BUCHAREST - Romania’s business registration landscape showed robust growth in October 2025, with total new company registrations increasing by 8% compared to the same period last year, according to official business registry data.

The country recorded 15,874 new business registrations in October 2025 , up from 14,703 registrations in October 2024 . This represents a net increase of 1,171 businesses and marks one of the strongest October performances in recent years.

PFA Registrations Drive Growth Amid SRL Decline

The most significant shift in the business landscape came from the dramatic growth in Individual Enterprises (PFA), which surged by 67.4% year-over-year. PFAs accounted for 5,935 registrations in October 2025 , up from 3,546 in October 2024.

Conversely, Limited Liability Companies (SRL) - traditionally the most popular business form - saw a 12.5% decline, dropping from 10,678 registrations in October 2024 to 9,342 in October 2025 .

Individual Entrepreneurs (II) also showed strong growth, increasing by 31.3% to 537 registrations, while other business forms remained relatively stable or saw minimal changes.

Industry Sector Shifts Show Economic Transformation

The data reveals significant shifts in industry preferences among new businesses:

• Transport and Storage emerged as the dominant sector with 21,492 registrations , showing a remarkable 60.3% year-over-year increase
• Wholesale and Retail Trade maintained strong presence with 20,294 registrations
• Professional, Scientific and Technical Activities accounted for 12,179 registrations
• Construction sector showed 11,761 registrations
• Manufacturing demonstrated strong growth with 5,952 registrations, up 37.2% from October 2024

Business Exit Trends Show Mixed Picture

While new registrations grew, business exits showed a complex pattern. Total business exits (suspensions, dissolutions, and deregistrations) reached 12,833 in October 2025 , with the business churn rate standing at 80.84%.

Year-over-year comparisons show:

• Suspensions decreased by 10.7% to 1,496
• Dissolutions increased slightly by 1.2% to 5,407
• Deregistrations saw the most significant improvement, dropping 26.4% to 5,930

The net business growth (registrations minus exits) reached 3,041 companies , indicating healthy expansion of the business ecosystem.

Regional Growth Patterns

Bucharest continued to lead in business formation with 3,510 registrations , representing a 32.1% increase from October 2024. Other strong performers included:

• Constanța: 612 registrations (+42.7%)
• Ilfov: 1,024 registrations (+29.6%)
• Argeș: 447 registrations (+25.9%)

Economic Context and Seasonal Patterns

October typically represents a period of business consolidation following the summer slowdown, with many entrepreneurs establishing companies ahead of the winter season and holiday planning. The strong performance in 2025 suggests continued economic confidence despite global economic uncertainties.

The shift toward PFAs may reflect changing work patterns, including increased freelance and remote work opportunities, as well as simplified administrative requirements for individual entrepreneurs compared to traditional corporate structures.

The transport and logistics sector’s dominance aligns with broader economic trends, including e-commerce growth and supply chain optimization efforts across Eastern Europe.

The data shows Romania’s business environment continuing to evolve, with individual entrepreneurship gaining significant ground while maintaining overall positive growth momentum heading into the final quarter of 2025.