Do Romanian citizens need a visa to live in Spain?

No. Romania joined the European Union in 2007, giving Romanian citizens full EU freedom of movement rights. You can live, work, and study in Spain without a visa or prior application of any kind. Spain has been one of the top destinations for Romanian emigrants since Romania's EU accession.

With over 600,000–700,000 Romanians estimated to be living in Spain, this is one of the largest non-Spanish communities in the country. Romanian communities are particularly concentrated in Madrid, Castellón, Murcia, Valencia, and Barcelona — as well as significant agricultural communities in Lleida, Huelva, and Almería.

Already living in Spain? Many Romanians who have been in Spain for years are now reconsidering their healthcare arrangements — particularly those who have changed employment status, become self-employed, or are approaching retirement age. If you are no longer contributing to seguridad social, you may need to arrange private health insurance. This guide covers both new arrivals and long-term residents.

Health insurance requirements for Spanish residency registration

Romanian citizens not employed in Spain — including remote workers, self-employed individuals with low cotizaciones, and retirees — need private health insurance to satisfy the self-sufficiency requirement for EU residency registration. The policy must meet these four conditions:

No copayments or excess

100% of medical costs covered from the first euro. No deductible, no co-pay, no cost-sharing of any kind.

Full Spanish territory

Coverage must include all of Spain — mainland, Canary Islands, Balearics, Ceuta, and Melilla. Regional-only policies are not accepted.

Private insurer only

Must be with a registered private insurer. Romanian CNAS, public health entitlement, or EHIC cards are not accepted for residency registration.

Minimum 12 months

The policy must run for at least one year from the start date. Travel or short-term policies are not accepted.

Will your Romanian health insurance cover you in Spain?

No. Romania's CNAS (Casa Naţională de Asigurări de Sănătate) — the National Health Insurance House — provides coverage tied to residence and social contributions in Romania. Once you relocate to Spain, your CNAS entitlement ends.

The Romanian European Health Insurance Card covers only emergency treatment during temporary visits to other EU countries — not ongoing residency. Once Spain is your country of residence, the card does not provide coverage and cannot be used for residency registration.

For Romanian citizens in Spain, healthcare access depends on your situation:

  • Employed by a Spanish company: Seguridad social contributions give you access to Spain's public health system. Private insurance is optional but popular for shorter waiting times.
  • Self-employed (autónomo) with full cotizaciones: Same as above — you access the public system through your contributions.
  • Remote workers / freelancers with income from outside Spain: Private health insurance is needed both for healthcare access and for residency registration.
  • Retired Romanians not drawing a Spanish pension: Private health insurance is required for residency registration and healthcare access.

Best health insurance for Romanian citizens living in Spain

Whether you are a new arrival or a long-term resident looking to switch to private cover, these three insurers are the most recommended for Romanian citizens in Spain:

Sanitas Residents (BUPA) Partner · #1 Recommended
Instant certificate by email · BUPA-backed · 58,000+ specialists · No copayments · Full territory · Strong network in Madrid, Valencia, Castellón, and Barcelona
From €67.76/mo Get a quote →
Caser Adapta Dental included · Max age 69
Dental included as standard · Very competitive pricing · Strong national network · Certificate in 1–2 days · Good value for budget-conscious applicants
From ~€55/mo View on 247expat →
ASSSA Expat specialist · Best 70+
Expat-focused insurer · English-speaking support · Accepts new applicants over 70 · Excellent for Romanian retirees and older residents needing private cover
From ~€55/mo Full review →

Step-by-step: registering as a resident in Spain

  1. 1
    Empadronamiento at your Ayuntamiento

    Register at your local town hall with passport and proof of address (rental contract or utility bill). Receive your certificado de empadronamiento.

  2. 2
    Get your NIE number

    Apply for your NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) at the Oficina de Extranjería or National Police. Required for all official and financial transactions.

  3. 3
    Arrange private health insurance (if not employed)

    If you are not contributing to seguridad social, purchase a compliant private health insurance policy before your registration appointment. Ensure no copayments, full territory, and 12-month minimum term.

  4. 4
    Register at Oficina de Extranjería

    Book appointment, bring passport, empadronamiento certificate, and proof of self-sufficiency (employment contract, payslips, or health insurance certificate). Receive your EU registration certificate.

  5. 5
    After 5 years — permanent residency

    Many Romanians who have been in Spain since 2007–2010 are already eligible for permanent residency (residencia permanente), which removes ongoing self-sufficiency requirements.

Frequently asked questions

Do Romanian citizens need a visa to live in Spain?

No. Romania is an EU member state. Romanian citizens have full freedom of movement and can live and work in Spain without a visa. Formal registration after three months is required.

I already live in Spain — do I still need private insurance?

It depends. If you are employed in Spain and contributing to seguridad social, you access the public health system — no private insurance required. If you are self-employed with low contributions, a remote worker with foreign income, or retired, you need private insurance for healthcare access and to satisfy self-sufficiency requirements if you have not obtained permanent residency.

Does Romanian CNAS cover me in Spain?

No. CNAS coverage ends when you relocate to Spain. The Romanian EHIC covers only emergency treatment during temporary stays — not long-term residency.

I am a Romanian remote worker in Spain — do I need private insurance?

Yes, if your income comes from outside Spain and you are not contributing to Spanish seguridad social. Remote workers in Spain need private health insurance for both healthcare access and residency registration purposes.

What documents do I need for EU residency registration in Spain?

You need your Romanian passport, empadronamiento certificate (local town hall registration), proof of economic self-sufficiency or employment, and a health insurance certificate from a registered Spanish insurer. If you are not employed in Spain, the insurance must confirm full Spain-wide coverage with no copayments. Sanitas, Caser, and ASSSA all issue the required documentation accepted at Spanish immigration offices.

Can I start my Spanish health insurance before I move to Spain?

Yes — and this is recommended. You can set the policy start date to match your planned arrival in Spain and receive the insurance certificate while still in Romania. Having the certificate ready before you travel means you can complete residency registration promptly on arrival.

What is the best health insurance for Romanians switching from public to private?

Sanitas Residents (BUPA) is the most recommended option for switching to private cover — offering faster specialist access, no waiting lists, and an extensive national network. Caser Adapta is a competitive alternative with dental included. Use our compare tool to find the best option for your age and location.