--- title: "Romania Spouse of a resident requirements 2026: 5-year stay" url: https://settleanywhere.com/countries/romania/family/ lang: en updated: 2026-10-11 --- Romania · Spouse visas # Romania Spouse of a resident **First stay:** 5 yrs Long-stay visa for family reunification and residence permit (spouse of a foreign sponsor) First checked against official sources on 11 Oct 2026 [Change log](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/) - **First stay:** 5 yrs (The temporary right of residence follows the sponsor's right to stay and can be extended for periods of up to 5 years.) - **Who can apply:** Most passports ## Key facts Spouse of a resident is a spouse visas route for Romania. Checked 2026-10-11 against the official source. - **Government fees:** €300 ≈ $340 - **Processing:** Up to 45 days - **First stay:** 5 yrs ## Cost, time and long term To apply: government fee €300 ≈ $340; decision: up to 45 days. No lawyer or agent fee is included. **Government fees: €300 ≈ $340** - EUR 300 (≈ $340) Long-stay visa (D) fee for e-Visa applications submitted from 27 April 2026. **Renewal: Renewable** Extended in periods of up to 5 years, following the sponsor's right to stay. [General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI), Ministry of Internal Affairs of Romania](https://igi.mai.gov.ro/en/residence-permit/) **Permanent residence: After 5 years of residence** Long-term residence after 5 years of continuous stay; family reunification is among the purposes that qualify. [General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI), Ministry of Internal Affairs of Romania](https://igi.mai.gov.ro/en/long-term-residence-in-romania/) **Citizenship: After 8 years** Citizenship on request needs 8 years of legal domicile in Romania, with a permanent residence permit, plus loyalty, income, Romanian language and culture tests. [National Authority for Citizenship (ANC), Romania](https://cetatenie.just.ro/articolul-8-acordare/) **Processing: Up to 45 days** IGI decides within 30 days of filing; the deadline can be extended by 15 days. [General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI), Ministry of Internal Affairs of Romania](https://igi.mai.gov.ro/en/residence-permit/) **Where to apply: From abroad** IGI gives a favourable opinion for the sponsor first, then the family member collects a visa abroad and applies for the permit after entry. [General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI), Ministry of Internal Affairs of Romania](https://igi.mai.gov.ro/en/family-reunification-2/) **Presence rules: Absence limits** For long-term status, absences must stay under 6 consecutive months and 10 months in total over the 5 years. [General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI), Ministry of Internal Affairs of Romania](https://igi.mai.gov.ro/en/long-term-residence-in-romania/) ## Why this route may not fit Check this before you apply. - Applications are made from outside Romania, not after arriving - Not open to EU, EEA or Swiss passports ### What you'll need #### Who can apply - Sponsor holds a temporary residence permit valid for one year, an EU Blue Card, an ICT permit, a long-term residence permit, or refugee or subsidiary protection status. - There is no bigamy or polygamy and the sponsor has housing deemed normal for a similar family in Romania. #### What you must show - The sponsor has means of support beyond their own needs, equal to the net minimum wage for each family member. - The long-stay visa fee is EUR 300 (≈ $340) for e-Visa applications from 27 April 2026. #### Documents - Marriage certificate translated and apostilled, and the sponsor's notarised statement that the family will live together. - Copy of the sponsor's right to stay, proof of housing ownership or legal possession, proof of means of support and proof of health insurance. - Copy of the spouse's travel document. #### Steps 1. The sponsor first applies at the IGI unit of the county of residence for a favourable opinion, decided within 3 months. 2. The spouse presents the opinion within 60 days at a Romanian diplomatic mission to obtain the long-stay visa for family reunification. 3. After entry the spouse requests the residence permit at IGI; permits for family members of non-EU citizens are decided within 30 days. #### After you arrive - The right of stay is extended for each family member for the same period as the sponsor, up to 5 years for sponsors with long-stay rights. ## What happens at day 183 How Romania decides tax residence and treats foreign-source income, from its tax records. - **Stay on this route:** **Up to 5 years at first, renewable** - **Tax residence:** - **More than 183 days in any 12 consecutive months ending in the calendar year** An individual present in Romania for more than 183 days in total is tax resident; domicile, permanent home or centre of vital interests in Romania also make an individual resident. - **Foreign-source income:** Romanian personal income tax is a flat 10% under art. 64(1) of the Fiscal Code; residents are taxed on worldwide income. [All tax rules for Romania](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/romania/tax/) Tax records checked 10 Oct 2026 ## What you need to arrange - **Health insurance** Copy of the sponsor's right to stay, proof of housing ownership or legal possession, proof of means of support and proof of health insurance - **Accommodation** There is no bigamy or polygamy and the sponsor has housing deemed normal for a similar family in Romania - **Police certificate and civil documents** Marriage certificate translated and apostilled, and the sponsor's notarised statement that the family will live together Taken from this route's requirements above. The authority's own list is the one that counts. **Full official text** Family reunification for the spouse of a non-EU sponsor holding a temporary residence permit valid at least one year, an EU Blue Card, a long-term residence permit or protection status; starts with an IGI favourable opinion. (sources 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) #### What you must show and pay - A fee of EUR 300 (≈ $340) · Long-stay visa (D) fee for e-Visa applications submitted from 27 April 2026. (source 3) #### Requirements - Sponsor holds a temporary residence permit valid for one year, an EU Blue Card, an ICT permit, a long-term residence permit, or refugee or subsidiary protection status. (source 1) - There is no bigamy or polygamy and the sponsor has housing deemed normal for a similar family in Romania. (source 1) - The sponsor has means of support beyond their own needs, equal to the net minimum wage for each family member. (source 1) - The long-stay visa fee is EUR 300 (≈ $340) for e-Visa applications from 27 April 2026. (source 3) - Marriage certificate translated and apostilled, and the sponsor's notarised statement that the family will live together. (source 1) - Copy of the sponsor's right to stay, proof of housing ownership or legal possession, proof of means of support and proof of health insurance. (sources 1, 2) - Copy of the spouse's travel document. (source 1) - The sponsor first applies at the IGI unit of the county of residence for a favourable opinion, decided within 3 months. (source 1) - The spouse presents the opinion within 60 days at a Romanian diplomatic mission to obtain the long-stay visa for family reunification. (source 1) - After entry the spouse requests the residence permit at IGI; permits for family members of non-EU citizens are decided within 30 days. (source 2) - The right of stay is extended for each family member for the same period as the sponsor, up to 5 years for sponsors with long-stay rights. (source 2) #### Stay - The temporary right of residence follows the sponsor's right to stay and can be extended for periods of up to 5 years. - First stay: up to 60 months, decided case by case. - Renewable, subject to the conditions in force at renewal. #### Nationality Not open to: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Cyprus, Czechia, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Spain, Finland, France, Greece, Croatia, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Latvia, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Slovenia, Slovakia. #### Work Family members work with a work permit; the employer pays a reduced fee (EUR 25 (≈ $28) equivalent) for holders of a family-reunification permit. #### Family Sponsors can bring the spouse, unmarried minor children (including adopted) and dependent first-degree ascending relatives; family permits are extended for up to 5 years. Checked 2026-10-11 ## Official sources 1. [Family reunification](https://igi.mai.gov.ro/en/family-reunification-2/) · General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI), Ministry of Internal Affairs of Romania · checked 2026-10-10 2. [Residence permit](https://igi.mai.gov.ro/en/residence-permit/) · General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI), Ministry of Internal Affairs of Romania · checked 2026-10-10 3. [Visa fees](https://eviza.mae.ro/VisaFees) · Ministry of Foreign Affairs (eViza) · checked 2026-10-10 4. [Employment and posting](https://igi.mai.gov.ro/en/employment-and-posting/) · General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI), Ministry of Internal Affairs of Romania · checked 2026-10-10 5. [Residence permit for family members](https://igi.mai.gov.ro/permis-de-sedere/) · General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI), Ministry of Internal Affairs of Romania · checked 2026-10-11 6. [Long-term residence in Romania](https://igi.mai.gov.ro/en/long-term-residence-in-romania/) · General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI), Ministry of Internal Affairs of Romania · checked 2026-10-10 7. [Article 8: granting of Romanian citizenship on request](https://cetatenie.just.ro/articolul-8-acordare/) · National Authority for Citizenship (ANC), Romania · checked 2026-10-11 ## Spouse of a resident and its alternatives | Route | Money needed | Stay | Work | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Spouse of a resident | – | 5 yr, renewable | – | | [Spouse of a citizen](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/romania/spouse-of-citizen/) | – | 5 yr, renewable | Yes | | [Spouse of a citizen](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/portugal/spouse-of-citizen/) Portugal | – | – | – | | [Spouse of a resident](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/spain/family-reunification/) Spain | Needs income of €900+ a month ≈ $1,010 | – | Yes | | [Spouse of a resident](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/georgia/spouse-of-permanent-resident/) Georgia | – | 1 yr, renewable | – | ## Questions people ask ### How much money do I need for the Spouse of a resident? A fee of EUR 300 (≈ $340). Long-stay visa (D) fee for e-Visa applications submitted from 27 April 2026. ### How long can I stay on the Spouse of a resident? The temporary right of residence follows the sponsor's right to stay and can be extended for periods of up to 5 years. ### How long does the Spouse of a resident take to process? IGI decides within 30 days of filing; the deadline can be extended by 15 days. ### Can I work on the Spouse of a resident? Family members work with a work permit; the employer pays a reduced fee (EUR 25 (≈ $28) equivalent) for holders of a family-reunification permit. ### Can I bring my family on the Spouse of a resident? Sponsors can bring the spouse, unmarried minor children (including adopted) and dependent first-degree ascending relatives; family permits are extended for up to 5 years. ### Who can apply for the Spouse of a resident? Not open to: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Cyprus, Czechia, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Spain, Finland, France, Greece, Croatia, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Latvia, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Slovenia, Slovakia. ### Does the Spouse of a resident lead to permanent residence in Romania? Time on the Spouse of a resident counts toward permanent residence in Romania, which the rules allow after 5 years of residence. Time on the Spouse of a resident counts toward citizenship, which the rules allow after 8 years. ### How are Spouse of a resident holders taxed in Romania? No special regime in our records is tied to the Spouse of a resident. The standard rules apply: Dividends distributed from 1 January 2026 are taxed at 16% (previously 10%), final tax for individuals. ## More in Romania [Digital nomad visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/romania/digital-nomad/) [Company shareholder visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/romania/business-dac/) [Sole proprietor visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/romania/economic-dae/) [Blue Card](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/romania/blue-card/) [Company administrator visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/romania/administrator-das/) [Work visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/romania/employment/) [Posted worker visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/romania/posting-ict/) [Researcher visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/romania/researcher/) ## Spouse and partner visas elsewhere [🇮🇹 Spouse of a resident](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/italy/spouse-of-permanent-resident/) [🇬🇷 Spouse of a citizen](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/spouse-of-citizen/) [🇫🇷 Spouse of a resident](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/france/spouse-of-permanent-resident/) [🇬🇧 Fiancé visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-kingdom/fiance-visa/) [🇳🇱 Spouse of a citizen](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/netherlands/spouse-of-citizen/) [🇨🇾 Spouse of a resident](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/cyprus/spouse-of-permanent-resident/) ≈ USD figures are approximate: daily reference rates from ExchangeRate-API, dated 12 Oct 2026, refreshed when the site is updated. ## How this was checked **Checked on 2026-10-11 against 7 official sources.** Status: verified against the official sources. Every figure on this page comes from the official source it links to. The record was researched against these sources, then reviewed separately, with special attention to effective dates and amendments. Where a source does not state something, the page leaves it out. 1. [Family reunification](https://igi.mai.gov.ro/en/family-reunification-2/) · General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI), Ministry of Internal Affairs of Romania · checked 2026-10-10 2. [Residence permit](https://igi.mai.gov.ro/en/residence-permit/) · General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI), Ministry of Internal Affairs of Romania · checked 2026-10-10 3. [Visa fees](https://eviza.mae.ro/VisaFees) · Ministry of Foreign Affairs (eViza) · checked 2026-10-10 4. [Employment and posting](https://igi.mai.gov.ro/en/employment-and-posting/) · General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI), Ministry of Internal Affairs of Romania · checked 2026-10-10 5. [Residence permit for family members](https://igi.mai.gov.ro/permis-de-sedere/) · General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI), Ministry of Internal Affairs of Romania · checked 2026-10-11 6. [Long-term residence in Romania](https://igi.mai.gov.ro/en/long-term-residence-in-romania/) · General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI), Ministry of Internal Affairs of Romania · checked 2026-10-10 7. [Article 8: granting of Romanian citizenship on request](https://cetatenie.just.ro/articolul-8-acordare/) · National Authority for Citizenship (ANC), Romania · checked 2026-10-11 Tracked since 2026-10-10. Rule changes and corrections are listed on the [changes page](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/), and the [methodology page](https://settleanywhere.com/methodology/) explains how facts are checked. Found something out of date? Email [contact@stayglobe.app](mailto:contact@stayglobe.app?subject=Correction) with a link to the official source.