Setting Up a Romanian SRL with a Foreign Shareholder

Foreign individuals and foreign companies can establish or hold shares in a Romanian limited liability company. The practical setup route depends on who the shareholder is, the jurisdiction and the documents available.

Can a foreigner own a Romanian SRL?

Yes. Foreign individuals and foreign legal entities can hold shares in Romanian companies. A Romanian shareholder is not generally required. For most clients, the key issue is therefore not whether foreign ownership is possible, but which documentation and signing route applies to the chosen structure.

Foreign ownership: both foreign individual shareholders and foreign corporate shareholders can be accommodated, subject to the applicable documentation and eligibility requirements.

Foreign individual vs foreign corporate shareholder

INDIVIDUAL

Foreign individual shareholder

The review normally focuses on identification, shareholder and administrator details, planned activities, registered office and the signing route.

CORPORATE

Foreign corporate shareholder

The review also needs to confirm the foreign entity, its representatives and beneficial owners, together with any corporate approvals or supporting documents required for the Romanian investment.

Does the shareholder’s country matter?

Yes, mainly because the document formalities can differ. The jurisdiction may affect whether translations, certifications, apostille/legalisation or other supporting formalities are required. We therefore confirm the document route before asking you to prepare or certify documents.

We do not assume that every EU or non-EU case follows exactly the same checklist. The shareholder type, jurisdiction, corporate documents and planned activity need to be reviewed together.

Can the company be formed remotely?

In many standard cases, yes. The incorporation process can be coordinated remotely through a Power of Attorney where applicable. The exact signing and certification route is confirmed after reviewing the shareholder structure and jurisdiction.

Documents for a foreign individual shareholder

The exact list is case-specific, but an initial review typically covers:

  • Valid identification document.
  • Shareholder and proposed administrator details.
  • Proposed company name and planned business activities.
  • Registered-office arrangement.
  • Power of Attorney where a remote route is used.
  • Information required for beneficial-owner and registration formalities.

Documents for a foreign corporate shareholder

For an existing foreign company investing in Romania, the initial review usually covers:

  • Official company documents confirming the foreign entity and its representatives.
  • Corporate approval or authorisation for the Romanian investment, where required.
  • Identification of representatives and beneficial owners.
  • Details of the proposed Romanian administrators and business activities.
  • Power of Attorney where the process is handled remotely.

Translations, apostille/legalisation, notarisation or additional supporting documents may be required depending on the country and structure.

Registered office and post-incorporation setup

A Romanian company requires a registered-office address. If you do not already have a suitable address, Startup Romania offers a registered-office service that can be combined with the incorporation package.

After registration, the company may also need accounting and tax support, payroll if employees are hired, and other local services depending on the activity. If the entity is being created as part of a commercial expansion, we can also support market-entry planning and local business development.

Timing and pricing

  • Indicative timing: approximately 10 business days, subject to Trade Registry processing times and complete documentation.
  • Company Formation: €750 + VAT.
  • Company Formation + Registered Office for 12 months: €999 + VAT.
  • Registered Office: €350/year + VAT.
  • ONRC registration fees are included in the formation price; share capital is separate.

Additional translation, apostille/legalisation, notarial or other third-party costs may apply where required and are confirmed before engagement.

Related company formation guides

Common questions

Foreign shareholders in Romanian companies.

Practical questions we commonly need to clarify before incorporation.

Can a foreigner own a Romanian SRL?

Yes. Foreign individuals and foreign legal entities can hold shares in Romanian companies. A Romanian shareholder is not generally required.

Can a foreign company be the shareholder?

Yes. A foreign company can hold shares in a Romanian company. The documentation route depends on the jurisdiction and corporate structure.

Do I need a Romanian partner?

A Romanian shareholder is not generally required for a Romanian limited liability company. The appropriate structure should still be reviewed for the planned activity and shareholder situation.

Can the setup be handled remotely?

In many standard cases, yes. Formation can be coordinated remotely using a Power of Attorney where applicable, subject to the required signing and certification route.

How long does the setup take?

The current indicative timing is approximately 10 business days, subject to Romanian Trade Registry processing times and complete documentation.

How much does company formation cost?

The standard company-formation package starts at €750 + VAT. Company formation together with a registered office for 12 months is €999 + VAT.

Initial review

Tell us who will own the Romanian company.

Your country, shareholder type, number of shareholders and planned activity are enough for an initial discussion. We will outline the likely setup route and documentation approach.

Send first
  • Shareholder country
  • Individual or existing company
  • Number of shareholders
  • Proposed administrators
  • Planned activity
Discuss your structure