Jennifer reached out with some suggestions for new blog posts and I thought, why not have a guest blogger? Her post addresses several questions I've already received from readers and will be helpful to anyone who is looking to make the same move I made years ago. It is a well sourced guide, but keep in mind that when it comes to bureaucracy in Romania there are usually alternatives and variations to the process on a case by case basis.
Jennifer Bennet loves to travel and to write when she travels. She also enjoys reading and a simple life with few belongings. Here is her guide to importing your belongings and vehicle into Romania.
Smârdan Street in Bucharest, Source: Ștefan Jurcă via Flickr
A Lake in Fall, Bucharest, Romania
Bucharest, Romania
Jennifer Bennet loves to travel and to write when she travels. She also enjoys reading and a simple life with few belongings. Here is her guide to importing your belongings and vehicle into Romania.
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Smârdan Street in Bucharest, Source: Ștefan Jurcă via Flickr
There are many reasons to make Romania your new home,
when looking to change your country of residence. Romania offers free or nearly
free healthcare to foreigners, as long as you work within the country. Crime
rates are also quite attractive, with the capital city of Bucharest enjoying a
rating as one of the safest capitals within the European Union. Finally, the
economy is on the rise - with Romania posting the most economic growth in the
EU as little as two years ago (1).
All of these advantages make moving to the
country an encouraging prospect, especially if you need to find new employment.
Yet, an international move comes with a whole set of challenges - from packing
and finding a qualified moving company to obtaining the necessary paperwork and
clearing customs.
With the regulations subject to change, the
documentation requirements being extensive and the physical logistics
complicated – it is highly recommended that you work with an experienced
international transport company. They will be able to provide you with expert
guidance. However, you still need to be familiar with the paperwork you'll need
to obtain and the fees you may have to pay. To help you better grasp this
process from A to Z, here is a brief discussion of the information you'll need
to be aware of.
Your Household Goods: Duties
A Lake in Fall, Bucharest, Romania
Clearing your household belongings through
customs can come with stiff import duties and taxes. Fortunately, Romanian
customs allows you to be exempted from such fees – as long as your items are a
minimum of six months old and have been used personally by you during this
time.
Import Time Limit
Also, you must import them within 90 days of
obtaining your Romanian Residence ID Card, to receive upfront duty exemption.
If you import your belongings after this time limit, you'll be required to pay
the customary duties and taxes when entering – but then these charges will be
refunded when you export your goods upon leaving the country (2).
Additional Requirements For Exemption
Other sources differ, saying that import duty
and value-added tax (VAT) exemption is possible - but you must officially
change your primary residence from your country of origin to Romania. This
source goes on to say, that you must have lived elsewhere for a minimum of one
year, and a two-year restriction on selling any exempted items is in effect
(3).
Be aware that certain items aren’t eligible
for duty exemption even if you follow these rules, including all alcohol, any
kind of tobacco, food and perfume (3).
Your Household Goods: Documents
The
Parliament Palace in Bucharest, Romania
Having the correct paperwork is paramount,
when processing your shipment through Romanian customs. You’ll need to provide
your passport (if it’s a copy, be sure that the page with your entry stamp is
also included) and visa. Either your Original Bill of Lading or Air Waybill is
also needed, and this should include the weights for your shipment.
Comprehensive Inventory
You also must provide a comprehensive
inventory, and this should include a full description of all art, antiques,
high-value carpets and jewelry. Antiques are defined as items made before 1945
(4). Other items may also require detailed descriptions, such as valuable
lamps, silver and crystals - and photographs of all of these items appears to
be required. You should also list the serial numbers for any appliances or
electronic goods in your shipment (5).
Proof of Employment
You’ll need to have the company you’ll be
working for within Romania write an official Letter of Employment for customs.
This should include the fiscal code for the company (6). A Registration
Certificate in Romanian also seems to be a suitable substitute, to fulfill this
requirement (7). Other sources disagree, stating that in addition to the Letter
of Employment, an Employer’s Registration from the Romanian Chamber of Commerce
is needed (8). A Work Permit may also be needed, though a Residence Permit (if
you have one or will get one) seems to be an acceptable substitute (9)
Proof of Residence
Romanian customs will want to see
documentation that confirms your residency within the country. This takes the
form of a copy of your lease or rental agreement and your Residence Permit
(10). If you were unable to obtain your Residence Permit before your shipment
arrived - then you’ll need a written statement saying this will be procured
within six months’ time (11).
EORI Number
A piece of documentation you can’t afford to
overlook, an Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number
is required for all shipments to and from EU member countries.
Power of Attorney
If you plan to have your international moving
company or other third-party agent complete the customs clearance process on
your behalf - then you’ll need to submit a Power of Attorney permitting them
to do so (12).
Personal Declaration
A Personal Declaration or Declaration of Owner
is also required. This document attests that you’ve owned the items being
shipped for a minimum of six months. It should go on to say, that these
belongings are for your own personal use only (not commercial use), and that you’ve
resided for a minimum of one year outside of the country.
Import Application
Finally, an import application for your
shipment is required, in order for your goods to be cleared to enter Romania
(13).
Your Vehicle: Duties
Bucharest, Romania
It appears that you won’t enjoy the same
import duty exemption when bringing your vehicle into the country. According
to reputable sources - except for vehicles shipped under diplomatic status -
duties are always assessed (14). The amount of this duty is not specified, so
it’s best that you speak with Romanian customs to learn what fees will be
incurred by your shipment.
VAT and Registration Charge
Also, be prepared to pay value-added tax
(VAT), when importing your vehicle into Romania (15). A registration charge is
also levied and this can range widely. The specific amount that you’ll pay will
depend upon what compliance classification it is assigned. If your vehicle
meets Euro 3 technical standards - then you can expect to pay just a few
hundred Euros. In contrast, if your vehicle only meets Euro 1 standards or
doesn’t meet them at all (non-Euro) - your registration charge will likely be
in the thousands of Euros instead.
Bank Guarantee
Finally, a Bank Guarantee seems to be
required, and this will be refunded either at some point during your stay or
when you move away from Romania (16). With all of the fees involved in vehicle
importation - it’s recommended that you carefully consider whether purchasing a
vehicle in Romania might be a better option for your situation.
Your Vehicle: Documents
Law Faculty Building, University of
Bucharest
According to leading international vehicle
transport company A1 Auto, you’ll need a fairly extensive list
of documentation. This includes your passport and any paperwork proving that you’re
the owner of the vehicle being imported. You’ll also need to provide the
purchase invoice or receipt for the vehicle (17). This should specify how much
you paid, the date and where you bought it - along with any conditions agreed
upon for delivery.
Further Documentation
Customs may also request the transport invoice
or proof of shipping costs, though this doesn’t always seem to be required. A
document showing the vehicle’s chassis and engine number must be provided (and
this should also list the name of the shipper) (18). In addition, you’ll need
to submit the vehicle’s title and registration, which was issued in your
country of origin. A valid Residence Permit is also required, before you’ll be
allowed to bring your vehicle into Romania (19).
EORI and License Plate Certificates
As with all shipments entering and exiting EU
member countries, you’ll need to provide your EORI number. A copy of your
license plate certificates is also required by Romanian customs. Finally, the
documentation needed for your shipment of household goods, is once again
required for your vehicle. The paperwork just covered, is to be provided in
addition to these forms (20).
Additional Regulations
Romanian customs may insist that you be
present when your vehicle is being processed. Also, be aware that you’re only
allowed to import one vehicle per registered driver in your household (21).
Once your vehicle has been granted entry by customs, it will also need to
undergo a road test (or roadworthiness test), in order for it to be registered
within the country (22).
SOURCES:
(1) https://whymovetoromania.com/ and
(2) Found
on Atlas Int'l “Importing Personal Property Into Romania” page.
(4)Found
on Atlas Int'l “Importing Personal Property Into Romania” page.
(6)Found
on Atlas Int'l “Importing Personal Property Into Romania” page.
(8)Found
on Atlas Int'l “Importing Personal Property Into Romania” page.
(10)Ibid.
(12)Found
on Atlas Int'l “Importing Personal Property Into Romania” page.
(14)Ibid.
(15)Found
on Moverscom “Customs Regulations - Romania” page.
(18)Found
on Moverscom “Customs Regulations - Romania” page.
(21)Found
on Atlas Int'l “Importing Personal Property Into Romania” page.
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