Company Formation in Romania: Full 2026 Legal Guide

Setting up a business in Eastern Europe gives international entrepreneurs a massive strategic advantage. Consequently, choosing company formation in romania opens direct doors to the European market. Romania offers simple business structures, fast setup times, and strong economic growth.

Whether you are an individual founder or a foreign enterprise, local laws allow full foreign ownership. The National Trade Register Office (ONRC) supervises the entire setup process. In this guide, we explain the quick facts, available company types, capital requirements, and essential setup steps.

Company Formation in Romania: Quick Facts

To help you understand the core legal framework quickly, we summarized the main rules below:

Key Parameter	Fast Facts / Legal Rules
Supervisory Body	National Trade Register Office (ONRC)
Most Popular Structure	Limited Liability Company (SRL)
Minimum Capital (SRL)	RON 500 (~EUR 100)
Minimum Shareholders	1 shareholder
Registration Timeframe	Around 5 working days after filing
Remote Setup	Available online or with a Power of Attorney
Local Registered Address	Mandatory (Virtual Office allowed)

Key Highlights at a Glance:

• Flexible Company Types: Investors can choose between limited liability companies, joint-stock entities, or branch offices.
• Fast Registration: The Trade Register processes clean application files in about 5 working days.
• Full Foreign Ownership: Foreign citizens and overseas companies can own 100% of the local shares.
• Virtual Office Support: Founders can register their business address using a flexible virtual office service.

1. Types of Business Structures in Romania

Foreign business owners can choose from several legal forms based on their long-term goals:

• Limited Liability Company (SRL): This is the most common business form. It requires a minimum capital of RON 500 and at least 1 shareholder.
• SRL-D: This specialized structure helps young entrepreneurs start their first commercial venture.
• Joint-Stock Company (SA): This model fits larger corporations and requires a minimum capital of EUR 25,000.
• Branch Office: A foreign parent company uses this option to operate locally without creating a new legal entity.
• Subsidiary: A foreign company creates a separate local corporate entity that it fully controls.
• Representative Office: This option allows market research and promotion, but it cannot generate direct business revenues.

2. Share Capital and Owner Rules

Capital requirements depend heavily on the structure you select:

• SRL Requirements: Founders must deposit a minimum capital of RON 500 (EUR 100).
• Joint-Stock Requirements: Investors must provide at least EUR 25,000 to incorporate a joint-stock entity.
• Branch Offices: Branches do not require a separate minimum share capital.
• Shareholder Rules: A single individual or corporate entity can fully own a local SRL.

3. Step-by-Step Company Formation Procedure

Completing a company formation in romania involves a clear sequence of administrative steps:

Step 1: Reserve the Business Name

First, founders must propose 3 preferred company names. The Trade Register verifies national uniqueness and reserves the chosen name. For limited liability entities, the name must end with SRL.

Step 2: Prepare Corporate Documents

Next, founders draft the Articles of Association. In addition, they collect passport copies, owner declarations, and proof of the local registered address.

Step 3: Secure Office Address and Capital

After drafting the documents, owners secure a valid commercial lease or virtual office agreement. Then, they deposit the minimum share capital into a bank account.

Step 4: Submit Documents to the Trade Register

Thereafter, founders submit the complete application file to the National Trade Register Office. Officers process the application in approximately 5 working days.

Step 5: Official Publication

Finally, the Trade Register approves the application and publishes the decision in the Official Gazette of Romania.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does company formation in Romania take?

The entire process takes around 5 working days once you submit all completed documents to the authorities.

Can I set up a Romanian company remotely?

Yes, absolutely. You can complete the full setup remotely through an authorized legal representative.

Do I need a physical office address in Romania?

Yes, every legal entity must register an official address. However, you can easily use a virtual office service for this step.

Summary: Launch Your European Business

Executing a company formation in romania provides a reliable doorway into the European Union. Furthermore, fast registration timelines, low capital requirements, and foreign ownership guarantees make Romania an outstanding corporate destination.