Romania Immigration, Relocation & Citizenship Counsel

I'm Beatrice Preotescu, an attorney-at-law based in Bucharest. For over 18 years, I've assisted clients with work and residence permits, long-term and short-term relocation and Romanian citizenship matters. I help people from around the world make Romania their home, whether relocating for employment, working remotely or retiring. I also assist with business establishment, real estate transactions and any other legal paperwork required for living and working in Romania.

18+ years experience Bucharest-based Remote consultations
Beatrice Preotescu portrait

Areas of Practice

Work Visas & Residence

I handle eligibility and strategy, document checklists, drafting and review of forms and supporting letters, translation/apostille coordination, appointment scheduling, filing and case tracking, responses to government requests, extensions/renewals and family/dependent residence where applicable.

Digital Nomad Support

I advise on the most workable legal pathway for your situation, build the documentation package (income/contract proof, insurance, housing, background docs), coordinate translations/apostilles, book and prep appointments, file and track the application, handle follow-up requests and set you up for renewals so you can stay compliant while living in Romania.

Retirement

I manage the residence process end-to-end-eligibility review, income and insurance documentation, housing/registration requirements, translations/apostilles, appointment prep, filing and tracking, government follow-ups and renewals-so your status stays clean and uninterrupted.

Property and Business

I review and negotiate purchase/lease documents, coordinate title/ownership and basic risk checks with the notary and relevant parties, flag red-line issues before you sign and for business setups I help choose the right structure, prepare formation documents, coordinate registrations and keep the paperwork aligned with your immigration/residence plan.

Reclaiming Citizenship

I confirm eligibility, map the exact document chain you need, coordinate retrieval of records and corrections (including name discrepancies), handle translations/apostilles, assemble the complete dossier, file and track the case and prepare you for any required steps (interviews/oath) so you avoid delays caused by missing or inconsistent records.

New Citizenship

I build a realistic citizenship pathway from your current status-residence planning, compliance checkpoints, document preparation over time, translations/apostilles, application assembly and filing, case tracking and responses and guidance through the final procedural steps-so you move through the process without preventable resets.

Why Romania

Low cost of living with high quality of life

Romania offers one of the lowest costs of living in the EU while still providing modern amenities. Rent ($500-$800/month for a modern furnished apartment in Bucharest, less in other areas), groceries, healthcare and dining out cost significantly less than Western Europe or North America. Private medical services are excellent. A budget that might feel tight elsewhere can provide an excellent lifestyle in cities like Cluj-Napoca, Brașov or Bucharest or in the countryside.

Cost of living and quality of life

Exceptional connectivity to Europe and Schengen access

Multiple Romanian cities offer 1-3 hour flights to all of Europe, many with low-cost airlines, making weekend trips to Paris, Rome or Athens remarkably accessible and affordable. Also, as an EU member state, Romania provides residency pathways that can eventually lead to EU citizenship.

Connectivity and travel

Stunning natural landscapes, vibrant cities and medieval heritage

Romania offers remarkable diversity-from modern vibrant cities to the Carpathian Mountains perfect for hiking and skiing, to the Danube Delta (a UNESCO biosphere reserve), to the Black Sea coast. The country is dotted with preserved medieval towns, Transylvanian castles and fortified churches that create a unique European atmosphere.

Landscapes and heritage

High-speed internet and digital infrastructure

Romania consistently ranks among the top countries globally for internet speed and affordability, with fiber optic internet up to 1 GB for around $12/month (with cable TV included) and monthly phone bills of around $10-$20 with unlimited 5G internet. This makes it particularly attractive for remote workers, digital nomads and retirees who want to stay connected with family abroad or continue working online.

Digital infrastructure

Growing expat communities and English accessibility

Major Romanian cities have developed vibrant international communities, particularly in Cluj-Napoca (a tech hub) and Bucharest. Most younger Romanians speak English well, and you'll find English-language services, international schools and expat networks that ease the transition while still offering an authentic European experience.

Expat community

Why Work With Me

Beatrice Preotescu Portrait

Moving to a new country involves more than paperwork-it's about understanding a system that can feel opaque and navigating it with confidence. I've built my practice around making that process as straightforward as possible.

When you work with me, you're working directly with me-not an assistant, not a call center. I explain your options in plain terms, walk you through what's realistic for your situation and flag potential complications before they become problems. Immigration law has plenty of gray areas and administrative quirks, and I'd rather you know about them upfront than be surprised later.

I've chosen to focus exclusively on immigration and citizenship because these cases require attention to detail and an understanding of how Romanian institutions actually operate, not just what the law says on paper. Being based in Bucharest means I know the people, the processes and the unwritten rules that can make the difference between a smooth approval and months of delays.

My goal is simple: help you get settled in Romania without unnecessary stress or uncertainty.

Testimonials

"As an adopted Romanian child of an American family I had lost touch with my Romanian side for many years, though my parents were great about talking about it. When I was older I decided I wanted to get my Romanian citizenship and passport. I tried the Romanian consulate in Chicago but even getting basic information was always a long process and was told I will have to eventually go back to Romania to resolve this. At this point someone mentioned a Romanian lawyer that they had used. I was honestly a bit afraid to use one, mostly because of my financial situation. But had a free initial consultation with Ms Beatrice Preotescu and was very impressed. She confirmed I never lost my original citizenship so all we need to do is get current papers. The price she quoted me was much less that I would have expected and it included everything without me having to go over there. Instead of more than a year that I've heard it can take the whole process took a very smooth 6 months and now I'm the proud owner of a Romanian passport! Thank you Ms Preotescu!"
— Client, United States
"Beatrice handled everything when we went to Romania to start a business. She really knows her stuff, is very honest and helped us be very successful. We only work with her in Romania"
— Client, Dubai
— Client, Pakistan
"We are US citizens born in Romania and our kids were born in the US. We wanted to get Romanian citizenship for them and tried to start the process while on a long vacation in Romania. It was a nightmare dealing with the bureaucracy there and was told it can take up to 2 years. Found Beatrice Preotescu through a friend and it was so easy - just gave her the paperwork, did not have to come back to Romania and 7 months later both kids had their citizenship. Easy, very affordable and would 100% recommend."
— Client, United States

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa to move to Romania?

It depends on your citizenship and purpose of stay. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can live and work in Romania freely without a visa. Citizens of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and many other countries can visit Romania visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, but need a residence permit for longer stays.

The type of residence permit required depends on your situation—employment, retirement, digital nomad status, family reunification, or business ownership. I can assess your specific circumstances and guide you through the appropriate application process.

Can I reclaim Romanian citizenship if I, my parents, or grandparents were Romanian?

Yes. Romania allows citizenship by descent. If you had Romanian ancestors who lost their citizenship—often due to emigration or historical circumstances—you may be eligible to reclaim it. This also applies if you personally were a Romanian citizen and later lost your citizenship, in which case reacquisition may be possible.

The process requires documenting lineage through birth certificates, marriage certificates, and historical records. Each case is unique, and documentation requirements can be complex, particularly for records issued before 1989. I assist clients in navigating these applications, gathering documentation, and submitting complete petitions.

How long does it take to get a residence permit in Romania?

Processing times vary depending on the type of permit. Standard residence permits typically take between 30 and 60 days from the date of application, though this may extend if additional documentation is requested.

Digital nomad and employment-based permits often fall within similar timeframes. Citizenship applications take longer—approximately 6–9 months for reacquisition and 1–2 years for new citizenship. I help ensure applications are complete from the start to minimize delays and reduce the risk of rejection.

Can I buy property in Romania as a foreign citizen, and will it help me get residency?

EU/EEA citizens may purchase property in Romania without restrictions. Non-EU citizens can buy buildings and apartments but face limitations when purchasing agricultural or forest land.

Property ownership alone does not automatically grant residency rights, but it may support certain residence applications—particularly for business owners or financially self-sufficient applicants. I can advise on property acquisition and how it fits into your broader immigration strategy.

What are the financial requirements for living in Romania as a retiree or digital nomad?

Retirement residence permits require proof of stable monthly income—typically pension or investment income—meeting Romania’s minimum threshold, currently around $950 per month, subject to change.

Digital nomads must currently demonstrate monthly income of approximately $4,500 (or equivalent), along with proof of remote employment or business ownership. A legislative change announced for March 2026 is expected to significantly lower this requirement to under $1,500. Applicants must also show valid health insurance (plenty of affordable Romanian options) and proof of accommodation. I assist clients in preparing complete financial documentation that meets all legal requirements.

Contact

Office Details

Location:
Bucharest, Romania

Hours:
Monday–Friday: 09:00–17:00

Email:
romaniarelocation@gmail.com

Unsolicited messages do not create an attorney–client relationship. Please do not send confidential documents until requested.

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