Romania normally conjures up thoughts of Transylvania and its associated icon, Dracula, for neophyte, would-be travelers. Much of what has been made available to know about the country is unfortunately riddled with misnomers and runaway literary fantasies. But in reality, Romania is a taking a step into the globalized world. Rising from the ruins of communist’s iron grip, the country is remaking itself and swiftly becoming a top expat destination. Check out our compiled information to help you out on your move.
- Expat Clubs
- Schools
- Local News Sources
- Country Information
- Resident and Work visa information
- How to get a driving license
- Where to live and about the accomodation types
- Healthcare information including Hospitals and Insurance
Expat Clubs
ExpatRomania
ExpatRomania is a project of a small group of expatriate enthusiasts and a supporting IT team started on January 2007. The purpose of the portal is to bring together the growing expat community living in Romania and to offer entertaining and useful information.
Website: www.expatromania.ro
International Women's Association of Bucharest
The purpose of IWA is that of promoting friendship amongst women of all nationalities living in Romania and of introducing its foreign members to the life and culture of this country. IWA's annual membership counts approximately 300 members.
Address: Blvd. Hriszto Botev nr. 1, 3rd floor, Suites 302-309, Sector 3, Bucharest, Romania, Postal code: 030231
Fax: +40 (0)21 223 4444
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.iwabucharest.ro
International Schools
American International School of Bucharest
AISB was founded in 1962 by the US Embassy to serve the educational needs of the American and international expatriate community. As the school has grown, many local Romanian families have become part of the school community together with expatriate families from government, business, and social welfare organizations.
Address: Sos. Pipera-Tunari 196, Voluntari, Jud. Ilfov, 077190, ROMANIA
Tel: +40-21-2044300
Fax: +40-21-2044306
Website: www.aisb.ro
International British School of Bucharest
The school follows the National Curriculum of England and wales within an international context. They offer students from ages 3 to 18 admission.
Curriculum: British
Address: 21 Agricultori St. District 2, Bucharest, Romania
Tel: +421 253 16 98
Fax: +4 21 253 16 97
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.ibsb.ro
Local News in English
Nine o'Clock
The Nine o’Clock is an English-language news site that covers local and international events, politics and business.
Website: www.nineoclock.ro
Country Information
Location: Euro
Capital City: Bucharest
Other Important Cities:
Currency: Leu
Language: Romanian
Calling Code: +40
Internet TLD: .ro
Electricity: Romania runs on 230V 50Hz. The largest supplier of electricity in Romania is the state-owned Electrica.
Address: Bucureşti, str. Grigore Alexandrescu nr. 9, Sector 1
Tel: 021.208.59.99
Fax. 021.208.59.98
Website: www.electrica.ro
Emergency Numbers:
Ambulance: 112
Fire: 112
Police: 112
Country Information
en.wikipedia.org
Embassy Information
embassy.goabroad.com/embassies-in/romania
Residents Visa and Work Permit information
Romania is not part of the Schengen territories yet, but their visa structure is quite similar. Most countries including the US and the EU may enter and stay in the country for a limited period. Others will have to obtain a visa through a Romanian embassy or consulate. The Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs site has a list of countries that will be required to obtain a visa: www.mae.ro/sites/default/files/file/pdf/formulare-consulare/Vize/2014.06.09_annex_1_en_conf_reg_509-2014.pdf
There are two types of visas; short stay and long stay. Short stay visas are normally transit, tourist visits and short-term business trips. For extended duration, long stay visas will be required. Long stay visas are primarily for the following purposes:
- Economic activity
- Professional activity
- Commercial activity
- Employment
- Secondment
- Studies
- Family reunification
- Religious activity
- Other purposes
- Scientific research
For expats wishing to seek employment or have already secured employment in Romania, these are the documents required for long stay visa application:
- Visa application
- Copy of the work permit issued by the Romanian Immigration Office, or depending on the case, documents that attest the fact that the visa applicant falls under the incidence of the categories provided for under paragraph (3);
- The proof of the means of subsistence at the level of the minimum guaranteed wage for the entire period specified on the visa;
- Criminal record or another document that bares the same legal value issued by the authorities from the country of domicile or residence;
- Travel medical insurance for the entire period of validity of the visa.
In case expats do not possess a work permit, they can still be issued a visa under these conditions:
- Third-state nationals whose access on the Romanian labor market without a work permit is established through the texts of agreements, conventions or of understandings that Romania is party to;
- Third-state nationals who carry out educational, scientific activities, or other categories of specific activities of a temporary nature, within accredited institutions of profile from Romania, on the grounds of bilateral agreements, or on the grounds of the respective minister’s order;
- Third-state nationals who are bound to carry out temporary activities on the territory of Romania, on the grounds of requests from ministries, from other authorities from central or local public administration, or from autonomous administrative authorities;
- Third-state nationals who are named heads of branch-offices, of representations, or of bureaus of a company located on the territory of Romania but based abroad and who are not associated, shareholders or administrators within a Romanian company, at the date of the request.
Please refer to the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs site for detailed information>>
Accommodation
Fortunately for employed expats, housing is customarily part of the work contract, so most of the fuss and the hassle has already been taken care of, including montly rentals. However there are cases where foreign workers are left to find accommodations on their own.
Housing options in Romania are two types: city and suburban. Apartments and flat blocks are mainly in the city and can be tinier than what expats are used to. Living outside the city, in the suburban neighborhoods, the houses are more spacious. Rentals come either unfurnished or furnished. Units also come in different sizes from 1 bedroom apartments to a large villa. Rental price for single bedroom apartment within the city averages to $417 per month, while a larger apartment with more rooms go up to $726 per month.
Lease agreements are very straightforward; they last a year and renewable. Although shorter leases can be agreed on with the landlord. Rent is given monthly. Expats will find that living in the city will be far more expensive than settling away.
Expat communities can be found in the capital Bucharest. The cultural and administrative center of the country, Bucharest is home to a million residents including expatriates. Picking up the pieces from communist regime, Bucharest is building itself up, renovating and revamping their infrastructure to match global standard and maximize tourist interest. Migrant workers will be delighted to know that public transportation in the city is developed, moving them around, to and from their places of work more timely and efficiently. Expat families with children are also close to international schools, although they are only a handful. Medical facilities are readily available in the city.
Driving License
European licenses are valid in Romania; for other nationals, their domestic license is only valid for up to 1 year, after, they will need to apply for a Romanian license. This should be done through a recognized driving school.
The road conditions in Romania are hazardous; 4x4 is the vehicle of choice to navigate within and beyond the city. Expats can expect road hazards such as animals, livestock, and poor road maintenance. Local drivers also are known to ignore regulations.
Healthcare
Expats prefer private healthcare in Romania. These are plentiful and offer better standards of service than public hospitals. The public facilities are adequate for basic and routine treatments, but can be below standard. Most facilities are in major cities; there are clinics in rural areas but the quality is below expectations.
Insurance Companies
VIG in Romania
Vienna Insurance Group is represented by three insurance companies in the Romanian market. These companies of Vienna Insurance Group include Omniasig Non-life and Asirom, as well as BCR Life.
Website: www.vig.com/en/vig/group/vig-in-cee/vig-in-romania.html
Hospitals
Elias University Clinical Hospital
Address: Bulevardul Mărăști 17, București, Romania
Tel: +40 21 316 1600
Website (Romanian): www.spitalul-elias.ro/
Bagdasar-Areseni Clinical Emergency
Address: Șoseaua Berceni 12, București, Romania
Tel: +40 21 334 3025
Website (Romanian): www.bagdasar-arseni.ro
Coltea Hospital
Address: Bulevardul Ion C. Brătianu 1, București, Romania
Tel: +40 21 387 4100
Website (Romanian): www.coltea.ro
Institutul Matei Bals
Address: Strada Dr. Calistrat Grozovici 1, București, Romania
Tel: +40 21 318 6090
Website (Romanian): www.mateibals.ro
Children Clinical Emergency Hospital
Address: Bulevardul Constantin Brâncoveanu 20, București, Romania
Tel: +40 21 460 4260
Website (Romanian): www.mscurie.ro/meniu_content.php
