Romania: A Digital Nomad’s Haven
Let me introduce you to one of the most underrated gems in Europe: Romania!
I spent 3 weeks in Romania in May/June, and I cannot get enough of this amazing country!
From the people to the food to the stunning landscapes and, most importantly, reliable WiFi(!), I'm in awe of this wonderful country and can't believe more people haven't discovered this slice of heaven.
Disclaimer: No one is paying me to promote Romania or any of the links below. These are purely ones I want to shout about because they’re great. But if the Romanian government wants to pay me, I’d gladly take it! ;)
The Golden Ticket: Romania's Digital Nomad Visa!
Alright, fellow adventurers, let's talk about the super exciting development that officially stamps Romania as a digital nomad haven: their very own Digital Nomad Visa! Launched in late 2021, this is your golden ticket to legally live and work remotely in this incredible country for up to a year (with possible extensions!).
Who's Invited to the Party
This visa is for non-EU/EEA citizens who are earning income from a company outsideRomania, or who are self-employed and working for clients outside Romanian borders. Basically, if your income comes from beyond Romania's lovely landscapes, you're a potential candidate!
Show Me the Money! (Income Requirements)
To qualify, you'll generally need to prove a pretty solid income. Currently, applicants need to show an average income of at least three times the average Romanian gross salary for the six months prior to applying. This number can shift, so always check the latest official figures, but it's designed to ensure you can comfortably support yourself while enjoying all that Romania has to offer.
The Application Journey (It's a Process, But Worth It!)
Applying for the Romanian Digital Nomad Visa typically involves a few steps:
Gather Your Docs: Think passport, proof of remote work (contract, company registration), income statements, health insurance, proof of accommodation, and a clean criminal record.
Apply at a Romanian Embassy/Consulate: You'll usually apply from your home country or a country where you have legal residency.
Enter Romania & Get Your Residence Permit: Once your visa is approved, you'll enter Romania and then apply for your actual temporary residence permit with the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI).
Tax Talk (Keep it Legit!)
This is the big one! For the first six months of your stay on the Digital Nomad Visa, you are generally exempt from Romanian income tax on your foreign-sourced earnings. After that, you'll typically be subject to Romanian income tax (currently 10% on worldwide income, plus social contributions). Always, always consult with a tax professional specializing in international and Romanian tax law to make sure you're playing by all the rules!
Having this official visa makes living and working as a digital nomad in Romania so much smoother and worry-free. It's a huge thumbs-up from the Romanian government, welcoming you with open arms!
Your Nomad Hubs: Best Cities & Regions to Roam (and Work!)
Romania's charm isn't confined to just one spot! While your post beautifully highlights Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Brasov, let's dive a little deeper into why these (and a couple more!) are absolute magnets for remote work in Romaniaand the digital nomad crowd.
Bucharest: The Bustling Brains & Beats
Romania's capital is a vibrant, energetic metropolis that blends grand historical architecture with a buzzing modern scene. It’s perfect if you love city life!
Vibe: Non-stop action, incredible nightlife, vast green parks, and a truly cosmopolitan feel.
Work: Loads of co-working spaces, speedy internet, and a thriving startup ecosystem.
Play: World-class museums, trendy cafes, huge shopping malls, and of course, the famous Therme Bucharest spa you mentioned – a total must-do!
Cost: While more expensive than other Romanian cities, it's still super affordable compared to Western European capitals.
Cluj-Napoca: The Transylvanian Tech Tiger
Often called the "Silicon Valley of Transylvania," Cluj is a dynamic university city with a youthful energy and a booming tech scene.
Vibe: Lively, artsy, and super friendly. It's got a great mix of historical charm and modern innovation.
Work: Numerous co-working spots, a strong expat and digital nomad community, and a generally forward-thinking atmosphere.
Play: Beautiful old town, vibrant festivals (like Untold!), lovely botanical gardens, and easy access to the stunning Transylvanian countryside.
Cost: A bit pricier than other non-capital cities, but still excellent value for money.
Brasov: The Mountain Gateway with Medieval Charm
Nestled in the Carpathian Mountains, Brasov offers breathtaking scenery and a picturesque medieval old town.
Vibe: Relaxed, incredibly scenic, and perfect for nature lovers who still want city amenities.
Work: Growing number of cafes and smaller co-working spots suitable for focused work.
Play: Hiking in the nearby mountains (hello, Tampa!), exploring Bran Castle (Dracula's Castle!), charming squares, and ski resorts in winter.
Cost: Very affordable, especially for accommodation and food.
Sibiu: The Cultural Gem
A former European Capital of Culture, Sibiu boasts stunning Saxon architecture, a lively arts scene, and a relaxed pace of life.
Vibe: Beautiful, historical, and rich in cultural events. It feels a bit more traditional and tranquil than Cluj or Bucharest.
Work: A smaller but welcoming nomad scene, with cozy cafes and good internet.
Play: Explore the charming Big Square and Little Square, visit museums, enjoy live music, and immerse yourself in Transylvanian traditions.
Cost: Highly affordable for a high quality of life.
Timișoara: The Vibrant Western Hub
Often overlooked but incredibly charming, Timișoara is a diverse city in western Romania, known for its beautiful squares and rich history.
Vibe: Relaxed, multicultural, and historically significant as the first European city with electric streetlights.
Work: Emerging tech scene, decent internet, and a growing community of remote workers.
Play: Enjoy the lively squares, visit the stunning Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral, and explore its numerous parks and gardens.
Cost: Excellent affordability, making your budget stretch far.
Choosing your base depends on your personal style: city energy, mountain escapes, or cultural immersion. Luckily, Romania offers a fabulous option for every type of digital nomad!
Budgeting for Bliss: A Peek at Romania's Cost of Living!
One of Romania's absolute superpowers for a digital nomad is how far your money can stretch! Compared to Western Europe or North America, you'll be living a high-quality life without feeling the pinch. Let's break down what your budget might look like (prices are estimates and can vary by city and lifestyle, of course!).
Accommodation (Your Home Away From Home)
Apartment Rental (1-bedroom in city center): Expect to pay anywhere from €350 - €600 per month in cities like Cluj-Napoca or Brasov. In Bucharest, it might creep up to €450 - €800 per month. Step outside the super central areas, and those prices drop even further!
Airbnb (short-term/first month): Budget €30 - €60 per night for a comfy studio or 1-bedroom.
Hostels: For budget travelers, a dorm bed can be as low as €10 - €20 per night.
Food & Drink (Prepare for Deliciousness!)
Eating Out (Local Eateries): A hearty, delicious meal at a traditional "Terasa" or "Restaurant" can be as low as €5 - €10. Even a nice sit-down dinner might only be €15 - €25.
Coffee: A fancy latte at a trendy cafe? Around €2.50 - €4.
Groceries: Cooking at home is super affordable. You can get a week's worth of fresh produce, meat, and staples for €30 - €60.
Local Beer/Wine: Incredibly cheap and surprisingly good! Around €1.50 - €3 a bottle/glass.
Transportation (Getting Around with Ease)
Public Transport (City): A monthly pass in major cities is often €15 - €25. Single tickets are usually less than €1.
Ride-Sharing (Uber/Bolt): Very popular and affordable in cities. A short ride might be €3 - €5.
Intercity Trains/Buses: Travel between cities is budget-friendly. A train ticket from Bucharest to Brasov might be €10 - €20.
Co-working Spaces (Your Remote Office Away from Home)
A monthly membership at a decent co-working space can range from €80 - €150, offering fast internet, coffee, and community.
Miscellaneous (Fun Stuff & Necessities)
Gym Membership: Around €30 - €50 per month.
Cinema Ticket: Around €5 - €8.
Museum Entry: Often just €3 - €7.
Your total monthly budget, living comfortably but not extravagantly, could easily be €800 - €1,500. Of course, if you're living it up with daily fine dining and constant tours, it'll be more. But for an incredible quality of life at an amazing price, Romania is hard to beat for any digital nomad!
Life as a Nomad in Romania: Practicalities & Perks!
Beyond the beautiful castles and tasty food, setting up your life as a digital nomad in Romania involves a few practical steps. Don't worry, it's all part of the adventure, and Romania makes it pretty smooth!
Accommodation Adventures
Finding your perfect pad is usually straightforward.
Short-term (for arrival): Airbnb and Booking.com are your best friends.
Long-term: Local rental platforms (like OLX.ro), expat Facebook groups, or even asking your Airbnb host (like your wonderful Maria and Ioan!) can lead to great deals for apartments or traditional houses. Many landlords are happy to rent month-to-month.
Healthcare How-To
While Romania has a public healthcare system, as a digital nomad, private health insurance that covers you internationally is highly recommended. Many international nomad-specific policies are available. For emergencies, you can use private clinics which are often modern and efficient.
Getting Around (Your Wheels or Public Wonders)
Cities: Public transport (trams, buses, metro in Bucharest) is cheap and efficient. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Bolt are widely available in major cities and super convenient.
Intercity: Trains connect major cities, and buses are extensive, often reaching smaller towns. For scenic routes, renting a car gives you ultimate freedom (just be prepared for some enthusiastic local drivers!).
Scooters/Bikes: Electric scooter rentals are popular in cities for short distances.
Staying Connected (Beyond WiFi!)
You've already praised the internet (and rightfully so!), but grabbing a local SIM card is a must. Providers like Vodafone, Orange, and Telekom offer incredibly affordable data plans with excellent 4G/5G coverage, even in rural areas.
Cash or Card? (Banking Basics)
Major cities are very card-friendly, but having some Romanian Lei (RON) cash for smaller shops, markets, or rural areas is always a good idea. For banking, most digital nomads rely on international challenger banks (like Revolut or N26) for easy fee-free transactions. If you're staying longer, opening a local bank account is possible, especially with your Digital Nomad Visa.
Safety First (Common Sense Prevails)
Romania is generally a safe country, and violent crime is rare. Like anywhere, be mindful of pickpockets in crowded tourist areas, especially in Bucharest. Your best tool is common sense: keep an eye on your belongings, especially in busy places, and be aware of your surroundings.
Living the nomad life in Romania means a blend of fascinating culture, breathtaking nature, and practical ease, all wrapped up in a friendly package!
Connect & Thrive: Finding Your Tribe in Romania!
One of the coolest parts about being a digital nomad is connecting with like-minded souls. And guess what? Romania has a growing, super-welcoming digital nomad community just waiting for you! You'll find it's easy to make friends, collaborate, and share those amazing Romanian experiences.
Co-working Spaces (Your Instant Community Hubs)
These aren't just desks; they're buzzing centers of collaboration and connection.
Bucharest: Spaces like Impact Hub, Mindspace, and The Institute often host events and have vibrant communities.
Cluj-Napoca: ClujHub and The Office are popular spots where you can meet fellow remote workers and tech enthusiasts.
Brasov & Other Cities: Look for local independent co-working spots or cafes that are known for being laptop-friendly.
Online Communities (Your Digital Meet-Up Spot)
Before you even arrive, jump into some online groups!
Facebook Groups: Search for "Digital Nomads Romania," "Digital Nomads Bucharest," "Expats in [City Name]." These are fantastic for asking questions, getting recommendations, and finding meet-ups.
Reddit: Subreddits like r/digitalnomad often have threads about Romania, where you can connect with people already there or planning to go.
Meetups & Events (In-Person Awesomeness!)
Keep an eye out for local events once you're on the ground.
Meetup.com: Search for "digital nomad," "expat," "tech," or "language exchange" groups in your chosen city.
Co-working Space Events: Many spaces host networking events, workshops, or social gatherings that are open to members and sometimes non-members.
Local Festivals: Romania has an incredible array of festivals throughout the year (music, food, cultural) that are perfect for mingling and meeting new people.
Language Exchange & Local Connections
Don't be shy! Romanians are incredibly friendly and often eager to practice English. Joining a language exchange group or simply striking up conversations in cafes and local eateries can lead to wonderful friendships, just like your amazing experience with Maria and Ioan!
Building your tribe in Romania will add an incredible layer to your remote work adventure, making it even more fulfilling and memorable!
Any Bumps in the Road? (Minor Considerations for Your Romanian Adventure)
While Romania truly is a digital nomad haven, like any adventure, it's good to be aware of a few minor things so your journey is super smooth. No major red flags, just a few friendly heads-ups!
Language Barrier (Outside the Big Cities)
In Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and other major cities, English is widely spoken, especially among younger generations and in tourist areas. However, venture into smaller towns or rural areas, and you might find fewer English speakers. A basic Romanian phrasebook or a translation app will be your best friend!
Driving Can Be... Enthusiastic!
If you plan to rent a car and drive yourself, be prepared for a slightly more "assertive" driving style than you might be used to. Roads are generally good, but local drivers can be quite fast and sometimes less predictable. Stay alert, and consider using ride-sharing apps in cities.
Bureaucracy (Occasionally a Bit Slow)
While the Digital Nomad Visa is a huge step forward, dealing with local administrative offices (for things like your residence permit) can sometimes involve a bit of patience and waiting. If you find yourself needing to interact with official processes, take a deep breath, and remember that a friendly smile goes a long way!
Smoking Culture
Smoking is still quite prevalent, especially in outdoor cafe areas and some bars. If you're sensitive to smoke, you might want to choose your spots carefully.
Infrastructure in Rural Areas (Varies!)
While major cities boast excellent infrastructure and super-fast internet, some very remote or rural areas might have more basic amenities or slower connections. Always check specific locations if you plan to go off the beaten path for extended periods.
These are just tiny considerations, though! The overwhelmingly positive experiences you'll have with the people, culture, and natural beauty of Romania will far outweigh any minor bumps. Get ready for an unforgettable remote work in Romania adventure!
So, why Romania?
As though my validation isn't enough.
1. Affordable Living
Compared to a lot of places in Europe, you'll find accommodation, food, and entertainment much more affordable. This means you can enjoy a high quality of life without breaking the bank.
2. Stunning Scenery
From the mountains to the beaches along the Black Sea, Romania offers a diverse range of natural landscapes. Whether you love hiking, skiing, or just soaking up the sun, there’s something for everyone. Check out this area, a planned UNESCO site.
3. Rich Culture and History
Romania is steeped in history, with medieval castles, ancient churches, and charming villages that seem frozen in time.
4. Vibrant Cities
If you are more of a city person, you will appreciate cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Brasov, bustling with energy. The cities offer a perfect mix of modern amenities and historical charm, from trendy cafes to coworking spaces to one of the biggest spas in the world!
I love Romania so much that I flew my mum and sister in to treat them to one of the biggest spas in the world!
5. Internet Connectivity
Not only is reliable and fast Wifi readily available almost everywhere, but 4G & 5G are too! I had a much better connection than I have done in the UK, that’s for sure- even in the countryside.
6. THE PEOPLE!!
People who say remote work is lonely have clearly never been to Romania!! I had the pleasure of experiencing the country’s hospitality firsthand and met so many amazing people. After months on the road, I decided to choose a quaint little village town called Costești to spend some time. My Airbnb hosts, Maria and Ioan became friends, and their family who has the farmhouse next door made me feel right at home.
Their warmth and willingness to help, coupled with a genuine interest in sharing their culture, and most importantly… feeding me good food every day, was the absolute cherry on top of my sundae during my time in Romania.
Their cottage provided all the amenities I needed to stay productive, including high-speed internet, a comfortable workspace, and a tranquil setting that boosted my productivity. If you're looking for an Airbnb for your stay in Romania, remember to hit Maria up at her Airbnb.
Oh, and there are some pretty cool Glamping Pods nearby too. Check them out here.
Romania is so much more than just a picturesque backdrop. It’s a place where you can immerse yourself in new experiences, meet interesting people, and create lasting memories.
If you’re looking for a destination that combines affordability, beauty, rich culture, and good food (this is my third time talking about food, you get the idea!), Romania should be at the top of your list!
Want to know how to land a remote job so you can start working from Romania too?
Or anywhere else you like for that matter…
YES! PLEASE HELP ME GET STARTED!!
Stay rebellious,
Michelle