Moving to the UK from Romania

Visa and Immigration Routes

Since 1 January 2021, Romanian citizens need a visa to live and work in the UK ^[1]. Free movement rights ended with Brexit. Romanians already resident in the UK before 31 December 2020 could apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to retain their status ^[2].

Visiting without a visa.

Romanian citizens can enter the UK for up to 6 months without a visa for tourism or business meetings ^[1]. Working, whether paid or unpaid, is not permitted on a visitor entry.

Skilled Worker visa.

The primary route for Romanian workers. Requirements include a job offer from a Home Office-licensed UK employer, a certificate of sponsorship, and a salary of at least £41,700 per year or the going rate for your occupation ^[3]. Reduced thresholds of £33,400 apply for Immigration Salary List roles, new entrants, and PhD holders ^[3]. English language proficiency at CEFR B1 level must be demonstrated through an approved Secure English Language Test ^[4]. The visa lasts up to 5 years and leads to indefinite leave to remain after 5 continuous years ^[5].

Health and Care Worker visa.

For qualified healthcare professionals. Lower salary thresholds apply, and holders are exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge ^[6]. This route has been heavily used by Romanian nurses and care workers, reflecting Romania's strong healthcare training pipeline.

Graduate visa.

Romanians who completed a UK university degree can apply for 2 years of unrestricted work (3 years for PhD holders) without employer sponsorship ^[7]. The visa cannot be extended but allows switching to a Skilled Worker visa ^[7].

Family visa.

Romanian citizens with a British or settled partner can apply for a family visa, subject to the sponsor's minimum income requirement and the Immigration Health Surcharge ^[8].

EU Settlement Scheme.

Romanians living in the UK before 31 December 2020 who applied to the scheme hold settled status (indefinite leave to remain) or pre-settled status ^[2]. Those with pre-settled status should apply for settled status before expiry. The main deadline was 30 June 2021, but late applications are accepted with reasonable grounds ^[2].

Seasonal Worker visa.

Romania has historically been a major source of seasonal agricultural workers in the UK. The Seasonal Worker visa allows up to 6 months of work in horticulture or poultry roles through an approved sponsor ^[1].

Tax Obligations

The UK taxes residents on worldwide income. You become UK tax resident under the Statutory Residence Test if you spend 183 or more days in the UK in a tax year ^[1].

Income tax rates.

For 2026-27, the personal allowance is £12,570 ^[2]. The basic rate is 20% on income from £12,571 to £50,270, the higher rate is 40% from £50,271 to £125,140, and the additional rate is 45% above £125,140 ^[2]. Scotland has its own rates and bands.

Personal allowance for Romanian citizens.

As an EEA national, you can claim the UK personal allowance on UK-source income even if you are not UK tax resident ^[3]. This is an advantage over non-EEA nationals who generally cannot.

UK-Romania Double Taxation Convention.

The treaty, most recently updated in January 2026, prevents double taxation on income and capital gains ^[4]. Once you become UK tax resident, the UK is your primary taxing jurisdiction. Romania provides relief on any Romanian-source income under the treaty.

Romanian tax exit.

Romania taxes residents on worldwide income. When you establish UK residency, you should deregister from the Romanian tax authority (ANAF) and file a final Romanian return. The UK-Romania treaty ensures you are not taxed twice on the same income ^[4].

National Insurance.

Employees pay Class 1 National Insurance at 8% on weekly earnings between £242 and £967, and 2% above that (2026-27 rates) ^[5]. Apply for a National Insurance number as soon as you arrive ^[6]. You can start work before receiving it.

Council Tax.

A local property tax paid by occupants. Amounts vary by property band and local authority, typically £1,200 to £4,000+ per year ^[7]. Single occupants receive a 25% discount ^[7]. Full-time students are exempt.

Self-employment.

If you are self-employed in the UK, you pay Class 2 and Class 4 National Insurance contributions in addition to income tax ^[5]. You must register with HMRC and file a Self Assessment tax return annually.

Healthcare and NHS

Immigration Health Surcharge.

Most visa applicants pay the IHS when applying. The current rate is £624 per year (£470 for students) ^[1]. This gives you NHS access on the same basis as a UK resident. Health and Care Worker visa holders are exempt from the surcharge and access the NHS free from day one.

GP registration.

Register with a local GP surgery after arriving. You do not need proof of address or immigration status to register ^[1]. GP practices cannot refuse registration based on nationality.

What the NHS covers.

GP consultations, hospital treatment, emergency care, maternity services, and most prescriptions (with a per-item charge in England; free in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland). Dental and optical care require separate registration and involve patient charges.

Transition from Romanian healthcare.

Romanian public healthcare through CNAS (Casa Nationala de Asigurari de Sanatate) ends when you cease Romanian employment or residency. If you were covered under CNAS, bring documentation of your medical history and any ongoing treatments. Once established in the UK, apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) for reciprocal coverage when traveling in the EU.

Prescriptions.

Bring a letter listing your medications by generic name (International Nonproprietary Names). Many Romanian medications have UK equivalents under different brand names. Your UK GP can prescribe based on your Romanian medical records.

Emergency care.

A&E (Accident and Emergency) departments treat everyone regardless of immigration status or payment, though this is not a substitute for GP registration.

Social Security and Pensions

UK-EU social security coordination.

The Trade and Cooperation Agreement Protocol on Social Security Coordination allows Romanian citizens working in the UK to aggregate pension contributions from both countries toward qualifying periods ^[1]. You pay into one country's system at a time, normally the country where you work.

Certificate of coverage.

If a Romanian employer sends you to the UK temporarily (up to 24 months), you can stay in Romania's social security system by obtaining a PD A1 certificate from the Romanian pension authority (CNPP) ^[1]. Without this certificate, you pay UK National Insurance from day one ^[1].

UK State Pension.

You need 10 qualifying years of UK National Insurance contributions for any UK State Pension, and 35 years for the full amount ^[2]. Under the TCA protocol, years of contributions in Romania count toward the 10-year minimum, though the pension amount is based proportionally on UK contributions only.

Romanian pension rights.

Contributions made to Romania's public pension system (pillar I) before you left are preserved. When you reach Romanian retirement age, you can claim a Romanian pension based on your Romanian contribution record ^[1].

Voluntary contributions.

You can make voluntary Class 3 National Insurance contributions to fill gaps in your UK record ^[2]. This is worth considering if you arrived in the UK mid-career and want to maximize your UK State Pension.

Workplace pensions.

UK employers automatically enrol eligible employees into a workplace pension. The minimum combined contribution is 8% of qualifying earnings ^[2]. This is separate from both the UK State Pension and any Romanian pension entitlements.

Banking and Financial Setup

Opening a UK bank account.

You need proof of identity (Romanian passport or national ID card) and proof of UK address. The address requirement is challenging for new arrivals. Digital banks like Monzo, Starling, and Revolut often accept applications without proof of address, making them a practical first account.

Transferring money.

Wise and Revolut offer competitive RON-to-GBP exchange rates. Traditional bank SWIFT transfers between Romanian and UK banks are slower and more expensive. For regular transfers (remittances to family, or moving savings), set up recurring transfers through a specialist provider.

Credit history.

Romanian credit history does not transfer to the UK. You start with no credit record. Building UK credit takes 6 to 12 months: open a bank account, register on the electoral roll if eligible (EU citizens with settled or pre-settled status can register for local elections), and consider a credit-builder card.

Tax-advantaged savings.

Once you are UK tax resident, you can open an ISA (Individual Savings Account) sheltering up to £20,000 per year from income tax and capital gains tax. Romania has no direct equivalent. If you have existing savings in Romania, there are no UK restrictions on maintaining Romanian bank accounts, but you should consider exchange rate risk on RON-denominated savings.

Sending money to Romania.

Many Romanian workers in the UK send regular remittances. The UK-to-Romania corridor is well-served by Wise, Revolut, Western Union, and MoneyGram. Compare fees and exchange rates. Standing orders through Wise or Revolut minimize per-transfer costs.

Moving Logistics and Settling In

Driving.

Romanian driving licences are valid for driving in the UK. You can drive on your Romanian licence indefinitely while it remains valid. The UK drives on the left. If you bring a left-hand-drive Romanian car, you can use it temporarily but must re-register it after 6 months of UK residency.

Shipping belongings.

Romania-to-UK moves by road take 4 to 7 days depending on the route (typically via France or Belgium). Several Romanian and international moving companies serve this corridor. A shared-load service is significantly cheaper than a full vehicle. Get at least three quotes.

Finding housing.

Use Rightmove and Zoopla for property listings. UK rentals typically require a deposit (capped at 5 weeks' rent in England), the first month's rent, and references. Without UK references or credit history, landlords may request a guarantor or additional rent upfront. Your deposit must be held in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme.

Romanian communities.

The UK has a large and growing Romanian community. Romanian Orthodox churches, community associations, and cultural events are present in most major cities. London, Birmingham, and several East of England towns (Peterborough, Ely, King's Lynn) have particularly established Romanian populations. Romanian grocery shops and restaurants are common in areas with concentrated communities.

Language.

Most Romanians moving to the UK speak conversational English, but workplace communication can be challenging. British workplace culture relies on indirect phrasing, understatement, and politeness conventions that differ from Romanian directness. Regional accents (Glaswegian, Geordie, Brummie) can also take time to parse. If you work in healthcare or care, you may need to pass the Occupational English Test or an IELTS equivalent as part of your visa requirement.

Children and schools.

Children aged 5 to 16 must attend school. State schools are free, and your local council assigns places. Schools provide EAL (English as an Additional Language) support for children who do not speak English fluently. Romanian Saturday schools operate in several UK cities to maintain Romanian language and cultural education.

Compare United Kingdom

Visa guides for United Kingdom