ROMANIA: 10 FAQ

1. What markets can I have access to if investing in Romania?Taking upon Romania means investors gaining access at the same time to both the unique EU

market and Romania’s incredible domestic market opportunities, our country being strategically

positioned at the cross roads of the traditional, commercial and energy routes connecting EU-27,

Asia and the Balkans and ranking seventh (7th) in terms of population among EU states (21.7

million consumers)

 2. What were the GDP growth and the levels of inflation and unemployment rates in 2008?

Last year Romania registered a 7.1% GDP growth.

In 2008, the inflation and unemployment rates reached 7.85% and 4.4%, respectively.

 3. What is the level of the corporate tax?Romania has a 16% flat tax, one of the lowest levels employed by countries in CEE

 4. What is the VAT level?Romania has a 19% VAT standard rate and a 9% reduced rate applicable to the supplies of certain

goods/services as provided by the Romanian Fiscal Code

 5. What is the minimum gross monthly wage in Romania?

For 2009, the minimum gross wage per month in Romania is 600 RON, as according to National

Committee for Prognosis estimations (approx. EUR 143)

6. What is the average number of students in Romania?

There are approximately 717 thousand students in Romania, enrolled in 160 higher education

institutions

Source: National Institute for Statistics

7. What was the FDI evolution for the past years and what is Romania’s position within the

 region?

Romania continues to be the first FDI recipient in South Eastern Europe, receiving high rates of 

FDI, as revealed by national banks reported figures. Ernst & Young European Attractiveness

Survey - 2008, indicates Romania as top destination for new investment or expansion projects in

South Eastern Europe

 

Year 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006* 2007 2008

FDI (EUR mil) 1147 1294 1212 1946 5183 5213 9059 7250 9084

Source: National Bank of Romania

*Figures for 2006 included the EURO 2.2 billion coming from the privatization of BCR by Erste

Bank.

8. What is the sector attracting most inward FDI and why?The sector attracting highest rates of FDI is industry, due to lower level of land price against other

countries within the region, skilled labor force at competitive prices, as well as availability of the

production capacities and tradition within the sector.

 

 9. What incentives are provided for direct investments?Romania currently provides: carrying forward fiscal losses, local taxes incentives, subsidies on the

unemployment insurance system and employment stimulation investment, incentives for economic

growth support. Other incentives are provided by several state aid schemes.

10. What are the main advantages an industrial park can offer?

The main advantages offered by an industrial park are: possibility to implement Greenfield and

Brownfield projects; access to utilities; package of services offered by the park administration;

exemption from paying land and building taxes.