Romania•EuropeLong-Stay Visa for Athletes (D/AM)
At a Glance
Processing Time
30-60 days
Application Fee
120 EUR
Stay Duration
Up to 1 year
Renewable
Yes
Job Offer
Not Required
Dependents
Allowed
PR Pathway
Available
This visa can lead to permanent residency — the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.Remote Work
Not Required
Overview
Allows professional athletes to work with Romanian sports clubs or teams. Requires employment contract with sports organization.
Long-stay visa for professional athletes and sports personnel working with Romanian sports clubs or teams. Requires work permit and individual sports contract.
Annual Visa Allocation
100,000 visas per year
Athletes are typically counted within the general annual quota for foreign workers set by the Romanian Government.
No lottery system
Check Your Eligibility
Take our quick assessment to see how well you match this visa and get personalized tips
Requirements
Financial
Minimum Income
44,400 RON
per year
Personal
Education
None or higher
Excluded Nationalities
Citizens of the following countries are not eligible: AT, BE, BG, HR, CY, CZ, DK, EE, FI, FR, DE, GR, HU, IE, IT, LV, LT, LU, MT, NL, PL, PT, SK, SI, ES, SE, CH, IS, LI, NO
Documentation
Applicant Documents
Valid passport
At least 3 months validity
Passport photos
2 recent photos
Sports employment contract
Individual contract with Romanian sports club/team
Work permit
From IGI
Criminal record certificate
From country of residence
Health insurance
Including sports injury coverage if applicable
OptionalSponsor Documents
Work permit
Granted by IGI
Sports club registration
Proof of club legitimacy
Employment contract
Signed by athlete and club
Track your documents or upload them for AI-powered review
Advantages
- Pathway to residence permit
- Can bring dependents
- Extendable with contract extension
- Professional sports opportunity
Considerations
- Requires work permit
- Limited to sports contract duration
- Employer-dependent status
- Must maintain sports contract
Application Process
Obtain sports employment contract
From Romanian sports club or team
Request work permit
Employer applies to IGI
Work permit issued
Within 30 days
Apply for long-stay visa
At Romanian diplomatic mission
Submit documentation
Work permit, sports contract, passport
Pay visa fee
EUR 120
Receive visa
Processing 20-60 days
Enter Romania
Begin sports activities
Apply for residence permit
Within 90 days at IGI
Application Forms
Athlete Visa Application
Ready to Apply?
Check your eligibility first to see how well you match this visa