Understanding Schengen Rules and the 90/180 Limit for Romania

One of the most common headaches and sources of anxiety for non-EU citizens looking to spend any significant time in Romania is untangling the infamous Schengen Area rules and, more specifically, the "90/180-day rule." It can feel like navigating a legal minefield, where one wrong step can lead to a ban or worse. This guide is here to cut through the confusion, offering a clear, empathetic, and realistic walkthrough of how these rules apply to your travels and potential long-term stay in Romania, validating the very real frustrations you might face.

What Exactly is the Schengen Area, Anyway?

Let's face it, when you first hear "Schengen," it sounds like some obscure legal jargon, right? But for us expats and keen travellers, understanding this concept is absolutely fundamental to making sense of European travel, especially when Romania is in the picture. The Schengen Area is essentially a zone comprising 29 European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders. Think of it as a single, huge country for travel purposes.

The Core Idea: Borderless Travel

The main goal behind the Schengen Agreement, which kicked off way back in 1985 and was implemented in 1995, was to make travel between participating European countries as seamless as possible. Imagine driving across borders without having to stop for passport checks, or flying from one Schengen country to another as if it were a domestic flight. This means that once you're legally admitted into one Schengen country, you can generally move freely to any other Schengen country without further border checks. It's fantastic for tourism and business, allowing people to explore diverse cultures and economies without constant bureaucratic hurdles. For non-EU citizens, however, this free movement comes with a very critical caveat: the 90/180-day rule, which dictates the maximum duration of a short-term stay within this entire zone.

Who is Part of the Schengen Family?

The Schengen Area isn't the same as the European Union, which is a common misconception. While most EU member states are part of Schengen, not all are, and some non-EU countries have also joined. As of early 2024, the Schengen Area includes 29 countries. These include most Western European nations like France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Nordic countries, as well as many Central and Eastern European countries. Notably, Ireland is an EU member but opted out of Schengen, maintaining its own border controls. Conversely, non-EU countries like Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein are part of the Schengen Area. This distinction is crucial because the 90/180-day rule applies to your total time spent across all these Schengen countries, regardless of whether they are EU members or not. Keeping a mental map, or even a physical list, of these countries can save you a lot of grief down the line when you're trying to calculate your remaining days.

Romania and the Schengen Zone: A Brief History and Current Status

For years, Romania has been on the cusp of full Schengen membership, a process that felt like watching paint dry for those of us living here. The frustration was palpable, as the benefits of free movement without internal border checks seemed just out of reach. Finally, there's been some movement, but it's important to understand the nuances of Romania's current status.

The Long Road to Air and Sea Schengen

After years of debates, political wrangling, and various blockades from certain member states, Romania finally achieved partial Schengen membership on March 31, 2024. This was a monumental step, meaning that border controls for air and sea travel between Romania and other Schengen countries have now been lifted. So, if you're flying into Bucharest Otopeni Airport from, say, Vienna or Paris, you'll experience a much smoother, passport-free transit, just like within the rest of the Schengen area. This is a huge win for business travelers and tourists alike, streamlining connections and reducing travel times. It signifies a greater integration into the European fabric, making Romania feel even more like home for those of us who have chosen to settle here. The partial entry means your days spent in Romania, when arriving or departing by air or sea from another Schengen country, now count towards your 90/180-day Schengen allowance, if you are a non-EU citizen subject to the rule.

What About Land Borders and the Future?

Here’s where things get a bit more complex, and where the classic Romanian "wait and see" attitude comes into play. While air and sea borders are now open, land borders are not yet fully integrated into the Schengen Area. This means that if you're driving or taking a bus from Romania into Hungary or Bulgaria, you will still encounter border checks. This dual system can be confusing and might catch some people off guard. For non-EU citizens subject to the 90/180-day rule, time spent in Romania via land entry/exit might still be treated differently by some border officials, depending on how they interpret the current partial accession. However, the general consensus is that even with land borders, your time in Romania will count towards your total Schengen stay. The European Council is expected to make a decision on lifting checks at internal land borders "at a later stage," but no concrete date has been set. This means we're still in a bit of limbo for road travelers, and it's always wise to carry all your travel documents, including your passport and proof of onward travel, even when crossing land borders, just to be on the safe side.

The Infamous 90/180-Day Rule: Unpacking the Details

Ah, the 90/180-day rule. It's the bane of existence for many non-EU citizens who want to explore Europe for more than just a quick holiday. This rule is often misunderstood, leading to unfortunate situations like overstays, fines, and even future entry bans. Let's break it down thoroughly to ensure you don't fall into any traps.

How the 90/180 Rule Actually Works

In its simplest form, the rule states that non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens are allowed to stay in the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. Crucially, this isn't 90 days per country, or 90 days per calendar year. It's a rolling 180-day window. This means that for every day you are in the Schengen Area, immigration officials will look back 180 days from that specific day to see if you have exceeded 90 days of stay within that preceding period.

Let's illustrate with an example: you enter the Schengen Area on January 1st and stay for 60 days. You then leave on March 1st. You have used 60 days. If you wish to re-enter on April 1st, they will look back from April 1st. In that 180-day window (going back to early October), you've used 60 days. This means you still have 30 days remaining for short-term travel. The complexity arises because the 180-day window continuously shifts. It’s not static, which is why manual tracking can get tricky. Every single day, whether you spend it in France, Germany, Italy, or now, Romania (by air or sea), counts towards that 90-day limit.

Calculating Your Days: A Practical Guide

Keeping track of your Schengen days is absolutely paramount. Don't rely on your memory or a vague calendar entry. This is a situation where being meticulous pays off exponentially. There are several tools and methods to help you. The official method is to count backwards from your current or intended date of entry/exit.

Here's a simple way to think about it:

• Step 1: Pick a date you want to check (e.g., today, or a future date you plan to enter/exit).
• Step 2: Count back 180 days from that chosen date. This defines your 180-day "reference period."
• Step 3: Within that 180-day period, count every single day you've spent in any Schengen country.
• Step 4: If that total is 90 days or less, you're good. If it's more, you've overstayed or will overstay.

Many expats I know use online Schengen calculators or dedicated apps to help with this. The European Commission also provides a basic calculator. These tools take the guesswork out of it. Print out your calculations if you're close to the limit and keep them with your travel documents. It shows diligence and can sometimes help if you encounter a particularly stringent border agent. Remember, even a partial day counts as a full day. Arriving at 11 PM and leaving at 1 AM the next day counts as two full days. It’s a harsh reality, but that’s how it works.

Here's a quick reference table for calculating days:

Date of Entry/Exit	Date of Check (Current or Future)	180-Day Rolling Period	Days Spent in Schengen within Period	Remaining Days	Status
Jan 1 (Entry)	April 1	Oct 3 – March 30	90 days	0	Maxed
Mar 1 (Entry)	April 15	Oct 17 – April 14	30 days	60	Ok
July 1 (Entry)	Oct 1	April 4 – Oct 1	75 days	15	Ok
Sept 1 (Entry)	Nov 2	May 6 – Nov 2	95 days	-5	Overstay

The Consequences of Overstaying: Don't Do It!

Seriously, do not mess around with overstaying your welcome in the Schengen Area. The consequences can be severe and long-lasting, far beyond a mere slap on the wrist.

• Fines: You'll likely be hit with a hefty fine at your departure airport or land border. The amount varies by country but can be substantial.
• Deportation: In more serious cases, especially if your overstay is significant or you've repeatedly violated the rules, you could face deportation. This is a traumatic and expensive experience.
• Entry Bans: This is the big one that can really derail future travel plans. Overstaying, even by a few days, can lead to an entry ban from the entire Schengen Area for a period ranging from a few months to several years. This means no future holidays, no business trips, no visiting friends or family in any of the 29 Schengen countries. Imagine planning a dream trip and being denied entry at the airport because of a past oversight. It happens.
• Impact on Future Visa Applications: An overstay on your record can severely harm your chances of getting any future visas for EU countries, or even for other countries that share immigration data.

The system does keep track of your entries and exits, mainly through passport stamps, but increasingly through electronic means. Don't assume that because you weren't stamped on entry or exit (which can happen, especially at busy airports or if you're transitioning from another Schengen country), your presence is unknown. The data is often shared. Always have proof of your entry and exit dates, like boarding passes, just in case there's an error in the system.

Who Does the 90/180-Day Rule Apply To?

Understanding who this rule affects is just as important as knowing how it works. It's not a blanket rule for everyone visiting Europe. Generally, it's aimed at short-term visitors from specific countries.

Non-EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens on Short Stays

The 90/180-day rule primarily applies to citizens of countries outside the EU, EEA (European Economic Area – Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein), and Switzerland who are visa-exempt for short stays in the Schengen Area. This includes citizens from countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, and many others. If you hold a passport from one of these countries, you can enter the Schengen Area for tourism, business, or family visits for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without needing a specific visa.

However, it also applies to citizens from countries that do require a short-stay Schengen visa (Type C visa). These visas are typically issued for specific durations, up to a maximum of 90 days, and the 90/180-day calculation still governs their cumulative stay within the wider Schengen zone. So, whether you're visa-exempt or hold a short-stay visa, the clock on your 90 days within 180 is ticking from the moment you first enter. This means that if you, for instance, get a 30-day Schengen visa for a trip to Italy, those 30 days will contribute to your overall 90-day allowance, and after those 30 days are up, you will still need to respect the remaining 60 days of your rolling 180-day period.

Exceptions and Special Cases

Like almost every immigration rule, there are always exceptions and special cases. These are crucial for many expats who are looking to make Romania a more permanent home or who have specific situations.

• Long-Stay Visas (Type D): If you are granted a national long-stay visa (Type D visa) by a Schengen country, including Romania, this visa allows you to stay in that specific country for longer than 90 days (usually for purposes like work, study, or family reunification). Crucially, the time spent in the country that issued your Type D visa does not count towards your 90/180-day Schengen short-stay limit. However, a Type D visa also allows you to travel freely within the other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, concurrently with your long-stay visa. This means you can reside in Romania on your Type D visa, and still take a short holiday to Spain or France for up to 90 days without those days affecting your right to stay in Romania. This is a very common scenario for expats, allowing for short trips outside Romania within the wider zone. Remember that you must obtain this Type D visa before entering Romania, usually from a Romanian consulate or embassy in your home country or country of legal residence.

• Residence Permits: Once you successfully obtain a Romanian residence permit (Permis de Ședere), your situation changes significantly. A residence permit allows you to legally reside in Romania for the duration of the permit. Like a Type D visa, the time spent in Romania while holding a valid residence permit does not count towards your 90/180-day Schengen short-stay limit. Furthermore, a valid Romanian residence permit also grants you the right to travel freely to other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, for tourism or short visits, without needing an additional visa. This is the ultimate goal for many who decide to settle here, providing stability and freedom of movement. For more details on this, you can check out The Complete Guide to Romanian Residence Permits for Expats (2026).

• EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens and Their Family Members: If you are an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen, the 90/180-day rule generally doesn't apply to you in the same way, as you have the right to free movement. However, if you are a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen who is a family member of an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen and you are travelling with them or joining them, you might be eligible for facilitated entry and certain exemptions, depending on the specific national laws and whether you hold a "Residence Card of a Family Member of a Union Citizen." It's best to always confirm these details with the relevant authorities or legal counsel, as rules for family reunification can be complex.

Navigating Your Stay: Strategies for Non-EU Visitors

So, you're a non-EU citizen, and you're thinking about spending some real time in Romania, or maybe you're already here and realising that 90 days isn't quite enough. What are your options? How do you ensure you stay on the right side of the law? It's all about planning and knowing your pathways.

Beyond the 90 Days: Long-Stay Visas and Residence Permits

If your intention is to stay in Romania for more than the 90-day short-stay limit, you absolutely must secure the appropriate long-stay visa or residence permit before your 90 days are up, or ideally, even before you arrive. Attempting to "convert" a short-stay into a long-stay while already in Romania on the 90/180 rule is generally not permitted, except in very specific, humanitarian circumstances. This is a common mistake and a huge risk.

Romania offers several categories for long-stay visas (Type D) that can then lead to a residence permit:

• Work Visa: If you've secured employment with a Romanian company, they will typically help you apply for a work permit and then a long-stay visa for employment. This is one of the most common routes. Understanding Work Permits (Aviz de Muncă) for Foreigners in Romania is a good starting point.
• Study Visa: If you've been accepted into a Romanian educational institution, you can apply for a student long-stay visa.
• Family Reunification Visa: If you have family members (spouse, children, parents in some cases) who are Romanian citizens or legally residing in Romania, you can apply for a visa based on family reunification. For a detailed overview, check out How to Apply for Family Reunification in Romania.
• Business/Self-Employment Visa: For entrepreneurs looking to set up a business (like an SRL) or work as a PFA in Romania, there are specific long-stay visas available, although they often come with stringent capital or income requirements.
• Digital Nomad Visa: Romania launched its Digital Nomad Visa, allowing remote workers to live and work from here for an extended period, provided they meet certain income thresholds and other criteria. If you're pondering this route, then How to Apply for Romania's Digital Nomad Visa is an essential read.

The process for each of these involves gathering a significant amount of documentation, applying at a Romanian embassy or consulate in your home country, and then, once approved and you've entered Romania, applying for your actual residence permit (Permis de Ședere) at the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) within a specified timeframe. It's a multi-step journey, often requiring patience and meticulous attention to detail.

Keeping Track of Your Days: Essential Tools

I cannot stress this enough: track your Schengen days diligently. It's not just a recommendation; it's a necessity. The most reliable method is to use a Schengen calculator. A quick search online will bring up several free tools that allow you to input your entry and exit dates across different Schengen countries, and it will calculate your remaining days within the 180-day rolling period.

Some specific tools and tips:

• Official EU Calculator: The European Commission provides a calculator that can be helpful, though sometimes it’s not the most user-friendly.
• Third-Party Apps: Many mobile apps exist specifically for Schengen day tracking. Read reviews to find a reliable one.
• Spreadsheet Method: If you're a spreadsheet wizard, create your own! List every entry and exit date, and apply the 180-day rolling calculation.
• Physical Records: Always keep your boarding passes, e-tickets, and any other travel documents that clearly show your entry and exit dates. These can serve as vital proof if there's ever a discrepancy with border authorities.

It's a good practice to check your days every time you plan a trip into or out of the Schengen Area, and also periodically even if you're settled in Romania on a long-stay visa, just to be aware of your potential short-stay travel allowance for other Schengen states.

Insurance for Your Schengen Adventures

Whether you're on a short-term tourist stay or a long-term residence permit, having adequate travel and health insurance is non-negotiable, especially when crossing borders within the Schengen Area. For short-stay visitors, many countries require proof of travel medical insurance as part of the visa application process, or it might be requested upon entry. This insurance needs to cover emergency medical treatment, hospitalisation, and repatriation, with a minimum coverage amount.

Even for those with a Romanian residence permit, while you'll typically be covered by the Romanian healthcare system (if you're contributing to CASS), that coverage might not extend seamlessly or sufficiently to other Schengen countries. This is where a robust international health insurance plan comes in handy. Companies like Cigna Global offer comprehensive plans designed for expats, providing coverage across multiple countries, including emergency medical care, which can be invaluable when traveling. It ensures that no matter which corner of Europe you find yourself in, you’re protected. It saves you from worrying about unexpected medical bills or navigating foreign healthcare systems in an emergency, which is a stress nobody needs.

Extending Your Stay or Changing Your Status in Romania

Sometimes, life throws a curveball, or plans simply change. What happens if you're in Romania on a short-stay visa or under the visa-exempt 90/180-day rule, and you suddenly need or want to stay longer? This is where careful navigation of the immigration system becomes absolutely critical.

Exceptional Circumstances for Visa Extension

Generally, you cannot simply extend a short-stay Schengen visa or unilaterally prolong your 90-day visa-free stay. The rule is quite strict. However, there are very limited exceptional circumstances under which an extension might be granted. These usually fall into two main categories:

1. Force Majeure: This refers to unforeseen and unavoidable events that prevent you from leaving the Schengen Area. Examples include natural disasters (e.g., a volcanic ash cloud grounding all flights, severe weather), political unrest, or major transportation strikes that make it impossible to depart safely or on time.
2. Humanitarian Reasons: This could involve a sudden, serious illness or accident requiring hospitalisation in Romania, or the serious illness or death of a close family member residing in Romania, which necessitates your prolonged presence. These are not trivial reasons; they require substantial documented proof (e.g., medical certificates, death certificates).

To apply for such an extension, you would need to contact the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) in Romania before your current legal stay expires. You'll need to provide all relevant documentation proving the exceptional circumstances. The decision is entirely at the discretion of the IGI, and such extensions are rarely granted for more than a few weeks or months, solely to allow for your departure. It is not a backdoor to long-term residency. Never assume an extension will be granted; always prepare for departure as planned unless you have official, written approval otherwise.

Transitioning to a Long-Stay Visa or Residence Permit

As mentioned before, trying to switch from a short-term tourist stay to a long-term residence permit while still inside Romania on the 90/180-day rule is typically not possible. The general rule is that you must apply for and obtain a long-stay (Type D) visa from a Romanian embassy or consulate outside of Romania (usually in your home country or country of legal residence) before you enter the country with the intention of long-term residence.

However, once you have successfully entered Romania on a Type D visa, the process then shifts to applying for your actual residence permit (Permis de Ședere) at the local General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) office relevant to your address. This application usually needs to be submitted well before your Type D visa expires. For instance, if you entered on a 90-day Type D visa for work, you would apply for your one-year residence permit around the 60-day mark to allow for processing time.

The types of documents required for a residence permit application are extensive and include:

• Your passport and Type D visa copy.
• Proof of accommodation in Romania.
• Proof of financial means (sufficient funds for your stay).
• Proof of comprehensive health insurance.
• Proof of the purpose of your stay (e.g., employment contract, university acceptance letter, marriage certificate).
• A criminal record certificate from your home country.
• Various application forms and fees.

The process can be lengthy and involves multiple visits to the IGI, collecting stamps, and waiting for approvals. I've often seen expats stressed by the sheer volume of paperwork and the waiting times. Booking an appointment at the Immigration Office (IGI) in Romania is a necessary first step, and these appointments can sometimes be difficult to secure quickly. It's a bureaucratic marathon, but a necessary one if you want to make Romania your long-term home.

Planning Your Journey: Tips for a Smooth Entry and Exit

Making sure your arrival and departure from Romania, and the wider Schengen Area, go smoothly is paramount. A little preparation can save you a lot of grief and potential trouble with immigration officials.

Required Documents for Entry

When you arrive at a Romanian airport (now a Schengen border for air travel) or a land border, non-EU citizens need to be prepared to present certain documents, even if you're visa-exempt for short stays:

• Valid Passport: This is non-negotiable. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended date of departure from the Schengen Area, and it must have been issued within the last 10 years.
• Proof of Onward or Return Travel: You must be able to show that you intend to leave the Schengen Area. This means a confirmed return flight ticket or an onward ticket to a non-Schengen country. If you're planning to leave by bus or train, you might need to show those tickets. Immigration officials want to be sure you're not planning to overstay.
• Proof of Accommodation: This could be a hotel booking, an invitation letter from a friend or family member in Romania, or a rental agreement. They want to know you have a place to stay.
• Proof of Sufficient Funds: You need to demonstrate that you have enough money to cover your expenses during your stay in Romania and the Schengen Area. This could be bank statements, credit card statements, or even cash. The exact amount required can vary, so it's always good to have a bit extra.
• Travel Medical Insurance: While not always explicitly checked for visa-exempt travelers, it is highly recommended to have comprehensive travel medical insurance. Some countries require it even for short stays, so it's best to be prepared. If you're looking at a long-term stay, knowing What Health Insurance Do I Need for a Romanian Residence Permit? is crucial.

Having these documents neatly organized and readily accessible can make the difference between a quick stamp and a lengthy interrogation in a side room.

Choosing Your Entry and Exit Points

With Romania's partial Schengen accession, choosing your entry and exit points becomes an interesting factor.

• Air and Sea: These are now considered internal Schengen borders when traveling to/from other Schengen countries. Your passport will still be checked by Romanian border police, but it should be a quicker process similar to domestic travel in your home country. For non-EU citizens, your official Schengen entry stamp will be given at your first point of entry into the wider Schengen Area, and your exit stamp at your last point of departure.
• Land Borders: As land borders are not yet fully integrated, crossing into or out of Romania by land (e.g., to Hungary or Bulgaria) will still involve full border checks and passport stamps. These stamps are crucial for your 90/180-day calculation, as they mark your movements in and out of Romanian territory (which is now considered part of the Schengen zone for day counting purposes, even if land border controls remain).

For those planning extended travel, consider the logistics of your first entry and final exit from the entire Schengen zone. If you have multiple entries and exits, keep clear records. It’s important to remember that border guards have discretion, and while the rules are clear, individual interpretations can sometimes vary. Being prepared and polite goes a long way.

International Removals

If your plan is to move to Romania long-term, beyond just a 90-day visit, you're likely thinking about bringing your life with you. This often means shipping belongings, which can be a logistical nightmare in a new country. When you're dealing with a long-term move, especially from a non-EU country, understanding international removals services is key. Companies like Sirelo offer platforms to compare quotes from various international moving companies. They can help with everything from packing and customs declarations to delivery in Romania. This is a huge help because dealing with customs in Romania, especially for personal effects, can be a labyrinthine process. Ensuring your belongings arrive safely and without unexpected customs duties requires working with experienced professionals who understand both the Romanian import regulations and international shipping complexities. Planning this aspect well in advance, and knowing what paperwork is required for imported goods, will significantly reduce stress during your relocation.

Common Misconceptions and FAQs

The Schengen rules are complex enough that they breed many common misunderstandings. Let's tackle a few of the most frequently asked questions I hear from fellow expats.

Does Leaving Schengen Reset My Days Immediately?

This is perhaps the most common misconception, and believing it can lead to immediate trouble. No, leaving the Schengen Area does not immediately reset your 90 days. The rule is explicitly "90 days within any 180-day period." This "rolling window" means that every day you spend outside the Schengen Area helps replenish your allowance, but it's not a hard reset.

Think of it like this: You have a bank account with 90 days. Every day you spend in Schengen, you withdraw one day. To get those days back, you have to spend time outside Schengen. After you've spent 90 days in Schengen, you typically need to spend 90 days outside Schengen before you can return for another 90-day short stay. This is why "visa runs" (quick trips out and immediately back in) are usually ineffective and often raise red flags with immigration. The border agent will still look back 180 days from your new entry date. If your previous 90-day stay falls within that 180-day window, you won't have the full 90 days available again until enough time has passed outside the zone.

It’s a crucial detail that often catches people out. Always use a calculator to be sure.

My Spouse is EU, Does This Change Things for Me?

Yes, absolutely, having an EU/EEA/Swiss spouse can significantly change your situation regarding Schengen rules and long-term stays. While the 90/180-day rule still technically applies to you as a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen, the spirit of EU law is to facilitate family reunification and movement for family members of EU citizens.

If you are traveling with your EU spouse or joining them in an EU country (including Romania), you may be entitled to facilitated entry and longer stays under EU Free Movement Directives. This usually involves applying for a "Residence Card of a Family Member of a Union Citizen" (or similar national designation) once you arrive in Romania with your spouse.

This route generally means:

• You might be exempt from short-stay visa requirements, or your visa application process will be expedited and free of charge.
• Once you have the residence card, you can live with your EU spouse in Romania for the duration of their stay, and this time does not count against your 90/180-day short-stay allowance.
• You can also travel freely with your EU spouse throughout the Schengen Area for short periods without needing additional visas.

However, it’s not always a straightforward path. You will need to prove your marital relationship (with an official marriage certificate, often apostilled or legalised and translated) and that your EU spouse is exercising their treaty rights in Romania (e.g., working, studying, or has sufficient resources). The process for family reunification in Romania can be detailed, requiring specific documents and visits to the IGI. But it is a legitimate pathway to long-term residency beyond the standard 90/180-day rule.

Disclaimer

Please remember that immigration laws and regulations, especially concerning the Schengen Area and Romania's evolving status within it, can change. The information provided in this article is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. While I strive to keep everything up-to-date based on my experience and current publicly available information, you should always consult with the official Romanian immigration authorities (General Inspectorate for Immigration – IGI) or a qualified immigration lawyer for advice specific to your individual circumstances. I am a fellow expat, not a legal professional.