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Short description:<\/strong> A complete guide to Romania\u2019s Type D long-stay visa for self-employment and investor activity, including eligibility, documents, process, residence permit steps, and pitfalls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Last Verified On:<\/strong> 2026-04-06<\/p>\n\n\n\n Romania\u2019s Type D long-stay visa<\/strong> is a national visa used by non-EU\/EEA\/Swiss nationals who intend to stay in Romania for more than 90 days for a legally recognized long-term purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For this guide, the relevant sub-route is the category used for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In practice, this route is often described as the Romanian self-employment<\/strong>, commercial activities<\/strong>, or investor\/business<\/strong> long-stay route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It exists so that Romania can admit foreign nationals who plan to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Within Romania\u2019s immigration system, this is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n So this is not<\/strong> permanent residence by itself, and it is not<\/strong> just a visitor authorization. It is an entry clearance leading to residence permission<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Romanian sources commonly refer to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The exact label can vary across:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may see Romanian terms such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Warning:<\/strong> Romanian authorities sometimes separate commercial activities<\/strong> from professional\/independent activities<\/strong>. Some embassies also provide slightly different wording in English. Applicants must confirm which exact legal subcategory applies to their case before filing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This visa is best for people who want to move to Romania for a genuine, documented economic activity based on their own business, investment, or independent work<\/strong>, rather than tourism, employment, or study.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Best suited if you plan to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Suitable if you will:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Potentially suitable if your case fits Romania\u2019s legal route for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This area can be highly technical because some professions are regulated and may require separate recognition, licensing, or membership in a professional body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Use a short-stay visa or visa-free entry, if eligible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Use the short-stay business route, not a long-stay self-employment\/investor route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Romania does not use this route as a general job-seeker visa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you will work for a Romanian employer as staff, the usual route is the employment long-stay visa<\/strong>, typically tied to a work authorization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Use the study long-stay visa<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Normally use family reunification<\/strong> or another dependent\/family route, not the self-employment\/investor category unless they independently qualify.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Romania has had a distinct digital nomad framework. If your work is for a foreign employer\/client base and not Romanian self-employment\/commercial activity, that route may be more appropriate than this one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is not a retirement visa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Use the religion\/religious activities route if applicable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the purpose is performance, cultural work, or sport, this may not be the right category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not applicable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Use the treatment\/medical route if applicable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Use diplomatic\/official channels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Subject to the exact subcategory and supporting approvals, this visa is generally used for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This visa is generally not<\/strong> for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you simply work online for a foreign employer while living in Romania, that may fit better under a digital nomad<\/strong> route than a self-employment\/investor route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In many countries, and effectively in Romania too, having a company on paper alone is not the same as qualifying for residence<\/strong>. Authorities may want to see:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You cannot treat this as a marriage visa. If your true purpose is joining a spouse, use the proper family route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Public-facing English terminology is not always perfectly standardized across Romanian official sites. You may see:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the embassy checklist uses a narrower term than a guide or translation, follow the embassy + legal basis + IGI guidance<\/strong> for your exact case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because Romania\u2019s self-employment\/investor route is document-heavy and subcategory-specific, eligibility can vary. The following reflects the core framework from official Romanian visa and immigration rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Applicants generally must:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nationality matters because:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Applicants generally need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Exact validity rules can be checked with the embassy\/consulate handling the application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No general public rule says this is restricted to a narrow age band, but:<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is no universal public rule<\/strong> stating all investor\/self-employment applicants must prove a specific language level. However:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This route often requires more than a personal statement. Depending on the subcategory, applicants may need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually not required<\/strong> for true self-employment\/investor cases. If you have a job offer from a Romanian employer, you may be in the wrong category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No publicly prominent points system or lottery applies to this visa route. No broad public quota system is usually described for this category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Applicants generally must show:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The exact threshold can vary by subcategory and by the legal standard referenced by the consulate\/IGI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Applicants are usually expected to show where they will stay in Romania, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is less central than for short-stay visas, but some missions may still ask for travel arrangements or intended entry details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Applicants may need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A criminal record certificate is commonly required in long-stay residence processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Private medical insurance is commonly required for visa issuance and\/or residence permit issuance unless the person later enters the Romanian public health insurance system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Biometrics may be taken during visa and\/or residence permit processing depending on the stage and location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The applicant must show:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Romanian embassies usually expect you to apply in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Applying from a third country may or may not be accepted depending on embassy rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes. Long-stay visa holders usually must apply for a residence permit<\/strong> inside Romania before the visa\/rightful stay expires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a major issue. Some missions publish more detailed checklists than others. Local embassy practice can affect:<\/p>\n\n\n\n No broad public exemption regime appears to waive the core long-stay visa requirement for this route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You are likely not eligible if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example: saying \u201cself-employed\u201d but submitting only a meeting invitation and hotel booking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Authorities may doubt whether the activity is real, viable, or economically meaningful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If personal or business funds are too low, poorly documented, or recently deposited without explanation, refusal risk increases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is one of the biggest issues. A founder applying under self-employment when the facts fit employment, or vice versa, can be refused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Missing translations, unsigned forms, missing company documents, missing police certificate, or missing insurance can derail the file.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Romania and Schengen-related travel history can matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the company papers, bank letters, or source-of-funds evidence cannot be verified, refusal risk is high.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Damaged passport, insufficient validity, or inconsistent personal data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wrong coverage period, wrong territorial coverage, or insurer not accepted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Romanian authorities often require formal translation quality. Sloppy translations can create contradictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Contradicting your own application, not knowing your own business plan, or giving vague answers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on your later residence status, this route may help with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The visa is only the first step<\/strong>. Many applicants mistakenly assume that visa issuance means long-term residence is complete. It is not. The residence permit process after arrival is critical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Romanian long-stay visas are generally issued for up to 90 days<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Type D visa allows entry and presence for the visa period, but its main function is to allow you to enter Romania and apply for a temporary residence permit for longer lawful stay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many Type D visas are issued as multiple-entry, but applicants should verify the actual visa sticker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The visa validity runs from the dates shown on the sticker. Do not assume the clock starts when you first enter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No broad grace period should be assumed. Overstay can create immigration problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You usually apply for residence permit renewal before<\/strong> the current permit expires. Do not wait until the last days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your status becomes useful only if you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Romanian practice on pending permit applications should be checked with IGI. Applicants should not assume broad \u201cimplied status\u201d protections without confirmation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Important:<\/strong> Exact documents can vary by embassy and by whether your case is treated as commercial activities<\/strong> or independent professional activities<\/strong>. Always use the checklist issued by the Romanian embassy\/consulate and IGI for your subcategory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common mistake:<\/strong> Name spelling differs across passport, corporate records, and police certificate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why needed:<\/strong> To prove both maintenance funds and business\/investment credibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is the heart of the application. Depending on the exact route, you may need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Warning:<\/strong> A company incorporation certificate alone is usually not enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Only where relevant, especially for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If dependents are involved or family circumstances affect accommodation\/funds:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not always applicable in the classic sense, but where another Romanian company\/entity supports the case:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some embassies may require:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not usually applicable for principal investor\/self-employment status, but for accompanying minors:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Romanian authorities often require foreign documents to be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common Mistake:<\/strong> Submitting an English-language corporate package without checking whether Romanian translation is mandatory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Use the specifications required by the embassy\/consulate:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because photo rules can vary in practice, check the mission-specific instructions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Romanian authorities require proof of sufficient means and, for business routes, proof connected to the investment\/commercial activity. However, the exact threshold is not always uniformly published in one easy English source for every subcategory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Enough to cover:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Evidence that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pure third-party sponsorship is less central here than in family\/student routes. If someone is financially backing the business, explain it clearly and document:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Romania does not publicly present a universal \u201cfunds must be seasoned for X months\u201d rule for this visa. But practically, consulates may scrutinize:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Embassies often ask for recent statements. The exact period may vary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The exact amount may depend on:<\/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) – Self-Employment \/ Investor<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Visa short name<\/td>\n D-Self-Employed<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Category<\/td>\n National long-stay visa<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Main purpose<\/td>\n Entry for foreign nationals carrying out independent professional activity or commercial\/investment activity in Romania, followed by residence permit application<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Typical applicant<\/td>\n Entrepreneurs, company founders, investors, sole professionals, business owners<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Validity<\/td>\n Officially a long-stay visa; Romanian long-stay visas are generally issued for 90 days<\/strong> validity for entry\/stay purpose, subject to the consulate\u2019s issuance details<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Stay duration<\/td>\n Long-stay visas allow entry for the purpose of applying for a temporary residence permit in Romania<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Entries allowed<\/td>\n Usually multiple-entry for Type D long-stay visas, but applicants should verify the visa sticker once issued<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Extension possible?<\/td>\n Yes, indirectly.<\/strong> The visa itself is not the long-term status; after entry, the holder typically applies for a temporary residence permit with the General Inspectorate for Immigration<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Work allowed?<\/td>\n Limited\/conditional.<\/strong> The route is for self-employment\/investment activity, not ordinary salaried employment unless separately authorized<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Study allowed?<\/td>\n Limited.<\/strong> This is not a study visa; incidental study may be possible, but formal study normally requires the study route<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Family allowed?<\/td>\n Possible, but not automatically.<\/strong> Family members usually need their own visa\/residence basis, often family reunification<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n PR path?<\/td>\n Possible.<\/strong> Lawful temporary residence may count toward long-term residence if all statutory requirements are met<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Citizenship path?<\/td>\n Indirect.<\/strong> Long-term lawful residence may later support naturalization if Romanian nationality law conditions are met<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \n
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Official\/administrative naming<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Local-language names you may encounter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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2. Who should apply for this visa?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Ideal applicants<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Founders and entrepreneurs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Investors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Self-employed or independent professionals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Usually not<\/strong> the right visa for:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Tourists<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Business visitors attending meetings only<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Job seekers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Employees<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Students<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Spouses\/partners and children<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Digital nomads<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Retirees<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Religious workers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Artists\/athletes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Transit passengers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Medical travelers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Diplomatic\/official travelers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. What is this visa used for?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Permitted uses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Usually prohibited or outside scope<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Grey areas and common misunderstandings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Remote work<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Registering a company is not always enough<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Marriage in Romania<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Official visa classification and naming<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nItem<\/th>\n Description<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Official umbrella class<\/td>\n National Long-Stay Visa<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Type\/code<\/td>\n Type D<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Relevant subcategory<\/td>\n Commercial activities \/ independent professional activity \/ investor-type route<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Follow-on status<\/td>\n Temporary residence permit<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Common confusion<\/td>\n Employment visa, business visitor visa, digital nomad visa, family reunification visa<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Old vs current naming<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Related categories people confuse it with<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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5. Eligibility criteria<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Basic eligibility<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Nationality rules<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Passport validity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Age<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Education, language, work experience<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Sponsorship \/ invitation \/ pre-approval<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Job offer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Points requirement \/ lottery \/ cap<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Funds and maintenance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Accommodation proof<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Onward travel<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Health and medical<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Character \/ criminal record<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Insurance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Biometrics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Intent requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Residency outside Romania \/ place of application<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Local registration after arrival<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Embassy-specific rules<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Special exemptions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
6. Who is NOT eligible \/ common refusal triggers<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Ineligibility factors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Common refusal triggers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Mismatch between purpose and documents<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Weak or unclear business plan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Insufficient funds<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Wrong visa class<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Incomplete application<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Prior overstays or immigration violations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Unverifiable documents<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Passport problems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Insurance issues<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Translation\/notarization mistakes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Interview mistakes<\/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 and long-term benefits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Business 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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Important practical limitation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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
Grace periods<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Overstay consequences<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Renewal timing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Activation rules<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Bridging\/interim status<\/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 long-stay visa form<\/td>\n Starts the application<\/td>\n Incomplete fields, mismatched dates<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Cover letter\/statement<\/td>\n Explanation of purpose<\/td>\n Clarifies business plan and intent<\/td>\n Too vague, inconsistent with documents<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Appointment confirmation<\/td>\n Consular booking proof<\/td>\n Submission access<\/td>\n Missing printout or wrong date\/location<\/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
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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
Official position<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What you should expect to prove<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Personal maintenance funds<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Business\/investment funds<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Acceptable proof of funds may include<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Sponsorship<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Seasoning rules<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Bank statement period<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Investment amount<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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