Romania Student Visa Requirements
Complete guide to Romania student visa requirements, eligibility criteria, documentation, and application process for international students.
Eligibility Conditions for Romania Student Visa
Understand the key requirements and eligibility criteria for obtaining a student visa (D/SD type) to study in Romania.
- Official Letter of Acceptance for Studies (Scrisoare de Acceptare la Studii) issued by the Romanian Ministry of Education, Research, Youth and Sport.
- Enrollment in a full-time study program at an accredited Romanian educational institution.
- Academic transcripts and diplomas from previous educational institutions, legalized or apostilled as per Romanian requirements.
- Proof of Romanian language proficiency (if studying in Romanian) or English language proficiency (for English-taught programs, e.g., IELTS, TOEFL scores), unless exempted by the university.
- Recognition of studies by the Romanian Ministry of Education (usually handled by the university upon admission).
- Money for living costs for the whole visa period: at least the minimum monthly wage for each month. From 1 July 2026 the minimum wage before tax is 4,325 lei a month (about 810 euros).
- Proof of tuition fee payment for at least one academic year, or a scholarship award letter covering tuition.
- Sponsor letter and financial documents from a sponsor (if applicable), clearly stating their commitment to cover your expenses.
- Evidence of accommodation secured in Romania (e.g., dormitory confirmation, rental agreement, or declaration from host).
Medical certificate issued by a public or private health institution in your country of residence, confirming you are not suffering from contagious diseases or other illnesses that could endanger public health.
Proof of medical insurance valid for the entire duration of your stay in Romania, or for at least the first 6 months, covering emergency medical care and repatriation.
Specific vaccination records are generally not required for visa application, but it's advisable to be up-to-date with routine vaccinations.
Non-Immigrant Intent
- Evidence of strong ties to your home country (e.g., property ownership, family ties, employment prospects upon return) to demonstrate non-immigrant intent.
- A well-articulated Statement of Purpose explaining your reasons for studying in Romania and your plans after graduation.
- While not always explicitly required, evidence of return intent can strengthen your application.
Immigration Status
- Police Clearance Certificate (Certificate of Criminal Record) from your country of origin and any country where you have resided for more than 6 months in the last 5 years, legalized or apostilled.
- Proof of previous visa compliance if you have traveled internationally before.
- No objection certificate from parents/guardians for minor applicants.
Special Eligibility Considerations
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old. For minors, additional consent from parents/legal guardians is required.
- Previous visa refusals for any country must be disclosed and explained.
- Significant gaps in education or employment history should be clearly explained in your Statement of Purpose.
- Students changing their course or institution within Romania may need to apply for a new visa or residence permit.
- Dependent visa options are available for spouses and minor children of student visa holders, subject to additional financial and documentation requirements.
Required Documents for Romania Student Visa
Complete checklist of documents needed for your Romania student visa (D/SD type) application, organized by category. All documents not in Romanian or English must be accompanied by a certified translation.
Create separate folders for each document category for easy access during your appointment.
Keep original documents and make at least two sets of photocopies for all documents.
Scan all documents and save digital copies on a cloud service or external drive.
Arrange documents in the order specified by the Romanian embassy/consulate in your country.
Use clear plastic folders to protect documents from damage.
Label each document clearly for easy identification by the visa officer.
- Size: 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm (standard passport photo size).
- Recent photo taken within the last 6 months.
- White or light-colored background.
- Full face, front view, with a neutral expression and mouth closed.
- No head coverings unless for religious reasons (forehead, eyes, and cheeks must be clearly visible).
- No glasses with thick frames or tinted lenses. No reflections on glasses.
- High resolution, printed on quality photo paper, not digitally altered.
| Document Name | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Application Form | Completed and signed official Romanian long-stay visa application form (Type D/SD). This is typically filled out online via the E-Visa portal (evisa.mae.ro). | Required |
| Visa Appointment Confirmation | Printout of your scheduled visa interview appointment. | Required |
| Visa Fee Payment Receipt | Proof of payment for the visa application fee (non-refundable). The fee varies by nationality and can be paid at the embassy/consulate or via bank transfer. | Required |
| Document Name | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid Passport | Original passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in Romania, with at least two blank pages for visa stamps. | Required |
| Passport Photos | Two recent passport-sized photos meeting the specified requirements. | Required |
| National ID Card (if applicable) | Copy of your national identity card. | Optional |
| Document Name | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Letter of Acceptance for Studies | Original 'Scrisoare de Acceptare la Studii' issued by the Romanian Ministry of Education, Research, Youth and Sport. This is crucial. | Required |
| Academic Transcripts & Diplomas | Original and photocopies of all previous academic transcripts, diplomas, and certificates. These must be legalized or apostilled by the relevant authorities in your home country. | Required |
| Proof of Language Proficiency | Official test scores (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, DELF/DALF) if your program is not in Romanian and you are not a native English speaker, or a certificate from the university confirming your language skills. | Required |
| Document Name | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Financial Means | Recent bank statements showing money for living costs: at least the minimum wage before tax (4,325 lei a month from 1 July 2026) for each month of the visa. | Required |
| Proof of Tuition Fee Payment | Receipt or confirmation from the university that tuition fees for at least one academic year have been paid. | Required |
| Sponsor Letter (if applicable) | Notarized letter from a sponsor (e.g., parents) stating their commitment to cover your expenses, along with their bank statements and proof of income. | Optional |
| Scholarship Award Letter (if applicable) | Official letter confirming a scholarship that covers tuition and/or living expenses. | Optional |
| Document Name | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Certificate | Original medical certificate issued by a recognized medical institution, confirming you are fit to travel and do not suffer from any contagious diseases or conditions that could endanger public health in Romania. Must be recent (e.g., within 3 months). | Required |
| Health Insurance Documents | Proof of comprehensive medical insurance valid for Romania, covering emergency medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation for the entire period of your requested visa or at least the first 6 months. | Required |
| Document Name | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Accommodation | Confirmation of accommodation in Romania (e.g., dormitory placement letter, rental agreement, or a notarized declaration from the host if staying with someone). | Required |
| Police Clearance Certificate | Original Certificate of Criminal Record (Police Clearance Certificate) issued by the competent authorities in your country of residence and any country where you have resided for more than 6 months in the last 5 years. This must be legalized or apostilled. | Required |
| Statement of Purpose (SOP) | A personal essay explaining your motivation for studying in Romania, your chosen program, future career goals, and how this study aligns with your academic and professional aspirations. | Optional |
| Curriculum Vitae (CV) | An updated resume detailing your educational background, work experience (if any), and skills. | Optional |
Important Document Guidelines
Romania Student Visa Types
Understanding different student visa categories available for international students in Romania.
Key Features
Full-time study at accredited Romanian institutions
Part-time work permission up to 6 hours a day without a work permit, after obtaining the residence permit.
Internship and practical training opportunities as part of the curriculum
Family reunification (dependent visa) options for spouses and minor children after obtaining the first residence permit.
Pathway to long-term residency and potentially citizenship after fulfilling legal requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
- Acceptance letter from an accredited Romanian educational institution
- Proof of financial capability to cover living expenses (minimum national gross average salary for 6 months)
- Academic qualifications recognized by the Romanian Ministry of Education
- Language proficiency (Romanian or the language of instruction, as required by the program)
- Health insurance coverage for the entire period of stay
- No criminal record
Restrictions
- Cannot work full-time during studies (limited to 6 hours a day)
- Must maintain full-time enrollment and academic progress
- Change of institution or study program requires approval from the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI)
- Visa is specifically for study purposes; engaging in other activities not permitted by the visa type is prohibited.
| Feature | Long-Stay Visa for Studies (D/SD) | Exchange Program Visa (D/SD) | Vocational Training Visa (D/SD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Full academic degree programs (Bachelor's, Master's, PhD) | Short-term academic/cultural exchange | Vocational/technical skill acquisition |
| Duration | Full program length, renewable annually | Program duration (e.g., 1-2 semesters) | Program duration (e.g., 6 months - 1 year) |
| Work Rights | Part-time, up to 6 hours a day, without a separate work permit, once you have the residence permit | Generally no work rights outside program scope | Generally no work rights outside program scope |
| Post-Study Options | Pathway to long-term residency/work visa | Return to home institution | Potential for employment in Romania after training, requires work permit |
| Family Accompaniment | Yes, dependent visas after obtaining first residence permit | Case-by-case, generally not common for short stays | Usually not permitted |
| Program Changes | Possible with IGI approval | Restricted to original program | Very limited, tied to specific training |
The type of student visa you need depends on your program of study, institution type, and career goals. Most international students pursuing degree programs will apply for the standard Long-Stay Visa for Studies (D/SD). Exchange programs require specific sponsorship and fall under the same D/SD category but with different supporting documents, while vocational programs are for non-academic technical training. Consult with your institution's international office and the Romanian Embassy/Consulate in your country for guidance on the appropriate visa category for your situation.
Demonstrating Genuine Student Intent for Romania
Essential strategies for proving your genuine intention to study in Romania and return to your home country after graduation.
- Family relationships and responsibilities (e.g., caring for elderly parents, minor siblings)
- Property ownership or inheritance in your home country
- Job offers or strong career opportunities awaiting your return
- Business ownership or significant investments in your home country
- Social, cultural, and community connections (e.g., club memberships, volunteer work)
- Specific program choice justification: Why this program? Why Romania? Why this university?
- Connection to previous education and how this program builds upon it
- Career relevance of chosen field: How will this degree enhance your career prospects in your home country?
- Thorough research on the university, faculty, and curriculum
- Detailed post-graduation plans and how the Romanian degree fits into them
- Clear and verifiable funding sources (e.g., bank statements, scholarship letters, sponsor affidavits)
- Realistic budget planning for tuition, accommodation, living costs, and health insurance
- Understanding of the total costs involved for the entire duration of your studies
- Clarity on sponsor relationship (if applicable) and their financial capacity
- Assurance that you have no intention to work illegally to support yourself
- Your current professional background and how this study will enhance it
- Identification of skills gaps that this program will fill
- Understanding of industry requirements and job market in your home country for your chosen field
- Potential employer connections or entrepreneurial plans upon return
- How your acquired knowledge/skills will contribute to your home country's development
Be honest, confident, and consistent in your responses. Do not memorize answers, but understand the core message.
Prepare a clear and concise explanation of your study plans, including why Romania and why this specific program.
Know your program details thoroughly: course modules, faculty, duration, and expected outcomes.
Clearly articulate how this education will benefit your career prospects in your home country.
Practice common interview questions related to your academic goals, financial situation, and post-study plans.
Bring all supporting documents organized and readily accessible.
Dress professionally and arrive punctually for your interview.
Maintain eye contact, be polite, and show genuine enthusiasm for your studies.
Common Red Flags to Avoid
Home Country Ties
Property deeds, rental agreements, or land ownership documents in your name or family's name.
Employment letter from a current or prospective employer in your home country.
Business registration documents if you own a business.
Family certificates (marriage certificate, birth certificates of dependents).
Bank statements from accounts in your home country showing significant savings.
Letters from community leaders or organizations confirming your involvement.
Academic Intent
Detailed study plan or statement of purpose outlining your academic and career goals.
Correspondence with university professors or admissions staff.
Official transcripts and diplomas from previous academic achievements.
Certificates of professional development or relevant training.
A well-researched career development plan showing how the Romanian degree fits.
Return Intent
Conditional job offer letter from a company in your home country for after graduation.
Documentation related to a family business you intend to join or inherit.
Scholarship bond agreements requiring you to return to your home country.
Letters from government or private sponsors outlining post-study obligations.
Evidence of professional registration or licensing requirements in your home country for your chosen field.
Key to Success
The most important factor is authenticity. Be genuine about your educational goals and future plans. Visa officers are experienced in identifying authentic students. Present your true intentions clearly and confidently, supported by appropriate documentation, to maximize your chances of a successful visa application for Romania.
Resources and Frequently Asked Questions
Find helpful resources, official links, and answers to common questions about the Romania student visa process.
Receive Acceptance Letter (Letter of Acceptance from Ministry of Education)
Gather all required documents and complete E-Visa application
Submit E-Visa application online and schedule interview/biometrics (if required)
Application processing by Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration General Inspectorate
Visa decision and passport collection
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