Romanian visa resources
After you arrive in Romania
Use your 90-day long-stay visa to apply in person to IGI for a residence permit at least 30 days before the visa's right to stay expires.
Important
A long-stay (Type D) visa lets you enter Romania and stay for 90 days; it is not the end of the process. To keep living in Romania legally you must obtain a residence permit from IGI, which certifies your right to stay for the purpose you were admitted under.
The residence permit file is submitted in person (or booked through the IGI portal) at the IGI territorial unit for the county where you live. Crucially, you must lodge it at least 30 days before the right to stay granted by your visa expires, so do not leave it to the end of the 90-day window.
Your first steps
- Identify the IGI territorial unit for your county
- Prepare the residence permit file (application, passport, proof of dwelling, insurance, means, purpose documents)
- Book your appointment - in person or via portaligi.mai.gov.ro
- Submit at least 30 days before your visa's right to stay expires
- Collect the residence permit card from the IGI office, or have it couriered at your own cost
Renewing and settling
Residence permits are issued for the period tied to your purpose and must be extended before they expire (subsequent extensions are generally decided within 30 days). After 5 years of continuous lawful residence you may apply for long-term residence.
Next steps
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.