Company Formation in Romania: Practical Solutions for Entrepreneurs

How to choose the right form of company for your business

When you decide to start a business in Romania, one of the most important steps is choosing the right type of company. The legal framework for company formation in Romania offers several possibilities, ranging from the popular limited liability company to the more personal option of starting up your own business as a PFA, or even opening a branch of an already established entity abroad. Each form of Romanian company comes with specific requirements regarding share capital, administrative responsibilities, and the drafting of articles of incorporation, all of which will directly influence the way your business operates.

The selection of the right NACE codes is another essential step, because they define the scope of your company and ensure that your future activities remain compliant with Romanian legislation. Incorrectly chosen NACE codes can limit your possibilities or require amendments that complicate the registration process. For an entrepreneur who is starting up your own business, understanding these classifications and aligning them with the articles of incorporation is just as important as the legal form you select. Whether you decide to set up a company from scratch or register a branch, careful analysis at this stage will save you both time and resources later.

Start a business in Romania: Step-by-step guide for entrepreneurs

To start a business in Romania successfully, entrepreneurs must carefully follow the procedures of company formation in Romania, which are both structured and transparent, yet can feel overwhelming without proper guidance. The foundation is to decide whether you want a limited liability company, a PFA, or a branch. Once that decision is made, you need to choose the NACE codes that reflect your planned activities and draft the articles of incorporation, which act as the internal constitution of the company.

Depositing the required share capital at a Romanian bank is a mandatory step for an LLC, while the registration with the Trade Register formally brings the company to life. For those starting up your own business as a PFA, the procedure is simpler, since no share capital is required and the documentation is less complex. Still, the core idea remains the same: you cannot set up a company or a branch without aligning your paperwork to the legal requirements. Every document, every clause in the articles of incorporation, and every chosen NACE code shapes the future of your Romanian company.

Advantages of setting up a company as an LLC

The most common form chosen by both locals and foreign investors who want to start a business in Romania is the limited liability company. Its main attraction lies in the fact that liability is limited strictly to the value of the share capital, which means that the entrepreneur’s personal assets remain protected if the company encounters debts or financial problems. This protection makes the limited liability company the safest option for many who are starting up their own business.

The advantages go further: the share capital required to set up a company as an LLC is minimal, the articles of incorporation are straightforward, and there is flexibility in listing multiple NACE codes. The LLC model also allows entrepreneurs to expand and even operate through a branch, maintaining consistency between the main office and its extensions. Overall, choosing the limited liability company for company formation in Romania ensures stability, legal clarity, and an efficient pathway to running a successful Romanian company.

For many entrepreneurs, the decision to set up a company in Romania is not only about legal compliance but also about exploring opportunities in a growing European market. A well-structured Romanian company can serve as both a local presence and a gateway to the EU, making the choice to set up a company here a strategic step for expansion. With the right planning, a Romanian company quickly becomes a reliable vehicle for business growth and international cooperation.

Starting up your own business as a pfa: Flexibility and benefits

While the limited liability company remains the most popular option, there are many cases where starting up your own business as a PFA proves to be more practical. The company formation in Romania procedure for a PFA is significantly simpler, as it does not involve the creation of articles of incorporation or the deposit of share capital. For freelancers, consultants, or professionals who wish to start a business in Romania independently, this structure offers flexibility and quick registration.

Nevertheless, the entrepreneur must still select the proper NACE codes to define the permitted activities, and the Trade Register requires certain documentation. A PFA is more personal and directly connected to the entrepreneur’s work, while a company or branch is a separate legal entity. Although many choose this option at the beginning of their journey, they often later set up a company as an LLC to take advantage of growth opportunities. Both paths, however, fall under the broader umbrella of company formation in Romania, showing that the country provides tailored solutions for different stages of entrepreneurship.

Common mistakes in company formation in Romania and how to avoid them

Despite the clarity of the procedures, many entrepreneurs face challenges when they start a business in Romania. One of the most frequent mistakes is selecting the wrong NACE codes, which may limit their ability to expand or diversify in the future. Another error comes from drafting incomplete or vague articles of incorporation, which can lead to disputes or delays. Similarly, neglecting to deposit the necessary share capital for a limited liability company can block the registration process.

Some also mistakenly open a branch when setting up a new Romanian company would have been more advantageous, while others misinterpret the differences between a PFA and an LLC. These mistakes can turn the excitement of starting up your own business into frustration. The truth is that company formation in Romania requires attention to detail at every stage, and overlooking even a minor formality may delay your ability to legally operate. To truly benefit when you set up a company, it is crucial to avoid these errors from the start. When you decide to start a business in Romania, it is essential to understand that the success of your Romanian company depends on compliance with all legal steps of company formation in Romania.

Whether you choose to set up a company as a limited liability company or consider starting up your own business under a simpler structure, each path requires attention to details such as the correct NACE codes, the mandatory share capital, and the precise drafting of the articles of incorporation. Many foreign investors who start a business in Romania rely on professionals to ensure that their Romanian company is aligned with legal obligations and that the articles of incorporation truly reflect their objectives. Likewise, choosing to set up a company as a limited liability company offers both flexibility and protection, while others see starting up your own business in a lighter form as an initial step before expanding further. No matter the choice, precise NACE codes and properly deposited share capital are fundamental pillars for any successful company formation in Romania.

How a lawyer supports you in setting up a company in Romania

Given these complexities, working with a lawyer during company formation in Romania is more than just a convenience—it is a necessity. A lawyer helps ensure that the articles of incorporation are correctly drafted, that the chosen NACE codes match your intended activity, and that the required share capital is properly deposited. Whether you are about to start a business in Romania as an LLC, a PFA, or a branch, professional guidance saves you from mistakes that could cost both time and money.

For entrepreneurs who are starting up their own business for the first time, a lawyer explains the differences between the limited liability company and the PFA, helping them decide which path is better. For foreign investors planning to open a branch of a parent company, legal advice ensures compliance with both Romanian and international regulations. Ultimately, choosing to set up a company with professional support transforms a potentially stressful process into a smooth experience, allowing you to focus on growing your new Romanian company rather than getting lost in bureaucracy.

Pavel, Margarit and Associates Law Firm is one of the top law firms in Romania, providing high-quality legal services. The firm’s clients include multinational and domestic companies of great magnitude. In 2025, the law firm’s success stories brought it international recognition from the most prestigious international guides and publications in the field. As a result, Pavel, Margarit and Associates Law Firm ranked 3rd in Romania in the Legal 500’s ranking of business law firms with the most relevant expertise. The law firm is internationally recognized by the IFLR 1000 Financial and Corporate 2025 guide. Additionally, Pavel, Margarit and Associates Law Firm is the only law firm in Romania recommended by the international director of Global Law Experts in London in the Dispute Resolution practice area. All relevant information about Pavel, Margarit and Associates Law Firm can be found on the website www.avocatpavel.com.