Opening a Bank Account in Romania for Foreigners
Guide to accounts at BCR, Banca Transilvania, BRD, and ING
Opening a bank account in Romania is essential for receiving salary, paying rent, setting up utilities, and online shopping. Leading Romanian banks such as Banca Transilvania (BT), BCR (Erste), BRD (Société Générale), and ING Bank offer personal accounts to foreign residents.
While EU citizens and Romanian residence permit holders face few hurdles, non-EU non-residents must provide proof of ties to Romania.
📋 Steps to Open a Bank Account
- 1
Select Bank & Branch
Choose a bank with good English mobile support (BT, BCR, or ING).
- 2
Prepare Identity Documents
Gather your valid passport, Romanian residency card (Permis de Ședere), or CNP.
- 3
Prepare Proof of Income / Address
Obtain your employment contract or registered lease agreement.
- 4
Visit Bank Branch
Schedule or walk into a branch during morning business hours.
- 5
Sign Agreement & Order Card
Sign the account terms and request a debit card (Visa or Mastercard).
- 6
Setup Mobile Banking
Download the mobile app (NeoBT, George, or ING HomeBank) and set up 2FA.
✅ Required Documents Checklist
- ▸Original passport or EU national ID card
- ▸Romanian residence permit (Permis de ședere) or registration certificate
- ▸Romanian Personal Numerical Code (CNP)
- ▸Proof of address (Lease agreement or utility bill)
- ▸Proof of source of funds (Work contract or pay slip)
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕Visiting a branch without proof of address or income source
- ✕Not asking for dual RON and EUR currency sub-accounts
- ✕Using a foreign phone number that cannot receive Romanian bank 3D-Secure SMS
- ✕Assuming non-resident accounts can be opened online without in-person branch verification
💶 Account Fees and Maintenance
Account opening is free. Monthly account administration ranges from 0 to 15 RON. ATM cash withdrawals at home bank ATMs are generally free.
📖 Essential Banking Vocabulary
- Cont Bancar
- Bank Account
- Card de Debit
- Debit Card
- Extras de Cont
- Bank Statement
- Transfer Bancar / IBAN
- Bank Transfer
- Comision
- Bank Fee / Commission
- Sucursală / Filială
- Bank Branch
- Depozit
- Savings Deposit
- Sold
- Account Balance
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account in Romania without a residence permit?+
Some banks allow non-residents to open accounts with a passport and proof of ties, but having a CNP/Permis de Ședere makes it much easier.
Do Romanian banks issue IBANs in RON and EUR?+
Yes, all major banks provide instant RON and EUR IBANs under one account.
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