If your company operates in the European Union, or even if you only process the personal data of EU citizens, you’ve undoubtedly heard about the General Data Protection Regulation—better known as GDPR. But what does this mean in practical terms when it comes to doing business in Romania?
Whether you’re a tech company, an e-commerce platform, a service provider, or a multinational organization, understanding how GDPR in Romania works is essential. Romania, as a full EU member state, strictly applies GDPR, with local enforcement by the National Authority for the Supervision of Personal Data Processing (ANSPDCP).
This article explains what foreign companies need to know when it comes to GDPR in Romania, what risks they face if they fail to comply, and how legal support can help.
Is GDPR in Romania Any Different from the Rest of the EU?
Short answer: not really—but local nuances matter.
The GDPR is a regulation, meaning it applies directly in all EU member states, including Romania. That said, each country has specific bodies in charge of enforcement and might add certain national rules to complement the general framework.
In Romania, GDPR is enforced by the ANSPDCP, which has proven to be increasingly active and thorough in investigating complaints and issuing fines. Romanian authorities are particularly vigilant when it comes to data breaches, consent management, and employee data.
So, if your company processes personal data of individuals in Romania, you need to comply with GDPR not just in theory, but also in line with the local interpretation and expectations.
When Does GDPR Apply to Foreign Companies in Romania?
Even if your company is not based in Romania, you still fall under the scope of GDPR if:
You offer goods or services (even for free) to people located in Romania;
You monitor the behavior of Romanian users online (cookies, tracking, analytics);
You process personal data through a Romanian branch, representative office, or business partner;
You collect, store, or analyze employee, customer, or vendor data related to Romania.
This includes cloud-based platforms, SaaS providers, mobile apps, HR tech, fintech, logistics companies, and more.
Key Obligations Under GDPR in Romania
Here are some of the essential principles you need to comply with when handling personal data in Romania:
1. Transparency and Consent
You must inform individuals about:
What personal data you collect;
Why you collect it;
How long you keep it;
Whether you share it with third parties.
You also need to obtain explicit and informed consent when necessary—especially for marketing or sensitive data.
2. Data Minimization and Purpose Limitation
You must only collect the data you really need and use it only for the stated purpose. For example, if you’re collecting CVs, you shouldn’t also collect social media history unless it’s relevant.
3. Security Measures
You’re required to implement technical and organizational measures to protect data. This can include:
Encrypted storage;
Access controls;
Two-factor authentication;
Data loss prevention policies.
4. Data Subject Rights
People whose data you collect have the right to:
Access their data;
Request rectification or erasure;
Object to processing;
Request data portability.
You need to have internal procedures for handling these requests within 30 days.
5. Breach Notification
In case of a data breach, you must notify the Romanian data authority (ANSPDCP) within 72 hours, and possibly the individuals affected, depending on the severity.
Typical Risks and Pitfalls for Foreign Companies
Here are some common issues foreign companies face when dealing with GDPR in Romania:
Using standard templates for privacy policies that don’t comply with Romanian legal specifics;
Failing to translate documents into Romanian for local users or employees;
Underestimating the impact of cookie tracking and analytics tools;
Ignoring the need to appoint a DPO (Data Protection Officer) if certain conditions apply;
Not training employees on basic data protection rules;
Forgetting to sign data processing agreements with local vendors or partners.
Even if you are GDPR-compliant in your home country, you may still be exposed if you don’t adapt to local practices.
What Happens If You Don’t Comply?
Non-compliance with GDPR in Romania can lead to:
Administrative fines of up to €20 million or 4% of your global annual turnover;
Civil lawsuits from individuals whose data rights have been violated;
Reputational damage that affects investor confidence and business growth;
Suspension of data processing by the authorities.
In recent years, ANSPDCP has been increasingly active, targeting both small businesses and major corporations, especially in sectors like telecom, e-commerce, and HR services.
How Legal Advisors Can Help
Working with a local legal team like Buju, Stanciu & Asociatii gives your business peace of mind and practical support. Their experts can help you:
Draft or revise your privacy policy and cookie notice in line with Romanian law;
Create employee data processing protocols;
Assess whether you need to appoint a DPO;
Train your Romanian staff on GDPR basics;
Audit your current compliance level and prepare for inspections;
Respond to investigations or fines from ANSPDCP.
They know the ins and outs of how GDPR in Romania is enforced and what expectations the authorities have. That’s a huge advantage in preventing costly mistakes.
Final Thoughts
GDPR is not just another EU regulation—it’s a legal and reputational foundation for doing business in Europe. And when operating in Romania, foreign companies must take into account local nuances, language, and enforcement culture.
Whether you’re just entering the Romanian market or have been operating here for years, make sure your company is fully aligned with GDPR in Romania—before problems arise.
Looking for expert legal advice?
Buju, Stanciu & Asociatii provides tailored support for international businesses processing data in Romania. With deep knowledge of GDPR compliance, privacy law, and cross-border regulations, they help you build a secure and compliant business.
Get in touch today and discover how they can help you turn data protection into a business advantage.
