Romania Work Permit and Visa Guide for Foreign Nationals

Introduction to Romania

Romania, located in Eastern Europe, is one of the fastest-growing economies in the European Union. Its capital, Bucharest, is a bustling hub for technology, finance, and trade. The national currency is the Romanian Leu (RON), though many international businesses also operate in euros. Romania is a member of the EU but not yet part of the Schengen Zone (scheduled to join partially in 2025).

With a population of around 19 million, Romania has been facing labour shortages due to local migration to Western Europe. This gap is being filled by foreign workers, particularly in the construction, I T, healthcare, agriculture, logistics, and hospitality sectors.

Living and Working in Romania

Romania offers a mix of affordability and modern amenities.

• Housing: Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Bucharest costs between €400 and €600, while smaller cities such as Cluj-Napoca or Iași range between €250 and €400 per month.
• Food and Groceries: Monthly grocery costs average €200–€300. Eating out is inexpensive, with meals costing €7–€10.
• Transport: Public transport passes in Bucharest cost around €15–€20 per month, while taxis and ride apps like Bolt and Uber are widely available.
• Healthcare: Romania has a public healthcare system that is accessible to foreign workers who pay social contributions. Many also opt for private healthcare for faster service.
• Safety: Romania is considered safe, and English is increasingly spoken in business and education.

Job Opportunities in Romania

Romania’s job market is expanding across multiple industries.

• Blue-collar jobs: construction workers, truck drivers, welders, factory workers, agricultural labourers, hospitality staff.
• White-collar jobs: IT specialists, engineers, healthcare professionals, teachers, accountants, finance experts.

Average Salaries in Romania

Job Role	Salary (RON)	Salary (EUR)
Construction Worker	3,500–5,000	€700–€1,000
Truck Driver	4,000–6,000	€800–€1,200
Hotel/Waiter Staff	3,000–4,500	€600–€900
IT Specialist	10,000–15,000	€2,000–€3,000
Engineer	7,000–10,000	€1,400–€2,000
Doctor/Nurse	8,000–12,000	€1,600–€2,400

Although salaries are lower than in Western Europe, Romania’s low cost of living enables workers to save and maintain a good standard of living.

Finding Jobs in Romania

Foreigners seeking employment in Romania can begin by visiting the official National Employment Agency (ANOFM).

 ANOFM – National Employment Agency

Other trusted resources include:

• International recruitment agencies
• Job portals such as eJobs.ro and BestJobs.eu
• Direct applications to Romanian companies
• Networking within expat communities and professional associations

Types of Work Permits in Romania

Foreign nationals need a valid work permit before beginning employment. Main categories include:

• Standard Work Permit – Valid for most full-time employees for up to 1 year.
• Seasonal Work Permit – For agriculture, tourism, and hospitality jobs, valid up to 6 months.
• Permanent Work Permit – For long-term residents and permanent employees.
• EU Blue Card – For highly qualified non-EU professionals, valid up to 2 years.
• Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT) Permit – For employees transferred within multinational companies.

Types of Work Visas in Romania

In addition to a work permit, foreigners need the correct visa:

• Long-Term Visa (Type D) – For employment or residence, valid up to 12 months.
• Short-Term Visa (Type C) – For business visits, valid up to 90 days.
• Work Visa Linked to Residence Permit – For foreign nationals employed on a long-term basis.

Validity of Work Permits and Visas

• Standard work permits are valid for 1 year and are renewable.
• Seasonal work permits: valid for up to 6 months.
• EU Blue Card: valid for up to 2 years.
• Type D Visa: valid for 6–12 months, renewable upon residence approval.

Step-by-Step Visa Application Process

1. Secure a job offer from a registered Romanian employer.
2. Employer applies for a work permit through the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI).
3. Gather required documents: passport, job contract, health insurance, accommodation proof, and police clearance.
4. Apply for a Type D Visa at the Romanian embassy in your home country.
5. Enter Romania with a visa and register with the General Inspectorate for Immigration.
6. Apply for a temporary residence permit within 90 days of arrival.
7. Collect your residence card and begin working legally.

Required Documents for a Romanian Work Visa

• Valid passport (at least 6 months' validity)
• Signed employment contract
• Work permit approval from IGI
• Health insurance coverage
• Proof of accommodation (lease or employer housing)
• Police clearance certificate
• Financial proof (bank statements or salary confirmation)
• Passport-sized photos
• Completed the visa application form and fee payment

Accommodation and Real Estate in Romania

Housing in Romania is relatively affordable:

• Bucharest: €400–€600 for a one-bedroom apartment
• Cluj-Napoca, Iași, Timișoara: €250–€400
• Smaller towns: €150–€250

Foreigners may also buy property, with ownership recorded in the National Real Estate Cadastre (ANCPI).

Appeal Process for Visa Refusal

If a visa is denied, applicants can appeal within 30 days. Strengthening the application with employer confirmation, updated financial records, or corrected documentation increases the chances of approval. Appeals are handled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the General Inspectorate for Immigration.

Pathway to Permanent Residency in Romania

Foreigners can apply for permanent residency after 5 years of continuous legal residence. Investors, spouses of Romanian citizens, and refugees may qualify under special conditions.

Benefits of PR in Romania

• Unlimited stay and work rights
• Access to public services and healthcare
• Easier travel across the EU
• Pathway to Romanian citizenship after 8 years

Employment Laws and Worker Rights in Romania

• Contracts: Must be written and registered with the relevant labour authorities.
• Working hours: Standard 40-hour week with overtime compensation.
• Vacation days: Minimum 20 working days annually.
• Sick leave: Paid with medical certification.
• Parental leave: Up to 2 years with benefits.
• Termination: Notice periods required; severance pay applies in some instances.

Payroll and Taxation in Romania

• Income tax: flat rate of 10%.
• Social contributions: around 35% of gross salary (shared between employer and employee).
• Payroll options: in-house, outsourcing, or Employer of Record (EOR).

Employee Benefits in Romania

• Mandatory: health insurance, pensions, unemployment, maternity leave, and annual paid leave.
• Optional: meal vouchers, transport allowances, private healthcare, housing support.
• Many large companies offer performance bonuses and training programs.

Establishing a Subsidiary in Romania

Foreign businesses may establish subsidiaries by registering with the National Trade Register Office (ONRC), obtaining tax IDs, and setting up bank accounts. This enables direct hiring of foreign and local employees.

Official Government Resources

• National Employment Agency (ANOFM): anofm.ro
• General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI): igi.mai.gov.ro
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA): mae. ro
• National Real Estate Cadastre (ANCPI): ancpi.ro

Start Your Journey with AtoZ Serwis Plus

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Working in Romania

Do foreigners need a work permit to work in Romania?
Yes, non-EU/EEA citizens must obtain a valid work permit before starting legal employment in Romania.

What is the difference between a Romanian work permit and a work visa?
The work permit allows you to work legally, while the Type D long-term visa will enable you to enter and reside in Romania for employment purposes.

How long is a Romanian work permit valid?
Most work permits are valid for 1 year and can be renewed annually.

What is the validity of a Romania Type D Visa?
The Type D Visa is typically valid for 6–12 months, depending on the employment contract.

Which jobs are most in demand in Romania?
Jobs in construction, transportation, healthcare, IT, agriculture, and hospitality are highly sought after.

What is the average monthly salary in Romania?
Salaries range from €60 to €1,000 for blue-collar jobs and from € 1,500 to €3,000 for white-collar roles, such as IT and engineering.

Is Romania affordable for foreign workers?
Yes, Romania has a low cost of living compared to Western Europe. Rent in Bucharest is around €400–€600, while in smaller cities it is cheaper.

Can foreigners buy property in Romania?
Yes, foreigners can buy property, and ownership is recorded in the National Real Estate Cadastre (ANCPI).

What documents are required for a Romanian work visa?
Passport, employment contract, health insurance, accommodation proof, police clearance, financial proof, photos, and the visa application form.

How do I apply for a Romanian work visa?
Your employer applies for a work permit. Once approved, you apply for a Type D Visa at a Romanian embassy in your country.

What happens if a Romanian visa is refused?
You can appeal within 30 days, providing stronger documents such as financial statements, updated contracts, or employer letters.

How many years must I live in Romania to get permanent residency?
You must have lived in the country for a continuous period of years before applying for permanent residency.

What benefits are employees entitled to in Romania?
Mandatory benefits include health insurance, pensions, unemployment contributions, maternity leave, and annual paid vacation.

How many vacation days do employees get in Romania?
Employees receive a minimum of 20 working days of paid annual leave.

What are the standard working hours in Romania?
The standard workweek is 40 hours, usually divided into five 8-hour days.

Do employees in Romania receive sick leave?
Yes, employees are entitled to paid sick leave, provided they are accompanied by a medical certificate, which is partially covered by both the employer and social insurance.

What taxes do employees pay in Romania?
Employees pay a flat 10% income tax, plus social contributions for pensions, health insurance, and unemployment benefits.

What is the role of the National Employment Agency (ANOFM)?
The ANOFM offers verified job listings, training, and guidance on employment regulations for both local and foreign individuals.

Can Romanian companies easily hire foreign workers?
Yes, but employers must apply for work permits through the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) and follow quotas.

Why should I use AtoZ Serwis Plus to work in Romania?
AtoZ Serwis Plus offers end-to-end support — from finding job opportunities to handling work permits, visa applications, and relocation services.