Romania, with its low cost of living, stunning landscapes, and burgeoning cultural scene, is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for professionals worldwide. However, navigating the legal requirements for working in Romania can be complex, especially for non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals. This guide provides essential information on obtaining Romanian work permits and visas, crucial for individuals and companies looking to tap into Romania's talent pool.
Citizens from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland enjoy the privilege of working in Romania without needing work permits or visas. In contrast, other foreign nationals must secure both a work permit and a work visa to legally work and live in Romania.
A work permit is a prerequisite for obtaining a work visa. The application for a work permit must be initiated by the prospective employer with the Inspectorate General for Immigration (IGI). These permits are job-specific and tied to the employer, meaning a change in employment requires a new work permit.
Local Hires: For foreigners with a valid employment contract in Romania, valid for one year and renewable.
Highly-Skilled Employees: For those in highly-skilled positions, requiring a salary at least double the gross average, valid for two years and extendable.
Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT) Workers and Trainees: For employees and trainees within the same company but in different countries, valid up to three years for professionals and one year for trainees.
Other Categories: Includes seasonal workers, au pairs, athletes, interns, nominal workers, trainees, and cross-border employees.
After obtaining a work permit, the next step is applying for a work visa.
Short-stay (C-type) Visa: Allows up to 90 days of stay for certain activities, without the possibility of applying for work or residence permits for a longer stay.
Long-stay (D-type) Visa: For stays beyond three months, with the necessity to apply for a residence permit for long-term employment.
Digital Nomad Visa: For remote workers, valid for one year and extendable, without requiring a work permit.
For both work permits and visas, applicants need to provide a valid passport, accommodation details, medical insurance, proof of financial means, and a police clearance certificate. Specific requirements for work permits include a resume or CV, proof of Romanian language knowledge, and relevant certifications. For a D-type visa, additional documents such as a work permit, employment details, and a visa appointment are necessary.
Employers must apply for work permits through the IGI, including a €100 fee per permit. Applicants can then apply for a work visa through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, attaching all required documents and submitting originals to a Romanian consulate or embassy. The visa processing fee is €120.
Work permits take four to six weeks to process, with potential extensions for additional documentation requests. Work visas typically process within 10 to 14 business days.
Prepared on the information from skuad.io