Frequently Asked Questions About the Romanian Visa

Are you looking to apply for a Romanian visa? Read below some of the most frequent questions about the Romanian visa, presented by the immigratione experts at our law firm in Romania.

What does the National Visa Center (CNV) do?

The National Visa Center is the specially designated structure within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which contributes to establishing and implementing Romania’s national visa policy, together with other institutions in the central public administration, according to the competencies established by law, and and is the central access point to the Visa Information System (VIS).

The Center manages visa applications from foreign citizens who want to travel to Romania. Thus, among others, CNV decides on the issuance of entry visas to Romania, according to the competencies established by the special legislation.

CNV does NOT manage the granting of visas for Romanian citizens who need visas to travel to other states. For this purpose, Romanian citizens are advised to contact the diplomatic missions of the states in which they wish to travel.

Can I get an invitation from the National Visa Center (CNV)?

This is a commonly asked question about this subject as it can generate a certain level on confusion.

CNV does NOT issue and does NOT formulate documents for inviting foreigners on the Romanian territory. The invitations you need to obtain Romanian visas, you can get them ONLY with the support of the people / institutions that invite you to Romania. Our lawyers in Romania can help clarify the process.

Can the National Visa Center help me book a visa appointment at a consulate?

The National Visa Center does NOT make appointments for such applications. To obtain an appointment, you can either use the eVisa electronic portal or contact the diplomatic mission / consular office where you are applying for a visa directly. The appointments are made according to the work schedule of each diplomatic mission / consular post. The contact details of the Romanian diplomatic missions / consular offices can be consulted HERE: http://www.mae.ro/romanian-missions.

Where can I submit the letter of guarantee in support of a business visa application?

The letter of guarantee must be submitted in 2 originals, to the following address:

Legalization Service within the Consular Department

Aleea Alexandru, no. 24, Sector 1, Bucharest

Working hours: as published on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (www.mae.ro).

The letter of guarantee will be drafted for the attention of the National Visa Center. Our Romanian lawyers can help you with this step.

A copy of the letter of guarantee will remain on deposit, and you will pick up the second copy on the spot after registration.

Can I travel to Romania without a visa if I have a visa issued by a Schengen Member State?

Yes. Romania has been a full member of the Schengen area since 1 January 2025, so a valid uniform Schengen visa issued by any Schengen state also allows you to enter and stay in Romania, and holders of long-stay visas or residence permits issued by Schengen states may stay in Romania for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

A separate Romanian visa is no longer needed for short stays: Romania itself now issues uniform Schengen short-stay visas.

How can I obtain the right of long-term residence in Romania, as a citizen of a non-EU / EEA state, with a valid right of residence in Romania?

For information, you can consult the website of the General Inspectorate for Immigration. Our Romanian lawyers can provide you with detailed information and translations for the requirements.

Can the National Visa Center tell me if my visa will be issued?

Information on the decision to issue it can only be obtained after your application has been examined. Therefore, it is recommended to keep in touch with the diplomatic mission / consular post to which you have applied for a visa. If you use the eVisa electronic portal to submit your request, you will be able to consult the status of your application online.

If in the state I am in, Romania is not represented by a diplomatic mission, where do I apply for a visa?

Contact the accredited Romanian diplomatic mission for the state you are in, or a diplomatic mission / consular post that is close to your state.

How long does it take for the visa to be issued?

It is recommended that short-stay visa applications be submitted at least 2 weeks before the planned time of travel.

These are part of the most frequent questions about the Romanian visa. The team at our law firm in Romania can aswer any other questions on this topic. Plese feel free to contact us for more information and for personalized assistance.