PR & Citizenship in Romania for Pakistani Students 2025

For Pakistani students pursuing higher education in Romania, understanding the post-study opportunities, residency options, and eventual citizenship pathways is essential. Romania, as an EU member country, offers international students options to extend their stay, work, and even apply for permanent residency (PR) and citizenship after meeting certain conditions.

Post-Study Work Opportunities in Romania

After completing a degree in Romania, Pakistani students holding a residence permit can apply for post-study work visas or extend their stay to seek employment.

Key points include:

• Eligible students can stay in Romania up to 1 year after graduation to find a job related to their field.
• Employers must sponsor a work permit if you secure employment.
• Fields in demand include IT, engineering, medicine, business, and research.

Tip: Many universities offer career counseling and internship programs, increasing chances of employment for Pakistani graduates.

Romanian Residence Permit (Temporary & Long-Term)

Pakistani students initially arrive with a long-stay student visa (D/SD). After arrival, they must convert it into a Residence Permit, valid for one academic year and renewable annually until degree completion.

Once a student completes their degree and works in Romania, they can accumulate legal residence years to qualify for long-term residence.

Permanent Residency (PR) in Romania

Pakistani students can apply for permanent residency (PR) after fulfilling the following conditions:

• Legal residence in Romania for at least 5 consecutive years
  • Stable income or employment
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Health insurance coverage
  • No criminal record
• Benefits of PR:
  • Live and work in Romania indefinitely
  • Access to social benefits and healthcare
  • Free movement within the EU for certain purposes

Tip: PR is easier to obtain if you work in a high-demand sector or continue education in Romania after your initial degree.

Citizenship of Romania

Pakistani students who have lived in Romania legally and continuously may become eligible for Romanian citizenship after 8 years of residence, or 5 years if married to a Romanian citizen.

• Requirements for citizenship include:
  • Minimum legal residence (5–8 years)
  • Adequate knowledge of the Romanian language
  • Knowledge of Romanian culture, laws, and society
  • Stable financial situation
  • Clean criminal record
• Benefits of Romanian Citizenship:
  • Full EU citizenship rights
  • Visa-free travel to over 170 countries
  • Right to work, study, and reside anywhere in the EU
  • Access to social security, healthcare, and other public benefits

Key Considerations for Pakistani Students

Pakistani students aiming for PR or citizenship should consider the following:

Scholarships & Support for Long-Term Residency

Certain Romanian government programs and university partnerships offer incentives to international graduates to remain in Romania, including:

• Post-study employment opportunities
• Research grants and fellowships
• Guidance on residence and work permit extensions

Pakistani students can leverage these programs to transition from student visas to permanent residency or citizenship.

Conclusion

Romania offers Pakistani students not only high-quality education but also a clear pathway to permanent residency and citizenship. By strategically planning education, employment, and residence, Pakistani students can transition from a temporary student to a long-term resident or citizen. With careful preparation, Romanian citizenship opens doors to the European Union, providing immense personal, professional, and financial opportunities.

For Pakistani students aiming for long-term growth in Europe, Romania presents one of the most structured and supportive environments for education, residency, and citizenship.