A refused Romanian work or residence permit is not final. Still, Romania requires you to go through an administrative appeal before any court action, and the deadlines are short, so read your decision and act within 30 days.

In short: you first lodge an administrative appeal with the Immigration Inspectorate within 30 days, and only if that fails do you take the case to the administrative court.

Who Decides Romanian Permits

Work and residence matters are handled by the General Inspectorate for Immigration. If your application is refused, the decision should state the reasons, the legal basis, and the remedy available.

The Mandatory Administrative Appeal

Before going to court, you must usually exercise an administrative appeal. There are two forms: a graceful appeal to the Inspectorate that issued the decision, and a hierarchical appeal to a higher authority where one exists. This must be filed within 30 days of notification, with each refusal ground answered and certified Romanian translations of any foreign documents.

The Court Stage

If the administrative appeal is rejected, or there is no reply within the legal deadline, you can bring a contentious appeal before the administrative court, generally within 30 days of the response or the expiry of the deadline. The court reviews whether the decision was lawful.

Acting Quickly

Some decisions, such as a refusal of stay, carry immediate consequences and short deadlines, so prepare certified copies of your employment contract, proof of resources, insurance, and accommodation in advance.

Reapplying

You can also submit a fresh application addressing the reason for refusal, which can be quicker where the gap is simple.

Common Reasons Romanian Applications Are Refused

• Incomplete documents or missing certified translations.
• Insufficient proof of resources.
• Problems with the job offer or the employer.
• Weak proof of accommodation or insurance.
• Doubts about the purpose of stay.

Official Sources

Always confirm the current process and your deadline with the General Inspectorate for Immigration and the instructions in your own decision.