Frequently Asked Questions | Mariner Pro SRL

Question 1

What is the most common company structure for foreign investors in Romania?

Accepted Answer

The SRL (Societate cu Răspundere Limitată) — Romania's equivalent of a limited liability company — is by far the most popular choice for foreign investors. It allows 100% foreign ownership, requires a minimum share capital of just 200 RON (approximately €40), and provides full limited liability protection. For larger enterprises or those planning to raise capital from multiple investors, the SA (joint-stock company) may be more appropriate.

Question 2

Can a foreign national own 100% of a Romanian company?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Romanian law places no restrictions on foreign ownership of an SRL or SA. A foreign national or foreign company can own 100% of a Romanian company without any local partner requirement. This applies to citizens of all countries, not just EU member states.

Question 3

How long does company formation take in Romania?

Accepted Answer

With a complete and correctly prepared file, Trade Registry registration typically takes 3–5 business days. However, the full process — from name reservation and document preparation through to receiving your registration certificate and completing ANAF registration — typically takes 2–4 weeks. Delays most commonly arise from incomplete documentation, notarisation logistics for foreign shareholders, or bank account opening timelines.

Question 4

What documents are required to form a company in Romania?

Accepted Answer

The core documents are: a constitutive act (articles of association) drafted in Romanian, shareholder and administrator identity documents (notarised and apostilled for foreign nationals), proof of registered address (lease, ownership deed, or virtual office contract), bank confirmation of share capital deposit, and payment of the Trade Registry fee. Mariner Pro prepares and manages all of these on your behalf.

Question 5

Do I need a physical office to register a company in Romania?

Accepted Answer

No. A virtual office address is legally valid as a registered address for a Romanian company and is widely used by foreign investors who do not yet have a physical presence in Romania. Virtual office services provide a registered address, mail handling, and in some cases meeting room access. Mariner Pro can arrange a virtual office as part of the company formation process.

Question 6

Can Mariner Pro handle the entire formation process on my behalf?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We manage the complete company formation process — from name reservation and document preparation to Trade Registry submission, ANAF registration, and bank account introduction. You do not need to be physically present in Romania for most of the process, though some steps (such as bank account opening) may require a visit or a notarised power of attorney.

Question 7

What is the corporate income tax rate in Romania?

Accepted Answer

Romania applies a flat 16% corporate income tax (CIT) rate on taxable profit — one of the lowest in the European Union. Smaller companies may qualify for the microenterprise tax regime, which applies a 1% rate on revenue (rather than profit) for companies with annual turnover below €500,000 and at least one employee.

Question 8

What is the microenterprise tax regime and do I qualify?

Accepted Answer

The microenterprise regime taxes revenue at 1% rather than taxing profit at 16%. To qualify, your company must have annual revenues below €500,000, at least one full-time employee, and must not operate in banking, insurance, gambling, or certain other regulated sectors. Shareholders must also not hold more than 25% in more than three Romanian microenterprises. The regime is applied automatically if you meet the conditions, but you can opt out if standard CIT is more advantageous.

Question 9

What is the VAT rate in Romania and when must I register?

Accepted Answer

Romania's standard VAT rate is 19%, with reduced rates of 9% (food, medicines, hotel accommodation) and 5% (certain social housing, books, newspapers). VAT registration is mandatory once your annual turnover exceeds RON 300,000 (approximately €60,000). Voluntary registration below this threshold is available and is often advisable for B2B businesses that want to recover input VAT.

Question 10

How are dividends taxed in Romania?

Accepted Answer

Dividends distributed to Romanian resident shareholders are subject to an 8% dividend tax. For non-resident shareholders, the same 8% withholding rate applies, but this may be reduced or eliminated under the EU Parent-Subsidiary Directive (for EU-resident parent companies holding at least 10% for a minimum of two years) or under Romania's double taxation treaties, which cover over 80 countries.

Question 11

What are the main ongoing compliance obligations for a Romanian company?

Accepted Answer

Key obligations include: monthly or quarterly VAT returns (if VAT-registered), quarterly corporate income tax advance payments, monthly payroll and social contribution filings (if you have employees), annual financial statements (within 150 days of year-end), and an annual CIT return (by 25 March). Romania also operates a mandatory e-invoicing system (RO e-Factura) for B2B transactions.

Question 12

Do I need a visa to set up a company in Romania?

Accepted Answer

EU/EEA nationals do not need a visa to enter, live, or work in Romania. Non-EU nationals who plan to stay for more than 90 days — including to manage their Romanian company — typically need a long-stay visa (type D) obtained from a Romanian consulate in their home country before travelling. Processing times vary by country; apply at least 2–3 months before your intended arrival.

Question 13

What is the process for obtaining a work permit in Romania?

Accepted Answer

Non-EU nationals employed by a Romanian company (including as salaried directors) need a work permit issued by the General Inspectorate for Immigration. The permit is tied to a specific employer and role. The process involves the employer applying on behalf of the employee, and typically takes 4–8 weeks. Investors who are shareholders but not employees may instead apply for a business person residence permit.

Question 14

Can I obtain Romanian residency through my company investment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Non-EU nationals who establish and invest in a Romanian company may apply for a temporary residence permit as a business person or investor. Requirements include proof of the company's registration, evidence of investment, proof of accommodation, health insurance, and financial means. The permit is initially issued for one year and can be renewed annually.

Question 15

Does Romanian citizenship give EU citizenship?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Romania is a full EU member state, so Romanian citizenship confers EU citizenship and the right to live and work across all EU member states. Romanian citizenship by naturalisation is available after eight years of legal residence (five years for those married to Romanian citizens).

Question 16

What services does Mariner Pro provide?

Accepted Answer

Mariner Pro provides end-to-end business consultancy and corporate services for foreign investors and companies entering Romania. Our services include company formation, investor support and relocation assistance, business consultancy and strategy, engineering consultancy, HR and recruitment, office support, and business intermediation. We act as a single point of contact for the full market entry journey.

Question 17

Do you work with investors from outside the EU?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A significant part of our client base comes from the Middle East, North Africa, and other non-EU regions. We have specific expertise in the additional requirements that apply to non-EU investors — including visa and work permit processes, apostille requirements for foreign documents, and double taxation treaty planning.

Question 18

How much does it cost to use Mariner Pro's services?

Accepted Answer

Our fees vary depending on the scope of services required. We offer a free initial consultation to understand your situation and provide a clear, transparent quote before any engagement begins. There are no hidden fees — we agree the scope and cost upfront.

Question 19

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

The easiest way to start is to book a free consultation via our contact page. We'll discuss your situation, answer your specific questions, and outline the exact steps and timeline for your case. There is no obligation and no cost for the initial consultation.

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