Obtaining a residence card in Romania for a non-EU partner can be confusing, inconsistent, and stressful. In this article, I describe the real process I went through, including documents, timelines, and unexpected issues.
Note: This article is based on personal experience as an EU citizen living in Romania. Immigration rules and procedures may change or be interpreted differently by authorities. Always verify with official sources or legal professionals before acting.
Introduction
Moving to a new country is never simple — especially when your partner comes from outside the European Union and you’re not even married. In this article, I want to share the real story of how I helped my non-EU partner obtain a legal residence card in Romania for non EU partner, navigating unclear rules, bureaucratic resistance, and even surprise home visits from the authorities. If you’re an EU citizen living in Romania with a third-country partner, this might help you avoid stress, delays, or even deportation risks. Here’s how we did it — and how you can, too.
I met my wife, J., in 2015. She had arrived in Romania from the Philippines a year earlier and had just lost her job after working for a family for nearly a year. We were concerned about the risk of deportation — especially after a friend of hers was deported in a brutal manner because her employer had failed to complete the necessary paperwork.
The Law and the Reality
💡 Wisdom Pearl #1:
Be careful who you ask for help. Desperate to resolve the issue, I Googled “Bucharest immigration lawyer” and contacted the one who seemed best. At his luxurious office near Calea Moșilor (Bucharest), he asked me for €100 just to start listening. I was so anxious that I accepted without questioning why someone would charge money before offering any advice. Sadly, I was right to be concerned — the so-called specialist couldn’t help me at all. In the end, I wasted both time and money.
To avoid problems, we went to the I.G.I. (General Inspectorate for Immigration) office, which was then located on Strada Nicolae Iorga, Bucharest (now it’s inside the Grand Arena Mall, in the south side of Bucharest). What happened there was extremely stressful. The officers gave her only a few days to find a new employer and warned me in harsh terms that I could be in trouble for “hiding an illegal immigrant.”
On our way out, I noticed a poster stating that a Romanian citizen can declare cohabitation with a third-country national and request a Residence Card on their behalf, even if they are not married.
Since my wife J. and I were not married but living together, I asked whether this applied to EU citizens like me. The officer’s answer was blunt:
“Sir, you live in Romania, a country where laws are made for Romanian people.”
💡 Wisdom Pearl #2:
You’ll likely hear this sentence more than once during your time in Romania:
“Sir, you live in Romania, a country where things are made for Romanian people.” It’s usually a sign of ignorance. Informed individuals understand Romania’s role as a member of the European Union since 2007, and the rights EU citizens have here. Trying to have a civilized dialogue with people who speak like this — especially in public institutions or banks — is often pointless. Instead, just let it go, look for another solution, or ask to speak with someone higher up.
As someone who’s been fighting with Romanian public administration since 2005, I decided to take action and submitted a formal petition to the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MAI). Today, you can file a petition online at igi.mai.gov.ro/formular-petitii.
Our Petition and the Official Response
The official reply confirmed that EU citizens have the same right to declare cohabitation and support a residence application for their non-EU partners.
Here you can find the translation of the answer of the General Inspectorate for Immigration to my petitions 8600/DGPDC/SM/ctr/31.08.2016 and no. 18902/06.09.2016. Feel free to mention it in your documentation or even to download a copy here.
How-to-obtain-a-Residence-Card-for-Extra-UE-partners_RedactedTranslation
UNCLASSIFIED
No: 2675096ISS
Bucharest, 27.09.2016
Copy No. 1
Following your requests addressed to the Ministry of Labor, Family, Social Protection and Elderly Persons, registered under no. 8600/DGPDC/SM/ctr/31.08.2016 and no. 18902/06.09.2016, which were redirected for competent resolution to the General Inspectorate for Immigration, we inform you that these were registered at our institution under no. 2675096/SS on 08.09.2016 and no. 2675098/SS on 09.09.2016.
At the same time, we inform you that through address no. 3317072/DM/S2/SNR of 08.09.2016, the specialized department within the Directorate for Migration has responded to the requested clarifications.
However, considering a positive response and the information sent by the Ministry of Labor, Family, Social Protection and Elderly Persons – ANPDCA, we inform you of the following:
“The Filipino citizen (Author’s note: any extra UE citizen) may fall under the legal regime applicable to citizens of the EU/EEA/Swiss Confederation and their family members, as stipulated by Emergency Ordinance no. 102/2005 (republished, with subsequent amendments and completions), provided that the conditions to certify the status of partner of a Union citizen are met.”
To that end, the Filipino citizen must request registration in the “family members/partners” section, and must present the following documents, as applicable:
a) A completed standard application form (can be downloaded electronically from the IGI website or filled out at the counter);
b) A valid passport, original and copy;
c) A copy of the ID card/travel document and a copy of the document issued by IGI for the Union citizen whose partner the Filipino citizen is;
d) The residence permit issued by IGI attesting the right to carry out work activities;
e) A document proving the status of partner.
* In the case of a registered partnership, the document must be issued by the competent authority from the member state of origin or provenance.
* In the case of an unregistered partnership, the Union citizen must provide a declaration on their own responsibility that neither partner is married or registered with someone else, and must attach documents considered sufficient to prove cohabitation.
f) Proof of means of subsistence and health insurance, which are the responsibility of the Union citizen whose partner is the third-country national;
g) Proof of payment of the related fees.
The Notary and Application
I found a reliable notary with experience working with foreigners: Rațiu Janina Gabriela, located in central Bucharest near Piața Romană (Str. Mendeleev 35). I signed a declaration per the IGI’s instructions, and we successfully obtained the Residence Card within 30 days.
Unfortunately, I no longer have a copy of that declaration, but the staff at the notary office said they were familiar with it and were able to prepare it within a few hours.
It wasn’t easy. I had to convince the officer at the counter that my partner didn’t need to submit any personal declaration. But the response from the General Inspector was clear, and eventually they had to comply.
Important: The Surprise Visit
About a week later, we received a surprise visit from the police — they arrived at 7:00 AM to conduct an anchetă socială (social inquiry) to confirm that we were really living together.
The officers were polite and respectful. They asked us questions about our relationship and requested photos. Oddly, they didn’t take the photos with them — instead, they asked us to bring them later to the office in a sealed envelope. Having lived here for many years, I didn’t comment. I simply delivered an envelope containing pictures of us and nothing else.
What You Must Know
- The process won’t go as smoothly as you expect.
- They usually don’t check your documents when you first submit the request.
- You’ll be given an appointment — during which you may be asked for extra or unexpected documents. To avoid delays, bring all relevant documents with you from the start.
- Given current delays, the receipt of your request can serve as proof in case of police checks while waiting.
Final Thoughts
This experience showed me how persistence and knowledge of the law can overcome even the most discouraging bureaucratic barriers. If you’re an EU citizen in Romania with a non-EU partner, remember: you have the right to apply for a Residence Card even without marriage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can an EU citizen obtain a residence card in Romania for a non-EU partner?
Yes. An EU citizen legally residing in Romania can apply for a Residence Card for a non-EU partner, even if the couple is not married, provided they can prove a genuine relationship and cohabitation. This right derives from EU freedom of movement rules and is confirmed by Romanian immigration authorities when properly documented.
Is marriage required to apply for a residence card in Romania?
No. Marriage is not required. Romanian law allows EU citizens to sponsor a non-EU partner based on cohabitation, as long as sufficient evidence is provided (for example, declarations, shared address, and supporting documents).
What documents are required for a residence card for a non-EU partner in Romania?
While requirements may vary slightly in practice, the core documents typically include:
- A completed application form
- A valid passport (original and copy)
- Proof of the EU citizen’s residence in Romania
- Proof of cohabitation or partnership
- Declaration on own responsibility (for unregistered partnerships)
- Proof of financial means and health insurance
- Proof of payment of the applicable fees
Romanian authorities may request additional documents during the process.
How long does it take to obtain a residence card in Romania?
In my experience, the residence card was issued within approximately 30 days after submitting the complete application. However, processing times can vary depending on workload, location, and how clearly the documentation supports the relationship.
Can immigration authorities visit your home during the process?
Yes. Immigration authorities may conduct a surprise home visit (anchetă socială) to verify that the couple is genuinely living together. This is a normal part of the procedure and usually involves basic questions and requests for supporting evidence such as photos.
What happens if the immigration office gives incorrect or misleading information?
Unfortunately, inconsistent or incorrect information can occur. If you believe your rights as an EU citizen are being ignored, you can:
- Ask to speak with a superior officer
- Submit a formal written petition to the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI)
- Rely on written legal responses rather than verbal statements
Documented answers from authorities carry significant weight.
Can a receipt from the immigration office protect my partner while waiting?
Yes. The receipt confirming submission of the application can serve as temporary proof of legality while waiting for the residence card, particularly in the event of police checks.
Does this process apply only to Romania?
This article focuses on Romania, but the underlying rights come from EU law. Similar principles apply in other EU countries, though procedures and interpretations vary. Always check local regulations.
Is this article a substitute for legal advice?
No. This article is based on real personal experience, not legal representation. Immigration laws and administrative practices can change, so always verify information with official authorities or qualified professionals.