📰 Dwindling Foreign-Backed Firms in Romania's Landscape
Decrease in Registrations of Businesses with Foreign Investment Capital in Romania During Q1
In an unexpected twist, the number of foreign-owned companies setting up shop in Romania saw a notable drop in Q1 2025, slipping by 6.57% from the previous year. This decline was detailed by Agerpres in an article, indicating a potential shift in the investment landscape.
While 1,565 new companies were established, boasting a combined subscribed share capital of $8.85 million (around $5,655 per company), this figure demonstrated a 14.5% decline compared to the previous year. As of March 2025, the total foreign-backed companies in Romania amounted to 258,875, with a collective subscribed capital of around $72 billion.
🏥 Major Players in the Foreign Investment Game
The Pecking Order of Foreign Investors
When it comes to the number of foreign-owned companies, Italy takes the lead, gripping 54,027 companies under its belt (roughly 19.4% of the total). Despite their vast presence, Dutch companies outshine their counterparts in terms of highest-valued foreign investments, boasting a massive subscribed capital of $13.2 billion, spread across 6,247 companies.
💡 Insight: Both Italy and the Netherlands remain key players in Romania's foreign investment scene, thanks to their strong historical ties and strategic interests. However, recent trends hint at the necessity for Romania to strengthen its investment climate and streamline policy frameworks to attract and retain international investors.
Sources:
[1] Agerpres
[2] Enrichment Data
[3] European Commission - Micula Brothers Case (https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/12056-Investment-arbitration-and-EU-investment-protection)
[4] Romanian Government - Fiscal Policies (https://gov.ro/tag/politici-fiscale/)
[5] World Bank - Romania - Doing Business (https://www.doingbusiness.org/en/country/romania)
- Among the foreign investors in Romania in 2025, investors from the Netherlands have subscribed to the highest capital, amounting to $13.2 billion.
- Despite having the most foreign-owned companies, Italy trails behind the Netherlands in terms of highest-valued foreign investments in Romania.
- In Q1 2025, a total of 258,875 foreign-backed companies were operating in Romania, collectively subscribed with a capital of around $72 billion.
- In an attempt to attract and retain international investors, Romania needs to strengthen its investment climate and streamline its policy frameworks, as indicated by recent trends.
