Romania has pulled off a minor economic miracle in recent years, sweeping aside the remnants of socialist planning and transforming itself into a model of free-market reform. Now a full member of the EU, and with GDP moving ahead briskly at more than 5% annually, Romania is one of Europe’s most promising locations for investors wishing to set up a new company. For many, however, it is uncharted territory, which is why expert help is advisable to steer you safely to success. Contact us for further information about the Romanian company formation services we provide.
Company Formation FAQs
How has EU membership changed Romania’s business climate?
In order to qualify for EU accession, Romania has had to speed up its economic reform process along the following lines:
- Liberalisation of foreign trade
- Development of the private sector
- Privatisation of state-owned companies
- Modernisation of the banking and tax systems
How have international investors responded to these changes?
Inward investment has risen sharply over the past few years. In 2005 the net inflow of foreign direct investment was €5.2 billion, up 27% from the previous year. The trend is being driven by Romania’s economic and political stability, EU accession, and changes to the tax regime.
What is the rate of Corporation Tax?
The standard rate of Corporation Tax has been reduced to 16%. Exceptions apply to nightclubs and gambling operations where the tax is at least 5% of the gross revenue. However, Corporation Tax is much lower for micro-companies, defined as businesses with an annual turnover of less than €100,000 and with fewer than ten employees. For such companies, Corporation Tax is currently just 2%, rising to 3% by 2009.
What are the most common types of Romanian Company Formation?
The two most popular forms of company to incorporate in Romania are:
- Limited Liability Company (SRL)
- Joint Stock Company (SA)
How much share capital is required for a Limited Liability Company (SRL)?
The minimum share capital for an SRL is just €60, provided the business has no more than fifty shareholders.
What are the other key features of a Limited Liability Company (SRL)?
- Must have between one and fifty shareholders
- Shareholders may be Romanians or foreign nationals
- Low administrative and reporting requirements
How much share capital is required for a Joint Stock Company (SA)?
The minimum share capital for an SA company is €25,000, of which at least 30% has to be paid up.
What are the features of a Joint Stock Company (SA)?
- The SA format is mandatory if the company is involved in banking or insurance
- There is a minimum of five shareholders and one director
- Three ‘censors’ to oversee financial reporting are also required
What other types of Romanian Company are there?
The other main forms of Romanian company formation include:
- Partnership
- Branch
- Representative Office
What is the regulatory environment like for those considering Company Incorporation Romania?
Romania has been ranked first in Eastern Europe and second globally in a World Bank report on regulatory reform. The report, Doing Business 2007, praised Romania for making it simpler, faster and cheaper to set up business in Romania and start trading. As well as reducing corporation tax to a flat rate of 16%, the government has eased regulatory requirements across the board, ranging from building permits to customs procedures and labour laws.
How easy is it to recruit staff in Romania?
Spurred by the continued strength of the economy, Romania has been able to keep unemployment below the 6% level. But with a large, well-educated workforce and low average salaries, there should be little difficulty for foreign companies when it comes to recruitment. The challenge, as always, is to ensure that applicants are of the highest quality and that the recruitment process is efficient. For advice on this, and on Romania’s labour laws, contact our recruitment team.
Are there financial incentives available for those wishing to set up business in Romania?
Romania offers a wide range of financial incentives to foreign investors considering company registration Romania. These include tax breaks, cheap loans and free access to public utilities, with particular benefits for investors seeking to create employment in disadvantaged areas.
What about banking facilities?
Almost all of Romania’s commercial banks have been privatised, and foreign banks now play a major role in the country’s financial sector. This has helped to improve the breadth, quality and efficiency of financial services available to the international business community, and investors wishing to set up business in Romania will find a comprehensive array of services available to them. We can guide you through the process of opening a bank account in Romania, just get in touch and we can organise everything on your behalf.