Foreign-born population – 2024 | 3.1% of the population | Main countries of birth: |
0.6 million, 45% women | Evolution since 2014: +178% | Mexico (23%), India (19%), China (12%) |
International Migration Outlook 2025
In 2024, 52 000 new immigrants obtained a residence permit longer than 12 months in Romania (excluding EU citizens), 5.7% more than in 2023. This figure comprises 80.6% labour migrants, 9.5% family members (including accompanying family), 7% who came for education reasons and 3% other migrants. Around 1 800 short-term permits were issued to international students and 2 600 to temporary and seasonal labour migrants (excluding intra-EU migration). In addition, 47 000 intra-EU postings were recorded in 2023, a 41% increase compared to 2022. These posted workers are generally on short-term contracts.
Nepal, Sri Lanka and Türkiye were the top three nationalities of newcomers in 2023. Among the top 15 countries of origin, Nepal registered the strongest increase (11 000) in flows to Romania compared to the previous year.
In 2024, the number of first asylum applicants decreased by ‑77%, to reach around 2 300. The majority of applicants came from Syria (700), Nepal (200) and Iraq (200). The largest increase since 2023 concerned nationals of West Bank and Gaza Strip (65) and the largest decrease nationals of Bangladesh (‑2 700). Of the 2 220 decisions taken in 2024, 34% were positive.
Emigration of Romanian citizens to OECD countries decreased by ‑9% in 2023, to 244 000. Approximately 36% of this group migrated to Germany, 19% to Spain and 11% to Italy.
The annual quotas for work permits established by the Romanian Government have held steady for several years, set at 100 000 in 2022, 2023, 2024 and again in 2025. The quota has generally been fully used; more than 130 000 applications were submitted in 2024, slightly more than in 2023. The General Inspectorate for Immigration issued more than 106 000 work authorisations in 2024. This does not translate into actual new entries and starting up work, since many applicants are renewals – and until 2024, counted against the quota – and others fail to obtain a visa or to arrive in Romania.
The EU Blue Card Directive was transposed in 2024, extending Blue Card validity up to three years, and allowing certain applicants to qualify based on professional experience alone, and relaxing family reunification eligibility and employment contract duration requirements.
The Emergency Government Ordinance no.25/21‑03‑2024 introduced a number of changes to the government Emergency Ordinance No. 194 / 2002 on the regime of foreigners in Romania [act representing the framework regulating the entry in, stay in and exit out of the Romanian territory of foreigners, their rights and obligations, as well as specific measures for the control of immigration].
New rules simplify the procedure for obtaining and extending residence permits for study, work or family reunification purposes. Amendments also clarify the types of visas available for foreigners, particularly those seeking long-term visas for work or family reunification. The updated Law introduces faster processing times and more transparent procedures for long-term visa applications, especially for highly skilled workers and students. The changes also impose stricter requirements for visa extensions, especially to ensure that applicants have adequate financial resources and legitimate reasons to remain in the country.
There are changes in the conditions under which foreign nationals can be employed, particularly in skilled and high-demand sectors such as information technology and healthcare. The updated regulations also address the mobility of foreign workers between EU countries and Romania, aligning with European Union labour mobility standards. Additionally, the new provisions set standards for employers.
Other changes affect the legal framework governing the integration of foreigners into Romanian society, providing clearer guidelines for those who qualify long-term residence or citizenship. The updates also focus on better regulating the interaction between foreigners and public institutions, ensuring that foreigners have access to necessary social services while maintaining their legal responsibilities.
A new citizenship law, effective 15 March 2025, introduces stricter requirements. The language level requirement was set at B1 in the CEFR in mid‑2024. A citizenship oath is required, and a residency reporting requirement is imposed.
As of 1 January 2025, Romania entered the Schengen Area as a full member, eliminating ID checks for travel within the region.
In March 2025, the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) and Romanian authorities initiated the 2025‑2026 Operational Plan, focussing on enhancing reception capacities and asylum procedures. The plan includes reception support, to improve the quality assurance of reception and address gaps identified.
For further information: igi.mai.gov.ro/.
