Discover why Romania is the Next Big Opportunity, becoming a top 2025 investment for entrepreneurs, offering fast growth, EU advantages and high-return opportunities.
- Why Romania Is the Next Big Opportunity for UK Investors in 2025
- Romania's Economic Momentum: GDP Growth and Investment Stability
- Competitive Advantages vs Other EU Destinations
- High-Growth Sectors for UK Investors
- How UK Investors Can Set Up a Company in Romania
- Invest in Romania: Your Next Move for 2025
Why Romania Is the Next Big Opportunity for UK Investors in 2025
Romania’s Economic Momentum: GDP Growth and Investment Stability
Romania’s economy has sustained impressive growth, with GDP expanding by 2.1% in 2024 despite a challenging regional context. This follows a resilient recovery trajectory, as Romania weathered the post-pandemic volatility better than several EU counterparts. The country’s current GDP stands at approximately €332 billion, placing it among the most dynamic emerging markets in Europe.
- Wages and Labour Force: The average monthly gross wage in Romania was around €1,350 in 2025, offering a highly competitive labour cost advantage over Western Europe. With nearly 8 million employed and a growing pool of multilingual graduates, Romania’s skilled workforce is an asset for expanding businesses.
- Taxes: Romania’s flat 16% corporate income tax and a 5% dividend tax for non-residents create a highly attractive fiscal climate, especially compared to Western Europe.
- FDI Flows: Foreign direct investment reached €10.4 billion in 2024, with consistent year-on-year growth as international confidence in Romania’s market deepens.
Competitive Advantages vs Other EU Destinations
Romania stands out among EU markets for three core reasons:
- Cost Efficiency: Labour and operating costs remain far below those in Western Europe, while infrastructure, digital readiness, and logistical links have strengthened considerably.
- EU Access Without the Premium: As a full EU member, Romania offers tariff-free access to the single market, but enjoys regulatory and cost flexibility that Germany or France often cannot match.
- Government Incentives: UK investors can benefit from national and EU-backed grants, IT sector tax exemptions, and industrial park advantages.
High-Growth Sectors for UK Investors
Romania’s economic strategy has propelled targeted sectors into the international spotlight:
1. Information Technology
- Romania is recognised for its thriving software development sector, cybersecurity expertise, and business process outsourcing. The IT sector grew nearly 11% in 2024 and employs over 200,000 specialists.
- Major cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Iași are technology hubs, with strong English proficiency.
2. Manufacturing
- Romania is a key automotive and electronics manufacturing base in Central and Eastern Europe, with exports to the UK and EU on the rise.
- New plants from global leaders in automotive, aerospace, and pharma have been drawn by advanced infrastructure and cost competitiveness.
3. Real Estate and Construction
- Demand for logistics parks, Grade A offices, and residential investments has spiked as international companies expand near Romania’s Black Sea coast and main cities.
4. Renewable Energy
- Romania is accelerating its wind, solar, and hydro projects with ambitious national targets and generous incentives for foreign investors.
- The country plans to double its renewables capacity by 2030, underscoring strong FDI potential.
5. Logistics and Transport
- Positioned as an EU gateway bordering Ukraine and the Black Sea, Romania is a logistics hotspot with upgraded highways, ports, and rail links fueling growth.
| Aspect | Romania | Poland | Hungary | Czechia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corporate Tax Rate | 16% / 3 % / 1% (in some conditions) | 19% | 9% | 19% |
| Average Gross Wage | €1,350 | €1,600 | €1,450 | €2,000 |
| GDP Growth 2024 | 2.1% | 2.0% | 1.5% | 1.8% |
| FDI Inflows (2024) | €10.4bn | €24.9bn | €6.5bn | €9.2bn |
| Skilled Labour Pool | High, growing | High | Medium | High |
| Key Sectors | IT, logistics, renewables, automotive. | Manufacturing, IT | Automotive, pharma | Automotive, electronics |
Romania vs Other EU Markets: Competitive Comparison
How UK Investors Can Set Up a Company in Romania
Incorporation is highly streamlined and open to non-residents, with full EU legal protection and minimal barriers. Here’s how UK entrepreneurs can establish a business:
- Select a Structure: The most popular vehicle is the SRL (Limited Liability Company) for SMEs due to its flexibility.
- Company Name Reservation: Apply online and reserve your company name at the Trade Register.
- Articles of Incorporation: Draft and notarise the incorporation documents; models are available in English and Romanian.
- Registered Office: Lease a registered business address; virtual offices for foreign investors are allowed.
- Share Capital: SRL minimum share capital is only 1 RON (less than £0.20).
- Trade Register Application: Submit documents at the Romanian Trade Register with proof of capital and office.
- Tax and VAT Registration: Obtain a unique tax identification code and, if needed, VAT registration for EU trading.
Total timeframe: Company setup can be completed in 3–5 working days, and remote incorporation is possible.
Ongoing Requirements: Romanian law emphasises compliance—annual accounts, transparent reporting, GDPR, and periodic tax filings are mandatory. Outsourcing accounting and legal compliance is highly recommended.
Invest in Romania: Your Next Move for 2025
Romania’s blend of dynamic growth, pro-investor policies, and competitive advantages makes it a standout choice for UK entrepreneurs preparing for global expansion in 2025. Whether you seek opportunity in IT, green energy, logistics, or real estate, Romania is where competitive returns and EU market access converge.
Ready to expand? Contact our team at investinromania.co.uk for expert assistance in company formation, accounting, legal, and compliance. Take the next step towards the future of international investment—start your Romanian venture today.
Sources:
Romania economic growth 2024/2025
Romanian wages and workforce statistics
Corporate tax and investment incentives in Romania
Foreign direct investment inflows Romania 2024
Government grants and incentives for foreign investors
IT sector growth Romania 2024
Manufacturing sector and exports Romania
Real estate and logistics market Romania
Renewable energy projects and incentives Romania
Logistics infrastructure Romania