Company formation in Romania: business in the EU and tax from 1% of turnover

Romania is a practical jurisdiction for entrepreneurs planning operational activities in the EU, work with European counterparties and growth in trade, logistics, manufacturing, IT or services. The country combines access to the EU single market, competitive tax conditions for certain companies and developed business infrastructure. Most formation procedures can be completed remotely through an authorised representative.
Romania is a practical jurisdiction for entrepreneurs planning operational activities in the EU, work with European counterparties and growth in trade, logistics, manufacturing, IT or services. The country combines access to the EU single market, competitive tax conditions for certain companies and developed business infrastructure. Most formation procedures can be completed remotely through an authorised representative.

Facts about forming a companies in Romania

Legal entity type

SRL — Societate cu Răspundere Limitată, a limited liability company

Minimum share capital

RON 500 for a newly formed company. If annual net turnover exceeds RON 400,000, the law requires the share capital to be increased to at least RON 5,000.

Formation timeframe

From 5 business days, including document preparation and filing. The ONRC registrar reviews a complete application within one business day.

Corporate income tax

16% of taxable profit. Companies qualifying for the micro-enterprise regime may pay 1% of revenue, subject to an annual limit of €100,000.

VAT

The standard rate is 21%. Registration is mandatory after exceeding the RON 395,000 threshold; an EU VAT number may be required earlier for certain transactions with EU counterparties.

Personal presence in the country

Generally not required. Documents may be filed through a representative under a power of attorney or electronically using a qualified electronic signature.

Languages used for documentation

Romanian. Documents issued in other languages are submitted with a Romanian translation where required.

EU / Schengen Area member

Yes / Yes

Why entrepreneurs choose Romania for company formation

A fully fledged EU company

A Romanian SRL is an EU legal entity. It can contract with European counterparties, open corporate accounts, obtain a VAT number and conduct intra-EU transactions. This structure suits businesses requiring an operational base in the EU, not merely a foreign company for receiving payments: with a local address, accounting, employees, warehouse or counterparties. Romania is also fully within the Schengen Area, reducing barriers to transport and business travel across Europe.

1% tax for micro-enterprises

A company meeting the micro-enterprise criteria may pay 1% of revenue instead of the standard 16% corporate tax on profit. It must meet statutory requirements, including the annual revenue ceiling, at least one employee and other criteria. The annual revenue limit is €100,000, including the revenue of related enterprises. This regime is often beneficial for high-margin service businesses, while trading and manufacturing companies require a separate financial assessment.

Affordable start for an SRL

A new company requires share capital of at least RON 500 (about €100). It may have one founder and one director, including Romanian non-residents, so a local partner or co-owner is generally unnecessary. If annual net turnover exceeds RON 400,000, the share capital must be increased to at least RON 5,000. Capital should therefore be viewed both as a formation requirement and an element that may change as the business grows.

Domestic market and access to Europe

Romania combines domestic operations with sales in other EU countries. This is relevant to e-commerce, distribution, logistics, service companies and manufacturers planning a local team, warehouse or Romanian customers. Unlike jurisdictions used mainly for remote services, Romania suits businesses with physical operations. This model requires local accounting, electronic document flows and compliance with Romanian tax rules.

When company formation in Romania may be not the best solution

You are choosing the country solely because of the 1% rate

The micro-enterprise regime is available only when statutory criteria are met. Otherwise, the general corporate tax regime applies.

Your business has substantial operating expenses

For trading or manufacturing companies, taxing revenue may be less beneficial than taxing profit. A financial analysis should be carried out before incorporation.

You plan to conduct regulated activities

Certain activities require special permits or licences. This may affect the launch timeframe and the list of required documents.

You need the simplest possible corporate administration

After incorporation, the company must keep accounts, file reports and comply with Romanian law. If minimal administration is the priority, Romania should be compared with other jurisdictions.

How the formation process works companies in Romania

1

Consultation and needs analysis

At the initial consultation, we analyse your business model, countries of operation, ownership structure and tax residence. We assess whether Romania is optimal for your goals and whether the micro-enterprise regime is available. You receive an individual formation plan and a list of required documents.

2

Selecting the company structure and reserving the name

We help define the optimal company structure, check name availability and reserve it with the Trade Register. We also agree the activities under the CAEN classification, as these determine which business activities may lawfully be conducted.

3

Document preparation

We prepare the full set of corporate documents, a power of attorney where required, applications and other materials for the public registry. You only provide the required personal documents and information about the future business.

4

Company formation

We file the documents with Romania's National Trade Register and support the procedure through incorporation. We oversee the process, liaise with public authorities and promptly address any requests or clarifications.

5

Receiving the corporate documents

After incorporation, we obtain the company's constitutional documents, registration certificate, tax number and other official documents needed to begin operations. We verify all details and provide the complete package to the client.

6

Opening a corporate account

We advise on selecting a bank or payment system based on the business model, client geography and future payments. We help prepare compliance documents and support the account-opening process.

7

VAT registration

If the business plans to work with EU counterparties or meets statutory registration requirements, we help obtain a VAT number and prepare the documents. We also advise on subsequent tax obligations.

8

Post-formation support

After launch, we advise on accounting support, corporate changes, tax planning, EORI, CFC rules, tax residence and other legal matters arising during international operations.

Cost of company formation in Romania

The cost depends on the future company structure, need for a VAT number, corporate account and registered office, as well as additional accounting or legal support. We therefore do not use standard packages or fixed rates.

The cost depends on the future company structure, need for a VAT number, corporate account and registered office, as well as additional accounting or legal support. We therefore do not use standard packages or fixed rates.

During the consultation, the KRYNO team will analyse your situation, define the optimal structure and prepare an individual estimate.

During the consultation, the KRYNO team will analyse your situation, define the optimal structure and prepare an individual estimate.

Documents required for formation companies in Romania  

A basic set of documents is generally sufficient for company formation. We prepare most legal documents ourselves, and the entire process can be arranged remotely through an authorised representative.

International passport

To verify the identity of the founder, ultimate beneficial owner and management board member.

Proof of residential address

A bank statement or utility bill issued no more than three months before filing.

Information about the founders and director

Required to prepare the constitutional documents and incorporate the company.

Description of future activities

Used to determine CAEN activity codes and check potential regulatory requirements.

Company name options

We recommend preparing several options so their availability can be checked with the Trade Register.

Registered office information

Required for company formation. Where necessary, we help arrange a registered office in Romania.

Common mistakes when company formation in Romania

Choose 1% without analysis

The micro-enterprise regime is not suitable for every company. Eligibility depends on meeting statutory criteria, and for businesses with high operating costs, taxing revenue may be less advantageous than standard corporate tax.

Analyse the tax model

At KRYNO, we assess the financial model, projected turnover and cost structure to select the tax regime that is effective for your business.

Choose the wrong CAEN codes

Errors in selecting activity codes may restrict the ability to operate lawfully, obtain licences or expand the range of services later.

Register the required CAEN codes

We will analyse the company’s activities and help register all codes required for current and future business lines from the outset.

Ignore VAT registration

For certain business models, VAT registration is required from the start. Mistakes at this stage may delay work with European counterparties.

Plan VAT in advance

We determine when the company needs a VAT number, prepare the documents and support the entire registration procedure.

Disregard CFC rules

Company owners often fail to assess the implications of Ukraine’s controlled foreign company rules before opening the business.

Analyse international risks

Before incorporation, we assess the business structure, CFC rules and tax residence and help build a secure international model.

Do not prepare for compliance

Even after incorporation, a bank or payment system may refuse to open an account because the documents are inadequate or the business structure is opaque.

Prepare for the bank's review

KRYNO helps prepare the document package and business model description and pass bank compliance checks with the highest possible chance of approval.

Forget about ongoing support

After incorporation, the company must keep accounts, file reports and meet corporate requirements. Without proper support, this may lead to fines or other risks.

Arrange support immediately

We provide ongoing legal and accounting support and assist with VAT, EORI, CFC matters, corporate changes and other international business issues.

Frequently asked questions about formation companies in Romania

How much does it cost to form a company in Romania?

The cost depends on the company structure, need for a VAT number, corporate account, registered office and other related services. After the consultation, the KRYNO team will prepare an individual estimate for your project.

How long does it take to open a company in Romania?

In most cases, state registration takes several business days after a complete document package is prepared and filed. The total timeframe depends on the complexity of the structure and additional procedures, including account opening or VAT registration.

Do I need to travel to Romania in person for incorporation?

In most cases, no. A substantial part of the procedure can be completed remotely through an authorised representative using duly executed documents.

What if the company needs to be closed?

Liquidating a Romanian company is a separate legal procedure requiring corporate and tax compliance. KRYNO supports the closure process and helps complete all necessary formalities.

What taxes does the owner of a Romanian company pay?

The owner's tax obligations depend on whether they receive dividends, salary or other payments and on their tax residence. Double taxation rules must be considered for international structures.

What is the tax burden for a Romanian company?

A company may use the general corporate tax regime or, if statutory conditions are met, the micro-enterprise regime. The final tax burden depends on the business model and financial performance.

Do I need to become a Romanian tax resident?

No. A company founder or director is not required to become a Romanian tax resident merely because they own a Romanian company. Tax residence should nevertheless be assessed individually.

Must a Romanian company be declared in Ukraine?

If the owner is a Ukrainian tax resident, they may need to notify a controlled foreign company (CFC) and file the relevant reports. This depends on the ownership structure and other circumstances.

Can I apply the 1% revenue tax rate?

Yes, but only if all criteria of the Romanian micro-enterprise regime are met. Before incorporation, check whether this regime suits your business.

Must a VAT number be obtained immediately after incorporation?

Not always. The need for VAT registration depends on the activities, transaction volume and dealings with EU counterparties. KRYNO will help determine the optimal registration time.

Can the founder and director be the same person?

Yes. Romanian law allows one person to be both the sole founder and director of the company.

Is a local partner or Romanian-resident director required?

No. In most cases, foreign founders can incorporate a company without local partners or a Romanian-resident director.

Can a Romanian company be used to operate throughout the European Union?

Yes. After incorporation, the company may operate within the EU subject to EU and individual Member State law. Depending on the activities, VAT registration, EORI or special permits may be required.

Considering company formation in Romania? Start with a consultation

Tell us about your business model, countries of operation and planned transactions. KRYNO will help assess Romania’s advantages, select a corporate and tax structure and organise the company launch.
Scroll to Top

Ready to start? First step for free

Is it difficult to understand where to start a business abroad? This is what KRYNO is for. 30-minute consultation is free.
Company registration

Ready to start? First step for free

Is it difficult to understand where to start a business abroad? This is what KRYNO is for. 30-minute consultation is free.
Company registration