Limited Liability Company (SRL) in Romania — Game Development Studio Formation Guide
Prioritize jurisdictions with strong Intellectual Property (IP) protection and favorable R&D tax credits. If you plan to publish on Steam, Epic, or mobile app stores, consider the withholding tax treaties between your company's jurisdiction and the US to avoid double taxation on royalties.
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 Game Development Studio 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 Game Development Studio?
A business model focused on designing, developing, and monetizing video games for PC, console, mobile, or VR platforms. Revenue typically comes from premium sales, in-app purchases, subscriptions, or publisher funding.
Ideal for
- Indie game developers
- Mobile app creators
- VR/AR studios
- Esports game developers
Challenges to watch
- Long development cycles with delayed revenue
- High platform fees (e.g., 30% on Steam/Apple)
- Complex international withholding taxes on royalties
- Protecting intellectual property and game assets
Key decision criteria
- US tax treaty network for royalty withholding taxes
- Availability of R&D tax incentives or video game tax reliefs (VGTR)
- Strong IP assignment laws for contractors and employees
- Access to global payment gateways for direct sales
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. $250,000 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 Game Development Studio
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.
Game Development Studio FAQ
Why does the US tax treaty matter for game developers?
Major platforms like Steam and Apple are US-based. Without a favorable tax treaty, the IRS may withhold up to 30% of your US sales revenue. Incorporating in a jurisdiction with a 0% or low treaty rate for royalties is crucial.
Should I incorporate before starting development?
Yes, incorporating early ensures that all IP created by founders and contractors is legally owned by the company from day one, making it much easier to secure publishers or investors later.
What are R&D tax credits?
Many countries offer tax incentives for software development. Jurisdictions like the UK, Canada, or France provide specific tax reliefs for video game production, which can significantly lower your effective tax rate or provide cash rebates.
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One-time and annual cost breakdown
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