We work hard to keep this guide accurate. If you spot outdated info, email updates to contact@desinri.com.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Short Description:<\/strong> Complete guide to Romania\u2019s D\/Family long-stay visa for family reunification: eligibility, documents, process, work rights, residence permit, refusals, and next steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Last Verified On:<\/strong> 2026-04-06<\/p>\n\n\n\n Romania\u2019s National Long-Stay Visa (Type D) – Family Reunification<\/strong> is the entry visa used by certain foreign family members who want to join a sponsor already entitled to live in Romania.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It exists to allow family unity<\/strong> under Romanian immigration law. In practice, it is not the final immigration status by itself. It is the entry clearance<\/strong> that lets the applicant travel to Romania for the purpose of family reunification and then continue the stay under a temporary residence permit<\/strong> or equivalent residence status, where required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Romania\u2019s immigration system, this visa sits within the broader Type D long-stay visa<\/strong> framework. The Type D visa is used for long-term purposes such as work, study, commercial activities, and family reunification. The family stream is specifically for joining a qualifying family member in Romania.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is mainly for family members of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common official naming includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A simplified sequence is usually:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Warning:<\/strong> Many applicants confuse the visa with the residence permit. In Romanian practice, they are usually different steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This visa is generally appropriate for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do not<\/strong> use this visa for short tourism. Use the correct short-stay visa<\/strong> if you need a visa, or enter visa-free if eligible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do not<\/strong> use it for brief meetings, conferences, or commercial visits only. Use the proper short-stay\/business route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do not<\/strong> use it just to come search for jobs. Romania generally expects a proper work-based route for employment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your main purpose is to work in Romania based on your own job offer, the correct route is usually the long-stay visa for employment\/work<\/strong>, not family reunification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your main purpose is to study, the correct route is usually the long-stay study visa<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your purpose is remote work, do not assume family reunification automatically authorizes that activity. Romania has distinct rules for work status and residence grounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Use the business\/commercial\/investment route if your main purpose is business activity rather than joining family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not applicable. Use transit or short-stay entry rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Use a medical-treatment-appropriate route if the main purpose is treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Use diplomatic\/official channels, not this route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The core permitted purpose is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This visa is not primarily for<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A holder can of course live daily life in Romania after arrival, but the legal basis is still family reunification<\/strong>, not tourism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some family members may later have labor market access or be able to work without a separate work permit depending on their residence status and relationship category. This is governed mainly by the residence permit rules<\/strong>, not just the visa sticker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A family member may attend certain courses or studies depending on residence rights, but the visa itself is not the dedicated study route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are already married<\/strong> and applying to join your spouse, this visa may fit. If you are traveling to Romania to get married<\/strong>, that is a different factual scenario and may require a different route or documentary basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After entry, applicants commonly move to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Romania has long used the Type D classification for long-stay visas. The broad structure remains current, though exact labels on websites and forms may differ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n People often confuse D-Family with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Warning:<\/strong> Family member rights can differ significantly depending on whether the sponsor is:\n– a Romanian citizen,\n– a non-EU national with Romanian residence,\n– or an EU\/EEA\/Swiss citizen residing in Romania.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because Romanian family reunification rules differ by sponsor type and relationship, applicants should treat the official immigration approval and consular checklist as decisive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually, the applicant must have a sponsor\/family member in Romania who is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Typical qualifying relationships may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The exact scope can vary by legal category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For many family reunification cases involving foreign sponsors, the Romanian General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) issues a family reunification approval<\/strong> before the visa application is made abroad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The applicant needs a valid passport or travel document.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Applicant must generally not be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Romania applies national visa rules to non-Romanian\/non-EU family members, but exact treatment can differ for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n These are not always handled identically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Expect to prove the relationship using official civil-status documents such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If issued abroad, these may need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Romanian authorities generally expect proof that the sponsor can host\/support the family member and that the accommodation is lawful and adequate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Romania may refuse visas to persons who:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example: applying as spouse but presenting inconsistent names, dates, or marital history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Marriage certificate alone may be insufficient if the file raises suspicion or documents conflict.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Applying under family reunification when the real purpose is work or study.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Missing approval letter, missing passport pages, no legalized certificates, no translations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sponsor\u2019s residence permit expiring soon, no adequate housing, no clear lawful income.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Prior overstays, deportation, visa fraud, or inconsistent previous applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Contradictory answers about how the couple met, where they will live, or sponsor\u2019s status.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Damaged passport, insufficient validity, poor-quality copies, noncompliant photos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Using unofficial translators where authorized translations are required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common Mistake:<\/strong> Applicants often assume that any family tie is enough. In practice, Romanian law recognizes specific family categories and documentary standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Type D long-stay visas are generally issued to permit entry and then residence formalities. Once you hold a Romanian residence permit, travel conditions become easier to manage than relying only on the initial visa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may need to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Romanian long-stay visas are generally issued with a validity allowing travel for a limited period, commonly up to 90 days<\/strong>. The exact valid-from<\/strong>, valid-until<\/strong>, number of entries, and stay duration are shown on the visa sticker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The long-stay visa generally permits a stay of up to 90 days<\/strong> in Romania. During that period, the holder should complete the next immigration step for longer residence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many Type D visas are issued for multiple entries<\/strong>, but you must verify the actual visa label.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The visa\u2019s validity starts on the date printed on the sticker, not on your application date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Overstaying can cause:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The visa itself is usually not \u201crenewed\u201d in the same way as a residence permit. Instead, after entry, you normally seek the residence permit<\/strong> before your lawful stay expires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Warning:<\/strong> Do not wait until the last days of the visa validity to start residence formalities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This section combines official core elements with practical preparation advice. Exact checklists vary by consulate and sponsor category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common Mistake:<\/strong> Forgetting to copy all stamped\/used pages when the consulate wants travel history context.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually relevant for the sponsor<\/strong>, not the applicant:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually not central<\/strong> for this visa, unless needed to identify a dependent child enrolled in school or to support family dependency claims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is one of the most important sections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Requirements vary by stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on the consulate and nationality:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Foreign civil-status documents often require:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the document originates in a country with bilateral exemptions, legalization rules may differ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Check the specific mission instructions. Usually:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pro Tip:<\/strong> Use the exact photo standard listed by the specific Romanian embassy or consulate handling your file.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Romanian authorities focus heavily on whether the family can live lawfully and sustainably in Romania.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The exact legal threshold can depend on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because these figures can change and are not always presented in one simple public consular table, applicants should check the latest official IGI guidance and consulate instructions<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Third-party informal sponsors are usually weaker than the actual legal family sponsor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Romanian fee structures can change and may differ by post.<\/p>\n\n\n\nVisa Snapshot<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nItem<\/th>\n Details<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Country<\/td>\n Romania<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Visa name<\/td>\n National Long-Stay Visa (Type D) – Family Reunification<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Visa short name<\/td>\n D-Family<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Category<\/td>\n Long-stay national visa<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Main purpose<\/td>\n Entry to Romania for family reunification with a legally residing sponsor\/family member<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Typical applicant<\/td>\n Spouse, minor child, certain dependent family member, or other qualifying family member of a Romanian citizen or foreign national legally residing in Romania<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Validity<\/td>\n Officially issued as a long-stay visa; long-stay visas are generally granted for up to 90 days validity for entry, but applicants must verify the visa sticker details issued in their case<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Stay duration<\/td>\n Long-stay visas generally allow stay in Romania for up to 90 days; after entry, the holder typically applies for\/obtains a temporary residence permit for family reunification<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Entries allowed<\/td>\n Usually multiple-entry for Type D long-stay visas, but always verify the visa sticker issued<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Extension possible?<\/td>\n Yes, indirectly: the visa itself is not the long-term status. Long-term stay is usually continued through a Romanian residence permit obtained after entry<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Work allowed?<\/td>\n Limited\/explain: the visa itself is for entry. Work rights depend mainly on the residence status after arrival and the applicant\u2019s category\/family member status<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Study allowed?<\/td>\n Limited\/explain: incidental study may be possible, but this is not the dedicated study visa route<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Family allowed?<\/td>\n Yes, this route is specifically for qualifying family reunification cases<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n PR path?<\/td>\n Possible: lawful residence in Romania may count toward long-term residence, subject to Romanian immigration law and residence continuity rules<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Citizenship path?<\/td>\n Indirect: family reunification status can contribute to lawful residence history, but citizenship has separate legal requirements<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n What it is legally<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Who it is meant for<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Official and local naming<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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How it fits into the system<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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2. Who should apply for this visa?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Best-fit applicants<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Who should not use this visa<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Tourists<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Business visitors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Job seekers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Employees<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Students<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Digital nomads<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Founders, entrepreneurs, investors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Transit passengers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Medical travelers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Diplomatic or official travelers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Quick suitability guide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nApplicant type<\/th>\n Good fit for D-Family?<\/th>\n Notes<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Tourist<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Use short-stay route<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Business visitor<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Use short-stay\/business route<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Employee with Romanian job offer<\/td>\n Usually no<\/td>\n Use work visa<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Student admitted to Romanian school<\/td>\n Usually no<\/td>\n Use study visa<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Spouse joining resident in Romania<\/td>\n Yes<\/td>\n Core use case<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Minor child joining parent<\/td>\n Yes<\/td>\n Core use case<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Parent\/dependent relative<\/td>\n Maybe<\/td>\n Depends on legal category<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Digital nomad with no family sponsor<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Wrong route<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Founder\/investor<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Use commercial\/business route<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n 3. What is this visa used for?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Permitted purpose<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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What it is not for<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Grey areas and common misunderstandings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Tourism during family visit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Work after arrival<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Study after arrival<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Marriage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Official visa classification and naming<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Official program name<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Classification<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Related permit names<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Older vs current naming<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Commonly confused categories<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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5. Eligibility criteria<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Core eligibility principles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Qualifying sponsor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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2. Qualifying relationship<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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3. Prior approval, where required<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Valid travel document<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. No refusal grounds<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Detailed eligibility factors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nFactor<\/th>\n General position<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Nationality<\/td>\n Most non-EU\/EEA\/Swiss nationals needing long-stay entry to Romania may apply if otherwise eligible<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Passport validity<\/td>\n Required; exact minimum validity should be checked with the consulate handling the application<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Age<\/td>\n Relevant for children and dependents; minors need additional consent\/custody documents<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Education<\/td>\n Not a standard criterion for this visa<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Language<\/td>\n No general Romanian language requirement at visa stage publicly emphasized for this route<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Work experience<\/td>\n Not a standard criterion<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Sponsorship<\/td>\n Yes, central to the route<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Invitation\/approval<\/td>\n Usually yes, especially where IGI approval for family reunification is required<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Job offer<\/td>\n Not required for the family route itself<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Points system<\/td>\n No public points system for this route<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Relationship proof<\/td>\n Essential<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Maintenance funds<\/td>\n Often relevant; sponsor\u2019s means and\/or applicant support must satisfy legal requirements<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Accommodation proof<\/td>\n Usually required<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Onward travel<\/td>\n Not typically the central issue for long-stay family reunion, but travel plans and intended entry may still be requested<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Health<\/td>\n Public health\/security grounds apply<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Criminal record<\/td>\n May be required or checked depending on case\/consular practice<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Insurance<\/td>\n Consular\/residence permit stage may require proof; requirements can vary by phase<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Biometrics<\/td>\n Usually collected as part of visa\/residence processing<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Intent requirement<\/td>\n Must genuinely intend family reunification<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Residency outside Romania<\/td>\n Usually application is made abroad through the competent Romanian mission<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Quotas\/caps<\/td>\n No general public quota system identified for this family route<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Embassy-specific rules<\/td>\n Yes, document presentation and appointment practice may vary<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Special exemptions<\/td>\n Possible by sponsor category, nationality, or legal status<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Nationality rules<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Relationship proof<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Accommodation and support<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Character and security<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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6. Who is NOT eligible \/ common refusal triggers<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Likely ineligibility situations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Common refusal triggers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Document mismatch<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Weak relationship proof<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Wrong visa class<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Incomplete application<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Sponsor issues<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Immigration history issues<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Interview inconsistencies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Passport and formal defects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Translation\/notarization errors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
7. Benefits of this visa<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Main benefits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Family benefits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Travel flexibility<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Longer-term benefits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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8. Limitations and restrictions<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Key restrictions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Common limitations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Reporting obligations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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9. Duration, validity, entries, and stay rules<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Visa validity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Stay duration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Entries<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When the clock starts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Overstays<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Renewal timing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
10. Complete document checklist<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
A. Core documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nDocument<\/th>\n What it is<\/th>\n Why needed<\/th>\n Common mistakes<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Visa application form<\/td>\n Official Romanian long-stay visa form<\/td>\n Starts the formal request<\/td>\n Incomplete fields, inconsistent dates<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Family reunification approval or supporting legal basis<\/td>\n Approval from Romanian immigration authority where required<\/td>\n Proves eligibility under family reunification rules<\/td>\n Applying without the approval letter<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Cover letter\/explanation<\/td>\n Short statement of case<\/td>\n Helps explain sponsor, relationship, timeline<\/td>\n Overlong or inconsistent narratives<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n B. Identity\/travel documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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C. Financial documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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D. Employment\/business documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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E. Education documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
F. Relationship\/family documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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G. Accommodation\/travel documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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H. Sponsor\/invitation documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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I. Health\/insurance documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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J. Country-specific extras<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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K. Minor\/dependent-specific documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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L. Translation \/ apostille \/ notarization needs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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M. Photo specifications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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11. Financial requirements<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
What matters financially<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Minimum funds<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Who can sponsor<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Acceptable proof of funds<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Proof strength tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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12. Fees and total cost<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Main cost items<\/h2>\n\n\n\n