Retire in Romania
Featured city: Brașov
US State Dept · Level 1 — Exercise Normal PrecautionsMid-range benchmark for a couple. Use the Matcher for FX- and inflation-adjusted comparisons.
Romania offers Transylvanian landscapes, medieval towns, and one of the lowest costs of living in the EU. A flat 10% income tax and improving healthcare make it attractive to budget-conscious retirees.
Very low cost, beautiful Carpathians, flat 10% income tax
- Low Cost
- Tax Benefits
- English is not widely spoken outside major cities — plan for a language learning curve.
- Healthcare quality can be uneven outside major urban centers — private international insurance is strongly recommended.
- Long-term residency requires meeting specific income, investment, or paperwork thresholds — engage a licensed immigration attorney.
- Infrastructure (roads, internet, utilities) may vary by region — visit before committing to a long lease.
Retirement visa
Retirees typically use a long-stay visa for "other purposes," requiring proof of sufficient means of support and health insurance.
Cost of living
In Bucharest, a central one-bedroom apartment costs about $600, and groceries are among the cheapest in the EU.
Numbeo cost indexHealthcare
Private clinics in cities provide modern care at low costs, while the public system is currently undergoing modernization.
Healthcare indexSafety
Romania is a safe destination with low rates of violent crime and a Level 1 travel advisory.
travel.state.govReady to compare with your budget?
Run the calculator or open the Destination Matcher to see how Romania fits.
Other destinations in Europe
Educational content only — not immigration, tax, legal, or financial advice. Visa, golden-visa, and citizenship-by-investment rules change frequently. Verify with the official government source above and a licensed professional before making any relocation, investment, or citizenship decision.