Discusses opportunities for U.S. franchisers and legal requirements in the market.
Last Published: 7/25/2019

Franchising regulations are the same as in other countries, basically granting the franchisee the right to operate or develop a business, product, technology, or service.  The contract – that is, the Franchising Agreement - reflects the interests of the franchise network’s members and protects the franchiser’s industrial or intellectual property rights by upholding the network’s common identity and reputation.  A franchiser must be the holder of the relevant intellectual or industrial property rights and must register it with the Romanian State Office for Inventions and Trademarks.  In 2018, the Romanian Government approved a draft law to amend and complete Government Ordinance 52/1997 on the legal status of the franchise, aiming to require the owners to test their concept for a year before selling it.

In 2018, the franchise market continued its upward trend and reached a value of $3.68 bn., 11% more compared to 2017.  The market has over 435 franchise business models.  Most foreign concepts are from the United States, France, and Italy.

The segments in highest demand for franchise businesses are food & beverage, coffee shops and services, and, especially, fitness centers.  More and more franchises are being developed for segments such as programs for children, beauty services, medical clinics, and tourism.

Romanian customers and investors are highly interested in U.S. franchises due to their strong reputation and high degree of competitiveness, as well as the fact that they are based on U.S. franchise law, which imposes quality standards and requirements on franchisees.

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.