How to Immigrate to Germany from Romania in 2026
Guide for Romanians moving to Germany in 2026. EU free movement, registration, salary comparison, and the 900K Romanian community.
Last verified: March 2026. Visa focus: EU Free Movement, Anmeldung, Settlement.
1. Overview
Germany hosts approximately 900,000 Romanian-born residents, making it the second-largest Romanian community abroad after Italy. The Romania-Germany corridor is driven primarily by the significant salary differential — German salaries are 3-5x Romanian equivalents — and Germany's massive labour demand across construction, logistics, healthcare, IT, and manufacturing. As EU citizens, Romanians have unrestricted work rights in Germany. The corridor accelerated after 2014 when Germany lifted transitional labour market restrictions for Romanian and Bulgarian workers. In 2026, Romanians are Germany's largest EU immigrant group and contribute critically to sectors experiencing Fachkräftemangel (skilled worker shortage).
Diaspora estimate: approximately 900,000 Romania nationals in Germany.
2. Key Visa Pathways
| Visa Pathway | Timeline | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| EU Free Movement | Immediate | No visa. No work permit. Romanian ID card or passport. Full equal employment rights. |
| Anmeldung (Registration) | Within 2 weeks of moving | Register at local Bürgeramt. Required for tax number, bank account, health insurance. |
| Permanent Residence (Daueraufenthaltskarte) | After 5 years | 5 years continuous residence + employment. Unconditional right to remain. |
| German Citizenship | After 6-8 years (reform in progress) | Germany is reforming citizenship law to allow naturalisation after 5 years (down from 8). B1 German required. Germany is introducing dual citizenship — previously required renouncing Romanian citizenship. |
3. Detailed Breakdown
3.1 EU Free Movement
Timeline: Immediate
No visa. No work permit. Romanian ID card or passport. Full equal employment rights.
3.2 Anmeldung (Registration)
Timeline: Within 2 weeks of moving
Register at local Bürgeramt. Required for tax number, bank account, health insurance.
3.3 Permanent Residence (Daueraufenthaltskarte)
Timeline: After 5 years
5 years continuous residence + employment. Unconditional right to remain.
3.4 German Citizenship
Timeline: After 6-8 years (reform in progress)
Germany is reforming citizenship law to allow naturalisation after 5 years (down from 8). B1 German required. Germany is introducing dual citizenship — previously required renouncing Romanian citizenship.