Economic and Professional Self-Employment in Romania in 2026
Romania has distinct long-stay visa categories for economic activities (D/AE) and professional activities (D/AP). These should not be collapsed into a generic “freelancer visa”.
Economic activities — D/AE
The D/AE route is for economic activities organized and regulated under the applicable special legislation. The applicant must prove the professional preparation and legal conditions required for the intended activity.
For residence extensions under the economic-activity basis, current law requires continued satisfaction of the special-law conditions and maintenance means at least at the level of the average gross monthly salary for the requested period.
Regulated professional activities — D/AP
The D/AP route applies to liberal professions regulated by special laws. The applicant must show that the legal conditions to practice the profession are met and that they practiced a similar profession in the country of origin where required.
Current IGI guidance likewise requires proof of actually exercising the authorized profession and means of maintenance at least at the average gross monthly salary level for the requested residence period.
Neither route removes licensing, professional-recognition, tax, accounting or social-security obligations. Immigration permission and the legal right to perform the activity are separate questions.
Official starting points: Romanian MFA eVisa — D/AE and D/AP, IGI — Professional activities, Romanian foreigner regime legislation.
Related: Romania immigration hub, methodology, and the legal disclaimer.
Official and supporting sources
- Romanian MFA eVisa — D/AE and D/APgovernment · accessed 2026-09-22
- IGI — Professional activitiesgovernment · accessed 2026-09-22
- Romanian foreigner regime legislationgovernment · accessed 2026-09-22