How to open an SRL in Romania as a foreigner: step-by-step guide 2026
Opening your own company in Romania is not just registering a business in a European Union country. For many foreigners it is the first step toward a European status, EU banking infrastructure, a residence permit and, later, citizenship.
But between the phrase “open a company” and a company that actually works, passes bank compliance and can become a ground for a residence permit, there is a whole structure. It is at this stage that most foreigners lose time and money and run into problems.
In this article we will cover: — how to open an SRL in Romania; — which documents are needed; — how much it costs; — where mistakes are most often made; — and how to set up the company properly for a future residence permit and a European status.
The article is based on the practice of Alliance and Armonia.
What an SRL in Romania is
An SRL (Societate cu Răspundere Limitată) is the Romanian equivalent of an LLC.
It is the most popular business form for foreigners because it:
✔️ limits the owner's liability; ✔️ suits almost any type of activity; ✔️ allows you to work with European banks; ✔️ qualifies for the small business tax regime; ✔️ can be used as a ground for a residence permit.
Unlike other forms, an SRL is perceived by banks, the tax authority and the immigration authorities as a full-fledged company with a long-term perspective.
Why foreigners open a company in Romania specifically
Romania remains one of the most accessible EU countries for launching a business and obtaining residence.
The main reasons:
📌 European Union membership; 📌 access to the European banking system; 📌 a comparatively mild tax model; 📌 the ability to build a path to a residence permit, permanent residence and EU citizenship; 📌 a lower entry threshold compared with many Western European countries.
At the same time, it is important to understand:
❗ Opening a company and obtaining a residence permit are not the same thing.
The company is an instrument. The residence permit is the next stage, built on a properly functioning company.
What you need to open an SRL
To register a company in Romania, a foreigner needs to prepare several key elements.
1. Company name
The name must be unique and is reserved in advance in the Romanian Trade Register.
If the name is already taken, the registration is postponed.
2. Registered address
Every Romanian company is required to have an official address.
This can be: — a rented office; — an apartment; — your own property.
The registered address is confirmed with documents.
3. Types of activity
During registration, the company's activity codes are specified.
And here foreigners often make a critical mistake: the company is registered “for everything” without understanding its future purpose.
If the company is meant to become a ground for a residence permit in the future, its types of activity must be logically connected to the actual work of the business.
4. Founding documents
The following are prepared: — the articles of association; — the founders' details; — the distribution of shares; — the company structure; — the administrator's documents.
Foreigners' documents are translated into Romanian and drawn up in line with the register's requirements.
How SRL registration works
The process looks like this:
Step 1. Reserving the name
A unique company name is checked and reserved.
Step 2. Preparing the documents
The registration package is put together.
Step 3. Registering the address
The company's registered address is confirmed.
Step 4. Filing with the Trade Register
The documents are filed with Romania's National Trade Register.
Step 5. Tax registration
The company receives a tax number.
Step 6. Opening a bank account
This is exactly where most foreigners start having difficulties.
The bank checks: — the origin of funds; — the business model; — the company structure; — the owners; — the future activity.
Without an account, the company effectively cannot operate fully.
How much it costs to open an SRL in Romania
One of the most common mistakes is confusing company registration with investment programs.
Opening an ordinary SRL does not require investments of hundreds of thousands of euros.
📌 The share capital is symbolic.
The main costs: — registration; — documents; — translations; — the registered address; — support; — bank compliance.
At Alliance, turnkey SRL registration costs from €1,300.
Where foreigners most often lose money
In practice, the main problems arise not at the register but after registration.
❌ Wrong types of activity
The company exists, but it does not match the purpose of the residence permit or the actual work.
❌ A formal registered address
“Virtual” addresses without confirmation often become a problem during inspections.
❌ A company opened without a strategy
The company is registered, but: — the bank does not open an account; — the activity does not fit the residence permit; — the structure does not match the task.
❌ Buying a ready-made company without an audit
A ready-made company may have: — debts; — tax problems; — a bad banking history.
By buying such a company without a check, a foreigner is effectively buying someone else's problems.
What to do if the company has already been opened incorrectly
This is one of the most common situations.
Alliance is regularly approached by clients who: — opened an SRL through a random registration agent; — cannot pass bank compliance; — ran into problems with documents; — bought a ready-made company with risks; — faced a refusal while preparing a residence permit.
In many cases the structure can be rebuilt: — change the types of activity; — replace the address; — audit the company; — prepare the company for compliance; — build the right model for a residence permit.
But it is important to understand: fixing things is almost always more expensive than starting right.
How Alliance helps
Alliance supports the process end to end.
We: ✔️ determine the right company structure; ✔️ select the types of activity; ✔️ register the SRL; ✔️ prepare the documents; ✔️ support the banking stage; ✔️ help with the tax structure; ✔️ build the company as a foundation for a future residence permit.
If real estate is needed for a registered address or for living, the Armonia agency gets involved.
Frequently asked questions
Can you open an SRL without coming to Romania?
Part of the process can be done remotely, but some stages may require personal presence.
Do you need a lot of capital?
No. For a standard SRL the share capital is minimal.
Does a company automatically give a residence permit?
No. The company is a ground, but the residence permit itself is obtained through a separate procedure.
What matters most when opening a company?
Not the registration itself but the right structure: — the activity; — bank compliance; — the structure of the company; — the further strategy.
Take the first step the right way
Opening a company in Romania is technically not difficult.
What is difficult is opening it so that: — it works; — it passes bank checks; — it does not create problems in the future; — and it can genuinely become the basis for a European status.
📩 If you are planning to open an SRL in Romania, contact Alliance.
We will review your situation, suggest the optimal model and help you set up the company properly from the very beginning.