Key Takeaways

  1. Most non‑EU/EEA/Swiss nationals will need both a work permit from the General Inspectorate for Immigration and a long‑stay work visa before starting a job in Romania.
  2. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens do not need a work visa but must register locally if staying longer than three months.
  3. The main visa type is the long‑stay visa for employment.
  4. Your employer in Romania must obtain your work permit before you can apply for a visa at a Romanian consulate.
  5. Fees vary by category, with a standard work permit around 100 EUR and the long‑stay visa fee around 120 EUR.

Romania has become an increasingly attractive destination for international professionals. With a growing service sector and dynamic centres of innovation such as Bucharest, Cluj‑Napoca and Timișoara, the country offers a mix of growing business hubs, lower living costs compared to much of Western Europe, and an emerging tech sector. For seasonal workers, agriculture and tourism provide plenty of job opportunities during peak times.

When Is a Work Visa Needed in Romania?

Romania joined the European Union in 2007, so citizens of EU and EEA countries, along with Switzerland, can work here without a visa or work permit. They do still need to register with local authorities if staying longer than three months.

If you are not an EU/EEA/Swiss national, you will need both a Romanian work permit and a work visa before you can start a job. This applies whether you are planning a permanent role in Bucharest, a short‑term seasonal job in agriculture, or a secondment from your employer abroad.

There are a couple of exceptions, but these are narrow and quite specific. These include accredited foreign correspondents, certain diplomatic staff, invited university lecturers staying for very short periods, and some cross‑border arrangements where bilateral agreements exist. Unless you clearly fall into one of these categories, you should assume a work visa will be necessary.

Types of Romania Work Visas and Permits

Romania uses a two‑stage system: first the work permit is issued inside Romania by the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI), then the long‑stay visa is issued by a Romanian embassy or consulate abroad. The visa is generally valid for 90 days, allowing you to enter Romania and apply for a residence permit. Main categories include:

Long‑Stay Visa for Employment (D/AM)

This is the standard route for most jobs. Your Romanian employer must apply for and obtain a work permit for you before you apply for the visa.

Long‑Stay Visa for Secondment (D/DT)

For employees sent to Romania temporarily by a foreign employer to work for a Romanian company or branch.

Highly Qualified Worker Permit

Similar in purpose to the EU Blue Card, this is for people with advanced qualifications and a high‑salary offer in Romania. The permit is usually valid for the length of the employment contract, plus three months.

Seasonal Worker Permit

For short‑term jobs in agriculture, tourism, or similarly seasonal sectors.

Trainee Permit

For structured internships or training placements.

Cross‑Border Worker Permit

For people living in a border area and working in Romania.

How to Apply for a Work Visa in Romania

1

Employer Application

Once you have your confirmed job offer, your prospective Romanian employer will need to submit an application to the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) for your work permit.

This stage is entirely employer‑led, and they will need to prove that they have first tried to recruit from within Romania and the wider EU/EEA labour market. Your employer will usually coordinate with you to gather supporting documents, but the formal application must be made by the hiring Romanian company.

2

Work Permit Approval

Once the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) has received the application and all supporting materials, the review process begins. Immigration officers examine the file to ensure it meets both the letter and the spirit of Romanian employment and immigration law. They will assess whether the role fits the category of work permit being requested, whether the salary meets any applicable thresholds (especially for highly qualified workers), and whether the documentation supports the case.

If everything is in order, IGI will issue a work permit. For most roles, this is valid for up to one year. For highly qualified workers or certain specialist categories, the permit may be issued for a longer period in line with the employment contract. The employer will then pass this work permit to you so that you can begin the visa application process in your own country.

3

Visa Application

You will need to submit your visa application to a Romanian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. You will be expected to attend an appointment, and sometimes you may need to provide biometric data.

The paperwork you need typically includes:

  • Valid passport
  • Copy of your work permit
  • Proof of means to support yourself
  • Medical insurance valid in Romania
  • Criminal record certificate from your home country
  • Two recent passport‑sized photographs

Embassies may have additional local requirements, so it is worth checking their specific guidance before applying.

4

Visa Decision

Once your application is submitted, the embassy or consulate will start to process it. Processing times vary, but are usually within 60 days. Occasionally it may take longer if additional information like extra background checks are needed.

During this stage, you may be asked to provide further information or attend an additional interview. When your visa is approved, it will be stamped in your passport.

5

Entry and Residence Permit

The visa stamped in your passport will be a long‑stay visa, which allows you to enter and remain for up to 90 days. You must apply for a residence permit during these 90 days. 

The residence permit is linked to your employment contract and grants you the legal right to live and work in Romania for its duration. It is usually issued for the same period as your work permit and can be renewed if your employment continues.

Costs and Fees for a Romania Work Visa

The fees can vary depending on the type of permit or visa that you need. 

Permit/Visa Type Approximate Cost (EUR)
Standard Work Permit 100
Highly Qualified Worker Permit 50
Long Stay Visa (all D type categories) 120

There can be additional costs for things such as translated documents, notarisation, and criminal record certificates. Your employer may cover the permit fees, but they aren’t legally required to pay them.

Work Visa Sponsorship

Your prospective Romanian employer must apply for your work permit and act as your sponsor for the visa. They must prove they have advertised the job locally and could not find a suitable candidate locally. They must also demonstrate that you meet all the professional and educational requirements. For highly qualified workers, there is normally a higher minimum salary threshold that the employer must pay.

If you change jobs after arriving in Romania, you cannot transfer your visa to the new employer and will need to submit a new application.

Secure Your Romanian Work Visa and Begin Your New Chapter

Life in Romania has way more to offer beyond job prospects. Lively but welcoming cities make it easy to feel part of local life. On days off, you could venture out to the historic towns and experience the café culture of  Cluj Napoca or take some time out to relax in quiet countryside areas, far away from the normal touristy places?

Every region has its own traditions and character, giving you lots of opportunity to discover something new. In Romania you can achieve the ideal work-life balance, combining career growth with the relaxed pace of European living.

Frequently Asked Questions

Only if you are from the EU/EEA or Switzerland, or if you are covered by a specific exemption such as short‑term academic or diplomatic work.

The long‑stay employment visa is valid for 90 days for entry. Your right to stay and work comes from your residence permit, which is linked to your employment contract.

Yes. Spouses and dependent children can apply for family reunification visas once you hold a valid residence permit.

No. A new employer must apply for a fresh work permit, and you may need a new visa.

Your right to stay in Romania depends on your work permit and residence permit being valid. If your job ends, your employer should notify IGI, and you will need to find a new employer or leave before your permit expires.

Yes. Romania sets annual quotas for new work permits for non‑EU citizens, divided by category (seasonal, highly qualified, etc.). Once a quota is reached, applications may be delayed until the following year.