Can a foreigner open a bank account in Romania?
Yes, but the bank decides, not a law. Romanian company law lets a non-resident own and direct an SRL (local director required: No2). No public source sets the conditions for opening that company’s account.
In practice each bank runs its own KYC: who the ultimate beneficial owner (UBO) is, where the money comes from, and why the business needs Romania. Two banks can answer the same file differently.
Why banks refuse company accounts, and how to close each reason
Refusals rarely come with a reason in writing. The causes we see most often are the same four.
- No link to Romania. A company with no clients, staff or office activity here looks like a shell. Fix: a short business plan with named clients or suppliers and a real registered office in Romania.
- Unclear source of funds. The share capital (at least RON 50023) and first payments must trace back to documents. Fix: bank statements, contracts, tax returns from your home country.
- Opaque ownership. A chain of foreign holdings without UBO proof stops the file. Fix: apostilled registry extracts for every layer.
- High-risk activity. Crypto, payment services and some trade flows get extra checks or a flat no. Fix: choose a bank that already serves the sector; we shortlist them before you apply.
Open a bank account in Romania online?
The SRL can exist in a day. The account depends on how well the bank understands your business.
Company registration can be fully online with a qualified electronic signature. Account opening often cannot: many banks still want the director at a branch for identification, at least once.
Online-only providers can open an account faster, but some clients and public bodies ask for a Romanian IBAN from a local bank. Check this before you choose.
After the account: tax and VAT
Once money moves, taxes follow. Corporate income tax is 16%46, standard VAT is 21%45. Most small SRLs start on the micro-enterprise regime; the full picture is in Romanian tax rates. If you sell to EU businesses, plan VAT registration early.
Who this service is not for
- Personal accounts for individuals — we handle company accounts only.
- Companies that need an account without disclosing the beneficial owner. No bank in Romania will open one.