Documents you’ll need to move to Romania:

It has become the reality, as of 2021, that removals to Romania from the United Kingdom are a process encumbered by bureaucracy. After Brexit, in order to perform your relocation, we will request quite a few documents. These are not for us though, but for the customs office in your new country. Based on that paperwork, the customs authorities in Romania will decide whether or not your removal qualifies for the Transfer of Residence status. Without that status, in the worst case scenario, your goods can be considered a regular import and be charged the import VAT at a rate of 19% of the total value of your goods.

The documents listed below are necessary and we won’t be able to collect your belongings before the paperwork is complete:

• A copy of ID card or Passport.
• A certificate from the local council in Romania to certify residency. Alternatively, suppose the EU customs agent agrees, it might be enough for you to supply a document confirming that you are an EU resident or intend to become one, for example:
  • If you live with your family in the EU, please ask them to complete and sign this template and provide a copy of their personal ID and a utility bill with the address
  • Or if you are employed in the EU, please provide your EU employment contract.
  • Or if you have living arrangements in the EU, please provide a utility bill with your name and address on it or your tenancy agreement, or the property ownership deed.
• A detailed, signed packing list with the value, size and weight of each listed item. Please fill in all fields provided in VanOne Insurance Form.
• A UK certificate of residence or other evidence that you’ve lived in the UK at least for the last 12 months (e.g. 12 months of council tax bills or bank statements showing address).
• A self-certificate (please use this template) to inform the customs authorities that you’ve used the household objects at your usual residence in the UK for more than six months and that you won’t sell, rent or pledge them after receiving them in your new place and that you aim to remain an EU resident for at least one year.
• A signed authorization for the customs clearance agent to act as your direct representative. A blank form will be supplied to you by VanOne after you confirm your booking.

You must print and sign all the documents and have them ready for the driver in a large envelope. Please also supply completed documents electronically via the customer portal for verification.

The documents listed above are required before the day of your move. Our driver will also have a CMR form for you when he arrives for collection of your belongings.

If you want to speed up the process or find out more you might want to contact your local customs office in Romania.

You can also visit this government resource for more information about bringing personal effects to Romania (or the Dutch Government website for information in the English language).

Easy, Safe & Cheap:

Why are we different? Because we believe you are special. That’s why we hold true to our three company values. Let us remind you of our values and of what they mean to you. Our first value is to provide first class service that makes your move as easy as possible. Our second value is to treat your belongings as if they were our own. This is to ensure your move is as stress free as possible. Our third value is to give you the very cheapest prices – does the benefit of this one really need explaining? So what are you waiting for? Click to get a quote.

Relocating to Romania from the UK with Pets

Romania doesn’t place any exceptional regulations on bringing your pets to the country. Nothing above what you would expect from any other EU country. Pets do, however, require their own pet passport, microchips and rabies vaccinations within 1 year, but not closer than 21 days from departure, and up-to-date routine vaccinations. You could email the veterinary office at office@ansvsa.ro for details of your personal circumstances. If you intend to bring the pet back to the UK you must ensure the rabies vaccinations are kept up to date.

Things you’ll love about living in Romania!

• The cities that never sleep: Compared to other countries, Romanian cities are alive around the clock. This means that supermarkets are open every single day until 10 p.m., restaurants stay open until 11 or 12 p.m., while bars and clubs have an ‘open until the last customer’ type of policy. Anything you want or need – you can get it at any time!
• The super-fast internet: One of the main misconceptions about Romania is that, somehow, it’s trapped in some bizarre third world country scenario with no internet or electricity. Wrong! Romania has the 7th fastest internet speed in the world. That’s faster than the United States!
• Romanians are a very festive people: If you move to Romania and get a job within the system, you will enjoy all the national holidays. And there’s a lot of them! You will get no less than 19 days off!
• The traditional food: Romanian food is a mixture of oriental and Balkan dishes that accommodate both meat lovers and vegetarians/vegans alike. Given the fact that Romanians go through extended periods of fasting, due to their religious beliefs, they have learnt to celebrate vegetables in a way most vegans have never dreamed of!

Most Popular cities in Romania for UK Expat

When moving to Romania from the UK, British expats often choose dynamic cities offering excellent career prospects and a high quality of life. The top five most popular destinations are:

• Bucharest: The capital and economic engine of Romania. It offers the most career opportunities, particularly in IT, finance, and business, and features the country’s most vibrant cultural and nightlife scene.
• Cluj-Napoca: Often called the “Silicon Valley of Romania.” It’s a major tech and startup hub, known for its young, student-driven atmosphere and being highly rated for its friendly environment for foreigners.
• Timișoara: A major city in the west, known for its stunning Austro-Hungarian architecture, diverse cultural life (as a former European Capital of Culture), and strong presence of multinational corporations.
• Brașov: Nestled in the Carpathian Mountains, this picturesque city appeals to those seeking a balance between medieval charm, outdoor activities (hiking, skiing), and a peaceful, scenic lifestyle.
• Iași: The country’s intellectual and cultural capital in the northeast. It’s an academic and innovation hub with prestigious universities and a growing presence of international companies in the IT and outsourcing sectors.

Cost of Living: Romania vs. UK

Relocating from the UK to Romania provides a significant reduction in the cost of living. Overall expenses in Romania, excluding rent, are typically 40-45% lower than in the UK. Expats benefit from substantially cheaper rent, with city-centre apartments costing 60-70% less than equivalent properties in the UK. Everyday expenses, groceries, transportation, utilities, etc, are cheaper. These savings promote disposable income and enhance the quality of life of those earning the average after-tax salary, hence Romania is an apt option in terms of budgeting and saving.

Back to UK: Removals from Romania to the UK

VanOne is well known for our fast and efficient removals from the UK to countries in Europe, but did you know we can also move you in the other direction? Our skilled movers will assist with moving from Romania to the UK. We can pick up your possessions and transport them safely to any British town or city. If you are making a new life in the UK, or moving for work purposes, we can support you by moving your goods over. If you are moving back to the UK after spending time living in Romania, book your move with VanOne.

Still have some questions? Check out our FAQ page. We’re certain you’ll find the answers there. Let VanOne take care of your removals to Romania.

Contribution by Michael Heisenberg
Last updated on 6th November 2025