Studying Abroad with Your Family: How to Bring Your Spouse and Children to Romania
For many Arab students — particularly those from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf — studying abroad is not a solo decision. It is a family one. A student who is married or has children may not be willing, or able, to leave their family behind for six years. The good news: Romania allows international students to bring their immediate family through a family reunification visa process, and the path is clear if you plan it correctly.
This guide covers everything you need to know about bringing your spouse and children with you to Romania as an international student in 2025.
Who Qualifies as a Dependent?
Romanian family reunification law covers:
Your spouse (the marriage must be legally recognized — polygamous marriages are not accepted under Romanian law)
Your unmarried minor children under 18, including legally adopted children
Parents, siblings, or extended family members do not qualify under the student reunification category.
When Can You Apply?
You cannot apply for family reunification immediately on arrival. Romanian law requires that you first:
Hold a valid temporary residence permit (not just the initial 90-day D/SD entry visa)
Have a residence permit valid for at least one year — PhD students and scientific researchers may apply even with a shorter permit
In practice, this means the earliest you can initiate the family reunification process is after your first academic year, once you have registered at the IGI and received your residence permit.
The Financial Requirement
This is the part that requires the most planning. Romanian immigration requires you to demonstrate financial resources equal to the national gross minimum salary for each family member you bring. As of January 1, 2025, the minimum gross salary in Romania is 4,050 RON per month.
That means: if you are bringing your spouse and two children, you need to show a total of 4,050 RON × 4 = 16,200 RON per month in financial resources. For a family of five including yourself, that is five times 4,050 RON.
Scholarship letters, bank statements, or family financial guarantees can all serve as evidence. Plan this well in advance.
Housing: You Must Have Enough Space
Romanian immigration also requires proof of accommodation suitable for the size of your family. A university dormitory single room will not qualify. You will need to secure a private rental contract that shows adequate space for your household.
In Romanian cities like Iasi, Cluj-Napoca, and Timisoara, a two-bedroom apartment runs approximately €400–€600 per month. Budget for this upgrade when planning family costs.
The Two-Stage Application Process
Stage 1: Get Approval in Romania (IGI)
You apply for family reunification approval at the IGI (General Inspectorate for Immigration) office in the city where you live. Required documents:
Copy of your study residence permit
Marriage certificate (legalized, translated into Romanian by a sworn translator)
Children's birth certificates (legalized and translated)
Proof of financial resources (bank statements or scholarship documentation)
Health insurance for all family members (minimum €30,000 coverage per person)
Rental contract showing adequate accommodation
A written statement confirming you will live together
Once approved, the IGI issues a Certificate of Approval — the document your family needs to apply for their visa.
Stage 2: Family Members Apply for Visa in Your Home Country (D/VF)
Your spouse and children apply for the Long-Stay Visa for Family Reunification (Type D/VF) at the Romanian Embassy or Consulate in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, or wherever they currently reside. They need:
The original Certificate of Approval you send them
Valid passports
Health insurance covering at least €30,000
Visa fee: €120 per person
Marriage and birth certificates (legalized and translated)
The visa is issued for 90 days. Upon arrival in Romania, family members must register at the IGI within 30 days to obtain their own residence permits.
Can Your Spouse Work in Romania?
Yes. Family members who hold a residence permit for reunification are generally permitted to work in Romania without a separate work permit. They must register their employment contract, but the right to work is included in the residence permit status.
Schooling for Children
Children residing in Romania with valid residence permits are entitled to attend Romanian public schools. International private schools and English-medium schools exist in larger cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Iasi, typically at €300–€800 per month in tuition. Romanian public schools are free but teach entirely in Romanian — younger children adapt quickly, while older children may need Romanian language support.
Total Additional Monthly Cost for a Family
Private apartment (2-bedroom): €400–€600/month
Food and household expenses for family of 3: €600–€900/month
Children's education (if using private school): €300–€800/month per child
Family health insurance: €100–€200/month
Estimated total family monthly addition to student costs: €1,400–€2,500/month depending on family size and city
Education Track Can Help You Plan This
Education Track has helped Arab families navigate the full relocation process — not just the student side. The European Medical Pathway package ($1,600) covers pre-arrival guidance including housing sourcing and family logistics orientation.
Book a free 30-minute consultation at education-track.com to talk through your specific family situation before committing to a plan.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided to the best of our knowledge and is based on information available as of August 2025. Romanian immigration law, financial thresholds, and family reunification procedures are subject to change. Education Track does not accept liability for any outdated or inaccurate information. Always verify current requirements with the Romanian IGI and your nearest Romanian Embassy.
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