Everything you need to know about the D/SD student visa — requirements, timeline, and common mistakes to avoid.
If you're a non-EU student planning to study in Romania, you'll need a Type D/SD long-stay student visa before you can enter the country. This guide walks you through exactly what it is, what you need, and how the process works — step by step.
Romania issues a Type D/SD (long-stay) visa for students admitted to accredited Romanian universities. It allows you to stay in Romania for the duration of your studies and serves as the basis for your residence permit once you arrive.
The visa is issued by Romanian embassies and consulates in your home country. You cannot apply from inside Romania or from a third country (with very limited exceptions).
Before you can apply for a student visa, you need a Letter of Acceptance for Studies issued by the Romanian Ministry of Education. This is not the same as an admission letter from the university — it is a separate document issued by a government body, and it is mandatory.
This is typically the most time-consuming part of the entire process. The Ministry of Education reviews your application, evaluates your documents, and issues the letter — a process that can take 8 to 12 weeks. You cannot begin your visa application without it.
At ScholarPath, we coordinate this entire stage on your behalf.
Once you have your Letter of Acceptance, you can begin preparing your visa file. The Romanian embassy in your country will require the following:
Identity & admission documents
Financial documents
Health & background documents
Accommodation
Photos & fees
Note: requirements can vary slightly by country and by the specific Romanian embassy. Always verify the current list with your local embassy before submitting.
Visa applications are submitted in person at the Romanian embassy or consulate in your home country. Some embassies allow submission through authorised visa agencies — check your local embassy's website for current procedures.
Processing times vary by country but typically range from 2 to 8 weeks after submission. Some embassies are faster; others, particularly in high-volume countries, can take longer during peak season (June–September).
Submit your application as early as possible. Do not book flights or make non-refundable arrangements until your visa is confirmed.
Your visa allows you to enter Romania. Once you arrive, you have 90 days to register at the nearest Immigration Office (Inspectoratul General pentru Imigrări) and apply for your residence permit.
Do not wait until the last moment. Offices can be busy, appointment slots are limited, and you'll need to gather additional documents after arrival (proof of enrollment, accommodation, etc.).
| Stage | Estimated duration |
|---|---|
| University application & Ministry recognition | 8–14 weeks |
| Visa document preparation | 2–4 weeks |
| Visa processing at embassy | 2–8 weeks |
| Residence permit registration (after arrival) | Within 90 days of arrival |
Total from application start to arrival: plan for 5 to 9 months if you're starting from scratch.
Yes — with restrictions. Non-EU students in Romania are permitted to work part-time during their studies, up to 4 hours per day. You'll need a work permit, which your employer typically applies for on your behalf.
The visa process has more moving parts than most students expect — and a single missing or incorrectly prepared document can result in delays or rejection.
ScholarPath reviews your complete visa application file before you submit, checking every document against current embassy requirements. We also coordinate your Ministry of Education letter and guide you through the entire process from application to arrival.
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