work in Romania under specific conditions.
The IGI identifies holders of temporary student residence among categories who can work without following the standard employment-permit procedure applicable to many other foreign workers.
Yes, Under Applicable Conditions
The exact permitted employment conditions and working-time limits should be verified according to the rules applicable when employment begins.
Study Remains the Main Purpose
The principal purpose of the residence permit remains education. Students must therefore maintain their academic status and comply with the conditions of their study program.
Romanian authorities may revoke temporary student residence where the foreign national suspends studies for reasons other than qualifying medical circumstances.
Education
Other Study-Related Categories
Student Exchange Programs
Romania also provides a study visa route for eligible participants in recognised student exchange programs.
Additional requirements can include Proof of Participation in the Exchange Program, Proof of Support from the Exchange Organization, Appropriate Accommodation, Medical Insurance, and Parental Consent for Minors.
Trainees
The Romanian study-related visa framework can also cover certain participants in unpaid professional training programs.
Applicants can be required to demonstrate a Training Agreement, a Higher-Education Diploma obtained within the previous two years (or current participation in qualifying higher education), Sufficient Financial Means, Accommodation, and other applicable requirements.
After Graduation
One particularly useful feature of the Romanian student residence pathway is the possibility for qualifying graduates to extend their temporary residence after completing their studies.
Eligible graduates may receive an extension for up to 9 Months for purposes including searching for employment, completing employment formalities, or completing formalities to establish a business.
This can provide a bridge from education to employment or entrepreneurship in Romania.
Up to 9 Months for Career or Business Transition
From Student to Employment or Business
From Student to Employment
After graduation, a qualifying foreign student who secures suitable employment can potentially transition to an employment-based residence pathway.
Depending on the role and qualifications, possible future options can include Standard Employment, Highly Qualified Employment, the EU Blue Card, and Business Immigration.
From Student to Business
Qualifying graduates may also use the post-graduation period to complete the formalities required to establish and develop a Romanian business.
Company formation alone does not automatically create residence rights; the appropriate immigration category must still be satisfied.
Long-Term Residence
Student residence is treated differently from several settlement-based residence categories when determining eligibility for Romanian long-term residence.
The Romanian IGI specifically lists temporary residence for studies as a category subject to special treatment in the long-term residence calculation.
A student's entire study period should therefore not automatically be assumed to count in the same way as ordinary employment or settlement residence.
Family Members
The ability of international students to bring family members depends on their residence status and Romania's family reunification requirements.
Family eligibility should be assessed separately according to the individual circumstances.
Application Process
- 01
University Admission
The applicant obtains admission to a qualifying Romanian educational institution.
- 02
Ministry Acceptance
Where required, the Romanian Ministry of Education issues the relevant proof of acceptance.
- 03
Visa Documentation
Tuition, financial, criminal-record and insurance documentation is prepared.
- 04
D/SD Visa Application
The student applies for the Romanian long-stay study visa.
- 05
Entry Into Romania
Following visa approval, the applicant enters Romania.
- 06
Residence Permit
The student applies for the Romanian residence permit before the visa-based lawful stay expires.
- 07
Study & Renewal
Residence is maintained and renewed while the applicable academic and immigration requirements continue to be satisfied.
- 08
Post-Graduation Strategy
Eligible graduates can assess employment, business or other Romanian residence pathways.
Who May Benefit From This Pathway?
- International Bachelor Students
- Master Students
- Doctoral / PhD Candidates
- Exchange Students
- International Graduates
- Academic Trainees
- Students Planning a Future Career in Romania
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need university admission first?
Yes. You must first be accepted to a qualifying Romanian educational institution.
Which visa do I need?
The relevant long-stay study visa is the D/SD visa.
Do I need to pay tuition in advance?
For standard higher-education applicants, proof of payment for at least one academic year is generally required, subject to exemptions.
How much is the visa fee?
The current official fee is €120.
How long is the study visa valid?
The long-stay study visa is generally granted for 90 Days.
Do I need a residence permit after entering Romania?
Yes. The residence permit is a separate step after entry.
Can I work while studying?
Potentially yes. Holders of temporary residence for studies can have access to employment under specific Romanian rules.
Can I remain after graduation?
Eligible graduates may extend their temporary student residence for up to 9 Months to search for employment or complete employment or business-formation formalities.
Does my student residence fully count toward long-term residence?
Not necessarily. Study residence is subject to specific rules in Romania's long-term residence system.
Start Your Studies in Romania
Build Your Education & Future in the European Union
If you are planning to study at a Romanian university or other qualifying educational institution, CETO can help you understand the study residence process and the immigration options available during and after your education.
University admission does not automatically guarantee approval of a visa or residence permit. Tuition requirements, financial thresholds, employment rules, visa fees and immigration procedures may change.
Information provided on this website is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.