How to Apply for a Romania Student Visa (Long-Stay Visa for Studies (D/SD))

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Ministry Approval: You must first obtain an official Letter of Acceptance from the Romanian Ministry of Education, verifying your enrollment in an accredited program.
2. Pay Tuition: Pay the tuition fee for at least your first academic year in full.
3. Apply via E-Visa: Register on the official Romanian E-Visa portal (eviza.mae.ro), upload scanned copies of all your required documents, and submit your application online.
4. Validation & Appointment: The consulate will review your online file. Once validated, you will be invited to schedule an in-person appointment.
5. Submit Originals: Attend your appointment at the Romanian Embassy or Consulate to submit your physical documents, passport, and pay the visa fee (approx. €120).
6. Visa Decision: Processing usually takes between 7 to 60 days. Once approved, the D/SD visa is stamped in your passport.
7. Residence Permit: After arriving in Romania, you must apply for a Temporary Residence Permit at the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) at least 30 days before your D/SD visa expires.

Required Documents Checklist

• Valid Passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended stay, with at least two blank pages).
• Letter of Acceptance issued by the Romanian Ministry of Education.
• Proof of Tuition Payment for at least one academic year.
• Proof of Financial Means (Bank statements in your name).
• Travel Medical Insurance (minimum coverage of €30,000 for emergency medical care and repatriation).
• Criminal Record Certificate (Police clearance from your home country, legalized or apostilled).
• Proof of Accommodation (A rental agreement or dormitory confirmation in Romania).

Financial Requirements (2024/2026 Guidelines)

You must demonstrate that you have sufficient financial means to support yourself in Romania.

• Required Amount: The official requirement is at least the country's minimum net monthly wage for the entire period specified in your visa.
• Estimated Minimum: For a one-year stay, you should generally prove you have access to a liquid bank balance of at least €3,000 to €4,000. (Always check the latest exact minimum wage multiplier).
• Accepted Evidence:
  • A bank statement from a bank account in your own name.
  • An official document confirming you are a scholarship recipient.
• Tuition: This living cost requirement is in addition to the proof that your first year's tuition has already been paid.

Sponsorship Guidelines

• If a parent or legal guardian is sponsoring you, they must provide a notarized affidavit of financial support.
• They must also submit their own bank statements and proof of regular income (e.g., tax returns, employment certificates) to prove they can afford the sponsorship.
• The funds are generally expected to be transferred to an account in the student's name prior to applying.

Accompanying Family Members

• No Immediate Dependent Visa: A Romanian student visa (D/SD) does not automatically grant dependents (spouse or children) the right to accompany you.
• Family Reunification: You must first enter Romania alone and obtain your Temporary Residence Permit. Once you are a legal resident, you can apply to the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) for family reunification.
• Requirements: You will need to prove sufficient housing space and extra financial means (an additional minimum wage equivalent per family member). Once IGI approves, your family can apply for long-stay visas (D/VF) in their home country.

Working While Studying

• Work Limits: International students holding a valid residence permit for studies are legally allowed to work part-time in Romania for a maximum of 4 hours per day.
• Work Permit: If you work within this 4-hour daily limit, you do not need to apply for a separate work permit.
• Post-Study Work: Upon graduation, you can apply to extend your residence permit for up to 9 months for the specific purpose of seeking employment or starting a business in Romania.