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SIBIU, ROMANIA
Things to know
about Sibiu
Cultural Heart of Transylvania
Sibiu, located in the heart of Romania's Transylvania region, is a city steeped in history and culture. Known for its Germanic architecture, vibrant arts scene, and numerous museums, Sibiu is a cultural beacon in Romania.
The city is home to several universities, numerous theaters, and the renowned Thalia Hall, a concert and theater hall opened in 1788. Libraries and museums abound, including the Brukenthal National Museum, which houses one of the largest and most impressive art collections in the country.
Sibiu's architectural landscape is a feast for the eyes, with its well-preserved medieval buildings, colorful houses, and iconic 'eyes' on the rooftops of the old town. The city's main squares, Piața Mare and Piața Mică, are surrounded by baroque buildings and linked by narrow, winding lanes.
Whether you're seeking a cultural immersion, a romantic escape, or a leisurely vacation, Sibiu offers a diverse range of experiences. The city's attractions, from the Council Tower with its panoramic views to the Passage of Stairs linking the Upper town to the Lower town, are sure to captivate you.
One of the city's modern highlights is the ASTRA National Museum Complex, an open-air museum showcasing traditional Romanian village life. This museum, located in the natural reservation of Dumbrava Sibiului, is the largest open-air museum in Romania and one of the largest in Europe.
After exploring the city, it's time to indulge in Sibiu's culinary scene. Be sure to try the local specialty, "ciorbă de burtă", a traditional Romanian soup. You can find this delicious dish in many local restaurants, offering an authentic taste of Romanian cuisine.
As for the cultural calendar, Sibiu hosts a variety of exciting events throughout the year. These include the Sibiu International Theatre Festival, one of the most important performing arts festivals in the world, the Sibiu Jazz Festival, and the Medieval Festival. Each of these events contributes to the rich cultural tapestry of Sibiu, making it a city that truly celebrates arts and culture.
Vibrant Nightlife and Cultural Hub of Transylvania
Sibiu, located in the heart of Romania's Transylvania region, is a city that pulsates with life and culture. It is home to several universities, numerous theaters, the renowned Thalia Hall which houses the State Philharmonic of Sibiu, and the Brukenthal National Museum. This cultural richness, combined with a lively nightlife scene, makes Sibiu a must-visit destination in central Romania.
The cityscape of Sibiu is a visual feast, with a blend of architectural styles, expansive parks, and charming squares. Notable landmarks include the iconic Council Tower and the Brukenthal Palace, one of the most significant Baroque monuments in Romania.
Sibiu offers a diverse range of experiences, catering to those seeking an active holiday, a romantic getaway, or a leisurely exploration. The city's attractions are sure to captivate and entertain you.
A visit to Sibiu is incomplete without exploring the city's Old Town. Its unique mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture is a testament to the city's rich historical heritage. This historical charm is beautifully juxtaposed with modern developments, creating a unique urban landscape.
One of the city's modern highlights is the ASTRA Museum of Traditional Folk Civilization, the largest open-air museum in Romania and one of the largest in Europe. This museum showcases the city's cultural roots while also pointing towards its future.
After a day of exploration, immerse yourself in Sibiu's vibrant nightlife. The city is teeming with trendy bars, cozy pubs, and lively clubs. Whether you prefer a quiet evening with a glass of wine or a night of dancing, Sibiu has something for everyone.
Don't miss out on Sibiu's culinary scene. Be sure to try the local specialty, "sarmale", a beloved national dish. These delicious cabbage rolls can be found in many local restaurants, offering an authentic taste of Romanian cuisine.
Sibiu's cultural calendar is packed with exciting events throughout the year. These include the Sibiu International Theatre Festival, one of the most important performing arts festivals in the world, the Astra Film Festival, an international documentary film festival, and the Sibiu Christmas Market, one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe. Each event adds a unique thread to the rich cultural tapestry of Sibiu, making it a city that truly celebrates arts, culture, and life.
How does Sibiu Compare?
The average cost of living in Sibiu is €876, which is in the top 38% of the least expensive cities in the world, ranked 5790th out of 9294 in a recent global list and 5th out of 79 in Romania.
The median after-tax salary is approximately €860, which is enough to cover living expenses for 1 month.
Sibiu is ranked 1608th (TOP 17%) in the list of best places to live in the world and 10th best city to live in Romania.
With an estimated population of around 400K (a 0.25% decline from 2021), Sibiu is the 7th largest city in Romania.
A one-bedroom apartment in the City Centre is likely to set you back around €330 per month, while moving outside the centre will save you some money, costing around €260.
Expect to pay double the above for any more than one bedroom and you won't be far off.
Monthly utilities are likely to be around €150-€160 inclusive of Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage collections etc. for an 85m2 apartment.
Internet costs are approximately €10-15 per month for a healthy service up to 60 Mbps.
On average a single person can spend around €70-€100 a month on groceries which is considered quite affordable when compared to other cities in the world. This will cover all your supermarket needs such as fruit, vegetables, dairy products and drinking water.
City transport in Sibiu is well-developed, modern and inexpensive.
A monthly ticket for all ordinary connections costs approximate RON 90 (Approx. €20) with petrol prices coming in considerably lower than some regions at around €1 per ltr.
Using taxis in Sibiu is also really cheap! So cheap, in fact, that there is no need for Uber here but if you want to save some money, you can also learn to use the "urban bike" scheme. Using it up to 15 minutes is free of charge, which is enough to get you to many places.
Cost of Living
in Sibiu
In accordance with Romanian income tax law, an individual deemed a Romanian tax resident is subject to Romanian income tax on their global income. In this case, the individual is considered to have unlimited tax liability. On the other hand, if an individual is a non-resident for tax purposes in Romania, they are considered to have limited Romanian tax liability. This means that the individual is only liable for Romanian income tax on income sourced from Romania.
An individual is classified as a resident of Romania if they meet at least one of the following conditions:
The individual has stronger personal or economic ties with Romania (centre of vital interests in Romania), OR
The individual spends more than 183 days in a fiscal year on Romanian territory.
Only one of these conditions needs to be satisfied for an individual to be considered a tax resident of Romania. The official currency of Romania is the Romanian leu (RON).
Eligibility to Work in Sibiu
Romanian income tax law provides that an individual who is considered a Romanian tax resident is liable to Romanian income tax on their worldwide income.
In these circumstances, the individual is considered to have an unlimited tax liability. Conversely, if an individual is a non-resident for tax purposes of Romania, they are considered to have a limited Romanian tax liability. As such, the individual is only liable to Romanian income tax in respect of Romanian-sourced income.
An individual is defined as a resident of Romania, if at least one below-mentioned condition is fulfilled:
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The individual has closer personal or economic relations with Romania (centre of vital interests in Romania), OR
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The individual stays on the territory of Romania longer than 183 days in a given fiscal year.
Only one of the above conditions need to be met for an individual to be considered a tax resident of Romania. The official currency of Romania is the Romanian leu (RON).
For more information, please visit the official Romanian tax authority website or consult with a tax professional.
Romanian immigration under the category of work is made available to non-EU citizens through different types of work permits with a duration for which the work permit granted is constant.
Citizens of EU/EEA countries or Switzerland do not need to apply for a visa to enter Romania. They may cross the border on the basis of a valid travel document: an ID card or a passport.
If they are going to stay less than three months, they do not need to register their stay as foreigners but they do have to do it if their stay exceeds three months.
Students from non-EU/EEA member countries should apply for a visa for educational purposes through the Romanian consulate or embassy in their home country.
If you are a non-EU citizen and wish to work in Romania, you will need a work permit to enter the country. The validity of a work permit is for three years. The work permit is valid for only one job, and you can use it to perform only those tasks mentioned in your application form. If you are changing careers, you must apply for a new work permit.
The employer must provide the necessary documents to acquire a work permit on behalf of a foreign employee. These documents include a completed application form, proof of the paid application fees, current records of the employer’s economic activity, proof of applicants health insurance, a deed for the company, copies with relevant travel information on the applicant’s passport pages, a copy of a statement regarding profits or losses sustained by the employer, confirmation and evidence of the legal status of the employer from the National Court Register, a copy of a contract following the service being provided in Romania.
Once you get the work permit for Romania, you can legally work in Romania, legalize your stay in the country, do the work defined in the work permit, and sign a work contract with your employer.
Please note that the above information is a general guideline and may not be accurate or complete. It is always recommended to consult with a legal professional or the appropriate government agency for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
