No, squatting in Romania is illegal under the Criminal Code (Art. 229) and Civil Code, punishable by fines or imprisonment. Unauthorized occupation of property violates ownership rights, with enforcement by the Inspectoratul General pentru Imigrări and local police. Recent 2026 amendments strengthen penalties for organized squatting rings.
Key Regulations for Squatting in Romania
- Criminal Code (Art. 229): Unlawful occupation of a building or land constitutes a criminal offense, with penalties up to 2 years imprisonment or fines. Aggravated cases (e.g., violence or threats) escalate to 3–5 years.
- Civil Code (Art. 554–556): Property owners may seek eviction orders through civil courts within 30 days of unauthorized entry. Courts prioritize expedited proceedings under Law 115/2023.
- Local Enforcement: The Agenția Națională de Cadastru și Publicitate Imobiliară (ANCPI) tracks disputed properties, while municipal comisii de ordine publică coordinate with police for removals. Squatters face immediate eviction if occupying vacant residential units.