Moving back to Romania: a guide for the diaspora

If you studied or qualified in another country, the National Centre for the Recognition and Equivalence of Diplomas (CNRED) handles the recognition of your studies in Romania. Regulated professions may need extra steps with the profession's authority.

• Check on the CNRED website which procedure applies to your diploma and which documents you need.
• Gather your diplomas, transcripts and, if required, translations and the apostille early, while you are still in the country where you studied.
• Timing and fees are only on the CNRED website.

Moving back can change the country where you are tax resident. This affects where and how you declare your income, especially if you still have income from abroad (salary, rent, pension).

• Tell the tax authority of the country you are leaving, following its rules.
• The ANAF website explains which forms you file in Romania and how double taxation is avoided.
• When in doubt, ask ANAF for guidance; do not rely on figures from forums.

To access covered medical services you need to be insured in the Romanian health system. The National Health Insurance House (CNAS) and your county health insurance house tell you which documents you need.

• Once you are employed, your employer pays the health contribution by withholding it from your salary.
• Periods of insurance in another EU country may count; ask the insurance house which documents to bring from the country you are leaving.
• Register with a family doctor once you are insured.

In the European Union, insurance periods from several member states can be added together for your pension. Each country pays the part that matches the time you were insured there.

• Keep your contracts, payslips and any document showing the periods you worked abroad.
• The National House of Public Pensions (CNPP) has information on pensions and international agreements.

The National Employment Agency (ANOFM) and the county agencies have job offers and programmes for jobseekers. EURES advisers can also help when you move back.

• Put your experience abroad and your languages on your CV: employers look for them.
• Check your skills and prepare for interviews before you apply.
• The Department for Romanians Abroad has information and programmes for the diaspora.

For a child who studied abroad, enrolling in a Romanian school usually requires the school years to be recognised or made equivalent. The procedure depends on the grade; the county school inspectorate and the Ministry of Education explain it.

1. Ask the school abroad for your child's school records (report cards, transcripts) before you leave.
2. Ask the county school inspectorate which documents and translations you need for the equivalence.
3. Contact the Romanian school where you want to enrol your child.