Your Expat Community in Bucharest

Bucharest is becoming a more appealing destination for expats due to the city’s , affordability and career prospects. Many foreigners move to Bucharest for careers in information technology, business process outsourcing (BPO), and education. The city also has a lively cultural scene, including historical sites, museums, parks, and a booming nightlife. The cost of living is cheaper than in other Western European capitals, so your money goes a lot further here.

However, there are some drawbacks. Traffic congestion is a major concern, and public infrastructure can frequently appear obsolete. The language barrier can be difficult in some situations. The good news is that many young people speak English, and there’s a growing expat population.  

A long-term visa is required if you are a non-EU national and plan to remain in Bucharest for longer than ninety days.

The type of visa you need depends on your goal. Work visas are for employment, student visas are for study, and family reunification visas are for joining a relative. Documentation such as verification of income, housing arrangements, and health insurance are necessary for each visa.

Once your visa has been granted, you must apply for a residence permit in Romania. The visa application procedure begins at the Romanian consulate in your home country. If you’re an EU national, you don’t need a visa in order to travel or work in Romania. But you still need to register with the local immigration office if you want to stay for more than three months.

The bureaucratic procedures may be time-consuming and complex for both EU and non-EU nationals, so it’s a good idea to speak with an immigration lawyer or advisor. Check the official Romanian immigration website for more information.

Finding accommodation in Bucharest is relatively straightforward, with plenty of options ranging from modern apartments to traditional houses.

Popular platforms like OLX.ro, Imobiliare.ro, storia.ro, and Facebook groups are great resources for finding rental properties. Alternatively, you can use real estate agencies, but they often charge a fee of up to one month’s rent.

Rental costs depend on location and property type. A one-bedroom apartment in central neighborhoods such as Universitate or Dorobanți typically cost anywhere from 550 to 1000 EUR per month, depending on the location.

Suburban areas like Militari or Berceni offer lower prices, ranging from 300 to 450 EUR for a one-bedroom apartment (or 500–600 EUR for a two-bedroom). Luxury neighborhoods like Herăstrău Park and Pipera are pricier, catering to expats seeking high-end amenities and proximity to international schools or business hubs.

When renting, consider additional costs like utilities, maintenance fees, and a security deposit equivalent to one or two months’ rent. We recommend that you try to view properties in person and make sure the lease agreement is clear to avoid disputes down the road. 

Bucharest is among the most reasonably priced capitals in Europe. A single person can live comfortably on between 1,200 and 1,500 EUR a month, including rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, and entertainment.

For families, monthly expenses range from 1,800 to 2,500 EUR, considering larger apartments or houses, schooling fees, and higher utility usage.

Groceries and dining out are very affordable. Of course, costs can vary based on lifestyle choices and preferences. Here’s an idea of what the cost of living is like:

Depending on your lifestyle and budget, here are some areas to consider:

• Universitate, Dorobanți: Centrally located neighborhoods that are close to cultural landmarks and business hubs, but more expensive.

• Militari, Berceni: These areas are more residential, affordable, and family-friendly areas. But you’ll be further from the center.

• Aviatorilor, Pipera: High-end areas that are popular with expats, since they’re close to international schools and businesses.

Romania has both public and private healthcare services. The public system is not as popular, due to more crowded facilities and antiquated equipment. So even though public healthcare is available to expats, most choose private healthcare for better quality treatments and shorter wait times.

In the private system, you’ll find more modern facilities and personnel who speak English. Employers usually offer private health insurance for expats, or individuals can purchase plans from companies like Medicover and Regina Maria both of these are not affiliated with or endorsed by InterNations).

Public transportation is extensive and affordable. Buses, trams, trolleybuses, and the metro are all part of Bucharest’s public transit network. The cost of a single metro ticket is about 0.60 EUR, while monthly passes range from 15 to 20 EUR.

With traffic congestion and parking shortages, driving is a challenge in Bucharest. Luckily many areas, such as the Old Town, Universitate, and Piata Victoriei, are pedestrian-friendly. Bike lanes are limited, although cycling is becoming more popular.

Ride-hailing applications such as Uber or Bolt are reasonably priced and well-liked substitutes for taxis. FlixBus is also a popular option if you prefer to travel by bus.

Mastering a bit of Romanian will certainly be useful in daily life! This is especially true when you’re in rural regions, governmental offices, and local markets.

Since the Romanian language is closely related to Italian, Spanish, and French, it’s relatively easy to learn if you already speak any of the romance languages.

Depending on where you go, the locals do speak English quite well (in particular professionals, younger people, and people working in the hotel and service sectors). English translations are also frequently found on restaurants, signage, and announcements on public transit in touristy areas.