Additional Regulatory Hurdles for agriculture in Romania

Beyond the preemption rights framework, new legislation like Law 17/2014 has introduced several other regulations that potential buyers must consider:

• Restrictions on the agricultural use of fertile land

• Mandatory soil quality certificates

• Penalties for non-compliance

• Temporary interdiction to sell certain agricultural land outside buildable areas

New provisions on the sale of farmland located outside of the buildable areas is installed as per 13 October 2020.

As per 13 October, the foreigners can still buy agricultural land if they buy a company via a share deal. Other transactions are not possible any more for foreigners. Romania has put as single European country a limit for European citizens and other foreigners. Not very correct towards the citizens of Europe in my opinion.