Limited Liability Company (SRL) 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
$30
Annual Fee
$0
Forming a Limited Liability Company (SRL) in Romania as a Mobile App Developer 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 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
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. $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 VAT under the EU OSS scheme or locally, with no registration threshold.
Banking & payments for Mobile App Developer
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.
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 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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