Romania has been presented in various reports as an attractive destination for digital nomads, with its strong points being internet speed and lower cost of living. What does reality show? We have only 10 digital nomads in the country.
“Unfortunately, we are not among the top European countries in terms of digital nomads. We have only granted 3 visas, two British and one Lebanese. We have 7 more US citizens who do not require a visa please. In total, we have 10 permits issued for digital nomads,” said Laurenciu Joachim, Chief Police Commissioner, Head of Residence Regulation Service, Migration Office, General Inspectorate for Immigration, during an EY event in Romania.
Where are the digital nomads in Romania?
He also gave details about the cities where the 10 digital nomads are located
“We have 5 in Bucharest, 2 in Brasov, one in Dol, one in Suceava and one in Constanța,” said Laurenciu Joachim, saying “it is not what we expected”.
“I was expecting something more consistent. It was expected to attract people with higher incomes. We wanted them to spend money in Romania. We have a beautiful country. We would like to see them in the areas of Bucovina, maybe or in the Sibiu area, where in theory they would spend money,” said the chief commissioner.
Perhaps, he says, the geopolitical context does not help us either.
“Perhaps, other member states provide greater tax benefits. I believe that the popularization of this type of visa is also not the most successful. Together with our colleagues from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we should be a little more aggressive in promoting such activities,” explained Laurentiu Joachim.
What is a digital nomad?
According to the law (22/2022), a digital nomad is a foreigner who works under an employment contract in a company registered outside Romania and who provides services using information and communication technologies or who owns a company registered outside Romania, within which provides services through the use of information and communication technologies and can carry out employee activities or activities within the company remotely, using information and communication technologies.
They can be given a special visa.
The 2023 law (69) says that they do not pay income tax and contributions in the country if they stay less than 183 days in 12 consecutive months.
Photo source: Dreamstime.com
Source: Hot News
Lori Barajas is an accomplished journalist, known for her insightful and thought-provoking writing on economy. She currently works as a writer at 247 news reel. With a passion for understanding the economy, Lori’s writing delves deep into the financial issues that matter most, providing readers with a unique perspective on current events.