Establishing a Business Presence in Romania

Guide for Non-Resident Entrepreneurs

This guide aims to provide a comprehensive, step-by-step approach for non-resident entrepreneurs looking to establish a presence and comply with regulations in Romania. It covers all necessary registrations, tax filings, and employer obligations, detailing timelines, required documentation, and relevant government fees.

Step-by-Step Approach for Establishing a Business

Business Registration

  • Trade Register Office: Register your business at the National Trade Register Office (ONRC). Required documents include the Articles of Association, proof of registered office, and identification documents of the founders.
  • Timeline: The registration process typically takes 3-5 business days.
  • Fees: Registration fees vary depending on the type of business entity.
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Tax Registration

  • ANAF: Register for tax purposes with the National Agency for Fiscal Administration (ANAF). Obtain a unique tax identification code (CIF).
  • Timeline: Tax registration is usually completed within 10 business days.
  • Fees: No fees for tax registration.

Employer Obligations

  • Labour Inspectorate: Register as an employer with the Territorial Labour Inspectorate (ITM). Submit employment contracts and employee records.
  • Timeline: Employer registration must be completed before hiring employees.
  • Fees: No fees for employer registration.
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Documentation and Forms

  • PDF/URL References: Ensure all required application or filing forms are available in PDF format or through relevant URLs. For instance, the ONRC and ANAF websites provide downloadable forms and online submission options.

Government Agencies and Online Portals

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Recommended Tools and Services

  • Accounting Software: Utilize accounting software like SAGA or SmartBill for streamlined tax filings and financial management.
  • Legal Services: Engage with local legal firms for assistance with documentation and compliance.
  • Consulting Services: Consider consulting firms specializing in market entry and business setup in Romania.

This guide ensures that non-resident entrepreneurs have a clear and precise roadmap to establish and maintain their business presence in Romania, leveraging the right tools and resources for successful market entry and compliance.

Key Requirements for Establishing a
Business in Romania

Establishing and managing a business in Romania involves several key steps to ensure compliance with local regulations and efficient operation. Here is a detailed guide to help you navigate the process:

1. Authentication Methods

  • Romanian eID and Citizen Digital Certificate: Obtain these authentication methods to access Romanian government online services. These digital tools are essential for secure and efficient interaction with various government portals.

2. Parent Company Registration

National Trade Register Office (ONRC): Register the parent company with the ONRC by visiting ONRC. Submit the required forms, which include the Articles of Association, proof of registered office, and identification documents of the founders. Pay the applicable registration fee to complete the process.

3. Branch Office Registration

  • Local Trade Register Office: Register the branch office establishment unit(s) through the local trade register office (Oficiul Registrului Comerțului de pe lângă tribunal). This involves submitting specific forms and paying the necessary fees. Ensure all documents are translated into Romanian and notarized if required.
  • Unique Company Registration Number: Obtain a unique company registration number for the branch office, which is crucial for all legal and tax-related activities.

4. VAT Registration

Agenția Națională de Administrare Fiscală (ANAF): Register for Romanian VAT (TVA) with ANAF by visiting ANAF. Provide the necessary documentation, such as proof of business activity and identification documents, and pay the required fees.

5. Employer Registration

National House of Public Pensions (CNPP): Register as an employer in Romania using the online services provided by CNPP. Submit the appropriate forms, including employee contracts and identification documents.

6. Employer Obligations

  • Employee Declarations: Manage employee-related declarations and fulfill employer obligations. This includes filing the Declarația 112 (monthly social security contributions) and Declarația Unică (annual income tax return).
  • VAT Returns: Submit VAT returns through the ANAF online portal. Adhere to the specified deadlines and requirements to avoid penalties.

By following these key requirements, non-resident entrepreneurs can successfully establish and maintain their business presence in Romania, ensuring full compliance with local laws and regulations.

Procedures and Timelines for Registering a
Branch Office in Romania

Romanian eID and Citizen Digital Certificate: Secure these authentication methods to access Romanian government online services.
This step is crucial for secure interactions with various government portals.
National Trade Register Office (ONRC): Register the parent company with the ONRC by visiting ONRC. Submit required forms, including the Articles of Association, proof of registered office, and identification documents of the founders. Pay the applicable registration fee to complete the process.
Local Trade Register Office: Register the branch office establishment unit(s) through the local trade register office (Oficiul Registrului Comerțului de pe lângă tribunal). Submit specific forms and pay the necessary fees. Ensure all documents are translated into Romanian and notarized if required.
Unique Company Registration Number: Obtain a unique company registration number for the branch office, essential for all legal and tax-related activities.
Agenția Națională de Administrare Fiscală (ANAF): Register for Romanian VAT (TVA) with ANAF by visiting ANAF. Provide necessary documentation, such as proof of business activity and identification documents, and pay the required fees. ANAF provides detailed guides on their website (in Romanian) explaining the VAT registration process and requirements.
National House of Public Pensions (CNPP): Register as an employer using the online services provided by CNPP. Submit appropriate forms, including employee contracts and identification documents.
File initial Declarația 112 (monthly social security contributions) and Declarația Unică (annual income tax return).
CNPP offers guidance materials explaining the requirements and process for filing these employer-related returns.
Corporate Tax (Impozit pe profit): ANAF provides comprehensive guides outlining the requirements and process for filing the corporate tax return.
VAT (TVA) Returns: In addition to VAT registration guides, ANAF's website includes detailed instructions for submitting periodic VAT returns.
Declarația 112 and Declarația Unică: CNPP offers guidance on the requirements and deadlines for filing these employer-related returns.

By following these procedures and timelines, non-resident entrepreneurs can efficiently establish and maintain their business presence in Romania, ensuring full compliance with local laws and regulations.

Key Government Agencies and Websites for Business in Romania

1. National Trade Register Office (Oficiul Național al Registrului Comerțului):

  • Website: ONRC
  • Description: The National Trade Register Office is the primary agency responsible for the registration and regulation of businesses in Romania. Entrepreneurs must register their companies here to obtain legal recognition and a unique company registration number. The ONRC provides detailed guidelines and forms required for business registration, including the Articles of Association and proof of registered office. The website offers online services for submitting applications and tracking the registration process.

2. Local Trade Register Office (Oficiul Registrului Comerțului de pe lângă tribunal):

  • Description: Each county in Romania has a local trade register office affiliated with the tribunal. These offices handle the registration of branch offices and other local business entities. Entrepreneurs must submit specific forms and pay the necessary fees to register their branch offices. The local trade register offices ensure that all legal requirements are met and provide assistance with the registration process.

3. Agenția Națională de Administrare Fiscală (Romanian Tax Authority):

  • Website: ANAF
  • Description: ANAF is responsible for tax administration and enforcement in Romania. Entrepreneurs must register for VAT (TVA) and obtain a tax identification number (CIF) through ANAF. The agency provides comprehensive guides on VAT registration, corporate tax filings, and other tax-related obligations. The ANAF website offers online services for submitting tax returns, paying taxes, and accessing detailed information on tax regulations.

4. National House of Public Pensions (Casa Națională de Pensii Publice):

  • Website: CNPP
  • Description: The National House of Public Pensions manages the public pension system and social security contributions in Romania. Employers must register with CNPP and file monthly social security contributions (Declarația 112) and annual income tax returns (Declarația Unică). The CNPP website provides guidance materials and forms required for employer registration and compliance with social security obligations.

By utilizing these government agencies and their online resources, non-resident entrepreneurs can efficiently navigate the process of establishing and maintaining a business presence in Romania, ensuring full compliance with local laws and regulations.

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