Company Formation in Romania
Starting a business in Romania offers significant opportunities in one of Eastern Europe’s most dynamic markets.
At Atrium Romanian Lawyers, we provide comprehensive legal services for company formation, guiding both local entrepreneurs and international investors through every step of the business registration process.
With over 20 years of experience since 2003, we ensure your company is established efficiently, compliantly, and ready for success.
Types of Companies in Romania
Romania offers various corporate structures to suit different business needs. Our Romanian lawyers can help you choose the most appropriate form for your business:
SRL (Limited Liability Company)
Most popular choice for SMBs and startups
- Minimum 1 shareholder (individual or legal entity)
- Minimum share capital: 1 RON
- Limited liability protection
- Flexible management structure
- Suitable for small to medium businesses
SA (Joint Stock Company)
Ideal for larger businesses and public companies
- Minimum 2 shareholders required
- Minimum share capital: 90,000 RON
- Can issue shares publicly
- More complex governance structure
- Suitable for larger enterprises
Branch Office
Extension of a foreign company
- No minimum capital requirement
- Not a separate legal entity
- Parent company assumes liability
- Can conduct business activities
- Ideal for foreign companies entering Romanian market
Representative Office
For market research and promotion only
- No minimum capital requirement
- Cannot conduct commercial activities
- Limited to promotional and research activities
- Temporary authorization (typically 3 years)
- Good for testing the Romanian market
Company Formation Process
Our streamlined approach ensures your company is registered efficiently with all legal requirements met:
Step 1: Company Name Reservation
We check name availability and reserve your preferred company name with the Trade Registry Office (ONRC). This ensures your chosen name is unique and compliant with Romanian regulations.
Step 2: Document Preparation
Our Romanian lawyers draft all necessary documents including Articles of Association, shareholder agreements, and required declarations. All documents are prepared in Romanian and translated when needed.
Step 3: Share Capital Deposit
We assist with opening a temporary bank account and depositing the minimum share capital as required by law. For SRLs, this is typically 1 RON.
Step 4: Trade Registry Registration
We file all documents with the Trade Registry Office and handle the entire registration process, including obtaining the company’s unique registration number (CUI/CIF).
Step 5: Tax Registration
We register your company with the Romanian tax authorities (ANAF) and obtain your VAT registration if applicable.
Step 6: Additional Registrations
We handle social security registration, obtain necessary permits and licenses for your specific business activity, and ensure full compliance with Romanian regulations.
Timeline
The entire company formation process typically takes 5-10 business days from the moment all required documents are prepared and signed. We can expedite the process if needed for urgent business requirements.
Required Documents
For Individual Shareholders:
- Valid passport or national ID card
- Proof of residential address
- Completed shareholder declaration forms
- Specimen signature (authenticated if shareholder not present)
For Corporate Shareholders:
- Certificate of incorporation
- Articles of association
- Extract from commercial register (not older than 3 months)
- Resolution authorizing the investment in Romania
- Identification documents of legal representatives
- All documents must be apostilled/legalized and translated into Romanian by certified translators
General Requirements:
- Proposed company name (we verify availability)
- Business activity codes (NACE codes)
- Registered office address in Romania
- Details of company directors and administrators
Our Company Formation Services
We provide comprehensive support throughout the entire company formation process:
Full Legal Compliance
Ensuring all documentation meets Romanian legal requirements
Registered Office
Providing legal domiciliation services if needed
Multilingual Support
Services in Romanian, English, French, and German
Fast Registration
Efficient processing with minimum delays
Corporate Documents
Drafting articles of association and shareholder agreements
Due Diligence
Name availability checks and activity code selection
Banking Assistance
Support with opening corporate bank accounts
Tax Planning
Guidance on optimal tax structure for your business
License Applications
Obtaining necessary business permits and authorizations
Employment Setup
Assistance with employment contracts and HR compliance
Ongoing Support
Post-formation legal and compliance assistance
Transparent Pricing
Affordable rates with no hidden costs
Additional Post-Formation Services
Once your company is established, we continue to support your business growth:
- Corporate Governance: Ongoing advice on corporate governance, board meetings, and shareholder decisions
- Compliance Management: Ensuring ongoing compliance with Romanian corporate law and regulations
- Contract Drafting: Preparation of commercial contracts, supplier agreements, and customer terms
- Intellectual Property: Protection of trademarks, patents, and intellectual property rights
- Employment Law: Drafting employment contracts and ensuring HR compliance
- Tax Advisory: Ongoing tax planning and compliance services
- Data Protection: GDPR compliance and data protection registration
- Corporate Restructuring: Share transfers, mergers, acquisitions, and company transformations
Why Choose Atrium Romanian Lawyers?
20+ Years Experience
Established since 2003 with deep expertise in Romanian corporate law
Expert Lawyers
Members of the Bucharest Bar with local regulatory knowledge
International Expertise
Extensive experience working with foreign investors and international clients
Multilingual Team
Fluent in Romanian, English, French, and German
Full-Service Support
Handling all aspects of business law and company formation
Personalized Solutions
Tailored approaches for each client’s unique needs
Efficient Process
Streamlined procedures to get your business operational quickly
Transparent Communication
Regular updates throughout the formation process
Competitive Pricing
Affordable rates for individuals and SMBs
Long-Term Partnership
Dedicated support beyond company formation
Foreign Investors in Romania
Romania welcomes foreign investment and offers an attractive business environment within the European Union. As experienced Romanian lawyers, we specialize in assisting international clients with:
- Understanding Romanian business culture and legal requirements
- Navigating bureaucratic procedures efficiently
- Structuring investments for optimal tax efficiency
- Providing registered office services (domiciliation)
- Assisting with visa and work permit applications for foreign directors
- Connecting with local accountants, banks, and service providers
- Ongoing representation before Romanian authorities
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to register a company in Romania?
The entire process typically takes 5-10 business days from the time all documents are prepared and signed. With our expertise, we ensure the process is as efficient as possible.
Can foreign nationals establish a company in Romania?
Yes, foreign individuals and companies can establish businesses in Romania with no restrictions. Romania welcomes foreign investment as an EU member state.
Do I need a physical office in Romania?
Yes, every company must have a registered office address in Romania. We can provide domiciliation services if you don’t have a physical location yet.
What is the minimum share capital required?
For an SRL (Limited Liability Company), the minimum share capital is just 1 RON. For an SA (Joint Stock Company), it’s 90,000 RON.
Can I be the sole shareholder and director?
Yes, for an SRL, you can be both the sole shareholder and director. You don’t need to be a Romanian resident.
Do I need to visit Romania to establish a company?
Not necessarily. If you provide us with properly authenticated powers of attorney, we can handle the entire process on your behalf. However, you will need to visit Romania eventually to open a bank account and sign certain documents.
What taxes will my Romanian company pay?
Romanian companies are subject to corporate income tax (currently 16%), VAT (21%), and various social contributions for employees. We provide comprehensive tax advisory services to optimize your tax structure.
Can I change the company structure later?
Yes, companies can be transformed from one type to another (e.g., from SRL to SA) through legal procedures. We can assist with corporate restructuring when your business needs evolve.
Ready to Start Your Business in Romania?
Contact our experienced Romanian lawyers today for a consultation. We’ll guide you through every step of the company formation process.