The government of Romania has officially operationalized the “Diaspora Investește Acasă” (Diaspora Invests at Home) program, directing the Investment and Development Bank (Banca de Investiții și Dezvoltare – BID) to manage a €100 million state funding framework aimed at encouraging Romanian business owners and professionals living abroad to launch businesses back in Romania.
Administered in partnership with the Ministry of Finance between 2026 and 2029, the initiative is designed to lower capital barriers for diaspora entrepreneurs repatriating business experience, skills, and private capital.
Key funding parameters that would also apply to Romanian-Canadian applicants
-
Up to €200,000 per project in non-repayable grants, covering up to 60% of an eligible investment loan.
-
Access to co-financed investment credits ranging from €5,000 to €500,000, with maximum repayment terms of up to 10 years backed by BID guarantees.
-
A minimum personal contribution of 10% of the total investment, reduced to just 5% for entrepreneurs under the age of 35.
The government estimates supporting approximately 1,000 new businesses nationwide.
Eligibility & guidelines
-
Open to newly incorporated Romanian companies majority-owned by Romanian citizens who have held residence/domicile abroad (minimum 12 consecutive months within the last 18 months).
-
Applicants must demonstrate at least one year of relevant professional experience or education in the business sector being funded.
-
Beneficiaries must maintain the operational investment and equity structure in Romania for a minimum of three years post-completion.
If you’re a Romanian-Canadian business owner wanting to start or grow a business in Romania, this program gives you free money to help pay for your startup costs and necessary equipment—so you can mitigate risks and avoid giving away any ownership of your company.