A stunning beautiful Baltic country Romania is probably one of the most neglected too, given the sheer natural beauty, hospitality, inexpensiveness, and topping internet speeds. Sitting at the crossroads of Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe, the country borders Ukraine, Hungary, Moldova, and Serbia; while hosting the vastness of the Black Sea to the southeast.
Romania is evolving as the new hub for digital nomads and freelancers due to its advanced internet infrastructure that supports speeds beyond 200Mbps, almost two times faster than the global average of 98Mbps. Many other reasons compel expatriates to settle in Romania, however, before you make your decision, here are a few things you must know about the country.
Travel visas & work permit
Romania has been part of the EU since 2007 and is part of the Freedom-of-Movement agreement hence allowing EU/EEA citizens to travel and stay in Romania without visa restrictions. Third-country citizens will require a travel visa for visits, and a work permit to be able to stay for a long period and earn a living.
Romania offers a type C visa for stays under 90 days and a type D visa is issued to applicants wishing to stay for longer periods as it is valid for 1 year (single entry). Whether it’s a type C or D visa, both do not allow the bearer to engage in employment or other financial activity. The process and requirements for an application depend on the type, purpose, and duration of the stay.
A work visa is possible only if sponsored by a Romanian employer who ensures the concerned departments that a certain position couldn’t be filled by a Romanian or EU citizen. Jobs can be searched through an online search, local newspapers, or by contacting a local placement agent.
Culture & history of Romania
Knowledge of the language, history, and culture of the host country is essential for better assimilation with the locals. Romania has been conquered by a number of nations, each leaving behind certain traditions, mental conditioning, traits, and rituals over the course of history.
Collectively, Romanians are generally reserved and formal; avoiding personal conversations until comfortable. Once they warm up with someone, they are one of the most hospitable people too. General modesty and humility can be experienced across the country. Romania’s social structure follows a hierarchical system where elders are given respect, consulted in decision-making, and assume the role of arbitrators during domestic and social rifts.
Festivals are many and follow one after the other. Due to centuries of influence by Goths, Huns, Bulgars, and other tribal Kingdoms, Romania is never short of something to celebrate about. The festivals are full of colors, energy, and lively vibes, where food and music are rampant.
Cost of living
Surprisingly enough, Romania may be the least expensive country in all of Europe. Life here moves at a laidback pace where greed plays little to no role in the day-to-day lives of the locals. A one-bedroom apartment can be rented in central locations such as Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Brasov, or Sibiu for as less as EUR 300, around RON 1,500.
Depending on where one chooses to live, Romania has an array of spectacular places on offer. From the medieval town of Transylvania in a luxury apartment to city centers such as Brasov or Bucharest the average cost of living for a family of four, if budgeted properly, should not exceed EUR 1,900/month.
Transportation
Most of the Romanians don’t own a car, the reason is a very well laid out public transport system. It seems as if the country’s infrastructure was built with buses, trains, trams, and light trains in mind at every instance. Moving within a city or intercity travel is easier, cheaper, and accessible through public transport.
Another reason for opting for public transport over the private car is that the drivers in Romania drive rashly; imagine single-lane roads where drivers don’t think twice before overtaking you at high speed.
Language & education
Primary and middle schooling is compulsory for all residents of the country, citizens or expatriates alike. The government provides 8 years of primary and middle schooling free to everyone (4 years each). Moving on further, Romania has some very fine colleges and universities to offer for higher education requirements. Since the state believes in socialism, for the most part, education is provided on an egalitarian basis.
The Romanian language literally means romantic; as such, the language is a beautiful amalgamation of French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and Latin languages. Not to be mistaken Roma, which is a different ethnic group and gypsy minority having its own dialect, Romanians take pride in their language.
Though youngsters do speak English, the elders rarely entertain any language other than Romanian; making it even more important for newcomers to have a basic understanding of the Romanian language and culture.
