Romania tightened its quota for foreign workers in 2026 and is preparing a full overhaul of its work-permit system later in the year. This guide explains the latest rules in plain English.

The framework is changing mid-year, so always confirm which rules apply before you act.

The Big Picture

Citizens of the EU, the EEA and Switzerland can work in Romania freely. For other workers, the system is employer-driven, quota-controlled and sequential: nothing happens until an employer secures a work authorisation from the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI). Arriving as a tourist and trying to convert to employment does not work.

Quota and Pay

For 2026, the quota for non-EU work permits was cut to 90,000, down from 100,000, to prioritise local workers. The national minimum wage is RON 4,050 gross per month until 30 June 2026 and rises to RON 4,325 from 1 July 2026; this must be shown as means of subsistence at the visa stage. The EU Blue Card threshold is RON 8,620 gross per month.

The Standard Process

The employer applies for a work authorisation at IGI; the worker then applies for a D/AM long-stay visa at a Romanian embassy within 60 days, and after arrival applies for a residence permit at IGI within 90 days. The permit is generally valid for up to one year, or up to two years for highly skilled workers. It is employer-specific, so changing employer means restarting the process.

The Big 2026 Reform

A new framework (GEO 32/2026) replaces the old rules. Current rules apply until 7 August 2026, and full implementation begins on 8 August 2026 through a new WorkinRomania.gov.ro platform. From that date, the D/AM visa splits into D/AM1 for highly qualified workers (no quota) and D/AM2 for general labour (quota-based and gated by a new List of Shortage Occupations). Employers hiring D/AM2 workers directly must have at least 50 employees and 24 months of activity, contracts must be bilingual, and workers are tied to their first employer for six months.

What Foreign Workers and Employers Should Do

• Confirm whether old or new rules apply to the planned start date.
• Submit quota-dependent applications early, as the quota applies at the point of application.
• Budget for the higher minimum wage from July 2026.
• For employers, prepare to register on the new platform from August.

Quick Summary

1. The 2026 non-EU quota is 90,000, down from 100,000.
2. The minimum wage rises to RON 4,325 from 1 July 2026.
3. The standard route runs through IGI, a D/AM visa and a residence permit.
4. From 8 August 2026, a new platform splits the visa into D/AM1 and D/AM2.