Is Romania good for digital nomads?
Yes. Romania is one of Europe’s most underrated bases for remote workers. It offers a renewable digital nomad visa, gigabit internet, and a cost of living that undercuts most of the EU. Cities like Bucharest, Cluj, and Brașov mix coworking and nightlife with history and mountain views.
Romania isn’t the obvious choice — and that’s the appeal. While crowds head for Lisbon rooftops or Bali villas, Romania quietly delivers infrastructure, affordability, and a raw edge that feels more real than polished.
Romania Digital Nomad Visa
Does Romania have a digital nomad visa?
Yes. Romania launched its digital nomad visa in 2022.
How long is the visa valid?
It’s valid for 1 year and can be extended for another year.
What are the income requirements?
You’ll need to show proof of at least €3,300/month (before tax) from remote work or business activity.
Who can apply?
Non-EU citizens who can prove remote employment or business ownership, health insurance, accommodation, and a clean background check.
How long does it take?
Expect 2–3 months for processing.
The first 100 are already inside. Doors are closed while we gather feedback and polish the mobile version before letting in the next group. Hop on the waitlist and join Nomados free when we re-open the door for sign-ups.
Best Cities for Remote Work in Romania
Bucharest
Romania’s capital is loud, messy, and alive — the kind of place where glass towers sit next to crumbling villas and you can find a coworking café open at 2 a.m. The metro makes it easy to get around, while neighborhoods like Lipscani buzz with bars and nightlife that doesn’t quit. Bucharest isn’t polished, but that’s its charm: it’s affordable compared to most European capitals and packed with coworking spaces, international communities, and endless events. If you want the energy of a real city with space to build a routine, Bucharest is the place.
Cluj-Napoca
Known simply as Cluj, this city blends university-town energy with startup grit. It’s the heart of Romania’s tech scene, which means you’ll find coworking lofts, reliable internet, and plenty of English speakers. At the same time, it’s more compact and walkable than Bucharest, with a café culture that spills into the streets and festivals like Untold drawing huge crowds. Cluj is a smart choice if you want a smaller, creative city that still delivers modern infrastructure.
Brașov
Brașov looks like something out of a postcard: cobblestone streets, pastel houses, and the Carpathian Mountains looming in the background. It’s quieter and cheaper than Bucharest or Cluj, but still has strong internet and enough coworking spaces to keep nomads comfortable. The real draw is lifestyle: skiing in winter, hiking in summer, and a city center that feels like you stepped back in time. If you’re after mountain air and a slower pace — without giving up connectivity — Brașov is ideal.
Timișoara
Set in western Romania near the Hungarian and Serbian borders, Timișoara has a distinct personality. It’s a city of parks and squares, with an artsy, laid-back vibe that’s more Central European than Balkan. Flights connect easily to Vienna, Budapest, and beyond, making it a practical base for nomads who want to travel. The cost of living is lower than Bucharest, and the student population keeps it lively. With culture, greenery, and easy access to the rest of Europe, Timișoara is Romania’s quiet ace.
Cost of Living in Romania
How much does it cost to live in Romania as a digital nomad?
Romania is still one of the most affordable EU countries.
- Apartments: €700–€900/month for a one-bed in Bucharest or Cluj; less in smaller towns.
- Meals out: €8–12 for a sit-down restaurant.
- Coffee: €2.
- Coworking: ~€120/month.
Cost snapshot: Less expensive than Western Europe, slightly more than Southeast Asia, excellent value for quality of life.
Coworking & Internet
How fast is the internet in Romania?
Romania ranks among the top countries in the world for internet speed, with gigabit fiber common even outside major cities.
Are there coworking spaces?
Yes. Bucharest and Cluj are full of coworking spaces, and you’ll also find nomads working comfortably from cafés with reliable Wi-Fi and cheap espresso.
Lifestyle & Practical Tips
What’s it like to live in Romania as a digital nomad?
Romania is a cultural crossroads. Latin roots in the language, Ottoman echoes in the food, Austro-Hungarian architecture in the cities.
You can spend mornings in a medieval Transylvanian village, afternoons in a modern coworking loft, and evenings with local wine or craft beer. The Carpathians are a playground for hiking and skiing, while Bucharest delivers cosmopolitan energy without Western European prices.
FAQs About Romania’s Digital Nomad Visa
Do I have to pay Romanian taxes?
Not if you stay less than 183 days. Longer than that, you may trigger tax residency — check with a local accountant.
Is English widely spoken?
Yes, especially in cities like Bucharest and Cluj, and among younger Romanians. Less so in rural areas, but you’ll manage.
Is Romania part of Schengen?
Romania joined Schengen in 2024 (air and sea borders first, land borders rolling out). That makes travel around Europe easier.
Connect with fellow location-independent professionals by joining our exclusive Nomados Digital Nomad Community for ongoing support, insider tips, and updates to enhance your borderless lifestyle.
Romania isn’t polished, and that’s its strength. You’ll find fewer influencers with ring lights, more locals who’ll actually talk to you, and a visa that makes staying simple.
If you want fast internet, affordable living, and a European base that still feels undiscovered — Romania is worth the stamp in your passport.
Disclosure: Portions of this article were created with the assistance of AI tools and reviewed by the Nomados editorial team for accuracy and clarity.