Bridging Romania and the UAE: A strategic guide to residency, investment and cross-border business

In recent years, both Romania and the United Arab Emirates have become increasingly attractive destinations for tourism, business and international investment, each offering distinct but complementary advantages.

Authors: Paul-George Căta – Founder & Managing Partner, Lorena Stanciu – Co-Managing Partner, Andrada Barbu – Partner, Ştefania Petrescu – Senior associate

Romania provides direct access to the European Union and benefits from a growing economy and relatively competitive costs. Cities such as Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca and Timişoara and Sibiu have developed into important regional hubs for technology, services, manufacturing and finance, making the country a practical entry point into the EU market for investors and entrepreneurs.

At the same time, the UAE has established itself as a global business hub connecting Europe, Asia and Africa. With a dynamic economic environment, modern infrastructure and a highly efficient administrative system, cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi continue to attract international investors, companies and skilled professionals.

Beyond the economic perspective, both countries offer a good standard of living and a diverse, international environment. While Romania brings the stability and access of the EU market, the UAE stands out through flexibility, connectivity and a strong pro-business approach.

For those looking to live, work or invest in either jurisdiction, understanding the visa and residency framework is essential. This article focuses on the most relevant options available in both Romania and the UAE, with a practical overview of what is commonly used in real life.

I. ENTRY AND RESIDENCY FRAMEWORK IN THE UAE

Foreign nationals entering the UAE must generally obtain either an entry visa or a residence visa, depending on the intended duration and purpose of their stay.

Short-term visitors typically enter the country under tourist or visit visas, while individuals planning to work, establish businesses, or reside for longer periods must obtain residence permits issued by the relevant immigration authorities.

Residence visas are typically sponsored by employers, companies, or investment structures established in the UAE. Once issued, the residence visa grants the holder the legal right to live in the country for a defined period and may be renewed in accordance with the applicable immigration regulations.

The UAE has continuously modernized its immigration system in order to attract foreign investment and global talent, making the country increasingly accessible to entrepreneurs, investors, and highly skilled professionals.

1. General conditions for obtaining a UAE Visa

In order to obtain a UAE visa, applicants must submit an application accompanied by supporting documentation through the appropriate immigration authority or through a local sponsor.

While requirements vary depending on the visa category, applicants are generally required to provide:

1. A valid passport with sufficient remaining validity
2. Documentation confirming the purpose of travel or stay in the UAE
3. Proof of accommodation or local sponsorship
4. Evidence of sufficient financial means to cover the stay
5. Health insurance coverage where required
6. Confirmation that the applicant does not present security or immigration concerns

The visa granted ultimately depends on the purpose of entry into the UAE, whether for tourism, business exploration, employment, or investment activities.

2. Types of Visas and specific conditions

In addition to the general requirements described above, certain visa categories involve additional conditions depending on the purpose for which the foreign national intends to remain in the UAE.

2.1. Tourist and visit Visa

Tourist visas are among the most frequently issued entry permits in the UAE and are intended for individuals visiting the country for leisure, tourism, family visits, or short-term activities.

These visas are typically issued for limited durations, commonly ranging from 30 to 90 days, depending on the visa type and the eligibility of the applicant. Some tourist visas may allow single entry, while others permit multiple entries during the validity period.

Although tourist visas allow visitors to explore the country, attend exhibitions, and participate in certain meetings or networking activities, they do not permit employment or long-term commercial activity in the UAE.

2.2. Business Visa

Business visas are designed for individuals who wish to enter the UAE for professional purposes, such as attending meetings, negotiating agreements, exploring investment opportunities, or participating in conferences and exhibitions.

Foreign entrepreneurs, company representatives, and prospective investors often rely on this type of visa when assessing business opportunities in the UAE market.

Applicants may be required to provide documentation demonstrating the business purpose of their visit, including invitations from UAE-based companies or organizations.

While business visas allow participation in professional meetings and networking activities, they generally do not authorize employment within the UAE.

2.3. Employment Visa

Foreign nationals who wish to work in the UAE must obtain an employment visa sponsored by a UAE-registered employer.

Under the UAE immigration system, the employer acts as the legal sponsor responsible for initiating the visa application process and ensuring compliance with immigration and labor regulations.

The employment visa process generally involves several stages, including:

1. Issuance of a work permit by the relevant labor authority
2. Completion of a medical fitness examination
3. Registration for a national identity card (Emirates ID)
4. Issuance of a residence permit allowing the employee to legally live and work in the UAE

Employment visas are typically issued for a limited duration and may be renewed as long as the employment relationship continues in accordance with UAE labor regulations.

2.4. Investor Visa

Foreign citizens who establish or invest in a company in the UAE may qualify for an investor or partner visa.

This type of visa is commonly granted to entrepreneurs and shareholders who own or participate in UAE-registered companies, whether operating on the mainland or within one of the country’s free zones.

Eligibility usually requires documentation confirming the applicant’s ownership interest or investment in the company, together with a valid trade license issued by the relevant authority.

Investor visas allow foreign nationals to reside in the UAE while actively managing or participating in the operations of their business.

2.5. Golden Visa

In order to attract global talent and long-term investment, the UAE introduced the Golden Visa, a long-term residency program designed for investors, entrepreneurs, highly skilled professionals, and individuals with exceptional achievements.

The Golden Visa provides extended residency rights—often up to ten years—and offers greater flexibility compared to traditional residence permits.

The program is available to several categories of applicants, including:

1. Real estate investors who meet qualifying investment requirements
2. Entrepreneurs who establish innovative or high-growth companies
3. Highly skilled professionals in fields such as medicine, engineering, technology, and science
4. Researchers, academics, and outstanding students
5. Individuals with exceptional contributions in fields such as culture, sports, and innovation

One of the key advantages of the Golden Visa is that it provides long-term residency without requiring traditional employment sponsorship, offering increased stability for investors and professionals seeking to establish a long-term presence in the UAE.

Obtaining a UAE Golden Visa through investment requires meeting specific financial thresholds. The most common route is real estate investment, with a minimum property value of AED 2,000,000 — achievable through a single property or multiple properties owned by the same investor. Mortgaged properties are also eligible, provided that the property is officially valued at a minimum of AED 2,000,000 by the Dubai Land Department and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) is obtained from the financing bank. As of 2026, no minimum upfront payment or equity threshold is required for mortgaged properties. Investors may also qualify by placing at least AED 2,000,000 in an approved UAE public investment fund or business, typically held for a minimum of two years. Entrepreneurs with startups or innovative businesses valued at AED 500,000 or more may qualify for a 5-year Golden Visa. Across all routes, the visa allows residency without a local sponsor and includes the right to sponsor family members; the duration varies between 5 and 10 years depending on the category.

II. ENTRY AND RESIDENCY FRAMEWORK IN ROMANIA

Foreign (Non-EU) citizens entering Romania may be required to obtain either:

1. a uniform visa (Type C / Short-stay Schengen visa); or
2. a long-stay visa (Type D).

The applicable visa type depends primarily on the purpose and duration of the intended stay.

Uniform visas (short-stay visas) allow foreign (Non-EU) citizens to remain in Romania (and within the Schengen Area) for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, and are typically used for tourism, business visits, or other temporary activities.

By contrast, foreign (Non-EU) citizens who intend to stay in Romania for longer periods, such as for employment, business operations, or investment, must obtain a long-stay visa prior to entry.

Following entry on the basis of a long-stay visa, the foreign national is required to apply for a residence permit issued by the Romanian immigration authorities, which governs the legal right to remain in the country on a longer-term basis.

1. General Conditions for obtaining a Romanian Visa

Visa applications are typically submitted through a Romanian diplomatic mission or consulate in the applicant’s country of residence.

Although the specific documentation varies depending on the visa type, applicants are generally required to provide:

1. A valid passport with sufficient remaining validity;
2. Documentation supporting the purpose of travel or stay;
3. Proof of accommodation in Romania;
4. Evidence of sufficient financial means;
5. Valid medical insurance covering the duration of the stay;
6. Confirmation that the applicant does not pose security, public health, or immigration risks.

Romanian authorities assess each application based on the declared purpose of travel and the supporting documentation submitted.

2. Types of Visas and specific conditions

In addition to the general requirements outlined above, each visa category is subject to specific conditions depending on the purpose of entry.

The sections below outline some of the most commonly used visa types for foreign nationals entering Romania. These examples are illustrative and do not cover all categories available under Romanian immigration legislation.

1. Uniform Visa (Schengen Short-Stay Visa – Type C)

Following its accession to the Schengen Area, Romania issues uniform Schengen visas, which allow holders to stay in Romania and travel within other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Uniform visas are typically granted for short-term purposes such as tourism, business visits, or participation in events.

Depending on the purpose of travel, applicants may be required to provide the following:

1. Business Visits

For business-related travel, applicants may be required to provide:

1. An invitation from a company or public authority to attend meetings, conferences, or events related to trade, industry, or professional activities;
2. Additional documents evidencing the existence of commercial or professional relationships;
3. Entry tickets or registration confirmations for trade fairs, exhibitions, or congresses, where applicable;
4. Documents attesting to the activities of the company;
5. Documents confirming the applicant’s position or status within the company.
6. Tourism

For travel undertaken for tourism purposes, applicants may be required to provide:

1. Documentation regarding accommodation, which consists of an invitation from the host, where the applicant will be staying or a document confirming accommodation arrangements (such as hotel reservations) or any other relevant document indicating the intended place of stay;
2. Documentation regarding the travel itinerary, which consists of a confirmation of a booked organized trip or any other document detailing the planned travel itinerary.

In all cases, applicants must also provide information that allows authorities to assess their intention to leave the territory of the Member States before the expiry of the requested visa.

Additional documents may be requested depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant.

1. Long-Stay Visas (Type D)

Long-stay visas are required for foreign nationals intending to remain in Romania for more than 90 days.

These visas are typically issued for an initial period of up to 90 days and allow the holder to apply for a residence permit after entering Romania.

Long-stay visas are granted for specific purposes, most commonly including employment, commercial activities, and investment.

1. Business Visa (Commercial Activities) – Type D/AC

This visa may be granted to foreign nationals who are shareholders or associates in Romanian companies, holding management or administrative roles, and who intend to carry out or develop investments in Romania.

Foreign nationals applying for a long-stay visa for commercial activities may be required to obtain a technical endorsement of their business plan from the competent Romanian authority.

In this respect, the Ministry for the Business Environment, Trade and Entrepreneurship is authorized to issue a specialized technical opinion on the business plan of foreign investors for the purpose of obtaining a long-stay visa for commercial activities.

In addition to the general requirements, applicants must also provide:

1. Valid medical insurance covering the entire duration of the visa;
2. A criminal record certificate (or equivalent document) issued by the authorities of the country of domicile or residence, duly apostilled or legalized, as applicable.
3. Employment Visa – Type D/AM

This visa may be granted to foreign nationals who intend to take up employment with a Romanian employer. It certifies the holder’s right to work in Romania.

Foreign nationals applying for a long-stay visa for employment purposes must, as a general rule, submit a copy of the work authorization issued in accordance with Romanian legislation on the employment and secondment of foreign nationals.

In addition to the above, applicants must also provide:

1. Proof of sufficient means of subsistence, at least at the level of the gross minimum basic salary guaranteed in Romania, for the entire duration of the visa;
2. A criminal record certificate (or equivalent document) issued by the authorities of the country of domicile or residence, duly apostilled or legalized, as applicable;
3. Valid medical insurance covering the entire duration of the visa.
4. Investor or Company Administrator Visa – Type D/AE

This visa may be granted to foreign nationals who intend to carry out economic activities in Romania that are organized and regulated under specific legal provisions.

Foreign nationals applying for a long-stay visa for economic activities must demonstrate that they meet the specific conditions established under the applicable special legislation governing the intended activity.

In addition to the general requirements, applicants must provide:

• Proof of compliance with the conditions set out in the relevant special law;
• Valid medical insurance covering the entire duration of the visa;
• A criminal record certificate (or equivalent document) issued by the authorities of the country of domicile or residence, duly apostilled or legalized, as applicable.

1. Post-Entry Obligations

The national long-stay visa (Type D) allows foreign nationals to enter and remain exclusively on the territory of Romania for a period not exceeding 90 days.

Following entry, visa holders are entitled to apply to the Ministry of Internal Affairs – General Inspectorate for Immigration for an extension of their right of temporary stay and the issuance of a residence permit.

Applications for the extension of the right of stay must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the expiry of the long-stay visa. The extension is granted only with the prior approval of the competent immigration authorities.

III. Conclusion

Romania and the United Arab Emirates each provide reliable legal and immigration frameworks that support living, working, and investing, but in complementary ways. Romania offers stability, EU integration, and access to European markets, making it attractive for entrepreneurs and investors who want a solid base in Europe.

The UAE, on the other hand, combines flexibility, fast administrative procedures, and a highly business-friendly environment, serving as a gateway to regional and global markets.

For international entrepreneurs and investors, understanding the visa, residency, and corporate regulations in each jurisdiction is essential. Compliance ensures legal security, smooth business operations, and reduces the risks associated with cross-border expansion. By taking advantage of the strengths of both countries, investors can create a strategic presence that leverages Europe through Romania and the Middle East and beyond through the UAE.

IV. How We Can Help

Navigating immigration, corporate, and investment rules across multiple jurisdictions can be complex. Our team of lawyers and legal consultants helps clients structure their activities efficiently and in full compliance with local laws. We provide guidance and support on:

1. Visa and residency applications for short- or long-term stays;
2. Company formation, corporate structuring, and regulatory compliance;
3. Investment and commercial activity strategies;
4. Cross-border business expansion and international market entry.

Through collaboration with trusted partners internationally, we help clients establish or grow their presence in both Romania and the UAE, as well as other international markets. Professional guidance can simplify processes, minimize risks, and allow entrepreneurs and investors to focus on growth and opportunity rather than administrative hurdles.

Whether you are planning to visit, invest, or expand your business in either jurisdiction, aligning your strategy with the local legal frameworks is key to achieving sustainable and successful results.