Doing Business with Romania

A comprehensive guide to doing business, exporting, investing, and manufacturing in Romania.

Foreign Direct Investment with the International Trade Council / Company Incorporation / Company Formation

Albanian Investment Development Agency

Tel: +355 42 251 001
Email: info@aida.gov.al
Web: www.aida.gov.al

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General Directorate of Customs

Albania General Directorate of Customs - International Trade Council

 

Tel: +355 42 253 820
Email: helpdesk.dpd@dogana.gov.al
Web: www.dogana.gov.al

National Chamber of Commerce

Albanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Albanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry - International Trade Council

Tel: +355 45 800 932
Email: cci.tirana@cci.al
Web: www.cci.al

Ministry of Economy Information from the International Trade Council - a Peak-body - international chamber of commerce

Ministry of Finance and Economy, Albania

  • Type of Government: Semi-presidential Republic
  • Population: Approximately 19 million
  • GDP: Around $300 billion USD
  • Corporate Tax Rate: 16%
  • Personal Income Tax Rate: 10%
  • Major Exports: Machinery, vehicles, electrical equipment, metals
  • Major Imports: Machinery, chemicals, fuels, textiles

 

Exporting goods to Romania involves several key steps. Here’s a comprehensive guide:

  1. Research Market Requirements

    • Understand Romania’s import regulations and product standards.
  2. Identify Your Product’s HS Code

    • Determine the Harmonized System (HS) code to understand tariffs and regulations.
  3. Prepare Documentation

    • Gather necessary export documents: commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, and bill of lading.
  4. Check Tariff and Non-Tariff Barriers

    • Verify any tariffs and ensure compliance with Romania’s non-tariff measures.
  5. Select a Reliable Freight Forwarder

    • Choose a logistics provider experienced in shipping to Romania.
  6. Comply with Labeling and Packaging Regulations

    • Ensure your products meet local labeling and packaging standards.
  7. Arrange for Insurance

    • Secure insurance to cover potential shipping risks.
  8. Submit Customs Declaration

    • Work with your freight forwarder to submit the necessary customs declaration.
  9. Pay Applicable Duties and Taxes

    • Calculate and pay any required import duties and taxes.
  10. Track and Confirm Delivery

    • Monitor the shipment to ensure it reaches the destination safely.

Key Contacts

Importing goods into Romania involves several key steps. Here’s a detailed guide:

  1. Research Import Regulations

    • Familiarize yourself with Romania’s import laws and product-specific regulations.
  2. Obtain Necessary Licenses

    • Determine if your products require special import licenses or permits.
  3. Classify Your Goods

    • Identify the Harmonized System (HS) code for your products to understand tariffs and duties.
  4. Prepare Documentation

    • Gather required documents: commercial invoice, bill of lading, packing list, and certificate of origin.
  5. Choose a Customs Broker

    • Hire a licensed customs broker to assist with the import process.
  6. Comply with Labeling and Packaging Standards

    • Ensure products meet local labeling and packaging requirements.
  7. Submit Customs Declaration

    • File a customs declaration with the Romanian Customs Authority.
  8. Pay Duties and Taxes

    • Calculate and pay any applicable import duties and taxes.
  9. Arrange for Transportation and Delivery

    • Coordinate with a logistics provider to transport goods to their final destination.
  10. Track and Confirm Receipt

    • Monitor shipment progress and confirm delivery upon arrival.

Key Contacts

Incorporating a company in Romania involves several key steps. Here’s a detailed guide:

  1. Choose a Business Structure

    • Decide on the type of company, such as a Limited Liability Company (SRL).
  2. Reserve a Company Name

    • Ensure the company name is unique and not already registered.
  3. Prepare Incorporation Documents

    • Draft the Articles of Association and other necessary documents.
  4. Open a Bank Account

    • Deposit the required share capital in a Romanian bank account.
  5. Register the Company

    • Submit incorporation documents to the National Trade Register Office (ONRC).
  6. Obtain a Tax Identification Number

    • Register for taxation with the National Agency for Fiscal Administration (ANAF).
  7. Register for VAT (if applicable)

    • Apply for VAT registration if your business activities require it.
  8. Obtain Necessary Licenses

    • Apply for any industry-specific licenses required for your business.

Costs

  • Registration Fee: Varies depending on company type and share capital.
  • Notary Fees: Additional fees for document notarization.

Key Contacts

  • National Trade Register Office (ONRC)
  • National Agency for Fiscal Administration (ANAF)

Setting up a manufacturing plant in Romania involves several key steps. Here’s a detailed guide:

  1. Conduct a Feasibility Study

    • Analyze market demand, location, and resource availability.
  2. Choose a Business Structure

    • Decide on the type of business entity, such as a Limited Liability Company (SRL).
  3. Register the Company

    • Register your business with the National Trade Register Office (ONRC).
  4. Secure Financing

    • Arrange funding through loans or investors.
  5. Select a Location

    • Choose an industrial area with access to infrastructure and resources.
  6. Obtain Necessary Permits and Licenses

    • Apply for construction permits, environmental clearances, and industry-specific licenses.
  7. Design and Construct the Facility

    • Hire architects and contractors to design and build the plant.
  8. Purchase and Install Equipment

    • Acquire machinery and ensure it meets safety and operational standards.
  9. Hire and Train Employees

    • Recruit skilled workers and provide necessary training.
  10. Set Up Supply Chain and Distribution

    • Establish relationships with suppliers and distributors.

Key Contacts

  • National Trade Register Office (ONRC)
  • Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism

Registering a trademark in Romania involves several key steps. Here’s a detailed guide:

  1. Conduct a Trademark Search

    • Ensure your trademark is unique by searching existing trademarks in Romania.
  2. Prepare Your Application

    • Gather necessary details, including the trademark design and the list of goods/services.
  3. Submit the Application

    • File your application with the State Office for Inventions and Trademarks (OSIM).
  4. Pay the Application Fee

    • Pay the required fees for trademark registration.
  5. Application Examination

    • OSIM will examine the application for compliance and potential conflicts.
  6. Publication for Opposition

    • If approved, the trademark is published for a period during which others can oppose it.
  7. Receive Registration Certificate

    • If no oppositions are filed, you receive the official trademark registration certificate.

Costs

  • Application Fee: Varies depending on the number of classes and specifics of the trademark.

Key Contacts

  • State Office for Inventions and Trademarks (OSIM)

Resolving commercial disputes in Romania involves several key steps. Here’s a detailed guide:

  1. Consult Legal Counsel

    • Engage a lawyer experienced in Romanian commercial law for guidance.
  2. Attempt Negotiation

    • Try to resolve the dispute amicably through direct negotiation with the other party.
  3. Mediation

    • Consider mediation with a neutral third party to facilitate a resolution.
  4. Arbitration

    • Use arbitration for a binding resolution if both parties agree. Romania recognizes arbitration as an effective method.
  5. Litigation

    • If other methods fail, file a lawsuit in the Romanian court system. Prepare for a formal legal process.
  6. Enforcement of Judgments

    • Ensure the decision is enforced through the relevant authorities.

Costs

  • Legal Fees: Vary depending on the complexity and length of the dispute.
  • Court Fees: Required for litigation and depend on the case specifics.

Key Contacts

When considering business in Romania, it’s important to understand various factors:

Social and Cultural Factors

  • Language: Romanian is the official language; English is commonly used in business.
  • Business Etiquette: Formality and building personal relationships are important.

Political Factors

  • Government: Semi-presidential republic.
  • Stability: Generally stable with a pro-European Union stance.

Economic Factors

  • Currency: Romanian Leu (RON).
  • Investment Opportunities: Key sectors include IT, automotive, and agriculture.

Foreign Exchange

  • Exchange Rate: The Romanian Leu is subject to market fluctuations.
  • Regulations: Open trade policies, but compliance with EU regulations is required.

Rule of Law

  • Legal System: Based on civil law with adherence to EU standards.
  • Intellectual Property: Strong protections in place, aligned with EU directives.

Infrastructure

  • Transport: Developing road, rail, and air networks.
  • Utilities: Reliable, with ongoing improvements in energy and telecommunications.

Key Contacts

  • Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism
  • Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Romania

Our Members Include Leading Organizations in Romania

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If you’re looking to do business or invest in Romania, we can provide expert guidance, market insights, and valuable connections to help you navigate the local landscape. Contact us today to discover how we can assist in making your venture a success.