EXCLUSIVE: Romania’s business registration data for September 2025 reveals a dramatic and potentially dangerous transformation in the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem,, with 4,938. This explosive growth suggests entrepreneurs are increasingly opting for the path of least resistance rather than building sustainable business structures.

“The PFA surge represents a worrying trend toward informalization of the economy,” warns economic analyst Maria Popescu. “While it shows entrepreneurial spirit, it also indicates businesses may be choosing individual structures to avoid the regulatory burdens and tax obligations of traditional companies.”

SRL Dominance Masks Underlying Weakness

Limited liability companies (SRL) still dominate the landscape with 9,343, representing a 33.89% increase from last year. However, this growth rate pales in comparison to the PFA explosion,

• CA partnerships dropped 44.44%
• SNC, SCS, RA, and GIE structures recorded ZERO registrations - a complete collapse from previous levels

“This isn’t just a shift - it’s a structural breakdown,” says business consultant Radu Ionescu. “The disappearance of partnership structures suggests entrepreneurs no longer trust the collaborative business model that has driven economic development for decades.”

Regional Concentration Creates Economic Vulnerability

The entrepreneurial activity remains dangerously concentrated in urban centers, with Bucharest accounting for 3,366 - a 50.54% increase that highlights growing regional inequality.

While counties like Alba saw explosive 146.5% growth,, suggesting a potential logistics bubble. Meanwhile, agriculture registrations declined by 17.68%, indicating fundamental weaknesses in the rural economy.

The Exit Crisis Looms

While registrations show growth, barely exceeds the break-even point. With 12,951 business exits recorded in September alone, the net growth of just 1,859 businesses suggests the registration boom may be masking a deeper crisis of business sustainability.

What This Means for Romania’s Economic Future

The shift toward individual enterprises and away from traditional corporate structures represents a fundamental change in Romania’s economic DNA. While PFA registrations offer flexibility, they typically generate less revenue, employ fewer people, and contribute less to economic development than traditional companies.

“This trend toward individual entrepreneurship might look positive on the surface, but it’s actually a symptom of economic distress,” warns Popescu. “When businesses choose individual structures over corporate ones, it signals they’re not planning for growth, expansion, or long-term sustainability.”

The data suggests Romania’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is undergoing a dangerous transformation - one that prioritizes short-term survival over long-term economic development. Unless policymakers address the underlying regulatory and economic pressures driving this shift, the country risks creating a generation of micro-entrepreneurs rather than building the corporate foundation needed for sustainable economic growth.