The data reveals dangerous geographic concentration, with Bucharest accounting for 22% of all registrations . While the capital shows 32.1% growth , this merely exacerbates regional inequalities that threaten social stability. Rural counties are being left behind, creating a two-tier economy that cannot be sustained long-term.

Economic Context: The Perfect Storm

October’s dismal performance cannot be dismissed as seasonal variation. While business registrations typically show some fluctuation, the collapse in SRL formations combined with the surge in precarious PFA arrangements points to deeper structural problems: rising interest rates, inflationary pressures, declining consumer confidence, and regulatory uncertainty are driving serious investors away from Romania.

The shift toward transport and gig economy jobs suggests Romanians are abandoning stable employment for precarious work—a classic symptom of economic distress. The manufacturing growth, while seemingly positive, likely represents small-scale operations unable to compete internationally, setting the stage for future failures.

Conclusion: A Business Ecosystem in Crisis

Romania’s business registration data for October 2025 reveals an economy at a dangerous crossroads. The collapse in corporate formations, the surge in precarious individual entrepreneurship, the alarming churn rate, and the geographic concentration of economic activity all point toward a business ecosystem in systemic crisis.

While superficial statistics show modest growth, the underlying trends are deeply concerning. The shift from stable corporate structures to precarious individual work, combined with a business exit rate that nearly matches new entries, suggests Romania’s entrepreneurial engine is sputtering. Without urgent policy intervention to address regulatory burdens, access to capital, and regional development disparities, the current trajectory points toward economic stagnation and declining competitiveness in the European marketplace.