Moving to Spain from Romania: Complete 2025 Guide
With over 600,000 Romanian citizens, Romania represents the second-largest foreign community in Spain. As an EU citizen, you enjoy full freedom of movement. No visa required, just register and join this thriving community.
Key Facts for Romanian Citizens
- Visa: Not required (EU citizen)
- Registration: NIE certificate required after 90 days
- Citizenship: 10 years residency required
- Dual Nationality: Romania allows dual citizenship; Spain-Romania dual citizenship agreement pending (as of 2025)
EU Free Movement Rights
As a Romanian citizen, you have the fundamental right to live, work, study, and retire in Spain without any visa or work permit. This freedom of movement is one of the core benefits of EU membership since Romania joined in 2007. You can enter Spain with your Romanian passport or national ID card and stay indefinitely.
While no permission is needed to relocate, registration with Spanish authorities is mandatory if your stay exceeds 90 days. This straightforward process grants you official resident status and access to Spanish public services.
The Romanian Community in Spain
Romanians form one of the largest and most established foreign communities in Spain:
- Population: Approximately 620,000 Romanian citizens (as of January 2024), making Romanians the second-largest foreign nationality after Moroccans
- Peak Population: The community reached nearly 900,000 in 2011 before declining due to Spain’s economic crisis
- Main Locations: Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Castellon, and Zaragoza have the largest Romanian communities
- Cultural Integration: Strong cultural ties, with Romanian Orthodox churches, cultural centers, and community organizations throughout Spain
- Language Advantage: Romanian and Spanish are both Romance languages, making Spanish relatively easy for Romanians to learn
Why Romanians Choose Spain
- Language Similarity: Spanish and Romanian share Latin roots, making communication and integration faster
- Economic Opportunities: Strong job market, especially in construction, hospitality, agriculture, and services
- Established Networks: Large Romanian community providing support and connections
- Climate: Mediterranean warmth compared to Romania’s continental winters
- Quality of Life: Excellent healthcare, infrastructure, and lifestyle opportunities
- Direct Connections: Numerous flights between Romanian cities and Spain
Registration Process
EU citizens must complete several administrative steps when establishing residence in Spain:
To register as an EU citizen, you’ll need to demonstrate sufficient resources to support yourself and have health insurance coverage. This can be through employment, self-employment, pension income, or savings.
Path to Spanish Citizenship
Romanian citizens can apply for Spanish citizenship after 10 years of legal and continuous residence in Spain. This is the standard requirement for most EU nationalities.
Important dual citizenship developments: Romania fully permits dual and multiple citizenship without any restrictions. You can hold Romanian citizenship alongside any other nationality. However, Spain traditionally requires renunciation of previous citizenship when naturalizing.
Pending Agreement: Spain and Romania have been negotiating a dual citizenship agreement since 2024. Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez have discussed allowing over 600,000 Romanian residents in Spain to obtain dual nationality. If finalized, this would allow Romanians to become Spanish citizens without renouncing Romanian citizenship. Similar to agreements Spain has with Latin American countries, Portugal, and France.
Many Romanians have postponed citizenship applications hoping this agreement will be finalized. Check with us for the latest status on this important development.
Requirements for Spanish citizenship include:
- 10 years of legal, continuous residence
- Clean criminal record in Spain and Romania
- Passing the DELE A2 Spanish language exam
- Passing the CCSE (Constitutional and Sociocultural Knowledge of Spain) exam
- Proof of integration into Spanish society
Spanish Consulates in Romania
Spain maintains diplomatic representations in Romania:
Tax Considerations
Romania-Spain Tax Framework
Both Romania and Spain are EU member states and follow EU tax coordination rules. A Double Taxation Agreement exists between the two countries.
Key Points:
- Romanian Pensions: Treatment depends on pension type under the tax treaty. Coordination between Romanian and Spanish authorities required
- Employment Income: Taxed in the country where the work is performed
- Tax Rate Comparison: Romania has a flat 10% income tax; Spain has progressive rates. Planning is essential.
- Beckham Law: Special tax regime for new residents may offer flat 24% tax rate for 6 years on Spanish-source income
- Wealth Tax: Spain has a wealth tax that Romania does not. Important for high-net-worth individuals
- Social Security: EU coordination rules apply. You generally pay into one system only
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is Spanish for Romanian speakers?
Spanish is relatively easy for Romanian speakers as both are Romance languages sharing Latin roots. Many grammatical structures and vocabulary are similar. Most Romanians can achieve conversational fluency within 6-12 months of dedicated study.
Will the dual citizenship agreement be approved?
Negotiations are ongoing between Spain and Romania. High-level government discussions have been positive, but no final agreement has been signed as of early 2025. We recommend staying informed and consulting with our team for updates.
Where do most Romanians live in Spain?
The largest Romanian communities are in Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia. Significant populations also exist in Castellon, Zaragoza, Toledo, and Almeria. The community is well-established throughout Spain.
Can I work immediately upon arrival?
Yes, as an EU citizen you have full work rights from day one. You don’t need a work permit. Once you find employment, your employer will help you obtain a Social Security number. Registration as a resident is required if staying more than 90 days.
We Handle Everything
Relocating to Spain involves numerous administrative procedures that can be complex and time-consuming. Our team specializes in helping Romanian citizens navigate Spanish bureaucracy efficiently.
We assist with:
- NIE registration and EU residence documentation
- Tax residency planning and optimization
- Social security coordination between Romania and Spain
- Property purchase procedures
- Business establishment in Spain
- Citizenship applications (including updates on the dual nationality agreement)
This guide provides general information about moving to Spain from Romania as of 2025. Immigration and tax laws can change. For advice specific to your situation, particularly regarding the pending dual citizenship agreement, please consult with our legal team or book a consultation.