Long-Stay Visa for Studies (Type D/SD)
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- Up to 60 calendar days. Recommended to apply at least 45 days before departure.
- Fee
- EUR 120
- Validity
- Initial 90 days, extendable via residence permit application at IGI at least 30 days before expiry
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Long-stay visa (symbol D/SD) for third-country nationals intending to pursue pre-graduate, graduate, or postgraduate studies in Romania at state or accredited private educational institutions. Also covers researchers, exchange students, and participants in educational projects. The visa allows part-time work (up to 4 hours per day) without a separate work permit. After arrival, applicants must apply to the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) for a residence permit extension at least 30 days before visa expiry.
Eligibility
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Nationality
Third-country nationals (non-EU/EEA/Swiss) intending to study in Romania. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens have free movement and do not need a visa.
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Purpose of visit
Must have confirmed enrollment in a full-time educational program at a Romanian state or accredited private institution.
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Financial
Must demonstrate sufficient financial means: at least the minimum net national wage per month. Tuition fee for at least one year must be paid or guaranteed.
Minimum funds: EUR 2,500 per academic year
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Health
Must provide medical certificate confirming fitness and absence of contagious diseases.
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Criminal record
Must provide clean criminal record certificate from country of residence.
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 3
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Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: Recent passport-sized photographs (35x45mm)
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Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.
Accepted types: University dormitory confirmation, rental agreement, or notarized declaration from a host in Romania; Must cover full stay: No
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Admission letter
Must be notarized: No; Must be original: Yes; Must show program dates: Yes
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Visa application form; Form url: https://evisa.mae.ro/home?lang=en-US
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Cash, card; Amount: EUR 120
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Academic transcript
Provide academic records for the course, qualification or training route.
Must be notarized: Yes; Must be translated: Yes
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Criminal record certificate
Provide a police or criminal record certificate from the country or countries requested by the destination authority.
How to apply
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Document gathering
Obtain acceptance letter from Romanian educational institution, prepare academic transcripts (translated and apostilled), financial proof, health insurance, accommodation proof, criminal record certificate, and medical certificate.
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Online application
Complete the visa application form online at evisa.mae.ro or obtain a paper form from the Romanian embassy/consulate.
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Appointment booking
Book an appointment at the Romanian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Apply at least 45 days before estimated departure.
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Fee payment
Pay the long-stay visa fee of EUR 120.
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Document submission
Submit all documents in person at the Romanian embassy or consulate.
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Processing wait
Wait for processing, legal term is up to 60 calendar days.
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Visa collection
Collect passport with long-stay visa. After arrival in Romania, apply to IGI for residence permit at least 30 days before visa expiry.