romanian visa for indians

Romania, a captivating Eastern European nation known for its rich history, diverse landscapes, and burgeoning economy, is an increasingly attractive destination for Indian travelers, whether for tourism, study, work, or business. For Indian citizens, obtaining a Romanian visa for Indians is a mandatory step, as Romania does not offer a visa-on-arrival facility. While Romania recently joined the Schengen Area (for air and sea borders as of March 31, 2024), specific visa requirements for non-Schengen passport holders like Indians still apply. This detailed, pointwise article will outline the various types of Romanian visa for Indians, the necessary documents, application process, fees, processing times, and crucial distinctions, particularly highlighting aspects relevant to a business visa.

1. Types of Romanian Visa for Indians

Romania issues different visa types depending on the purpose and duration of the stay. Understanding the correct category is the first step in applying for a Romanian visa for Indians:

• Short-Stay Visa (Type C): This visa allows for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. It is granted for various purposes, including:

  • Tourism: For leisure and sightseeing.

     

     

  • Business (C/ZV): For attending meetings, conferences, signing contracts, market research, or participating in trade fairs.

     

     

  • Private Visit: Visiting family or friends.

  • Cultural/Sports Activities: Participating in cultural or sports events.

     

     

  • Transit (C/TR): For airport transit through Romania.

  • Medical Treatment (C/TR): For short-term medical procedures.

• Long-Stay Visa (Type D): This visa is required for stays exceeding 90 days and for purposes that involve more extended periods or specific activities, such as:

  • Employment (D/AM): For working under an individual employment contract.

  • Economic Activities (D/AE): For engaging in commercial activities or investments.

  • Study (D/SD): For enrolling in educational institutions.

  • Family Reunification (D/VF): For joining family members residing in Romania.

  • Professional Activities (D/AP): For self-employed individuals or those practicing certain professions.

  • Scientific Research (D/CS): For researchers.

  • Assignment (D/DT): For employees seconded to Romania.

2. General Documents Required for a Romanian Visa for Indians

Regardless of the visa type, certain standard documents are universally required for a Romanian visa for Indians. All documents not in English or Romanian must be accompanied by a certified translation.

• Valid Indian Passport:

  • Original passport valid for at least three months beyond your intended date of departure from Romania.

     

     

  • Issued within the last 10 years.

  • Must have a minimum of two blank pages.

     

     

  • Photocopies of the passport's bio-data pages and all previous visas (Schengen, UK, USA, Canada, etc.).

  • All old passports, if any, must be submitted.

• Visa Application Form: One duly completed, printed, and signed visa application form. This form is typically filled online on the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs e-visa portal (eVisa.MAE.ro). Minors' forms must be signed by both parents/legal guardians.

   
   
   

   

• Recent Passport-Sized Photographs:

  • Two (2) recent (not older than six months) color photographs.

     

     

  • Dimensions: 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm, with a plain light-colored background (white or light grey).

  • Full frontal view, neutral expression, no dark or reflective glasses, no headwear (unless for religious reasons, without obscuring facial features).

     

     

• Travel Medical Insurance:

  • A valid travel medical insurance policy covering the entire period of your intended stay in Romania.

     

     

  • Minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation.

     

     

  • Must be valid throughout the entire Schengen territory if applying for a C-type visa.

• Proof of Financial Means:

  • Original updated personal bank statements for the last three to six months, duly stamped and signed by the bank, showing sufficient funds. The general minimum requirement for a short-stay visa is approximately €50 per day of stay, but not less than €500 in total.

     

     

  • Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the last two to three years.

  • Latest three months' salary slips (if employed).

  • If a host/company covers expenses, an official letter confirming sponsorship and their financial proof (e.g., company bank statements, invitation with guarantee).

     

     

• Confirmed Flight Reservations: Round-trip flight tickets or reservations showing entry into and exit from Romania.

   

   

• Proof of Accommodation: Confirmed hotel reservations for your entire stay in Romania. If staying at a private residence, an invitation letter from the host and their proof of accommodation.

   

   

• Cover Letter: A signed letter from the applicant, addressed to the Embassy/Consulate General of Romania, stating the purpose of your visit, exact travel dates, and an assurance of your intention to return to India.

   

   

• Proof of Professional Status/Ties to Home Country:

  • If employed: No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your employer on company letterhead, stating your position, salary, and approved leave dates.

     

     

  • If self-employed: Business registration documents, ITRs, and bank statements of the company.

  • If student: Bonafide certificate from your educational institution and leave approval (if applicable).

3. Specific Documents for a Romanian Business Visa (C/ZV)

For a Romanian business visa for Indians, in addition to the general documents, specific documents related to the business purpose are essential:

• Invitation Letter from Romanian Company:

  • An original invitation letter from the inviting Romanian company/organization, on their official letterhead, signed and stamped by an authorized signatory.

     

     

  • The letter must be endorsed by the Inspectorate General for Immigration (IGI) of the Romanian Ministry of Internal Affairs. This is a crucial step that the Romanian inviting company must undertake.

     

     

  • It must clearly state:

    • Applicant's full name, designation, passport number, and nationality.

    • Purpose of Visit: A detailed explanation of the business activities (e.g., attending a specific conference, negotiating a contract, visiting a factory).

    • Duration of Stay: Exact intended dates of arrival and departure.

    • Inviting Entity's Information: Full name, address, contact details, and their official registration number/VAT number.

    • Financial Responsibility: A clear statement indicating who will bear the financial expenses for the applicant's stay in Romania (travel, accommodation, daily expenses).

• Proof of Business Relationship: Documents demonstrating the existing or prospective business relationship between your Indian company and the Romanian company (e.g., contracts, agreements, invoices, correspondence).

   

   

• Indian Company's Registration Documents: Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum of Association (MOA), Articles of Association (AOA), or other relevant business registration proof.

• Letter from Indian Employer: A letter on company letterhead, introducing the applicant, confirming employment, purpose of the business trip, and guaranteeing the applicant's return.

4. Application Process for a Romanian Visa for Indians

The process for applying for a Romanian visa for Indians involves several key steps:

1. Online Application (eVisa Portal): Visit the e-visa website of the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (eVisa.MAE.ro).

    

    

   • Fill in all details accurately and select the appropriate visa type (e.g., C/ZV for a short-stay business visa).

   • Upload all required documents as scanned copies.

   • Submit your online application. You will receive an email confirmation.

2. Appointment Booking: After preliminary evaluation of your online application, you will receive an email with details for an appointment.

3. In-Person Submission & Biometrics: Attend your scheduled appointment at the Romanian Embassy in New Delhi or the nearest Consulate General (currently, all visa applications must be submitted in person at the Embassy of Romania in New Delhi).

   • Submit your complete application package with all original documents and their photocopies.

   • Your biometric data (fingerprints and a digital photograph) will be collected.

      

      

   • Be prepared for a possible interview.

4. Pay Visa Fees:

   • Short-Stay Visa (Type C): €90 (approximately INR 8,065). For children aged 6-12 years, it's €45.

   • Long-Stay Visa (Type D): €120 (approximately INR 10,755).

      

      

   • Fees are typically payable at the Embassy/Consulate and are non-refundable. There are no additional service charges by a third-party VAC as the Embassy handles submissions directly.

      

      

5. Processing: The application will be processed by the Consular Section.

6. Passport Collection: Once processed, you will be notified to collect your passport with the affixed visa.

5. Processing Time for a Romanian Visa for Indians

The processing time for a Romanian visa for Indians generally varies by visa type:

• Short-Stay Visa (Type C, including Business Visa): Typically processed within 10-15 working days from the date of submission at the Embassy. This period can extend up to 30 or even 45 days if additional documents or a more detailed examination are required.

• Long-Stay Visa (Type D): These visas generally have longer processing times, potentially taking several weeks to months, as they often involve consultation with other Romanian authorities.

• Recommendation: It is highly advisable to apply well in advance, ideally at least 3-4 weeks before your planned travel date for short-stay visas, and even earlier for long-stay visas, to account for any unforeseen delays.

6. Important Considerations for a Romanian Business Visa

• Schengen Access: As of March 31, 2024, Romania has joined the Schengen Area for air and sea borders. This means if you hold a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa issued by any Schengen member state, you might be able to enter Romania for a short stay (up to 90 days within 180 days) without a separate Romanian visa, provided your Schengen visa covers the purpose of your visit (e.g., business) and is still valid. However, this is primarily for transit and short stays. Always verify the latest regulations directly with the Romanian Embassy.

   

   

• Invitation Letter (IGI Endorsement): For a Romanian business visa, the requirement for the invitation letter to be endorsed by the Inspectorate General for Immigration (IGI) is crucial. This step is handled by your inviting company in Romania and can take time. Ensure they initiate this well in advance.

   

   

• No Work on Business Visa: A Romanian business visa for Indians (Type C/ZV) strictly does not permit any remunerated activities or gainful employment in Romania. If your intention is to work in Romania, you must apply for a Long-Stay Work Visa (D/AM) which requires a separate work permit process initiated by your employer in Romania.

   

   

• Proof of Funds: Even if the Romanian company is sponsoring your trip, you should still show sufficient personal funds to demonstrate your overall financial stability and ties to India.

In conclusion, securing a Romanian visa for Indians requires a diligent approach to documentation and adherence to the specified application procedures. For a Romanian business visa, the key lies in the officially endorsed invitation letter from your host company in Romania and comprehensive proof of your business purpose and financial stability. While Romania's partial integration into the Schengen Area offers some flexibility for those already holding valid Schengen visas, it's always best practice to consult the most current guidelines on the official website of the Embassy of Romania in India or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' eVisa portal to ensure a smooth and successful application process for your journey to Romania.