How to Open a Children's Playground in Romania?

Market Prospects:

1. The children's playground market is booming. The active entertainment market in Romanian shopping malls was valued at €28-30 million in 2024, almost doubling in size compared to 2019. Currently, 95% of the analyzed shopping malls integrate at least one active entertainment facility.

2. Consumer Habit Advantage: Romanian consumers are very inclined to spend their leisure time in shopping malls. The proportion of local shopping malls equipped with entertainment facilities is as high as 79%, far exceeding Germany (57%) and Italy (45%). This means that opening a playground in a shopping mall naturally attracts customers.

3. Supply Gap: While basic children's play areas and arcades are common (40-50% of shopping malls have them), the penetration rate of more advanced "active entertainment" facilities such as trampoline parks, virtual reality experiences, and laser tag is less than 10%. This presents an opportunity for differentiated competition. Focus on the combination of "technology" and "sports."

4. Applying for EU funding for children's playground equipment is relatively easy.

Company Registration:

Complete company registration to obtain the necessary permits. This is a prerequisite for all business activities. For foreign investors, the most recommended company form is a Limited Liability Company (SRL) due to its flexibility and limited liability.

Tax Registration: Apply for a Tax Identification Number (CUI) from the tax authorities using the certificate of incorporation and complete VAT registration.

Processing Time: The entire business registration process typically takes 5-10 business days.

Preparing the Site:

Location is crucial to the future success of the business.

1. Key Requirements for Site Space:

Area and Ceiling Height: To accommodate various activities such as trampolines and climbing walls, a site of at least 1000 square meters with a ceiling height of at least 5 meters is recommended.

Column Grid: The fewer columns in the site, the better, to ensure an open view and safe movement. For basic children's playgrounds, a ceiling height of 2.4 meters or higher is sufficient.

Accessibility: Ideally, the location should be within a 15-minute drive of at least 10 schools or 3 shopping centers. Simultaneously, at least 50 parking spaces must be provided for families with cars.

Rental Threshold: Rent should ideally not exceed 20% of estimated turnover, and attention should be paid to whether the contract includes hidden costs such as property management fees.

Equipment Procurement:

The design must meet the client's requirements and positioning, and more importantly, comply with local fire safety requirements, ensuring fire exits are maintained and safety exits are unobstructed.

Equipment Standards: All amusement equipment must comply with EU and Romanian safety standards. For example, indoor playgrounds must comply with EN 1176-1:2017, and trampoline parks must comply with EN ISO 23659:2022.

Compliance Certificates: When purchasing equipment, it is essential to obtain a Certificate of Conformity from the supplier. This is a necessary document for subsequent operating permit applications.

Applying for an Operating Permit:

This is the final and most important step before opening, directly affecting the ability to operate legally.

1. Main Application Materials

According to relevant Romanian regulations (such as Government Decision HG 435/2010), you will typically need to submit the following materials to your local municipality (Primărie) to apply for an operating permit:

Site Proof: Including the site location and planning map.

Equipment Certificates: Certificates of conformity for all amusement equipment.

Site Use Consent Form: If you are not the site owner, you need to provide written proof of the owner's consent to place the amusement equipment.

Equipment Instruction Documents: Equipment drawings, installation, operation, and maintenance instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Site Photos: Photos of the amusement equipment and information signage.

Approval Timeframe and Subsequent Maintenance

Approval Time: The municipality should issue the operating permit within 30 days of receiving complete application materials.

Annual Review: The permit requires an annual review to ensure continued compliance.

Regular Inspections: Regulations require amusement parks to undergo regular safety inspections no more than once every 12 months to ensure the continued safety of the equipment.

Operating Insurance: It is strongly recommended to purchase adequate public liability insurance annually, costing approximately €15,000-€20,000, to cover potential accidental risks.

Operational Strategy:

Romanian households allocate an average of 3.1% of their spending budget to entertainment and leisure, lower than countries like Spain (5.1%) and France (7%). Therefore, pricing strategies and membership systems are crucial, such as offering annual family passes that include free birthday parties and dining discounts.

Focus on Localization: Romanian law requires at least 80% of employees to be locally hired. Understanding local holidays and spending habits will also help you plan your events more effectively.

Refer to our amusement investment cases to optimize your project layout and budget planning.

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