Introduction
Romania, a vibrant country in Eastern Europe, is becoming a hotspot for professionals worldwide. With its booming economy and welcoming policies, Romania offers exciting career opportunities in fields like technology, healthcare, and construction. Romania made life easier for non-EU workers looking to join its labor market by increasing the Romania work visa quota from 50k to 100k, expanding EU Blue Cards, and creating the Digital Nomad Visa.
This guide explains everything you need to know about getting a Romanian work visa, from requirements to application steps. Whether you’re interested in a work visa for Bucharest, Romania, or a Romania work visa for IT jobs, we’ve got you covered with clear, practical advice. Our firm also assists with visit visas, study visas, and permanent residency programs for countries like Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Nauru, and more. Let’s explore how to kick-start your career in Romania!
Why Choose Romania for Work?
Romania is experiencing robust economic growth, making it an appealing location for professionals. Cities like Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca are tech hubs, while the construction and healthcare sectors are growing fast. In 2025, according to the report Travelobiz, Romania expects to fill 47,716 construction jobs, 21,457 restaurant roles, and many positions in logistics. With competitive salaries and a lower cost of living than Western Europe, Romania is a smart choice for work.
Who Needs a Romania Work Visa?
Romania’s rules depend on your nationality:
- EU/EEA and Swiss Citizens: You can work in Romania without a visa or permit, enjoying the same rights as Romanians.
- Non-EU/EEA Nationals: If you’re from Pakistan or elsewhere, you’ll need a Romania work permit and a Romania work visa to work legally. This applies to roles like the engineers, construction workers, or healthcare professionals.
Types of Romanian Work Visas and Permits
Romania offers various work visa types to accommodate various professions and jobs. Here’s a table of the main options that you may choose:
Visa/Permit Type | What It’s For | How Long Does It Last |
Employment Visa for Long-Stay (D/AM) | For full-time employment at a Romanian company | Up to 1 year, renewable |
Intra-Company Transfer Visa | For employees relocating to their company’s Romanian branch. | Up to 1 year |
Highly Skilled Worker Visa | For experts, often under the EU Blue Card for high-skill jobs. | Up to 2-3 years |
Digital Nomad Visa | For remote workers employed by companies outside Romania. | Up to 1 year |
Seasonal Worker Permit | For short-term work, like farming or tourism jobs. | Up to 6 months |
Trainee Permit | For people in training programs in Romania. | Varies |
These options cover everyone from those needing a Romania temporary and skilled workers visa.
High-Demand Jobs in Romania for 2025
Romania’s job market is buzzing with opportunities. Here are some top sectors and roles, along with their estimated monthly salaries:
Sector | Job Roles | Salary Range (EUR) |
Healthcare | Doctors, Nurses, Medical Technicians | €2,500–4,500 |
Engineering | Civil Engineers, Mechanical Engineers | €2,000–3,500 |
Information Technology (IT) | Software Developers, Data Analysts, IT Managers (Java, HTML, CSS) | €3,000–5,000 |
Construction | Bricklayers, Welders, Woodworkers | €1,500–2,800 |
Hospitality | Chefs, Hotel Managers, Tour Guides | €1,200–2,000 |
Agriculture | Seasonal Farm Workers | €800–1,200 |
Romania presents an ideal destination for work visa opportunities across various sectors, including IT professionals, healthcare workers, and teachers at international schools
Romania Work Visa Requirements
To obtain a Romanian work visa, non-EU/EEA applicants must meet specific criteria. The following are the key Romania work visa requirements:
- Work Permit: The employer must secure a work permit from the Inspectorate General for Immigration (IGI), demonstrating that the position cannot be filled by Romanian or EU/EEA citizens (Globalization Partners).
- Valid Job Offer: A signed Romanian employment contract from a Romanian employer is mandatory, just like Wayena Zafar is offering a work permit visa in the construction field.
- Medical Certificate: A document confirming the applicant is fit to work.
- Clean Criminal Record: A certificate from the home country or recent residences, verifying no criminal history that would bar employment. A Police Character Certificate is also needed.
- Qualifications: Educational and professional credentials, often requiring translation and certification by the Romanian Ministry of Education.
- Language Skills: Basic Romanian language skills may be required for certain roles, though this varies by employer.
- Annual Quota: Applications must fall within Romania’s 2025 quota of 100,000 work permits for non-EU workers.
Additional work visa documentation for Romania may be required for specific nationalities, such as Pakistani applicants, including proof of financial stability or strong ties to their home country. Pakistani citizens, classified as third-country nationals, need both a work permit and a long-stay work visa (D/AM) to work in Romania.
How to Apply for a Romanian Work Visa
Applying for a Romanian work visa involves a structured process that must be followed carefully. Below are three clear steps to guide you through the application procedure:
Employer Gets a Work Permit:
Your employer applies to the IGI with:
- Your Romania employment contract
- Company details
- Job description
- Proof that the job can’t be filled by locals
It takes about 30 days, sometimes 45 if extra checks are needed.
You Apply for the Visa:
Once your work permit has been granted, visit a Romanian embassy or consulate with all required documentation:
- Work permit
- Job offer
- Medical certificate
- Clean criminal record
- Passport
- Visa application form
It is recommended to apply 2 weeks to 3 months before your travel date. Moreover, this type of visa takes about 30 days to process.
Get a Residence Permit:
- After arriving in Romania, apply for a Romanian residency permit within 30 days at the IGI.
- This permit lets you live and work legally.
Note: You can’t work with a tourist visa, so don’t ask, “Can I work in Romania with a tourist visa?” For work purposes in Romania, an appropriate employment visa must be secured.
Costs and Processing Times
Here’s what you’ll pay and how long it takes for a Romanian work visa:
Cost
- Work Permit Fee: €100-€200, usually paid by you.
- Visa Fee: About €100 for the long-stay visa.
Processing Time:
- Work permit: 30 days, up to 45 with extra checks.
- Visa: Around 30 days, depending on the embassy.
To avoid delays, double-check your work visa documentation for Romania. Wayena Zafar Immigration Law Firm can help ensure everything’s in order.
Comparing Romania Work Visa with Other EU Countries
To help you decide if Romania is the right destination, here’s a comparison of work visa policies with other EU countries:
Country | Quota for Non-EU Workers | EU Blue Card Validity | Key Sectors |
Romania | 100,000 (2025) | 3 years | IT, Construction, Healthcare |
Hungary | Varies annually | 2-4 years | Manufacturing, IT |
Poland | No fixed quota | 2-3 years | Logistics, Construction, IT |
Germany | No fixed quota | 4 years | Engineering, Healthcare, Technology |
Romania’s increased quota and streamlined processes make it competitive, though Germany offers longer EU Blue Card validity.
Recent Policy Updates for 2025
Romania has made big changes to its work visa rules in 2025 to welcome more workers:
- Bigger Quota: Now 100,000 non-EU workers can get permits, up from previous years.
- Better EU Blue Card: This visa for skilled workers lasts 3 years, accepts work experience instead of degrees, and makes it easier to bring family.
- Digital Nomad Visa: Remote workers can live in Romania for up to a year with tax benefits.
- Faster Contracts: Employers must finalize the contract within 15 days of your arrival.
- Family Reunification: It’s now simpler to bring your spouse, kids, or parents to Romania.
These changes make Romania stand out compared to the work visa requirements of Hungary and Germany.
Can you Bring Your Family?
Good news! Romania has made it easier for Romanian work visa holders to bring family members, like their spouse, children, or dependent parents. You’ll need to show you can support them financially and that they meet health and background checks. This helps you settle in Romania for the long term.
Tips for a Smooth Application
Here are practical Romania work visa approval tips to help you succeed:
- Start Early: Begin 2 months before you plan to move to avoid last-minute stress.
- Check Documents: Make sure all papers are complete and translated if needed.
- Prepare for Interviews: Some embassies may ask you to explain your job or plans.
- Stay Updated: Check for quota or rule changes on official sites.
- Get Expert Help: Wayena Zafar Immigration Law Firm can guide you through Romania immigration rules to avoid mistakes.
Common Challenges and How to Solve Them
Applying for a Romanian work visa can be troublesome. Here’s how to handle them:
- Trouble with document translations: Use certified translators and ask Wayena Zafar Immigration Law Firm for advice.
- Delays in processing: Submit everything early and follow up with the embassy or IGI.
- Quota limits: Apply early in 2025 to secure one of the 100,000 spots.
Why Work with Wayena Zafar Immigration Law Firm?
The Romanian work visa process can seem complex, but Wayena Zafar Immigration Law Firm is here to provide expert guidance every step of the way. We offer:
- Expert Advice: 15+ Years of experience with Romania visa applications and permits.
- Full Support: Help with visas for Australia, Canada, Germany, and more, plus Citizenship programs.
- Personal Touch: Customized guidance to meet your needs.
Whether you’re applying for a Romanian work visa or renewing one, we make the process easy.
Conclusion
The Romania work visa in 2025 unlocks exciting opportunities in a dynamic job market, offering 100,000 positions for non-EU workers, an enhanced EU Blue Card, and a newly introduced Digital Nomad Visa. Whether you’re pursuing a Romania work visa for Cluj-Napoca or seeking opportunities as a manager, this guide is your go-to resource. With the expert support of Wayena Zafar Immigration Law Firm, you can navigate the Romania work permit application process with confidence and take the first step toward a rewarding new chapter in Romania.
Get in touch with Wayena Zafar Immigration Law Firm today to confidently apply for your Romania work visa. Whether you’re exploring options for students, professionals, or specialized roles, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way.