When entering the European market, entrepreneurs usually focus on a combination of administrative predictability, accessible operational processes, and opportunities for international trade. In this context, Romania is considered a practical entry point for building commercial activity within the EU single market.

 

However, before opening a trading company in Romania, it is important to first define the business model and understand the registration and tax requirements.

 

Why Entrepreneurs Choose Romania for a Trading Business

Romania is a member of the European Union, which gives businesses registered in the country access to more than twenty states without customs barriers within the bloc. For companies, this means simplified goods movement, unified certification standards, and the ability to work with counterparties from any EU country.

 

What makes Romania a convenient base:

 

  • A strategic location at the crossroads of trade routes between Western and Eastern Europe, as well as access to the Black Sea through the major port of Constanța.
  • Developed logistics infrastructure: a network of roads and railways, multimodal terminals, and Class A warehouse complexes near Bucharest, Timișoara, and Cluj.
  • Lower costs for business registration and maintenance compared to Western Europe (while retaining all EU jurisdiction advantages).
  • A tax regime that allows, under certain conditions, the application of a reduced tax rate for micro-enterprises.

 

It is also worth noting the affordable labor costs and a sufficiently qualified workforce. This is especially valuable for companies planning not only trade but also warehousing or distribution activities locally.

 

What Business Model Suits a Romanian Trading Company

Before registering a trading company in Romania, you need to define the business model. This determines the choice of activity codes under the CAEN classification (Clasificarea Activităților din Economia Națională), licensing requirements, and accounting specifics.

 

If starting from scratch takes too much time, you can also consider a ready-made business in Romania with an open bank account and assigned tax numbers.

 

Wholesale Trading of Goods

For this activity, proper warehouse accounting and contractual arrangements with suppliers are required (delivery terms, payment deadlines, and allocation of responsibility for goods). It is also important to understand VAT mechanisms for domestic and EU transactions.

 

Import/Export of Goods Within the EU

This model requires an EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number and knowledge of customs procedures. In some cases, additional permits are required (depending on the product category).

 

Online Stores and E-Commerce

A company can organize logistics through fulfillment centers and sell goods both within the country and to other European Union states. At the same time, distance selling has its own VAT accounting rules.

 

Product Distribution in the European Market

This model involves building a network of representative offices, warehouses, and partnership agreements to promote products of a specific brand across several EU countries. Such a company often acts as an official distributor. This includes not only sales but also the development of logistics chains and warehousing.

 

What Must Be Defined Before Company Registration

Before starting formal procedures, an entrepreneur should define several parameters of the future business:

 

  • Legal form. For most trading projects, a limited liability company (SRL – Societate cu Răspundere Limitată) remains the most suitable option.
  • Registered office address. An office space or an address provided by specialized service providers under a rental agreement.
  • Shareholders and capital distribution.
  • Appointment of a company administrator, who will represent the company before state authorities.
  • CAEN activity codes corresponding to the planned business. Wholesale, retail, import-export, and distribution are assigned different codes, and correct selection affects additional registrations.

 

It is also important to define working capital structure and initial capital sufficient for early operational expenses (goods procurement, warehouse rent, logistics).

 

How to Register a Trading Company in Romania

The process is carried out through the National Trade Register Office (ONRC – Oficiul Național al Registrului Comerțului). Preparing documents and interacting with the registry requires attention to detail, especially when founders are foreign individuals or legal entities.

 

Business registration in Romania, when supported by legal professionals, is faster and less prone to documentation errors.

 

Choosing the Business Structure and Reserving a Company Name

The most common form for a trading company is SRL. The name must be unique and not duplicate already registered companies. The reservation is valid for a limited period during which the remaining documents must be submitted.

 

Preparing the Registration Package

At this stage, the following are usually required:

 

  • articles of incorporation;
  • documents confirming the right to use the registered office address;
  • information about shareholders and the administrator;
  • details of business activities according to CAEN codes;
  • proof of share capital contribution.

 

Additionally, notarized translations of foreign founders’ passports are required, as well as powers of attorney for representatives submitting documents on their behalf (if applicable).

 

Company Registration Through the National Trade Register

The completed file is submitted to ONRC at the location of the company’s registered office. After verification, the registry issues a Certificate of Registration (Certificat de Înregistrare) with a unique company identification number (CUI – Cod Unic de Înregistrare), which is used in all subsequent operations.

 

Opening a Corporate Bank Account

After receiving registration documents, the company must open a corporate bank account to conduct operational activity.

 

Information on how to open a corporate bank account abroad online can be obtained from legal consultants at Lawrange. Our specialists can help prepare documentation according to the requirements of a specific bank.

 

Obtaining Necessary Tax Registrations

The final stage includes:

 

  • Registration with the National Tax Administration Authority (ANAF – Agenția Națională de Administrare Fiscală) and obtaining a fiscal code.
  • VAT registration (if required).
  • Obtaining an EORI number for foreign trade operations.
  • If employees are planned, the company must also be registered in the social security and pension system.

 

Permits and Registrations That May Be Required

The list depends on CAEN codes and the type of goods the company operates with. Requirements may include:

 

Order a consultation
  • VAT registration. Mandatory after exceeding a certain turnover threshold, but it can also be obtained voluntarily from the start, which is useful for international trade-oriented companies.
  • EORI number. Required for importing and exporting goods outside the EU customs territory.
  • Sanitary, veterinary, or phytosanitary permits. Required for food products, agricultural goods, or animal-origin products.
  • Licenses for regulated goods, such as alcohol, tobacco products, medical goods, or chemical products.

 

If activities are carried out outside the registered office, separate registration of a warehouse or sales point may be required.

 

Taxation of Trading Businesses in Romania

Most newly established companies with relatively small turnover may apply the microenterprise taxation regime. In this case, tax is levied on revenue rather than profit, at a reduced rate. This is beneficial at the initial stage when business margins are still being formed.

 

Companies exceeding the turnover threshold for microenterprise status switch to the standard corporate income tax regime.

 

Key tax components:

 

  • Standard VAT rate and reduced VAT rates for certain goods and services (e.g., food products, books, some medical goods).
  • Reverse charge mechanism for transactions between EU VAT-registered entities, eliminating the need for physical VAT payment at each supply chain stage.
  • Mandatory social contributions for employees.
  • Dividend tax on profit distribution to shareholders.

 

Accounting is maintained according to Romanian standards and is usually outsourced to local accountants or accounting firms.

 

Important Aspects of Trading Within the European Union Through a Romanian Company

Operating within the EU single market provides significant advantages but requires understanding specific rules:

 

  • For sales to VAT-registered companies in other EU countries, the intra-Community supply mechanism applies with a 0% VAT rate for the supplier (provided goods are shipped and the buyer has a valid VAT number).
  • Purchases from suppliers in other EU countries are recorded as intra-Community acquisitions.
  • VAT number validation is carried out through the VIES system (VAT Information Exchange System).
  • Companies actively trading within the EU must submit additional reports, including Intrastat declarations when turnover thresholds are exceeded, and VIES reports for transactions with EU partners.
  • For e-commerce businesses selling to private individuals in other EU countries, once the €10,000 distance selling threshold is exceeded, VAT must be applied according to the buyer’s country rate. This process can be simplified using the OSS (One Stop Shop) system, which allows VAT reporting for all EU sales through a single registration.

 

Bank Account for a Trading Company: Key Requirements

Banks in Romania, as in most EU countries, conduct due diligence and compliance checks. Opening an account for a trading company is a stage that determines further operational activity.

 

To open an account, you will need:

 

  • incorporation documents of the company;
  • information on the ownership structure and ultimate beneficial owners;
  • a business plan or description of the planned activity;
  • information on expected turnover volumes and key counterparties;
  • documents confirming the legality of the origin of the founders’ capital.

 

For trading companies engaged in import and export, banks often request additional information (about partners, supply routes, and the nature of goods). This is due to increased anti-money laundering requirements in high-turnover sectors.

 

Mistakes When Starting a Trading Business in Romania

Difficulties for new companies most often arise due to insufficient preparation for operational activity. Typical mistakes include:

 

  • Choosing inappropriate CAEN codes that do not reflect the actual activity.
  • Underestimating the time required to open a bank account (bank compliance checks may take additional time).
  • Ignoring VAT registration requirements or applying prematurely without understanding the consequences for documentation and reporting.
  • Lack of an EORI number for companies starting foreign trade operations.
  • Insufficient attention to the rules for determining the place of supply and the reverse charge mechanism for intra-EU transactions (leading to VAT reporting errors).
  • Operating without a local accountant or legal advisor (especially risky for foreign entrepreneurs unfamiliar with Romanian legislation).

 

These problems can be avoided through a systematic approach to business preparation from the outset and by involving specialists familiar with local specifics.

 

Legal Assistance from Lawrange

If you are interested in how to register a trading company in Romania, the Lawrange team will help you go through the entire process confidently.

 

Our services include:

 

  • Selecting the optimal company structure and preparing documents.
  • Choosing appropriate CAEN codes for a specific business model.
  • Supporting registration with the Trade Register and tax authorities.
  • Assistance in opening a corporate bank account.
  • Consultations on VAT requirements and customs procedures.

 

Lawrange specialists also provide consulting on purchasing a ready-made company in Romania, allowing you to start operations more quickly.

 

Conclusions

Romania combines access to the European single market, a developed logistics infrastructure, and a flexible tax system. This makes it convenient for wholesale trade, import-export operations, and e-commerce.

 

Entrepreneurs interested in how to establish a trading company in Romania need to understand the procedural nuances (registration, taxation, and account opening). Engaging legal consultants at all stages reduces risks and shortens business launch timelines.

 

FAQ

Can a foreigner open a trading company in Romania without a local partner?

Yes, a foreign individual or foreign company can be the sole shareholder of a Romanian company (a local partner or resident co-founder is not legally required). The company must have a registered address in Romania, as well as a local administrator (representative) for interaction with state authorities and banks.

 

Which company form is most commonly used for trading in Romania?

For trading businesses, SRL is most commonly used – the equivalent of a limited liability company. This form is convenient due to low minimum share capital requirements, flexible management structure, and a clear tax regime.

 

How long does it take to register a company in Romania?

It depends on how fully and correctly the documentation package is prepared. Additional time may be required for preparing documents for foreign founders (translations, apostilles), as well as for subsequent bank account opening.

 

Is an EORI number required for import and export of goods?

Yes, this number is mandatory for any company carrying out import or export operations outside the EU customs territory. EORI registration is done after obtaining a fiscal code and usually does not take much time.

 

Can a Romanian trading company be managed remotely?

Foreign entrepreneurs often manage Romanian companies remotely. This can be done by appointing an administrator by power of attorney, using local accounting and legal support services, and arranging remote banking services.

 

REQUEST A CONSULTATION

Popular services