Romania Work Permit

1. Overview

A work permit is mandatory for non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals planning to work in Romania. It is typically linked to an employment contract and must be obtained by the employer before the employee enters Romania.

2. Types of Work Permits

Romania offers several types of work permits, including:

  1. Permanent Worker Permit: For standard employment contracts.
  2. Seasonal Worker Permit: For temporary jobs, usually in agriculture or tourism.
  3. Internship Worker Permit: For interns under specific agreements.
  4. Highly Skilled Worker Permit: For professionals with expertise in specialized fields (e.g., IT, engineering).
  5. Cross-Border Worker Permit: For employees who commute from neighboring countries.
  6. Secondment Worker Permit: For individuals transferred from foreign entities to Romanian branches.

3. Eligibility Criteria

  • Employer's Responsibility: Employers must prove that no Romanian or EU/EEA citizen is suitable for the job through a labor market test.
  • Employee Requirements:
    • Valid passport.
    • Relevant qualifications and experience.
    • Health insurance coverage.
    • Clean criminal record.

4. Application Process

  1. Employer's Role:

    • Register the job vacancy with the National Agency for Employment (ANOFM).
    • Submit the work permit application to the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI).

  2. Documents Required:

    • Employment contract or job offer.
    • Proof of the employer’s registration and tax compliance.
    • Employee's educational certificates and CV.
    • Medical certificate (indicating fitness for the job).
    • Proof of labor market test results.

  3. Approval Timeline:

    • Processing typically takes 30-45 days, depending on the type of permit and completeness of documentation.

  4. Visa Application:

    • Once the work permit is approved, the employee applies for a long-stay visa (D/AM) at the Romanian consulate in their home country.

5. Post-Arrival Requirements

  • Register your residence within 30 days of arrival.
  • Obtain a residence permit from the local immigration office.

6. Validity and Renewal

  • Work permits are generally valid for 1 year and renewable annually.
  • Renewal must be initiated at least 30 days before expiration.

7. Fees

  • Work permit issuance fee: Approx. EUR 100.
  • Residence permit fee: Approx. EUR 60-100.

8. Exceptions

Certain categories, such as refugees, family members of Romanian citizens, and students with part-time jobs, may not require a work permit.

9. Challenges and Tips

  • Ensure all documents are translated into Romanian and certified.
  • Engage a local legal consultant to streamline the process.
  • Be mindful of any updates to Romanian labor and immigration laws.