Romania is a member of the European Union, which means that there are different visa rules for EU, EEA and Swiss nationals compared to other international students.
Who needs a visa for Romania?
If you’re an EU, EEA or Swiss national, or you’re from one of the following countries, you don’t need a visa to enter Romania:
- Australia
- Canada
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- Malaysia
- Moldova
- New Zealand
- Serbia
- Singapore
- South Korea
- United Arab Emirates
- USA
Most Latin American countries also don’t require a visa to enter Romania.
However, once you’ve arrived in Romania you must register with the local immigration authorities. You’ll receive a registration certificate that will be valid for up to five years.
Applying for a visa
If you’re not from one of the above countries, you should begin the application process for a visa as soon as you receive a letter of acceptance from the Ministry of Education.
You’ll need to apply for a student long stay visa at a Romanian embassy or consulate in your home country.
These are the documents you’ll typically be asked to supply with your visa application:
- Letter of acceptance from the Ministry of Education
- Proof that you’ve paid your tuition fees
- Proof that you have enough money to support yourself during the PhD
- A valid passport
- Two passport-size photos
Within 90 days of your arrival in Romania, you’ll need to register with the local general authorities for a residence permit. This permit is valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
Health insurance
If you’re from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will entitle you to access the same level of medical treatment as a Romanian citizen.
If you’re a non-European national, you’ll automatically be insured under the national health scheme once you’ve registered as a resident in Romania and a student at your university.
Please note – free medical care in Romania is only available to who are under 26. If you’re 26 or older – whatever your nationality – you’ll need to pay a monthly insurance fee of around €10.