Visa extension for foreign nationals who have completed their studies in Romania

Cojocariu Eugen, 09.07.2026, 15:57

Foreign nationals who completed their secondary or higher education in Romania in 2026 may apply for a visa extension of up to 9 months, to facilitate their integration into the labour market or to establish a business, the General Inspectorate for Immigration has announced. Foreign graduates of educational institutions in Romania have legal options to extend their right of residence after completing their studies. Under the legislation governing the legal status of foreign nationals, graduates may benefit from a grace period to clarify their educational status or to facilitate their integration into the labour market.

Graduates may choose between two options for extending their residence permit. The first option provides for a six-month extension and is intended for those who require additional time to complete their secondary or higher education procedures, as well as to obtain authentication of the official documents required for this purpose.

The second option is available to those who have already completed their studies. They may apply for an extension of their right of residence for a period of up to nine months, intended exclusively to seek employment, completing legal formalities required for employment, or starting their own business.

In both cases, applicants must submit official documents certifying the completion of their studies. Applications for the extension of the right of residence must be submitted to the territorial immigration unit with jurisdiction over the applicant’s place of residence. The General Inspectorate for Immigration advises young graduates to check the validity of their current documents well in advance and to submit their applications before the expiration of their current right of residence, to ensure a lawful and smooth transition to the labour market.