Starting a business in another country can look complicated from the outside. There are company forms to choose from, paperwork to prepare, taxes to understand, and a long list of small details that are easy to overlook.
Romania can be an attractive option for entrepreneurs who want to establish a business in the European Union. The country offers access to the EU Single Market, competitive operating costs, a large pool of skilled professionals, and an increasingly digital public administration.
For many foreign entrepreneurs, the SRL (Societate cu Răspundere Limitată) is the most practical business structure. It is similar to a private limited company and can be fully owned by foreign shareholders.
The important thing is to get the basics right before you start spending money or signing contracts.
Here is a step-by-step look at how to start a business in Romania in 2026.
Why Start a Business in Romania?
Romania has become an increasingly interesting destination for international businesses.
One of its biggest advantages is access to the EU Single Market. Businesses can also benefit from relatively competitive operating costs and a workforce with experience in fields such as IT, engineering, finance, and customer support.
The country’s public administration has also become more digital, making it easier to complete many company and tax-related procedures online.
For a foreign entrepreneur, that combination can make Romania a practical base for serving customers in Romania and elsewhere in Europe.
Step 1: Choose Your Business Structure
Romania offers several ways to structure a business, including SRLs, branches, representative offices, and other forms of business activity.
For many foreign investors, an SRL is the natural starting point. The structure provides limited liability and allows you to begin with a relatively simple setup.
An SRL can also grow with the business. You can add shareholders or investors later if your plans change.
Before making the decision, think about how many owners the business will have, how much liability protection you need, and whether you expect to bring in investors in the future.
Step 2: Reserve Your Company Name
Once you know what type of company you want, start thinking about its name.
Your preferred name needs to be approved by the Romanian Trade Register. It is a good idea to submit three name options rather than relying on a single choice. That way, you have alternatives if your first option is already taken.
This is also a good time to check whether the matching .ro and .com domain names are available.
Your legal company name and your online brand do not always have to be identical, but securing the right domain early can save you trouble later.
Step 3: Choose the Right CAEN Codes
This is one of the steps you should not rush.
Every Romanian company needs to register its business activities using CAEN codes. These codes describe the activities the company is authorised to carry out.
You need to select one main activity and can add others for activities you may want to carry out later.
It is easy to underestimate this part. If you choose codes that are too limited, expanding your activities later can mean additional paperwork and legal procedures.
Thinking ahead can make the registration process much easier.
Step 4: Arrange a Registered Office
Every Romanian company needs a registered office, known as a Sediu Social.
That does not mean you have to rent an expensive office immediately.
Foreign entrepreneurs often use a professional registered-office service or the address of an accountant or legal adviser while they look for permanent premises.
Recent legislative changes have also made it easier in certain circumstances to use a residential address when the company does not carry out customer-facing activities there.
The important thing is to have a valid registered address in place before incorporation.
Step 5: Prepare the Incorporation Documents
Once your name, activities, and registered office are sorted out, you can prepare the company documents.
For an SRL, these commonly include:
- Articles of Association
- Identification documents for shareholders
- Identification documents for the director
- Registered-office documents
- Company-name reservation
- Share capital confirmation
If the shareholders are foreign individuals or companies, some documents may need certified translations, apostilles, or legalisation depending on where they were issued.
This is one reason many foreign founders work with a Romanian lawyer, accountant, or company-formation adviser.
Step 6: Deposit the Share Capital
Romania keeps the minimum financial barrier for an SRL relatively low.
The source states that the minimum share capital for a newly incorporated SRL is RON 500, which is roughly €100.
You can contribute more if you prefer.
A stronger starting capital position may give suppliers, banks, and future business partners more confidence, particularly if the company will have significant operating expenses from the beginning.
Step 7: Register the Company
After the documents are ready, the incorporation application can be submitted to the Romanian Trade Register.
The application may be filed online, in person, or through an authorised representative.
According to the source, registration generally takes around three to seven working days.
Once the application is approved, the company receives its registration certificate, tax number or CUI, incorporation decision, and company extract.
That is the point at which your Romanian company officially exists.
Step 8: Open a Corporate Bank Account
The next step is to arrange the company’s permanent bank account.
Banks in Romania commonly ask for documents such as:
- Company registration documents
- Director identification
- Information about the company’s activities
- Beneficial ownership information
Some banks may also require the company director to attend the first appointment in person.
For foreign founders, an English-speaking bank representative can be particularly helpful during this stage.
Step 9: Choose the Right Tax Regime
Tax planning should happen before the company starts invoicing customers.
Romanian businesses may fall under different tax arrangements, so it is important to determine which one applies to your company.
The source highlights areas such as the 1% micro-enterprise regime, standard corporate income tax, VAT registration, and employer registration.
The source claims that in order to qualify for the 1% turnover-tax regime, businesses must typically fulfil a number of requirements, such as having at least one full-time employee within 30 days of incorporation, having revenue under €100,000, fulfilling the relevant shareholder requirements, operating outside of excluded sectors, and timely filing annual financial statements.
The source also states that qualifying companies may benefit from a 1% turnover tax and 16% dividend tax, with VAT registration generally required after annual turnover exceeds RON 300,000, although voluntary registration is possible.
Step 10: Hire Employees When You Need Them
Romania has a large pool of qualified professionals, particularly in areas such as engineering, IT, finance, and customer support.
Once your company is ready, you can begin recruiting.
Your accountant or payroll provider can help with employment contracts, payroll, social security, health insurance, and the required labour reporting.
There is also a practical advantage to planning hiring early. Some foreign businesses identify key employees before the company is incorporated so they can begin operations quickly after registration.
Step 11: Obtain a Romanian NIF if Required
Foreign directors and shareholders who do not have a Romanian CNP may need a NIF, or Romanian Tax Identification Number.
The source describes the application as relatively straightforward and says it normally takes a few working days.
Having a NIF can make it easier to handle tax obligations and other administrative matters in Romania.
Step 12: Get a Digital Signature
Romania has moved a large part of its administration online.
Many interactions with tax authorities and other government bodies are now completed electronically, so a qualified electronic signature can be an important part of operating a business.
You can obtain the signature through an accredited provider, either using a secure physical device or a cloud-based solution, depending on the provider.
For a business owner, this can save time compared with handling every document in person.
Step 13: Set Up Electronic Invoicing
Electronic invoicing is another important part of doing business in Romania.
Before issuing invoices, the source says you will need a qualified digital signature, registration in the ANAF SPV portal, and invoicing software connected to your SPV account.
Once everything is connected, invoices can be transmitted electronically to the Romanian tax authorities as required.
This is something worth setting up early rather than waiting until you have your first customer.
How Much Does It Cost to Start a Business in Romania?
One reason entrepreneurs look closely at Romania is its relatively affordable setup and operating costs compared with many parts of Western Europe.
Some of Your initial budget may include:
- Company incorporation
- Registered-office services
- Legal translations
- Notary fees
- Accounting
- Bank-account setup
- Initial share capital
The exact amount will depend on your structure, the support services you use, and the nature of your business.
The minimum share capital alone is low, but that does not mean you can launch a business without a larger working budget. Staff, software, premises, marketing, and day-to-day expenses can quickly become much higher costs.
Common Mistakes Foreign Entrepreneurs Make
The incorporation process itself may be fairly quick, but mistakes can create unnecessary delays.
The source highlights several common problems among foreign investors, including:
- Choosing the incorrect CAEN codes
- Choosing an inappropriate tax system
- Delaying VAT planning
- Underestimating the need for accounting
- Attempting to manage incorporation without the assistance of local experts
- Delaying recruitment
- Forgetting to apply for a NIF when needed
- Ignoring mandatory electronic invoicing requirements
Most of these problems are avoidable with a little planning.
The goal is not just to get the company registered quickly. You want the structure, tax setup, activities, and administrative systems to work properly from the start.
Conclusion
For entrepreneurs who wish to reach the European market without the operating expenses associated with some other regions of Western Europe, establishing a firm in Romania in 2026 may be a sensible option.
The process starts with choosing your company structure and name. From there, you need to select the correct CAEN activity codes, arrange a registered office, prepare the incorporation documents, deposit the share capital, and register the company.
The practical elements follow, such as setting up your digital signature, hiring employees, selecting the right tax regime, opening a bank account, obtaining an NIF where needed, and preparing electronic invoices.
For foreign entrepreneurs, local professional support can make a noticeable difference, especially when dealing with Romanian tax and administrative systems.
The paperwork is only the beginning, though. A successful Romanian business still needs a clear market, good people, careful financial planning, and a reason for customers to choose it.
Get those parts right, and Romania can provide a solid base for building a business in 2026.
FAQ
How do I start a business in Romania in 2026?
Select your business structure first; for many small and foreign enterprises, it is an SRL. Next, reserve a name, select the appropriate CAEN codes, get your paperwork ready, register the business, and take care of banking and taxes.
Can a foreigner start a business in Romania?
Yes. Foreign entrepreneurs can own a Romanian company, including an SRL. You may need additional documents such as certified translations, apostilles, or legalisation depending on where your documents were issued.
What is the best business structure in Romania?
An SRL (Societate cu Răspundere Limitată) is often a practical choice for foreign entrepreneurs because it offers limited liability and can be owned entirely by foreign shareholders.
How much does it cost to start an SRL in Romania?
The minimum share capital for a new SRL is RON 500, according to the source. Your actual startup budget will be higher once you add registration, accounting, legal, banking, and other business costs.
How long does it take to register a company in Romania?
The source states that company registration usually takes around three to seven working days once the required documents are properly prepared and submitted.
What are CAEN codes in Romania?
CAEN codes identify the business activities your company is registered to carry out. Choosing the right codes from the beginning can help you avoid extra paperwork when your business expands.
Do I need a registered office in Romania?
Yes. Every Romanian company needs a registered office, but you do not necessarily need to rent a full office. A professional registered-office service may be an option for some businesses.
Do I need a Romanian tax identification number?
Foreign directors and shareholders who do not have a Romanian CNP may need a NIF (Tax Identification Number). It can be used for tax and other administrative purposes.
Is electronic invoicing required in Romania?
Electronic invoicing is an important part of the Romanian tax system. The source notes that businesses need the appropriate digital signature, ANAF SPV registration, and compatible invoicing software to issue electronic invoices as required.
