Bucharest Visa for Indians
Bucharest, the vibrant capital of Romania, often referred to as the "Little Paris of the East," is a city brimming with historical landmarks, a lively arts scene, and burgeoning business opportunities.
1. Types of Bucharest Visa for Indians
Your purpose of travel and intended duration of stay will determine the type of Bucharest visa for Indians you need:
Schengen Visa (Short-Stay Visa - Type C):
This is the most common visa type for visits up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Since Romania is now part of the Schengen Area (for air and sea borders), a Schengen visa issued by Romania (or any other Schengen member state, if Romania is your main destination or first point of entry) will allow you to enter Bucharest.
This visa is issued for various purposes, including:
Tourism: For leisure, sightseeing, and vacation in Bucharest and other parts of Romania.
Business (C/ZV): For attending business meetings, conferences, training programs, signing contracts, or participating in trade fairs in Bucharest or elsewhere in Romania.
Private Visit: Visiting family or friends residing in Bucharest.
Cultural/Sports Activities: Participating in cultural events or sports competitions.
Transit: For airport transit through Bucharest.
Medical Treatment: For short-term medical procedures.
National Visa (Long-Stay Visa - Type D):
This visa is mandatory for stays in Bucharest (or Romania) that exceed 90 days.
It is a Romania-specific visa that allows for long-term residence and activities. After entering Romania on a National Visa, you must apply for a residence permit.
Purposes include:
Employment (D/AM): For working under an employment contract with a Romanian company in Bucharest.
Economic Activities (D/AE): For engaging in commercial activities, establishing a business, or making investments in Romania.
Study (D/SD): For enrolling in educational institutions located in Bucharest.
Family Reunification (D/VF): For joining family members who are legally residing in Bucharest/Romania.
Professional Activities (D/AP): For self-employed individuals or those practicing certain regulated professions.
Scientific Research (D/CS): For researchers collaborating with Romanian institutions.
Assignment (D/DT): For employees seconded to a branch or subsidiary in Bucharest.
2. General Documents Required for a Bucharest Visa for Indians (Schengen Visa - Type C)
Regardless of your specific purpose, a standard set of documents is required for a Bucharest visa for Indians. All documents not in English or Romanian must be accompanied by a certified translation.
Valid Indian Passport:
Original passport valid for at least three months beyond your intended date of departure from the Schengen Area.
Issued within the last 10 years.
Must have a minimum of two blank pages.
Photocopies of the passport's bio-data pages and all previous visas (especially Schengen, UK, USA, Canada).
All old passports, if any, must be submitted.
Visa Application Form: One duly completed, printed, and signed Schengen visa application form. This form is typically filled online on the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs e-visa portal (eVisa.MAE.ro). For minors, forms must be signed by both parents/legal guardians.
Recent Passport-Sized Photographs:
Two (2) recent (not older than six months) color photographs.
Dimensions: 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm, with a plain light-colored background (white or light grey).
Full frontal view, neutral expression, no dark or reflective glasses, no headwear (unless for religious reasons, without obscuring facial features).
Travel Medical Insurance:
A valid travel medical insurance policy covering the entire period of your intended stay in the Schengen Area (including Romania).
Minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation.
Must be valid throughout all Schengen member states.
Proof of Financial Means:
Original updated personal bank statements for the last three to six months, duly stamped and signed by the bank, showing sufficient funds.
Romania requires approximately €50 per day of stay, but not less than €500 in total. Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the last two to three years.
Latest three months' salary slips (if employed).
If a host/company covers expenses, an official sponsorship letter and their financial proof.
Confirmed Flight Reservations: Round-trip flight tickets or reservations showing entry into and exit from the Schengen Area (via Bucharest or another Schengen country).
Proof of Accommodation: Confirmed hotel reservations for your entire stay in Bucharest or other Romanian cities. If staying at a private residence, an official invitation letter (endorsed by the Inspectorate General for Immigration (IGI) of the Romanian Ministry of Internal Affairs) from the host, along with their proof of accommodation and ID.
Cover Letter: A signed personal cover letter from the applicant, addressed to the Embassy/Consulate General of Romania, stating the purpose of your visit, exact travel dates, planned itinerary, and an assurance of your intention to return to India.
Proof of Professional Status/Ties to Home Country:
If Employed: No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your employer on company letterhead, stating your position, salary, and approved leave dates.
If Self-Employed: Business registration documents, ITRs, and company bank statements.
If Student: Bonafide certificate from your educational institution and leave approval (if applicable).
3. Specific Documents for a Bucharest Business Visa for Indians (Schengen C/ZV)
For Indian citizens applying for a Bucharest business visa, in addition to the general Schengen documents, these specific documents are paramount:
Official Invitation Letter from Romanian Company:
An original invitation letter from the inviting Romanian company/organization, on their official letterhead, signed and stamped by an authorized signatory.
Crucially, this letter must be endorsed by the Inspectorate General for Immigration (IGI) of the Romanian Ministry of Internal Affairs.
This is a mandatory step that the Romanian inviting company must undertake well in advance. The letter must clearly state:
Applicant's full name, designation, passport number, and nationality.
Purpose of Visit: A detailed explanation of the specific business activities (e.g., attending a particular conference in Bucharest, negotiating a contract with a Bucharest-based firm, visiting a factory in Romania).
Duration of Stay: Exact intended dates of arrival and departure.
Inviting Entity's Information: Full name, address, contact details, and their official registration number/VAT number.
Financial Responsibility: A clear statement indicating who will bear the financial expenses for the applicant's stay in Romania (travel, accommodation, daily expenses).
Letter from Indian Employer/Company:
A letter on your Indian company's official letterhead, introducing the applicant, confirming employment, purpose of the business trip to Bucharest/Romania, and guaranteeing the applicant's return to India.
It should also mention if the Indian company is bearing expenses.
Proof of Business Relationship: Documents demonstrating the existing or prospective business relationship between your Indian company and the Romanian company (e.g., previous contracts, agreements, invoices, correspondence, or registration for trade fairs/conferences in Bucharest).
Company Registration Documents: Copies of the Indian company's registration certificate and other relevant legal documents.
4. Application Process for a Bucharest Visa for Indians
The process for applying for a Bucharest visa for Indians is largely centralized through the Romanian Embassy in New Delhi.
Online Application (eVisa Portal): Visit the e-visa website of the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (eVisa.MAE.ro).
Fill in all details accurately and select the appropriate visa type (e.g., C/ZV for a short-stay business visa).
Upload all required documents as scanned copies.
Submit your online application. You will receive an email confirmation.
Appointment Booking: After preliminary evaluation of your online application, you will receive an email with details for an appointment.
In-Person Submission & Biometrics: Attend your scheduled appointment at the Romanian Embassy in New Delhi.
Submit your complete application package with all original documents and their photocopies.
Your biometric data (fingerprints and a digital photograph) will be collected. This is mandatory for applicants over 12 years of age.
Be prepared for a possible interview regarding your travel plans to Bucharest.
Pay Visa Fees:
Schengen Visa (Type C, including Business Visa): €80 (approximately INR 7,275). For children aged 6-12 years, it's €40.
National Visa (Type D): €120 (approximately INR 10,910).
Fees are typically payable at the Embassy/Consulate and are non-refundable.
Processing: The application will be processed by the Consular Section.
Passport Collection: Once processed, you will be notified to collect your passport with the affixed visa.
5. Processing Time for a Bucharest Visa for Indians
The processing time for a Bucharest visa for Indians generally follows Schengen visa norms:
Schengen Visa (Type C, including Business Visa): Typically processed within 10-15 working days from the date of submission at the Embassy. However, this period can extend up to 30 or even 45 days if additional documents are required or if the application needs a more detailed examination.
Long-Stay Visa (Type D): These visas usually have longer processing times, potentially taking several weeks to months, as they often involve consultation with other Romanian authorities, such as the Inspectorate General for Immigration.
Recommendation: It is highly advisable to apply well in advance, ideally at least 3-4 weeks before your planned travel date to Bucharest for short-stay visas, and even earlier for long-stay visas, to account for any unforeseen delays, especially during peak travel seasons. Applications can be submitted up to six months before your intended travel date.
6. Important Considerations for a Bucharest Business Visa for Indians
Schengen Integration Impact: While Romania is now part of Schengen for air and sea, if you already hold a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa from another member state (and Romania is your main destination or first point of entry), you might be able to enter Bucharest directly. However, for specific business purposes, and to avoid any ambiguity, applying for a Romanian-specific Schengen business visa is often recommended, especially if Romania is your primary focus. Always verify the latest regulations directly with the Romanian Embassy or the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
IGI Endorsement: For a Bucharest business visa for Indians, the requirement for the invitation letter to be endorsed by the Inspectorate General for Immigration (IGI) is non-negotiable.
This is handled by your inviting company in Romania and can add time to the overall process. Ensure they initiate this step well in advance. No Work on Business Visa: A Bucharest business visa for Indians (Type C/ZV) strictly does not permit any remunerated activities or gainful employment in Romania. If your intention is to work in Bucharest, you must apply for a Long-Stay Work Visa (D/AM) which requires a separate work permit process initiated by your employer in Romania. Engaging in unauthorized employment can lead to severe penalties, including fines, deportation, and future entry bans.
Financial Proof: Even if the Romanian company is sponsoring your business trip, you should still demonstrate sufficient personal funds to prove your overall financial stability and strong ties to India, reinforcing your intent to return.
In conclusion, obtaining a Bucharest visa for Indians requires careful planning and precise execution of the application process. Whether you're drawn to Bucharest's historic charm for tourism or its growing economic landscape for business, a clear understanding of the visa types, meticulous document preparation, and adherence to submission procedures are paramount. For a Bucharest business visa, the formally endorsed invitation letter from your Romanian counterpart is a critical element. By diligently following these guidelines, Indian travelers can ensure a smooth and successful visa application, paving the way for a rewarding experience in Romania's vibrant capital.
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