This page has been reviewed and verified by Michael Gibbons, Regulated Immigration Advisor, to ensure accuracy under current EU and Romanian immigration guidance. You can confirm current rates and costs through our Romanian Visa Application Guide.
Family members of Romanian citizens or foreign nationals legally residing in Romania can apply for a Romania Family Visa. This visa allows spouses, children, and dependants to join or accompany their family member in Romania for either short-term visits or long-term residence. Family reunification is governed by Government Emergency Ordinance No. 194/2002 and the EU Directive 2004/38/EC on the right of citizens and their family members to move and reside freely within the EU.
Who Can Apply
You can apply for a Romania Family Visa if you are:
- The spouse of a Romanian citizen or a foreign national holding a valid residence permit in Romania.
- A child under 21 years of age of a Romanian citizen or a foreign resident.
- A dependent parent or relative of the sponsor residing in Romania.
- A legally adopted child or person under guardianship of the sponsor.
Eligible applicants can apply for a short-stay (C-type) visa for up to 90 days or a long-stay (D-type) visa leading to residence in Romania.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, the sponsor (the person living in Romania) must:
- Hold a valid Romanian residence permit or be a Romanian/EU citizen residing lawfully in Romania.
- Demonstrate adequate financial means to support the family member(s).
- Provide suitable accommodation for the dependants.
- Show proof of family relationship through marriage or birth certificates.
See the complete list of requirements in Visa Eligibility Requirements (2026).
Documents Required
Applicants must prepare a complete set of supporting documents as required by the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) and the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI):
- Valid passport (issued within the last 10 years, valid for at least 3 months after intended departure).
- Visa application form completed online via our Romania eVisa Portal.
- Proof of family relationship (marriage, birth, or adoption certificate, translated and legalised).
- Proof of residence or invitation letter from the sponsor in Romania.
- Proof of sufficient financial means and health insurance covering at least €30,000 in medical expenses.
- Accommodation documents (rental contract or property deed).
Additional documents may be required depending on the family relationship or the nationality of the applicant.
How to Apply for a Romania Family Visa
Applications are made through the Visa Applications . The process involves:
- Registering an online application via the eVisa portal.
- Booking an appointment at your nearest Romanian embassy or VFS centre.
- Submitting original documents and biometrics in person.
- Awaiting processing and collection of the visa.
Processing Times and Fees
Visa applications are normally processed within:
- Short-stay visas (C-type): 10 to 15 working days.
- Long-stay family reunification visas (D-type): 30 to 60 days.
Standard visa fees (as of 2026):
- Short-stay: €80
- Long-stay: €120
- Children under 6 years: Free
Additional service fees may apply if submitted through VFS Global.
Residence After Arrival
Family members entering Romania on a long-stay (D-type) visa must apply for a residence permit within 30 days of entry. This is done through the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) in the region where they live.
Residence permits are valid for one year initially and can be renewed annually if family conditions remain valid.
Extending or Renewing Family Visas
Extensions must be requested before the current visa or residence permit expires.
See Visa Extension Guide (2026) for details on required documents and conditions.
Rights of Family Members
Once issued a residence permit, family members have the right to:
- Reside legally in Romania with the sponsor.
- Access healthcare and education.
- Work in Romania (if granted work authorisation).
- Travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period once Romania’s Schengen accession is complete.
Related Guidance
- Documents Required (2026)
- Application Guide (2026)
- Visa Extension Guide (2026)
- Embassy Contact Details (2026)
About This Page
Author: Visa Applications Editorial Team.
Reviewed by: Michael Gibbons, Regulated Immigration Advisor.
Last Updated: 5 January 2026.