Romania is gaining popularity as an affordable study destination, with tuition fees starting at 600 Euros per year and living costs as low as 500 Euros monthly (CounsellingX). If you’re gearing up for university in Romania in 2026, this Romania student visa application checklist 2026 guides you through every step. You’ll find clear instructions, practical tips, and links to related student permits content. Ready to get started? Let’s dive in.
Check your program acceptance
Before you tackle any visa paperwork, make sure you’ve secured your place at a Romanian institution.
Obtain an official acceptance letter
- Request a formal admission letter from your university’s international office.
- Verify it includes your full name, study program, start and end dates.
Confirm study modality
- Full-time courses require a long-stay visa and residence permit.
- Exchange programs may follow similar rules but check specific guidelines.
- If you’ve studied in Romanian for at least four years, you’re exempt from language testing (EU Immigration Portal).
Choose the right visa
Romania issues a Type D long-stay visa for studies longer than 90 days.
Long-stay study visa (Type D)
- Valid for the duration of your academic program.
- Allows entry to Romania and short stays in other Schengen countries (up to 90 days in any 180-day period).
Third-country EU visa holders
If you already hold a long-stay visa or residence permit from another EU Member State, you can enter Romania for up to 360 days without an additional visa, as long as you study and work part-time (EU Immigration Portal).
Gather required documents
A complete dossier speeds up processing. Here’s what you’ll need:
Identification and photos
- Passport valid at least six months beyond your intended stay.
- Two recent biometric passport photos (35×45 mm).
Admission and accommodation proof
- Original acceptance letter, plus one copy.
- Proof of accommodation (dorm reservation, rental contract, or host invitation).
Health insurance
- Letter from an EU-approved insurer covering at least 30 000 Euros for medical expenses.
Criminal record certificate
- Police clearance from your home country, translated and legalized if needed.
Financial guarantee
Need evidence of funds? You’ll show you can support yourself for the first year.
- Bank statements or sponsorship letters.
- Minimum balance requirement: 2 500 Euros (CounsellingX estimate) (CounsellingX).
- Scholarship award letters, if applicable.
Complete application form
Filling out the visa form accurately avoids delays.
Download and fill out form
- Get the Type D visa application from your Romanian embassy’s website.
- Fill every field in block letters.
Pay application fee
- Standard fee: 120 Euros.
- Additional consular fees may apply, check your embassy’s schedule.
Schedule appointment
Securing an early slot gives you breathing room.
Find your nearest mission
- Locate accredited Romanian consulates or embassies in your country.
- Some countries use VFS Global or similar service providers.
Book your slot
- Use the embassy’s online booking tool.
- Have your application number and passport details on hand.
Attend visa interview
The interview is straightforward if you’re prepared.
Bring originals and copies
- All documents listed in “Gather required documents.”
- One set of photocopies for the consular officer.
Answer basic questions
- Study program details: Why Romania, why this university?
- Funding plan: How will you cover tuition and living costs?
- Accommodation and travel itinerary.
Travel and register
Once your visa is stamped, you can plan your move.
Check entry validity
- Your visa indicates the last entry date.
- Arrive before that date to avoid complications.
Register on arrival
- Within 90 days, apply for a residence permit at the General Inspectorate for Immigration.
- Bring proof of arrival (boarding pass, entry stamp).
Apply for residence permit
A long-term stay in Romania requires this permit.
Where to apply
- General Inspectorate for Immigration office in your university’s city.
- Book an appointment online or walk in, depending on local rules.
Timeline and fees
- Processing takes 30-60 days.
- Permit fee: around 30 Euros.
- If you hold a Romanian-state scholarship, your permit covers the entire study period.
Submit biometric data
- Fingerprints and a digital photo are taken at your appointment.
- Keep the receipt; you’ll need it to collect your permit.
Maintain your status
Staying compliant keeps you in good standing.
Enroll full-time
- Attend courses and maintain required credit load.
- Provide enrollment proof when renewing your permit.
Renew annually
- Start renewal 30 days before expiry.
- Submit updated documents: enrollment proof, accommodation, financials.
Extend stay post-graduation
Romania lets you stay a bit longer after you graduate.
Finalize academic matters
- Extend your residence permit by up to six months to complete transcripts and diploma authentication (EU Immigration Portal).
Seek employment or entrepreneurship
- After diploma authentication, extend for up to nine months to find a job or start a business.
- Show a work contract or business plan when applying.
Avoid common mistakes
Even small oversights can slow you down.
- Missing deadlines for appointments or renewals.
- Submitting incomplete or illegible documents.
- Ignoring translation and legalization requirements.
- Overlooking health insurance validity.
- Forgetting to update address or enrollment status.
For more pitfalls and solutions, check out our common mistakes on student visa applications.
Explore other checklists
Planning to study elsewhere in Europe? We’ve got you covered:
- Austria student visa application checklist 2026
- Germany student visa application checklist 2026
- France student visa application checklist 2026
- Spain student visa application checklist 2026
Key takeaways
- Secure your acceptance and confirm your study modality.
- Choose the Type D long-stay visa, unless you hold an EU visa.
- Gather passport, photos, admission letter, insurance, and financial proof.
- Fill out forms accurately, pay fees, and book your interview.
- Apply for your residence permit on arrival and renew on time.
- Extend your stay post-graduation for final paperwork or job hunting.
Use this student visa application checklist as your quick reference. Good luck with your Romanian adventure—share your experience in the comments below!
