Partnership Limited by Shares (SCA) in Romania — Mobile App Developer Formation Guide
When choosing a jurisdiction, consider where Apple and Google will send your payouts. Ensure your chosen country has favorable double taxation treaties with the US to minimize the default 30% withholding tax on your US app sales.
Last verified: June 13, 2026
Corporate Tax
16.0%
State Tax
0.0%
Formation Cost
$100
Annual Fee
$0
Forming a Partnership Limited by Shares (SCA) in Romania as a Mobile App Developer means a total tax burden of 16.0% and an official formation cost of $100. This guide covers the steps, tax breakdown, banking options, and compliance requirements — all from verified data.
First-year total cost
≈ $2,800
Ongoing (per year)
≈ $1,600
Why Partnership Limited by Shares (SCA) for Mobile App Developer?
Independent developers or small studios creating and monetizing applications on platforms like the Apple App Store and Google Play. Revenue streams typically include paid downloads, in-app purchases (IAPs), subscriptions, and in-app advertising.
Ideal for
- Indie developers
- Small gaming studios
- SaaS mobile app creators
- Freelance developers transitioning to product owners
Challenges to watch
- High platform fees (15-30% from Apple/Google)
- US withholding tax on royalties if no tax treaty exists
- Managing global VAT/GST compliance for digital services
- Protecting intellectual property across borders
Key decision criteria
- Double taxation treaties with the US
- Corporate tax rates on digital income
- Ease of opening a business bank account compatible with App Store payouts
- IP protection laws in the jurisdiction
Estimated breakdown (based on avg. $85,000 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 and charge 21% VAT, typically via the EU OSS scheme.
Banking & payments for Mobile App Developer
Opening a corporate bank account in Romania can be moderately difficult for non-resident founders due to strict KYC and AML regulations. Traditional banks usually require a physical visit or a notarized Power of Attorney, while fintechs like Revolut Business offer smoother remote alternatives.
Supported payment gateways
Remote-friendly accounts
Revolut Business
A highly popular digital alternative in Romania offering multi-currency accounts and remote onboarding for registered companies.
Wise
Excellent for international transactions and holding multiple currencies, with a fully remote setup process.
Partnership Limited by Shares (SCA) formation steps
Reserve the company name with the National Trade Register Office (ONRC), ensuring it includes the mandatory 'SCA' designation.
Draft the Articles of Association (Act Constitutiv) detailing the general and limited partners, share capital distribution, and management structure.
Deposit the minimum share capital of 90,000 RON into a corporate bank account and obtain a bank deposit certificate.
Secure a registered office address in Romania, providing the lease agreement and the landlord's written consent.
Prepare declarations on honor and notarized specimen signatures for the general partners (administrators) and limited partners.
Submit the complete incorporation dossier to the ONRC for registration and publication in the Official Gazette of Romania.
Register for tax purposes (VAT, corporate income tax) and submit the Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) declaration within the legal timeframe.
Mobile App Developer FAQ
Do I need a US company to publish on the App Store?
No, you can publish from almost any country. However, having a US LLC or a company in a country with a US tax treaty can significantly reduce the 30% withholding tax on US sales.
How does VAT work for app sales?
Apple and Google generally act as the 'Merchant of Record' and handle VAT/GST collection and remittance for consumers in most countries, simplifying your tax compliance.
Where is the best place to incorporate an app studio?
Popular choices include the US (Wyoming/Delaware LLCs for low maintenance), UK (favorable tax treaties and IP laws), and Estonia (0% tax on reinvested profits, great for growing studios).
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Related terms
Key concepts you'll encounter when forming a Mobile App Developer
Related guides
Complete Partnership Limited by Shares (SCA) guide
Taxes, requirements, banking, compliance
Partnership Limited by Shares (SCA) cost calculator
One-time and annual cost breakdown
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