Limited Liability Company (SRL) in Romania — Freelancer & Consultant Formation Guide
Look for jurisdictions with favorable pass-through taxation or digital nomad visas. Estonia's e-Residency or a US LLC (if non-US resident) are highly popular for minimizing bureaucracy.
Last verified: June 13, 2026
Corporate Tax
16.0%
State Tax
0.0%
Formation Cost
$30
Annual Fee
$0
Forming a Limited Liability Company (SRL) in Romania as a Freelancer & Consultant means a total tax burden of 16.0% and an official formation cost of $30. The minimum capital requirement is 110 USD. Standard formation takes 3-5 business days, or 1-2 days expedited. No local director is required; the process can be managed remotely. This guide covers the steps, tax breakdown, banking options, and compliance requirements — all from verified data.
First-year total cost
≈ $3,310
Ongoing (per year)
≈ $2,150
Why Limited Liability Company (SRL) for Freelancer & Consultant?
Independent professionals offering specialized services, advice, or creative work to clients globally. They typically require low-cost, low-maintenance corporate structures with easy invoicing and minimal administrative overhead.
Ideal for
- Software Developers
- Marketing Consultants
- Graphic Designers
- Management Advisors
- Copywriters
Challenges to watch
- Managing irregular cash flow
- Navigating cross-border withholding taxes
- Choosing between sole proprietorship and limited liability
- Handling multi-currency payments
Key decision criteria
- Personal liability protection
- Ease of opening a multi-currency business bank account (e.g., Wise, Revolut)
- Tax residency rules and double taxation treaties
- Annual compliance and accounting costs
Limited Liability Company (SRL) formation requirements
Minimum capital
110 USD
Standard timeline
3-5 business days
Expedited timeline
1-2 days
Local director
Not required
Registered office
Virtual office allowed
Notarization
Required
Foreigners can be 100% shareholders and directors. No local residency is required.
Estimated breakdown (based on avg. $75,000 revenue)
Simulate with your own revenue →
VAT / Sales Tax
Standard rate 21%. Registration threshold: 395,000 RON. Non-resident providers of digital services to Romanian consumers must register for VAT under the EU OSS scheme or locally, with no registration threshold.
Banking & payments for Freelancer & Consultant
Opening a traditional corporate bank account in Romania as a non-resident founder is highly challenging due to strict KYC and AML regulations. Most local banks require a physical visit, proof of local substance, or a notarized power of attorney. Consequently, many foreign founders rely on digital platforms like Revolut Business or Wise for their initial operations.
Supported payment gateways
Remote-friendly accounts
Revolut Business
Highly popular among foreign founders of Romanian SRLs. Offers fully remote account opening, multi-currency accounts, and seamless EU integration.
Wise
Excellent for international transfers and holding multiple currencies. Account can be opened remotely, though local RON details are provided via partner banks.
Romania incentives & advantages
Micro-Enterprise Tax Regime
1% flat tax on gross revenue (turnover).
IT Salary Tax Exemption
0% personal income tax (standard is 10%) on qualifying salary.
R&D Tax Credit
Optional 10% tax credit or an additional 50% deduction of eligible R&D expenses.
Limited Liability Company (SRL) formation steps
Choose a unique company name and reserve it with the National Trade Register Office (ONRC).
Define the company's main and secondary activities using CAEN codes.
Draft and notarize the Articles of Association (Act Constitutiv) and prepare founder affidavits.
Secure a registered office address (sediu social) in Romania (can use a virtual office for the first year).
Deposit the minimum share capital of RON 500 into a temporary capital account.
Submit the incorporation file to the ONRC (can be done online with an electronic signature or via proxy).
Obtain the Certificate of Registration (CUI) and register for tax and VAT (if applicable).
Open a permanent corporate bank account and activate internet banking.
Hire at least one employee to activate the 1% micro-enterprise tax regime.
Freelancer & Consultant FAQ
Do I need to incorporate as a freelancer?
Not always. You can start as a sole proprietor, but incorporating (like an LLC) protects your personal assets and can offer tax advantages as your income grows.
Which country is best for a freelance consultant?
It depends on your tax residency. Non-US residents often choose US LLCs (Wyoming or Delaware) for 0% corporate tax on foreign income, or Estonia for its seamless digital administration.
How do I receive international payments?
Most freelancers use digital banking platforms like Wise, Payoneer, or Revolut Business, which integrate well with US LLCs and UK LTDs.
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Related guides
Complete Limited Liability Company (SRL) guide
Taxes, requirements, banking, compliance
Limited Liability Company (SRL) cost calculator
One-time and annual cost breakdown
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