UK nationals who have been legally living in Romania before December 31, 2020 when the UK withdraws from the EU may continue to live, study, and work in Romania through rights established through the Withdrawal Agreement. UK nationals who are residents of Romania by the end of the Brexit transition will be covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, and their rights will be protected if they remain a resident. UK nationals should make sure they are registered as residents.
Entry and Residency Requirements
UK nationals will be able to stay in Romania if they were residents before December 31, 2020.
UK nationals must register as Romanian residents if they plan to stay in Romania for more than three months. They must obtain a certificate from the General Inspectorate for Immigration.
All UK nationals must apply for a new residency card if they are residents as of January 1, 2021. A new residency card is required by December 31, 2021.
The Romanian government will provide more details on the process for obtaining a new residency card and for non-resident UK nationals arriving on or after January 1, 2021 when available.
Starting on January 1, 2021, travel is permitted in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period without a visa to visit family or friends; attend business meetings, sports events, or cultural events; for tourism, and for short-term study or training. Travelers should note that visits to other Schengen countries within the previous 180 days also count towards the 90-day maximum stay. Any days spent in Romania before January 1, 2021 will not count towards the 90-day limit.
Working in Romania
UK nationals who are residents of Romania will retain their rights to work in the country if they remain residents.
UK nationals who plan to work in Romania must register with the Romanian Office for Immigrants. UK nationals may also register as self-employed.
The following documents may be required to work in Romania:
- UK police certificate
- Romanian criminal records certificate (Cazier Judiciar)
Individuals who live in Romania and commute to work in another EU/EFTA country may need a permit proving that they are a frontier worker starting in January 2021. The Home Office will provide further details when guidance is available.
Passports
Travel rules will remain the same between Romania and the UK after the end of the Brexit transition. Rules on travel within the EU will stay the same through December 31, 2020. During that time, UK nationals may travel to countries in the EU and Schengen area with their UK passport. UK nationals should ensure that their passport is valid for the duration of their trip.
Starting on January 1, 2021, travel is permitted in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period without a visa to visit family or friends; attend business meetings, sports events, or cultural events; for tourism, and for short-term study or training. Travelers should note that visits to other Schengen countries within the previous 180 days also count towards the 90-day maximum stay. Any days spent in Romania before January 1, 2021 will not count towards the 90-day limit.
Originally published 16 December 2020
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
