Understanding Romania’s Work Permit System
Romania’s work permit framework for non-EU nationals operates under the Government Emergency Ordinance No. 25/2014, updated annually. In 2026, the government approved a quota of 100,000 new work permits — a significant increase from the 50,000 allocated in 2023, reflecting the country’s growing labour demand.
Who Needs a Work Permit?
Any non-EU/EEA citizen intending to work in Romania must hold a valid work authorisation. This includes workers from India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the Philippines and other Asian countries — the primary source markets for Romania’s international recruitment.
Step 1: Employer Applies for the Work Authorisation
The employer (or a licensed recruitment agency acting on their behalf) submits the application to the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI). Required documents include:
- Company registration certificate and fiscal attestation
- Proof of a valid job vacancy (published for 30+ days with ANOFM)
- Employment contract draft in Romanian
- Worker’s passport copy, medical certificate and qualification documents
- Criminal background check from the worker’s country of origin
Step 2: Work Visa (Visa D/M)
Once the work authorisation is issued (typically within 30 calendar days), the worker applies for a long-stay visa (Visa D/M) at the Romanian embassy or consulate in their home country. This visa is valid for 90 days and allows entry into Romania.
Step 3: Temporary Residence Card (TRC)
After arriving in Romania, the worker must apply for a Temporary Residence Card within 30 days. The TRC is valid for one year and is renewable, allowing the worker to live and work legally in Romania.
Processing Timeline
From initial application to the worker arriving on-site, the typical timeline is 8–12 weeks. Working with a licensed MEA-registered agency like Romania Manpower can significantly reduce this, as we handle all documentation in parallel.
2026 Updates
Key changes for 2026 include expedited processing for workers in high-demand sectors (construction, manufacturing, logistics) and a new digital application portal expected to launch in Q3 2026.