Romania To Launch New Investment Visa With Long-Term EU Access Ideal For Digital Nomads

The Romanian government has introduced a bold new initiative designed to attract international investors, entrepreneurs, and remote workers: a proposed “Golden Visa”-style program that would grant non-EU nationals a renewable five-year residence permit in exchange for an investment of at least €400,000.

Under the draft legislation, filed in the Romanian Senate in mid-October 2025, applicants would be able to choose from several qualifying investment routes, including the purchase of Romanian government bonds, real estate held for a minimum of five years, authorized investment funds, or shares in Romanian-listed companies, each at the €400,000 threshold.

With the scheme, Romania aims to offer an appealing entry point for the growing global class of digital nomads and location-independent entrepreneurs. By securing a residence permit valid across an EU member state, investors gain access to the European market and lifestyle, while the host country benefits from fresh capital, increased entrepreneurship, and global connectivity.

Key features of the draft proposal include:

• A minimum investment of €400,000 — regardless of the chosen investment route.
• The residence permit would be valid for five years and renewable, subject to maintaining the qualifying investment.
• The investment must remain in place for the full five-year period.
• Although full citizenship is not automatic, provisions in the draft suggest eligibility to apply for Romanian citizenship after fulfilling residence and other legal requirements.

For digital nomads who travel frequently and value flexibility, the Romanian scheme presents several potential advantages: the ability to establish a EU-based residence, engage with Europe’s business and tech ecosystems (Romania has growing hubs in cities such as Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca), and enjoy the benefits of EU membership indirectly. At the same time, the cost of entry is relatively moderate compared to some alternative European schemes.

In conclusion, while the Romanian investment-residency scheme is still a work in progress, it signals a significant new option for digital nomads and investors looking to align business freedom with EU access. If approved and implemented as drafted, it could reshape how location-independent professionals approach residency and mobility in Europe.