Renting & Buying Property in Romania
Rental documents, ANAF contract registration, address registration for your IGI residence permit, and the precise rules for non-EU citizens buying apartments and land.
1Documents Needed to Rent
- A valid passport or ID card; a copy of your residence permit or visa, if you already have one.
- Your personal tax number (CNP), if you have one — not having it yet usually doesn't block signing an initial contract.
- Proof of income or your employment/study status (admission letter, work contract), and sometimes a short letter of introduction to the landlord.
- Some landlords or agencies request extra documents (e.g. a criminal record certificate); this is not a mandatory nationwide requirement.
2Contract & ANAF Registration (Form C168)
- The rental contract (Contract de Închiriere) must state full identification of both parties, the tenant's national ID (CNP), the exact address, and ideally the property's Land Registry (Carte Funciară) number.
- The landlord is legally required to register the contract with ANAF using Form C168 within 30 days of signing — this is the landlord's obligation, not the tenant's.
- Registration turns the contract into an "enforceable title" (rent can be pursued without a separate court judgment) and serves as your official proof-of-address document.
3Deposit, Commission & Handover
- The security deposit (Garanție) is typically equal to 1–2 months' rent and is refunded at the end of the contract if there is no damage.
- When a real estate agency is involved, a commission of around one month's rent is common; but who pays it and the exact amount depend on the agreement, not a fixed legal rate.
- On move-in day, sign a handover protocol (Proces Verbal de Predare-Primire) that records the electricity/gas/water meter readings, and follow up with the local utility providers to transfer the bills into your name.
- The contract should clarify who is responsible for the building/homeowners' association fee (Întreținere), which covers shared costs like stairwell cleaning, elevator maintenance, and central heating.
4Registering Your Address for the IGI Residence Permit
- For any residence permit application or renewal, IGI requires "proof of legal possession of the living space" in original and copy; an ANAF-registered rental contract is generally sufficient for this.
- If you are not the owner, some IGI territorial offices may also ask for a landlord's consent/hosting declaration (sometimes notarized) in addition to the contract; this detail varies somewhat by city and local office — confirm with your local IGI office before your appointment.
- If you change your address, IGI regulations require you to notify your local immigration office within 30 days and apply for a new residence permit reflecting the updated address.
- This must be verified based on current regulations and your individual circumstances (including your citizenship and the exact property type) with a Romanian lawyer or notary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who pays the real estate agency fee?
The amount and who pays the commission depends on the agency agreement and deal terms — there is no fixed legal rate for all transactions; a commission near one month's rent is common.
Can I use my rental contract for my residence permit application?
Yes, a formal rental contract registered with ANAF is a primary document and is generally sufficient to prove your address to the Immigration Office (IGI).
Can I buy land like a Romanian citizen if I hold a Romanian residence permit?
No. The land-ownership restriction is based on your citizenship, not your residency status. A residence permit does not remove it; the common route is buying through a Romanian company (SRL).
Can I buy an apartment without worrying about the land restriction?
In practice, yes — non-EU citizens can freely own the apartment unit itself, and the land share is typically handled via a "right of superficies" rather than direct ownership. Even so, the exact mechanism must be specified by your notary in the purchase deed.
This guide is part of the "Essentials & Settlement" collection.
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