Long-stay visas (Type D)
Romanian EU Long-Term Residence in Romania
Permanent-style residence for non-EU nationals after five years of continuous legal stay, giving broad equal-treatment rights and a stable, settled status.
Important information
- Purpose
- Long-term / permanent settlement
- Who issues it
- General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI)
- Qualifying period
- 5 years of continuous legal residence in Romania
- Permit validity
- 5 years (10 years for family members of Romanian citizens), renewable
- Decision time
- Up to 6 months (extendable by 3 months)
Who it's for
- Non-EU/EEA nationals with 5 years of continuous legal residence in Romania
- Long-term workers, business owners, family members and others with stable status
- Those seeking permanent settlement and equal-treatment rights
Requirements
- Five years of continuous legal residence (within the permitted absence limits)
- Stable and regular means of subsistence (except family members of Romanian citizens)
- Proof of housing/accommodation
- Health insurance
- Romanian criminal record certificate
- Not holding a disqualifying status (student-only, asylum seeker, short-stay/diplomatic, seasonal/au-pair)
What you can do
- Reside in Romania on a stable, long-term basis
- Access employment, education, social security, healthcare and housing on equal terms
- Enjoy stronger protection against expulsion
- Move towards Romanian citizenship where eligible
How to apply
Apply for long-term residence at your local IGI office once you meet the five-year continuous-residence condition.
IGI decides within up to 6 months (extendable by 3 months). If approved, you submit the documents to have the permit issued within 30 days and receive written notification within 15 days.
The permit is renewed on expiry; the long-term resident status itself is intended to be permanent.
Frequently asked questions
You need five years of continuous legal residence, allowing absences of no more than 6 consecutive months or 10 months in total over that period.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.
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