Moving from London to Romania: The Complete Guide
Romania is one of Europe’s most surprising destinations — frequently overlooked, consistently rewarding. Bucharest is a complex, rapidly evolving capital with outstanding restaurants, a thriving arts and nightlife scene, one of the world’s fastest internet speeds, and a cost of living that makes London look extraordinary by comparison. Cluj-Napoca in Transylvania has become Romania’s tech capital and one of Central Europe’s emerging startup hubs. The country’s natural landscape — the Carpathian mountains, the Danube Delta (one of Europe’s largest wetlands and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve), medieval Transylvanian villages and the Black Sea coast — is genuinely world-class.
Why Londoners Move to Romania
- Extremely low cost of living — Romania is consistently among the EU’s most affordable member states. Bucharest rental costs are typically 70–80% lower than London. Food, dining and everyday services are a fraction of UK prices
- World-class internet — Romania consistently ranks in the world’s top 5 for internet speed. This is a meaningful practical advantage for remote workers and tech professionals
- IT and technology sector — Romania has one of Europe’s strongest IT talent pools, with major tech companies (Amazon, Microsoft, Oracle, Bitdefender, UiPath) having significant Romanian presences. Cluj-Napoca is the recognised tech capital; Bucharest, Timișoara and Iași also have strong sectors
- Natural and cultural heritage — Transylvania’s medieval castles (Bran, Peleș, Corvin), the Danube Delta, the Carpathian hiking and skiing, the Black Sea coast at Constanța and Mamaia — Romania’s natural and cultural richness is disproportionate to its international profile
- Bucharest nightlife — Bucharest has a genuinely exceptional nightlife and restaurant scene that surprises most first-time visitors
Post-Brexit: Visa and Residency for UK Nationals
Romania is an EU member state. UK nationals require a Romanian residence permit from the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) for stays over 90 days.
Temporary residence permit for employment (permis de ședere temporară în scop de muncă) — requires a confirmed employment contract with a Romanian employer. Employer applies for a work authorisation on your behalf.
Temporary residence for self-employment / business — for establishing a Romanian company or operating as a freelancer (PFA — Persoană Fizică Autorizată).
Long-stay visa — some categories require a long-stay visa (type D) obtained at the Romanian Embassy in London before arrival. Check with the Embassy for the specific requirements applicable to your situation.
Apply at the Romanian Embassy in London or at the IGI after arrival (within 90 days). Processing: 30–60 days.
After arrival:
- Obtain your CNP (Cod Numeric Personal — personal numeric code) — Romania’s national ID number, needed for banking, tax and all official interactions
- Register at the local town hall (primărie)
- Enrol with the National Health Insurance House (CNAS) for access to Romanian state healthcare
Romania’s Cities
Bucharest (București) — the capital. Population 2 million. Finance, government, media, tech, arts and nightlife. Floreasca, Dorobanți and Aviatorilor districts are popular with expats. Calea Victoriei is the historic commercial boulevard. The Old Town (Centrul Vechi) has an excellent restaurant and bar scene. One of Europe’s cheapest capitals.
Cluj-Napoca (Cluj) — Romania’s tech capital. University city, startup ecosystem, UNTOLD festival (one of Europe’s largest). Transylvanian culture. Growing fast; rents rising but still very affordable by Western standards. The most international feel outside Bucharest.
Timișoara — western Romania. Strong cultural heritage (1989 revolution started here), multicultural (Romanian, Hungarian, German traditions), EU Capital of Culture 2023. Growing tech sector.
Brașov — stunning Transylvanian city surrounded by mountains. Medieval old town, ski resorts within 20 minutes, hiking trails. Popular with remote workers seeking nature-urban balance.
Cost of Moving from London to Romania
| Service type | Estimated cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Part-load (shared) | £500 – £1,000 | Studios, 1-bed flats, personal effects |
| Full-load (dedicated van) | £1,200 – £2,600 | 2-bed+ homes, full households |
| Professional packing add-on | £200 – £500 | Full household packing by our team |
Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara and all Romanian cities covered. Get a free fixed-price quote for your removals to Romania.
Estimated transit time — London to Bucharest: 4–7 working days.
Frequently Asked Questions: Moving from London to Romania
What permit do I need to move from London to Romania?
UK nationals need a Romanian temporary residence permit for stays over 90 days. The employment permit requires a confirmed Romanian employer; self-employment permits require business registration. Apply at the Romanian Embassy in London or at the IGI after arrival; allow 1–2 months.
Does Romania use the euro?
No. Romania uses the Romanian Leu (RON). Euro adoption is planned but not imminent. Currency conversion applies when moving money from the UK. Romania’s purchasing power is very high relative to Western currencies.
Is Romanian difficult to learn?
Romanian is a Romance language — the closest to Latin of all the Romance languages. For English speakers with any knowledge of French, Spanish, Italian or Portuguese, Romanian vocabulary is more accessible than Slavic languages. English proficiency in Romania’s tech sector and among young urban Romanians is very high.
How long does a removal from London to Romania take?
Transit from London to Bucharest typically takes 4–7 working days.
Does Easy Move handle EU customs documentation for Romania?
Yes. Romania is an EU member state and Transfer of Residence relief applies to all household goods shipped from the UK.
Ready to move? Our team handles the full process — packing, customs, delivery.