Student Visa for Romania: Long-Stay D/SD Visa and Residence Permit

Fee figures: catalogue of 6 October 2026.

Non-EU degree students come to Romania in two steps: a long-stay visa for studies (symbol D/SD), issued by a Romanian embassy or consulate, and then a residence permit for studies from the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) once you are in the country. This guide covers the rules as published in October 2026.

Who needs what

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens need no visa. If you stay more than three months, register your residence with the IGI office of the county where you live. The registration certificate is issued the same day.
Everyone else needs the D/SD visa before travelling, and then a residence permit. A short-stay Schengen visa or visa-free entry covers only 90 days and cannot be turned into a study permit.

The letter of acceptance comes first

You cannot apply for the visa until your university has admitted you and the Ministry of Education has issued your letter of acceptance to studies. The Ministry has up to 30 working days after receiving a complete file from the university, longer if it needs extra checks. The university sends you the letter once you have confirmed your place and paid the fee. See how to get into a university in Romania.

How to apply for the visa

Fill in the application on e-Visa, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal. It is the only way to book an appointment.
Lodge the application in person at the Romanian embassy or consulate responsible for the country where you live legally. Study in Romania says there is usually an interview.
The National Visa Centre approves the visa only after a favourable opinion from IGI, which has 30 days, extendable by 15.
The visa is valid for 90 days. It lets you enter Romania only, not live in other Schengen countries.

IGI gives the visa fee as €300, paid in the country where you apply. Older guides quote a lower amount, so check with your consulate before paying. Romanian state scholarship holders pay no consular fee.

Documents for the D/SD visa

passport valid for at least three months beyond the visa and issued within the last ten years
two recent colour photographs, 3 x 4 cm
the letter of acceptance from the Ministry of Education
proof that tuition for at least one year is paid
proof of means of support (below)
a criminal record certificate
travel medical insurance for the visa period, valid in all EU states, with cover of at least €30,000
proof of accommodation
proof of the language of the programme, except for the Romanian preparatory year
parental consent if you are under 18

Money to show

The rule is at least the national gross minimum wage for each month. From 1 July 2026 it is 4,325 lei a month, about €812 (1 EUR = 5.33 RON, 19 October 2026).

Visa: the monthly amount for the whole period of the visa.
Residence permit: the monthly amount for at least six months, so 25,950 lei (about €4,870).

Romanian state scholarship holders do not need to show means, and students of Romanian origin are exempt too. See how much it costs to study in Romania.

The residence permit

Apply at the IGI office of the county where you study at least 30 days before your visa expires. You can also file online on the IGI portal; online appointments are compulsory in large university cities such as Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Iași and Timișoara.

Bring:

the application form and your passport
the letter of acceptance (first application only)
a certificate from the university that you are enrolled full-time
proof of means for at least six months
proof of the right to use your accommodation, such as a rental contract or a dormitory certificate
a medical certificate and proof of health insurance valid in Romania
proof that you have paid the permit fees

IGI decides within 30 days, extendable by 15. Students can extend their right of residence for up to the total length of their studies; each renewal is due at least 30 days before the current permit expires. IGI notes that students aged 26 or over need Romanian social health insurance to extend their stay. See health insurance for students in Europe.

Working while you study

With a residence permit for studies you may work without a work permit, on a part-time contract of up to six hours a day. Longer hours need a work permit. More in working while studying in Europe.

After graduation

IGI can extend your right of residence for up to nine months after graduation to look for a job or start a business. If you have not finished on time, a further extension of up to one year to complete your studies is possible.

Where to look next

Official sources

IGI: Studies: visa and residence permit rules (General Inspectorate for Immigration)
Study in Romania: Visa: Ministry of Education portal
e-Visa: Ministry of Foreign Affairs application portal
IGI: Residence registration for EU citizens
Government Decision 146/2026: minimum gross wage (in Romanian)

Always check current information on the official website of the university before you apply.