Romania Visa for Indians 2026: Fees, Process & Types

Short-Stay Schengen Visa (Type C) — Most Common

The Type C visa is the standard Schengen visa for Indian tourists, business travelers, and those visiting family or friends in Romania. Since Romania joined Schengen on March 31, 2024, this uniform Schengen visa allows travel across all 29 Schengen countries. For detailed tourist visa documents and eligibility, see our Romania tourist visa requirements page.

Duration: Up to 90 days within any 180-day period

Entry Types: Single entry, double entry, or multiple entry

Validity: Up to 1 year (for multiple-entry visas)

Schengen Access: Valid for travel to all 29 Schengen countries

Fee: EUR 90 (approximately INR 8,100) for adults; EUR 45 (approximately INR 4,050) for children aged 6-12; Free for children under 6

Suitable for:

• Tourism and sightseeing
• Business meetings and conferences
• Visiting family or friends
• Short-term medical treatment
• Cultural or sports events

Schengen Business Visa (C-Type)

Romania's growing IT sector, automotive industry, and EU membership make it an emerging business destination for Indian professionals. Business visa applications often process faster than tourist visas when backed by a strong Romanian company invitation.

Key documents: Invitation letter from Romanian company on company letterhead, endorsed by the Romanian Inspectorate General for Immigration, employer NOC, proof of business relationship. For complete details, see our Romania business visa requirements page.

Processing: Often faster than tourist — 10-12 days with a strong Romanian company invitation

#### Business Invitation Letter Requirements

The invitation letter is the single most important document for a business visa. A weak letter is the #1 reason business applications get delayed or refused. Your invitation letter must contain:

Pro tip: If you have attended the same Romanian trade fair before (e.g., TIB Fair Bucharest), mention the previous fair dates in the invitation letter. Romania's consulate values repeat business relationships — it demonstrates genuine intent.

Long-Stay National Visa (Type D)

The Type D visa is for Indian citizens planning to stay in Romania for more than 90 days for purposes such as employment, study, family reunification, or long-term residence. For complete student visa requirements, see our Romania student visa requirements page.

Duration: More than 90 days (up to 1 year initially)

Purpose: Work, study, family reunification, long-term residence

Fee: EUR 120 (approximately INR 10,800)

Processing Time: 30 days or more

Key documents:

• Valid Indian passport (minimum 6 months validity)
• Signed employment contract or university admission letter
• Work permit from Romanian Ministry of Interior (for employment)
• Proof of financial means
• Police Clearance Certificate

Single Permit (Work Visa — D-Type)

Romania operates a single permit system that combines work authorization and residence permit in one application. The employer initiates the process. Romania's foreign worker quota allows up to 90,000 non-EU workers annually. Processing takes 8-16 weeks. The employer must demonstrate that no suitable candidate was found in the local labor market before hiring a non-EU worker.

Airport Transit Visa (A-Type)

The Type A visa is required for Indian nationals who need to transit through the international zone of Romanian airports without entering the country.

Purpose: Airport transit only

Stay Duration: Limited to airport transit area

Fee: EUR 90 (approximately INR 8,100) for adults; EUR 45 (approximately INR 4,050) for children aged 6-12

Note: Most Indian travelers connecting through Romanian airports will need this visa unless they hold a valid Schengen visa or residence permit from another Schengen country.

Visa Validity and the 90/180 Rule

Understanding the 90/180 rule is crucial for Indian travelers with Schengen visas. This rule means you can stay in the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. The 180-day period is calculated backward from your last day of stay, creating a rolling window.

How to calculate: Pick any date in the Schengen Area. Count back 180 days. You must not have been present for more than 90 days in that window.

Example: If you enter Romania on January 1, 2026, and stay for 60 days (until March 2), you can only spend an additional 30 days in the Schengen Area during the remaining 120 days of that 180-day window. Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and future visa bans.

Important: If visiting multiple Schengen countries, apply at the consulate where you spend the most nights. If tied, apply at the consulate of first point of entry.

Official Fee Structure

Currency note: INR figures are approximate and based on prevailing exchange rates. Confirm the exact EUR-to-INR rate at the time of payment. Fees are payable in EUR or INR as applicable.

Additional Costs to Consider

Total Estimated Cost Per Applicant

Note: All visa fees are non-refundable regardless of the application outcome. Fees are payable at the embassy or visa application center by cash, debit card, or credit card.

Payment Methods

The Romanian Embassy in New Delhi and visa application centers accept cash (INR), credit cards (Visa, Mastercard), and debit cards. Fees are non-refundable even if your application is rejected.

Core Documents (Mandatory for All Visa Types)

• Valid Indian passport — Minimum 3 months validity beyond intended departure, minimum 2 blank pages, issued within last 10 years
• Passport-size photograph — ICAO-compliant: 35mm x 45mm, plain white background, 70-80% face coverage, taken within last 6 months, no glasses
• Visa application form — Completed and signed, available online at evisa.mae.ro
• Return or onward flight ticket — Confirmed booking showing departure from Schengen Area
• Proof of accommodation — Hotel booking confirmations or invitation letter from Romanian host
• Proof of sufficient funds — Bank statements for last 3-6 months showing minimum EUR 500 (approximately INR 45,000) plus EUR 50 per day of stay
• Travel insurance — Minimum EUR 30,000 coverage for all Schengen states, valid for entire duration of stay
• Cover Letter — Explaining purpose of visit, detailed itinerary, and ties to India
• Proof of Civil Status — Marriage certificate, birth certificate of children (if applicable)

Documents for Tourist Visa

• Detailed day-by-day travel itinerary
• Hotel bookings for all destinations
• Tourist attraction tickets or bookings (if available)
• Previous travel history (passport copies with visas)
• Cover letter explaining purpose of visit

Documents for Business Visa

• Invitation letter from Romanian company on company letterhead
• Letter must be endorsed by Romanian Inspectorate General for Immigration
• Details of business meetings, conferences, or events
• Company registration documents of inviting company
• Previous business travel history
• Support letter from Indian employer

Documents for Student Visa

• University admission letter
• Proof of enrollment
• Proof of financial means (scholarship or sponsor)
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from institution
• Parent's financial documents and sponsorship letter

Documents for Employment Visa

• Valid Indian passport (minimum 6 months validity — note: this is longer than the 3-month requirement for Schengen C-type visas)
• Signed employment contract
• Work permit from Romanian Ministry of Interior
• Medical fitness certificate
• Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
• Attested educational and professional certificates
• Passport-size photographs (white background)

Special Requirements for Minors (Under 18)

• Birth certificate showing both parents' names
• If traveling with both parents, both must sign the visa application form
• If traveling with one parent, notarized consent letter from the non-traveling parent
• If traveling alone or with guardians, notarized consent letters from both parents
• School ID cards and No Objection Certificates from schools

ICAO Photo Specifications

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Type

Identify the purpose of your visit to Romania. Are you traveling for tourism, business, visiting family, or medical treatment? Each purpose may require specific documents. Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria including passport validity and financial requirements.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Using the comprehensive checklist provided above, collect all necessary documents. Ensure all documents are current, properly formatted, and meet the embassy's requirements. Documents in languages other than English, French, or Romanian must be translated by certified translators.

Step 3: Complete the Visa Application Form

Complete the Romania Schengen visa application form online through the official Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (evisa.mae.ro). Fill out the form accurately with all required information, including personal details, travel information, and employment details. Ensure there are no errors, omissions, or inconsistencies. The form must be signed and dated, with the signature matching your passport signature.

Step 4: Book a Visa Appointment

Romania visa applications must be submitted in person at the Romanian Embassy in New Delhi or authorized visa application centers. Visit the embassy website or visa center portal to book an appointment. Appointments should be booked at least 15 days before your intended travel date but no earlier than 6 months in advance. During peak travel seasons (June-August and December-January), book appointments well in advance as slots fill quickly.

Step 5: Pay the Visa Fee

Romania visa fees can be paid at the time of application submission. At the Romanian Embassy in New Delhi, fees can be paid in Indian Rupees by cash, credit card, or debit card. At visa application centers, payment is typically accepted by card or cash in INR. Keep the payment receipt as proof of payment.

Step 6: Attend Your Visa Appointment

On the day of your appointment, arrive at the embassy or visa application center at least 15 minutes early. Bring all original documents, photocopies, the completed application form, payment receipt, and your appointment confirmation. You will submit your documents to the visa officer, who will review them for completeness. Biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) will be collected during your appointment. This biometric information is valid for 59 months for subsequent Schengen visa applications. Be prepared to answer questions about your travel plans, financial situation, and purpose of visit.

Step 7: Track Your Application Status

After submitting your application, you will receive a reference number or receipt. Use this number to track your application status online through the embassy website or visa center portal. The standard processing time is 15 calendar days, but it can extend to 30 days or even 45 days in complex cases. Avoid making non-refundable travel arrangements until you receive your visa approval.

Step 8: Collect Your Passport with Visa

Once your visa is processed, you will be notified via email or SMS. You can collect your passport in person from the embassy or visa application center where you submitted your application. Bring your original receipt and a valid ID for collection. Upon receiving your passport, immediately verify all visa details including validity dates, number of entries, duration of stay, and personal information. If you notice any errors, report them to the embassy immediately.

Note: Romania offers both online (e-visa) and in-person application options. The online e-visa system allows you to complete the application form and upload documents through the official evisa.mae.ro portal. However, you may still need to visit the embassy for biometric data collection if you haven't provided biometrics in the last 59 months. Both methods have the same visa fees and requirements.

Embassy of Romania in New Delhi

Visa Application Centers

Note: Applicants must apply at the center corresponding to their state of residence. Jurisdiction rules are strictly enforced.

Important: The Embassy of Romania does not work with any agents or intermediaries. Use of intermediaries does not result in preferential treatment. The only fee to be paid is the visa fee.

Note: Approval rates are approximate and based on publicly available Schengen visa statistics from the European Commission. Actual rates may vary by consulate and application period.

Compare visa guides: France | Germany | Italy | Spain | Netherlands | Greece | Belgium | Austria

Romania's advantage: Romania receives fewer Indian applications than major Schengen countries like France or Germany, which means smaller backlogs and potentially faster decisions. The Romanian consulate is familiar with Indian documentation formats and travel patterns. Since becoming a full Schengen member in March 2024, Romania's visa processing has aligned with standard Schengen procedures.

Verdict: Romania vs Italy — Which should you choose?

For first-time Schengen travelers with no prior visa history, Italy is the easier option (Medium difficulty, ~88% approval rate, lower total cost). However, if your travel plan includes Romania + Bulgaria + Hungary in one trip, apply through Romania — it is your main destination (4 nights Bucharest vs 3 nights Rome vs 2 nights Budapest). For business travelers in Romania's IT or automotive sectors, Romania is the correct choice regardless of difficulty. For students, the choice depends on your university location — Romania (Bucharest University, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca) and Italy (Politecnico di Milano, University of Bologna) have different application processes.

The Romanian consulate requires clear evidence that you can financially cover your stay.

Romania Bank Balance Requirement (2026)

For a 10-12 day trip: Maintain INR 2-4 lakhs in your savings account for at least 3-6 months before applying. A INR 5 lakh balance that appeared last week is weaker than INR 2.5 lakh that has been steady for 4 months.

For long-stay (D-Type): EUR 500-800 per month (approx INR 45,000-72,000) or proof of scholarship/employment income.

For student visa: EUR 5,000-7,000 per year (approx INR 4.5-6.3 lakhs) + tuition fees.

Accepted Financial Documents

Indian Banking Nuances

Your bank statement format matters. Here is what works with major Indian banks:

Key banking rules:

• Get statements printed within 7 days of your appointment — older statements may be rejected
• Highlight salary credits with a yellow marker so the case officer can spot them instantly
• Submit statements from all accounts you maintain — multiple accounts show complete financial picture
• Fixed deposit receipts work as proof of assets but do not replace liquid funds in savings account
• For self-employed applicants: submit current account business statements alongside savings account

Factors Affecting Processing Time

• Application completeness: Incomplete applications take longer
• Document quality: Poor scans may require resubmission
• Peak season: During summer months (June-August) and Christmas-New Year period, processing may be slower
• Verification requirements: Some applications undergo additional security checks
• First-time applicants: May experience slightly longer processing times
• Public holidays: Processing pauses during Romanian public holidays

When to Apply

• Apply at least 15 days before your intended departure date
• Recommended: 4-6 weeks before your travel date
• Maximum: 6 months before your intended travel date
• For travel during peak seasons: 8-10 weeks in advance

Indian travelers on a Schengen visa can extend their stay under certain circumstances. However, extending a Schengen visa within Romania is generally not possible unless there are exceptional circumstances such as force majeure or humanitarian reasons.

Extension Process

If you need to extend your stay, you must apply at the Romanian Immigration Office before your current visa expires. You will need to provide:

• Valid passport
• Current visa
• Proof of continued accommodation
• Proof of financial means for extended stay
• Reason for extension

Important Rules

• Extensions are granted only in exceptional circumstances
• The extension is not guaranteed — approval is at immigration's discretion
• Overstaying without extension results in fines and future visa bans
• Apply well before your visa expires

Appeal Process

If your Romania Schengen visa is rejected, you have the right to appeal:

Step 1: Receive the refusal letter stating the specific reason for rejection

Step 2: File an appeal within 15 days of receiving the refusal at the Romanian court with jurisdiction over the embassy's location

Step 3: Submit supporting documents that address the specific refusal reason

Step 4: The court will review your appeal and issue a decision

Practical advice: Most applicants find it faster to reapply with corrected documents rather than appeal. The appeal process can take 30-60 days. If you choose to reapply, fix the specific issue mentioned in the refusal, rebuild your file, and reapply after 4-6 weeks.

Common Rejection Reasons for Romania Visa

Best Time to Apply

Sample Cover Letter — Tourist Visa

Use this as a starting template. Customize it with your actual details.

Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]

To,

The Visa Officer,

Embassy of Romania / VFS Global Romania

Subject: Application for Schengen Tourist Visa (C-Type) — [Your Name]

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to apply for a Schengen tourist visa to visit Romania from [Start Date] to [End Date] ([X] days).

PURPOSE OF VISIT:

I plan to visit Bucharest, Brasov, and Transylvania for sightseeing and cultural exploration. Romania's medieval castles, painted monasteries, and Carpathian mountain landscapes are the primary attractions for this trip.

ITINERARY:

• Day 1-2: Bucharest — Palace of Parliament, Romanian Athenaeum, Old Town
• Day 3-4: Brasov — Bran Castle (Dracula's Castle), Black Church, Rope Street
• Day 5-6: Sighisoara — Medieval citadel, Painted Monasteries of Bucovina
• Day 7-8: Cluj-Napoca — St. Michael's Church, Hoia Baciu Forest, departure

ACCOMMODATION:

• [Hotel Name], Bucharest — [Dates] (Booking Ref: [XXX])
• [Hotel Name], Brasov — [Dates] (Booking Ref: [XXX])

TRAVEL INSURANCE:

I have obtained travel medical insurance with [Insurance Company Name] covering EUR 30,000 minimum across all Schengen countries for the duration of my stay.

FINANCIAL MEANS:

I am self-funding this trip. My bank statements for the last [X] months show an average balance of INR [X] lakhs. I am currently employed as [Designation] at [Company Name] with a monthly salary of INR [X].

TIES TO INDIA:

I have strong ties to India including:

• Permanent employment at [Company Name] (NOC attached)
• Family residing in [City] (parents/spouse/children)
• Property owned at [Address] (if applicable)

PREVIOUS TRAVEL HISTORY:

[If applicable: I have previously traveled to [Countries] on Schengen visa [Number] issued on [Date].]

I assure you that I will return to India before the expiry of my visa. All documents supporting this application are enclosed herewith.

Thank you for considering my application.

Yours faithfully,

Sample Cover Letter — Business Visa

Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]

To,

The Visa Officer,

Embassy of Romania / VFS Global Romania

Subject: Application for Schengen Business Visa (C-Type) — [Your Name]

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to apply for a Schengen business visa to visit Romania from [Start Date] to [End Date] ([X] days).

PURPOSE OF VISIT:

I am traveling to attend [specific event/meeting — e.g., "a board meeting with our Romanian partner company XYZ SRL" / "the TIB Industrial Fair in Bucharest"]. The invitation from [Company Name] is attached.

ITINERARY:

• Day 1: Arrival Bucharest — meeting with [Company Name]
• Day 2: [Event/Meeting details]
• Day 3: [Event/Meeting details]
• Day 4: Departure

INVITING COMPANY:

Registered in Romania under company registration number: [XXXX]

Contact person: [Name, Designation]

Phone: [Number] | Email: [Email]

COST BEARER:

[Company Name / Self] will bear all travel, accommodation, and living expenses during my stay.

TIES TO INDIA:

I am employed as [Designation] at [Company Name] since [Year]. My employer has granted leave for this trip (NOC attached). I have previously visited [Country] on Schengen visa [Number].

I assure you of my return to India. All supporting documents are enclosed.

Yours faithfully,

Worried about rejection? Our visa consultants review your documents before submission and help you avoid common mistakes.

Check Your Eligibility — Free Assessment

Based on our work with Indian applicants for Romania visas, here are patterns we observe:

Common Rejection Patterns:

• Applicants applying at the wrong consulate (Romania when their main destination is France or Italy)
• Bank statements showing sudden large deposits without ITR trail
• Vague cover letters that don't explain why Romania specifically
• Itinerary covering only Bucharest without other Romanian cities

Processing Trends:

• Delhi center processes faster due to higher volume
• Business visa applications often see 10-12 days because of strong company invitations
• The consulate sometimes bundles applications — applying Monday or Tuesday catches the weekly processing cycle better
• Since Romania joined Schengen in March 2024, processing has become more standardized

Seasonal Demand Patterns:

• Peak applications March-June for summer travel
• September-October spike for year-end travel
• IT sector business applications spike before major European tech conferences

Frequently Missing Documents:

• Host declaration with utility bill proof (for family visits)
• CA-certified income statement for self-employed applicants
• Properly apostilled documents for long-stay visas
• Endorsed invitation letter from Romanian Inspectorate General for Immigration (business visa)

For Schengen Short-Stay Visa Holders (up to 90 days)

No registration is required for stays under 90 days. Keep these documents handy: passport with visa sticker, travel insurance certificate, return flight ticket, proof of accommodation, and EUR 50 per day in accessible funds.

For Long-Stay Visa Holders (over 90 days)

You must complete registration within 30 days of arrival:

1. Register at the local Romanian Immigration Office (General Inspectorate for Immigration)
2. Submit required documents: passport, rental contract, birth certificate (apostilled), photographs, proof of health insurance
3. Receive registration certificate
4. Undergo medical examination if required
5. Receive residence permit card

Note: Romania's registration process is relatively straightforward compared to some Schengen countries. Bucharest's immigration office is accustomed to international residents.

Currency Note: Romania uses the Romanian Leu (RON), not the Euro. While visa fees are charged in EUR, you will need Leu for daily expenses inside Romania. As of July 2026, RON 1 ≈ INR 18. ATMs are widely available in cities. Carry some Leu for small purchases — not all vendors accept cards.

At the Airport:

• Arrive 3-4 hours before international flights from Romania
• Carry printed copies of visa, hotel booking, and tickets
• Keep EUR 500 or equivalent accessible for immigration

Embassy of Romania in India

Indian Embassy in Romania

Romanian Emergency Numbers

Useful Websites

Planning to visit other Schengen countries? Check our guides for neighboring destinations:

• France visa for Indians
• Germany visa for Indians
• Italy visa for Indians
• Spain visa for Indians
• Netherlands visa for Indians
• Belgium visa for Indians
• Austria visa for Indians
• Portugal visa for Indians