
A little about Romania…
Romania gained its independence from the Ottoman empire in 1877 and is the 12th largest country in the world with an area of around 240,000 square kilometers. Economically, Romania is an interesting case. The country has one of the lowest average monthly wages (roughly around €540), yet unemployment rates are astoundingly low at 4.3% as of August 2018. Despite being relatively subtle on the international stage, according to Eurostat, Romania is one of the fastest growing economies in Europe - particularly impressive having only dismissed its Communist government in 1989. It is a fantastic opportunity to join one of the upcoming European economic giants.


Now that you know a bit about the country, let’s get cracking with their healthcare system and the VISAs you will need. So, sit back, fasten your seatbelt whilst we fly you through all the information you will need to be the next Dracula, living in Bran Castle.
null
-
A house fit for a kingThe Parliament Palace, often called the ‘People’s Palace’ is the 2nd largest building in the world after the Pentagon in the USA.
-
Do you like jewelry?Romania has the largest amount of gold resources in Europe.
-
A fan of driving?British car enthusiast Jeremy Clarkson declared the Transfagarasan highway the “world’s best driving road” on account of its dramatic scenery, tunnels, bridges, viaducts and hairpin bends.
The Healthcare System
Romania’s healthcare system tends to be of a lower standard than those you might expect in other areas of Europe. Some of the hospitals lack the required equipment, do not have enough medical personnel and often experience severe overcrowding. Medical staff are very underpaid and since Romania joined the EU in 2007, many have emigrated for better pay and improved working conditions. Most major cities still have decent access to adequate hospitals and equipment, however the more rural areas tend to have a deficiency in this regard. The system offers both private and public health services, which we describe in more detail below.

Public Insurance
The Public health insurance is supposedly cost-free, funded by the government, which includes contributions from the population’s pay checks, unless they are exempt (children, students, pregnant women etc.). As an expat in Romania, you are only eligible to receive Public health services if you have one of the following: an EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card), coverage under the Romanian social security system (at least 6 months), or your country has a preceding medical healthcare agreement with the country. However, on account of the overcrowding and not always adequate conditions of public hospitals, we would strongly encourage foreigners to take out a private health insurance so that you can receive medical services in the private hospitals.

Private Insurance
If you are getting a job in Romania, one of the most common benefits given to employees is private healthcare for you and your family, negotiated through your contract. If this is not offered however, we would strongly recommend taking out your own private medical insurance for this country. The reasons for this are that there is a number of disadvantages associated with the public health system including: 1. There are often long queues and overcrowding. 2. There is a lack of doctors, as many emigrate to different EU countries. 3. The hospitals often suffer from unsanitary conditions due to a lack of funding. 4. Doctors are said to act deliberately slowly until offered extra cash on account of low wages. 5. There are not many English-speaking doctors in the public hospitals, making communication very strenuous and inhibiting medical practice. So, there is a short summary of the healthcare system in Romania, now our next point of call is finding you the VISA you need.

Employment VISA
This VISA is for those who intend to move to Romania in order to work. If you are an EU/EEA citizen then you enjoy the same working rights as Romanian citizens and thus do not require a work permit. This said, you will need to register with local authorities after three months. All third party states will need to obtain this VISA in order to work in Romania. You must have a letter of recommendation from your employer, valid medical insurance covering at least one day after proposed departure and be worth at least €50,000. This VISA is valid up to 90 days, but it can be extended.

Business VISA
This VISA is for those who intend to travel to Romania for contract negotiations, training or those that will become shareholders or associates of Romanian companies. Once again, EU citizens do not require this VISA if staying less than 90 days. You need a certified letter from your employment (outside of Romania), valid medical insurance covering at least one day after proposed departure and be worth at least €50,000, as well as an official invitation for the reason of your visit in Romania.
