Contract de Vânzare-Cumpărare
A contract de vânzare-cumpărare is the Romanian sale and purchase contract — the notarially authenticated agreement that transfers ownership of real property from seller to buyer in Romania.
In Romania, the transfer of real estate ownership requires a notarially authenticated contract (contract autentic) rather than a simple written agreement. The notary public (notar public) prepares and authenticates the contract, verifying both parties' identities and capacity, and the deed is then registered in the Carte Funciară (Land Book).
The contract must include the full identification of both parties with their CNP (social security number), a precise cadastral description of the property including the cadastral number (număr cadastral) and book number (număr carte funciară), the agreed purchase price, payment terms, and representations about encumbrances.
Key Facts
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Form Required | Contract autentic — notarially authenticated |
| Land Book | Carte Funciară — constitutive registration |
| Notarial Fees | Regulated sliding scale based on value |
| Transfer Tax | 3% within 3 years; lower rate for older ownership |
| ANAF Check | Tax clearance certificate required at closing |
Romanian notarial fees are regulated and calculated on a sliding scale based on the property's value. A transfer tax (impozit pe transferul proprietăților imobiliare) of 3% applies where the property is sold within 3 years of acquisition; for properties held longer, the rate is lower.
Foreign nationals — including EU citizens — may purchase Romanian urban property freely. However, agricultural and forestry land can only be acquired by EU citizens who are resident farmers under specific conditions. Non-EU nationals face additional restrictions.
The Romanian notary conducts anti-money laundering checks, obtains the ANAF (tax authority) certificate confirming no outstanding tax debts on the property, and coordinates the Land Book registration — making their role more comprehensive than in many other jurisdictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Romanian notary required for property purchases?
Yes. Romanian law requires all real estate transfers to be executed by a notarially authenticated contract (contract autentic) before a licensed Romanian notar public. An unnotarised agreement cannot transfer title or be registered in the Carte Funciara.
What is the Romanian property transfer tax rate?
A tax on transfer of immovable property is applied: for properties held less than 3 years, the rate is 3% of the declared value. For properties held 3 years or longer, a lower rate applies under Article 111 of the Romanian Fiscal Code.
Can non-EU citizens buy property in Romania?
Non-EU nationals may purchase urban residential property in Romania on the basis of reciprocity or bilateral treaty. Agricultural land, forests, and subsoil resources cannot be acquired by non-EU nationals except under specific treaty provisions.
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