Legal help for foreigners in Romania
Living, working or travelling in Romania and facing a legal problem? You can talk to the lawyer in English. We explain how Romanian procedure works for foreign citizens — language, documents, deadlines — and represent you where the law allows.
Language, translators and documents
- Court proceedings in Romania are conducted in Romanian, and applications are drafted in Romanian.
- In civil cases, a foreign citizen who does not understand Romanian may read the file, speak in court and make submissions through an authorised translator.
- In criminal cases, parties who do not speak Romanian are given an interpreter free of charge; a suspect who must be assisted by a lawyer can also communicate with the lawyer through an interpreter, free of charge.
- Documents in a foreign language are filed in court as certified copies with a legalised translation by an authorised translator.
- A criminal complaint may be filed in a language you understand.
Legal basis: Romanian Code of Civil Procedure, art. 18(1), (3), (4) and art. 150(4); Romanian Code of Criminal Procedure, art. 12(1), (3) and art. 289(11).
Situations we help with
Renting a flat
Problems with a landlord or a tenant, a deposit that is not returned, an eviction notice.
Read more (in Romanian)A car accident
Claiming compensation from the Romanian compulsory motor insurance (RCA) of the driver at fault.
Read more (in Romanian)Called to the police
As a witness, suspect or victim — what your rights are and why it helps to have a lawyer with you.
Read more (in Romanian)Divorce or children
Divorce from a Romanian spouse, the child’s residence, child support — and whether Romanian courts can decide.
Read more (in Romanian)A company in Romania
Setting up a company, commercial contracts, unpaid invoices from Romanian clients.
Read more (in Romanian)A fine or a complaint
Contesting a traffic or administrative fine within the legal deadline, or filing a criminal complaint.
Read more (in Romanian)
Where we work
- Otopeni / Ilfov — Otopeni, close to Henri Coandă International Airport, and the rest of Ilfov County around Bucharest.
- Bucharest — All six sectors of Bucharest.
- Pitești — Pitești and Argeș County.
The first discussion can take place at the office or online, by video or phone call. If you are suspected of an offence, you have the right to a lawyer at every stage, including at the police.
Legal basis: Romanian Code of Criminal Procedure, art. 89(1).
Questions
Can I file a criminal complaint if I do not speak Romanian?
Yes. A person who does not speak or understand Romanian may file the complaint in a language they understand and may ask to receive a translation of the summons when they are summoned.
Will I have an interpreter in court?
In criminal proceedings, parties who do not speak or understand Romanian are given an interpreter free of charge. In civil cases, a foreign citizen who does not understand Romanian may take part through an authorised translator. Applications to the court are always drafted in Romanian.
My documents are not in Romanian. Can I use them?
Yes, but in court they must be filed as certified copies together with a legalised translation made by an authorised translator. We tell you from the start which documents need translating.
I am leaving Romania soon. Can the case continue without me?
Often, yes: in many civil cases you can be represented by a lawyer, and the first discussion can take place online. Some steps still require you personally — we tell you which ones before you leave.
The information on this website is general and does not constitute legal advice.
Tell us briefly what happened
Write in English or in Romanian. The discussion with the lawyer is confidential.