All gym, health club and other fitness subscriptions and memberships have been made tax-free in Romania.

The central government rubber-stamped the initiative following extensive representation by recently founded trade association, Romania Active.

As a result, Romania – an EU member country – has become one of the first nations in the world to introduce tax-free fitness for its people.

In an exclusive interview with HCM, Kent Orrgren, president of Romania Active said: "This is a huge breakthrough. The new law is a valuable recognition of the importance that physical exercise has for the health of the nation and the impact the fitness industry has on the health of the economy."

The law has resulted in all gym and health club subscriptions being made tax-free and tax deductible up to the value of €400 (US$442, £355) per year for each employee.

It means companies can offer gym memberships and other fitness subscriptions as tax-free and deductible non-wage benefits.

The tax exemptions also cover companies offering "mixed preventative care", which covers specific physical activity and medical subscriptions relating to recovery and recuperation.

Tax-free subscriptions can also be offered to the children of employees or other persons in their care.

The introduction of the law is seen as among the biggest "wins" so far for Romania Active, which was formed in 2021 by a group of the country's leading health and fitness companies.

Among Romania Active's stated aims is to be at the forefront of all new legislative changes concerning the health and fitness sector – and to ensure members are involved in the development of the changes.

It will also be working to achieve essential status for health clubs and gyms in the eyes of the government.

The nine founding members of Romania Active are World Class, StayFit, Viva Sports Club, SmartFit, Stejarii Country Club, 4Moving, Elite Gym, Lotus Sport and Habit 30 Fitness.

Find out more about Romania Active in our interview with president Kurt Orrgren to be published in the upcoming edition of HCM.

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