Romania Smart Business Guide

• Location: Southeastern Europe, bridging East and West

• Population: 19.064.409 (2024)

• Languages: Romanian, with English spoken in many travel and business settings

• Time zone: Eastern European Time (UTC+3)

• International connections: 15+ airports, with many direct flights to major global hubs (London, Milan, Koln, Istanbul, Dubai or Doha etc.)

• Internet speed: Top-ranked globally, 250 mbps/average

• Currency: Romanian Leu (RON), 1 EUR = ~5 RON

• Memberships: NATO, European Union, Schengen Area

Romania, despite being an ex-communist country where its people didn't have much contact with the external world for over 30 years after the end of WW2, has opened up to collaborations and international travel massively starting with the 1990s. Our culture is heavily embedded in traditions and religion, but that doesn't mean people aren't welcoming to foreigners, in fact, is quite the opposite! Our hospitality means that we blend tradition with modernity and we like to share our culture and customs, while being open to meet and engage with others different than us.

In urban areas especially, it is very easy to integrate into the local atmosphere and social circles, in fact, many foreign professionals are relocating to Romanian cities more and more often. Brasov, for example, has a bustling Italian expat community whose culture has left a mark on the city's culinary scene. On the other hand, Bucharest is home to many Muslims who have come to Romania to study, work or have been born here in Turk or Tatar families. The country’s openness is also complemented by its accessibility: visa-free travel for many countries, simplified processes for digital nomads and excellent international connections through its 15 airports ensure that your journey here is at most 2 flights away.

Also, in the era of global instability and unpredictability we experience now, Romania is a secure and reliable environment, with low crime rates and even lower chance of natural disasters or terrorism. Besides the usual pickpockets and beggars, which you may find around any popular tourist spot across the world, Romania is actually one of Europe's safest countries for personal and professional visits alike.

A key feature of our country (while still being an emerging destination) is the affordability of hospitality and entertainment services, compared to other Western/Northern European or North-American destinations. All establishments, from hotels, attractions and historic venues, to coworking or event spaces can cost up to even 30% less*. This affordability allows businesses to create premium experiences without stretching their budgets.

The cost of living is also lower in Romania, with monthly rent, restaurant dinning and self care services usually being lower compared to Western Europe. It's no surprise that when Romanians living abroad come home for holidays, there are three main things they get done: go to the dentist, go to the hair/nail salon and get their car fixed (if they've travelled by car). With a western-based salary, you can get very far in Romania and have an incomparably better lifestyle. However, usual costs like groceries, clothes or fuel can actually be similar to those in Western Europe, especially in big chain supermarkets and shops, so it's also a matter of where you buy from and what you need in your daily life.

To complement the point above, the affordable cost of living means also a good quality of life - for the most part. The vibrant culture of our cities, the well-embedded heritage of our countryside and the pristine nature offer a perfect environment for balancing work and life. Cities like Cluj Napoca, Oradea, Timisoara and Brasov stand out for offering similarly modern amenities and cultural events as our capital, Bucharest, without the rush and traffic of a big metropolis. However, keep in mind that some Romanians may not experience the same quality of life, as salaries here are also adjusted to the local economy, with averages around 1000 Euros a month (after tax), so when travelling here try to be considerate of this.

*season-dependent

Our high-speed internet constantly ranks among the fastest globally and perhaps the fastest in Europe, even in rural areas. This ensures seamless connectivity for remote work and online collaboration, from pretty much any service-covered corner of the country (around 95% coverage vs EU's average of 73%). Its reliability, both on mobile and broadband, makes Romania an ideal destination for digital-based professionals seeking both productivity and inspiration. What's more, Romania can be travel content creators' heaven for natural, authentic and unique footage, with the added bonus of a (still) pretty unspoiled environment by mass tourism. Our self drive packages can offer a snapshot of Romania's potential for digital nomads.

Moreover, our venues, co-working spaces and retreat resorts are as diverse as our landscapes and culture. From hosting corporate dinners and parties in the grandious Palace of the Parliament, organising teambuilding challenges in the medieval streets of Sighisoara or planning an eco-retreat in the Danube Delta, there are limitless possibilities for unique adventures. And with the creative touch and planning skills of our B2B account team, we can deliver together an unforgettable experience that creates lasting connections among colleagues and clients.

Romania's economy continues to show resilience and potential for development, despite experiencing a slow growth this year (+1.0% GDP increase), mainly impacted by a surprising turn of events during electoral year. However, it's expected to bounce back with an accelerated GDP growth rate at ~2.6-2.8% in 2025 and a stronger purchasing power for some consumers, with much of the country's employees and even retirees expected to have increased income over the next year. Additionally, effects from our recent full membership in the Schengen Area will start to show in enhanced trades, easier mobility, simpler logistics and higher interest in Romanian tourism and investment opportunities.

The main sectors thriving in Romania at the moment are IT, renewable energy, automotive/aerospace manufacturing and healthcare/life sciences, with hubs like Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, Brasov and Bucharest becoming homes to thriving startup ecosystems, while competitive costs and access to EU funding make them an attractive destination for investment. Sustainable development is another area of growth, Romania performing slightly better than its Eastern European neighbours on SDG progress - but, it's worth noting that Romania starts from a much weaker position. There is still a lot of room for improvement, with many sustainable and social projects being still under development in partnership with global and local NGOs.

All things considered, unique chances arise to explore industry-specific opportunities through  business trips and technical visits  to factories, innovation hubs or manufacturing sites, which we can help organise for a stress-free journey. These visits can be enhanced with cultural activities, creating an experience that’s both practical and pleasurable.

Once you've decided to visit us, organise an event here, work remotely from here for a period or do business in Romania, you could benefit from some basic rules to doing business and create social interactions successfully.

Our social culture is quite outgoing and friendly - locals will always be warm and welcome you with their hospitality. However, our business culture is a bit more formal and hierarchical, focused on respect for seniors, elders and women. When first meeting someone formally (or after not seeing them for a long time), it's normal to shake hands and even exchange business cards (especially during meetings). You'd also normally address people with formal titles like doamna (madam) and domnul (sir) and refer to them as dumneavoastra (formal version of you/your). But, in conversations with young people, this is less common and a firs-name basis will be the norm, especially in English-speaking business environments.

Dress code is also quite a big thing in Romania - smart casual being the generally accepted (and expected) way of dressing for most social events. Ultra-casual attire is more a thing for teenagers, young adults or creatives, but you will rarely see it in most corporate or business situations. Additionally, for evening entertainment or organised events (like dinners, parties, weddings or baptisms) a formal and elegant attire is required. Romanians are also paying attention to other physical aspects, women especially being very on point with make-up, manicure and accessories.

In more casual environments, especially around family, friends and even new acquaintances made through them, Romanians are more personal and, as many Latin-based cultures, tend to kiss on the cheeks (once on each side) and hug each other. Flowers (always in odd numbers), coffee, chocolates and bottles of wine/spirits are also popular gifts for both formal and informal occasions. Actually, it's quite customary for business partners to send each other gift packages at main holidays throughout the year (like Christmas or Easter). Also, colleagues who celebrate birthdays or name days (a big thing in Romania!) while at work, would usually bring snacks or order food and drinks to share with the rest of the office/team.

So, if you're ever invited to an office 'birthday/name day party' or joining Romanian colleagues for a meal, remember saying these key phrases: pofta buna (bon appetit) right before starting to eat, and noroc (cheers) before having your first sip! And if you ever get to meet the chef who prepared your meal, I'm sure they would be very happy to hear from you sarut-mana pentru masa, which means that you thoroughly enjoyed the meal and are grateful for the 'hands' that made it - i.e. in literal translation it means 'I kiss your hand for this meal'. Trust us, you'll make their day!

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So, ready to unlock Romania?

Whether you’re planning a corporate event, exploring business opportunities or seeking a fresh destination for your remote work retreat, we think Romania has everything you need to succeed, and so much more.

If you’re ready to take the next step, let us make your experience effortless and unforgettable. From tailored activities to expert local support, we’re here to ensure that Romania becomes the backdrop for your next big success.