Romania

Profiled in Bucharest · Southeast Europe

7fit /10

A big, brash, green-fringed capital where belle epoque mansions, brutalist blocks and a buzzing specialty coffee scene share the same wide boulevards.

CapitalBucharest
LanguageRomanian is official. English is widely spoken by younger people and in business.
CurrencyRomanian leu (RON). Romania has not adopted the euro yet.
PopulationAbout 1.7 million in the city and roughly 2.2 million across the metro area.

Cost of living

What a month costs

$1,450Comfortable single
$3,400Family of four
$6501-bed, central
$11Casual meal

One of the cheaper EU capitals. Rent and eating out are affordable, though prices in the smart northern districts have climbed fast.

The scores

How it rates for a moving family

Safety8
Infrastructure7
English7
Kids’ schools7
Integration6
Healthcare6
Residency path6
Tax8
Climate6

See and do

Top 10 in Bucharest

  1. Palace of the ParliamentThe colossal communist-era building, one of the largest in the world, with guided tours.
  2. Romanian AthenaeumThe domed 1888 concert hall and home of the George Enescu Philharmonic.
  3. Old Town (Lipscani)Cobbled lanes packed with bars, cafes and restored 19th century buildings.
  4. Stavropoleos MonasteryA tiny, exquisite Brancovan-style church tucked into the Old Town.
  5. Dimitrie Gusti National Village MuseumAn open-air museum of relocated peasant houses on the shore of Herastrau lake.
  6. King Michael I Park (Herastrau)The huge central park around a lake, the city's favourite green lung.
  7. Cismigiu GardensThe oldest public garden in the city, leafy and central.
  8. National Museum of Art of RomaniaHoused in the former royal palace on Revolution Square.
  9. Arcul de TriumfThe city's triumphal arch, echoing Paris, on the northern boulevards.
  10. Carturesti CaruselA stunning white-galleried bookshop in a restored Old Town building.

Where to go

Weekend escapes

  1. BrasovA postcard medieval old town under the Carpathians, about two and a half hours north.
  2. Sinaia and Peles CastleThe fairytale royal summer palace in the Prahova Valley, easy by train.
  3. Bran CastleThe hilltop fortress marketed as Dracula's castle, near Brasov.
  4. Constanta and MamaiaBlack Sea port city and its long sandy beach strip, two hours east.
  5. Snagov LakeA forested lake escape just north of the city with a monastery said to hold Vlad the Impaler.

Coffee

Best cafes

  1. Origo Coffee ShopA pioneer of the local specialty coffee scene, central and always busy.
  2. M60A design-led cafe on Mendeleev street, popular with laptop workers.
  3. Beans & DotsBright specialty coffee spot known for good brews and brunch.
  4. SteamA cosy specialty coffee bar with serious espresso.
  5. Carturesti CaruselCoffee inside the beautiful multi-level Old Town bookshop.

Restaurants

Where to eat

  1. Caru' cu BereThe grand 1879 beer hall serving hearty Romanian classics under carved wood and stained glass.
  2. Hanu' lui ManucA restored 19th century inn with a galleried courtyard and traditional food.
  3. Lacrimi si SfintiReimagined Romanian country cooking from poet Mircea Dinescu.
  4. Zexe ZahanaA nostalgic take on old Bucharest grill and comfort dishes.
  5. Casa DoinaElegant fine dining in a historic villa with a garden terrace.
  6. KaiamoAmbitious modern Romanian tasting menus using local produce.

Morning

Best breakfast

  1. SimbioA long-running brunch favourite near Herastrau with a big garden.
  2. FrudisiacAll-day brunch spot known for eggs, pancakes and fresh juices.
  3. M60Reliable morning coffee and breakfast plates on Mendeleev street.
  4. Beans & DotsGood coffee paired with eggs and pastries to start the day.
  5. Origo Coffee ShopTop-tier espresso and light morning bites in the centre.

Residency

EU and EEA citizens simply register their residence, and Romania is now inside the Schengen area. Non-EU movers need a long-stay visa and residence permit, with a digital nomad visa available for remote workers.

Tax

Romania levies a flat 10 percent personal income tax, one of the lowest headline rates in the EU. Dividends and some other income are taxed separately, so take advice on the small-company and freelance regimes.

Thinking about moving here for real? See the verified Romania residency and citizenship routes →

Curious what you would actually pay? See the Romania tax profile: income, corporate, VAT and exit rules →

Nearby

More of Southeast Europe

AlbaniaTirana · Overall fit 7/10BulgariaSofia · Overall fit 7/10North MacedoniaSkopje · Overall fit 7/10SerbiaBelgrade · Overall fit 7/10TurkeyIstanbul · Overall fit 7/10Bosnia and HerzegovinaSarajevo · Overall fit 6/10

Frequently asked

How much does it cost to live in Romania?

About $1,450 a month for one person and $3,400 for a family. A one-bedroom flat rents for around $650, and a casual meal costs about $11. One of the cheaper EU capitals. Rent and eating out are affordable, though prices in the smart northern districts have climbed fast.

Is Romania safe, and what is healthcare like?

In our index safety scores 8 out of 10 and healthcare 6 out of 10, where 10 is best.

What language and currency are used in Romania?

Romanian is official. English is widely spoken by younger people and in business.. The currency is Romanian leu (RON). Romania has not adopted the euro yet..

What is the capital of Romania?

Bucharest.

How can a foreigner get residency in Romania?

EU and EEA citizens simply register their residence, and Romania is now inside the Schengen area. Non-EU movers need a long-stay visa and residence permit, with a digital nomad visa available for remote workers.

What taxes does Romania charge?

Romania levies a flat 10 percent personal income tax, one of the lowest headline rates in the EU. Dividends and some other income are taxed separately, so take advice on the small-company and freelance regimes.