The “Investim acasă” programme: funding for diaspora entrepreneurs 2026-2029
The Romanian Government has launched a programme for Romanians living abroad who want to invest at home, in the Romanian economy.
Todos & Company editorial team · EU funding consultancy since 2006
The “Investim acasă” programme – a unique opportunity for the diaspora
The Romanian Government has launched a programme for Romanians in the diaspora who want to invest at home, in the Romanian economy. Under the slogan “Investim acasă” (“Investing at home”), the initiative is part of the economic relaunch package for 2026-2029 and gives applicants a total budget of 100 million euro.
The programme offers both non-refundable grants and state-guaranteed loans to support the launch and development of businesses in Romania. Grants can reach up to 20,000 euro, and the loans granted benefit from guarantees that make funding easier to access, on terms far more favourable than those available on the banking market.
Who can access the funding?
The main beneficiaries are Romanian citizens in the diaspora, with their domicile or residence abroad, who intend to invest in a local business in Romania. Diaspora companies that want to open branches or work points in the country may also be targeted. Eligible fields will include sectors with development potential, such as manufacturing, innovative services, technology, agriculture, the food industry or tourism, but the exact criteria will be set out in the programme's applicant's guide.
It is important to stress that the programme is aimed primarily at those who want to return to Romania or invest actively there, thereby contributing to local economic growth and job creation.
What documents and conditions must be met?
To access the grants or guaranteed loans, applicants will need to submit a solid business plan that demonstrates the project's viability, economic impact and medium- and long-term sustainability. The application is also very likely to include standard documents such as:
- Identity documents and proof of domicile abroad
- Company registration documents or proof of the intention to set up a company in Romania
- A detailed business plan, with financial forecasts
- Proof of entrepreneurial experience or qualifications
- Declarations on complementary sources of funding or own contribution
As this is a government programme, applicants must comply with the rules on fraud prevention and conflicts of interest, and projects with a positive social or environmental impact will have an advantage.
What opportunities and advantages does the programme offer?
The programme is aimed at a category of entrepreneurs who until now have often faced difficulties accessing funding in Romania, especially at the start of a business. The non-refundable grant of up to 20,000 euro can cover costs such as purchasing equipment, fitting out premises, marketing, consultancy or digitalisation.
Guaranteed loans remove the main risk for lenders, which leads to lower borrowing costs and a better chance of approval, especially for start-ups or businesses in their early stages. This combination of non-refundable funding and a guaranteed loan is ideal for a balanced launch, with enough resources for growth and a financial safety margin.
Beyond the financial side, the programme has the strategic role of encouraging some of the skilled workforce that left the country to return, and of making use of the knowledge, experience and international networks of the diaspora, thus creating a more dynamic entrepreneurial environment in Romania.
What should entrepreneurs who want to apply prepare?
To have a solid application, entrepreneurs should start now to shape their business idea clearly. A well-prepared plan that sets out the investments, revenue sources, cost structure, financial projections and impact on the local market is essential.
It is advisable to consult EU funding specialists or financial consultants who can help prepare the business plan and the technical file. The legal documents for registering the company in Romania, as well as good accounting and tax practices, should be considered well in advance.
Some performance indicators, such as job creation, digitalisation or the implementation of eco-friendly solutions, will be closely monitored, so projects must also have a sustainability component.
Also keep an eye on the official launch calendar and any submission periods for funding applications. Preparing early and staying well informed will make the difference between obtaining the funding and missing a rare opportunity.
Want to find out what non-refundable funding you can access?
The Todos Company team helps you with the whole process: from checking eligibility and calculating your score, to preparing the application file and submitting the project.
