Romania Work Permit Guide for Employers. 2026
IGI decision: 30 days | End-to-end: 2–4 months. Authority: IGI — General Inspectorate for Immigration. Visa authority: MAE — Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Last reviewed: May 2026
Key Romania work permit updates 2026
- 2026 annual quota reduced to 90,000 — down from 100,000 in 2025; confirmed by National Tripartite Council for Social Dialogue.
- Minimum wage increase from 1 July 2026: RON 4,325 gross/month (up from RON 4,050); must be demonstrated as means of subsistence at visa stage.
- EU Blue Card salary threshold: RON 8,620 gross/month from 13 February 2025
- Employer pre-condition: Must have been carrying out activity in the relevant field for at least 1 year; must not have been penalised for undeclared work or illegal employment in the previous 6 months
- 60-day visa application window: Employee must apply for the D/AM long-stay visa at a Romanian embassy within 60 days of the work permit being issued
- Residence permit: Applied for at IGI within 90 days of arrival; decision within 30 days
Romania’s work permit system is quota-controlled, employer-initiated, and sequential — nothing happens until the employer’s application is approved by the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI).
The employee cannot travel to Romania first and then seek a work permit. The 2026 annual quota is 90,000 permits — a reduction from 2025, meaning applications must be submitted promptly after the quota window opens.
Three separate authorisations must all be current simultaneously: a work permit from IGI, a long-stay D/AM visa from the Romanian embassy, and a residence permit from IGI after arrival. Changing employer requires restarting the entire process from the beginning.
Quick answer
Employer confirms pre-conditions (1+ year of activity; no undeclared work penalties) and submits work permit application to IGI. Decision: 30 days (up to 15 additional days if further checks required). Employer retains the original work permit; employee receives a copy.
Employee applies for the D/AM long-stay visa at a Romanian embassy within 60 days of permit issuance. Processing: 10 days. Fee: €120. Employee enters Romania and applies for a residence permit at IGI within 90 days of arrival. IGI decides within 30 days.
2026 quota: 90,000 permits. Minimum wage: RON 4,050 until 30 June 2026; RON 4,325 from 1 July 2026. Permit is employer-specific, changing employer requires restarting the full process. EU/EEA/Swiss nationals: no work permit required.
Romania work permit reform
GEO 32/2026 replaces the existing work permit framework (Government Ordinance No. 25/2014). Current rules apply until 7 August 2026. Full implementation begins 8 August 2026 on the new WorkinRomania.gov.ro platform.
Key changes from 8 August: the D/AM visa splits into D/AM1 (highly qualified, no quota) and D/AM2 (general labour, quota-dependent and gated by a new List of Shortage Occupations). All employers must register on the platform. Employers hiring D/AM2 workers directly must have at least 50 employees and 24 months of activity. Contracts must be bilingual. Workers are locked to their initial employer for 6 months before any change.
Verify the shortage occupation list publication status before filing any D/AM2 application.
Who issues work permits in Romania — two authorities in sequence
Romania’s work authorisation process involves two separate government bodies acting sequentially. The employer deals with IGI first; the employee deals with MAE (embassy) second; both then return to IGI for the residence permit after arrival.
| Authority | Details |
|---|---|
| IGI — General Inspectorate for Immigration | Issues work permits (employer applies); issues residence permits (employee applies after arrival). Applications submitted to any IGI territorial formation. Decision: 30 days (+ up to 15 extra). |
| MAE — Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Romanian embassies) | Employee applies for the long-stay D/AM visa at the Romanian embassy or consulate in their country of residence. Processed by the National Visa Centre: 10 days (employment permits pre-endorsed by IGI); 20 days (secondment). Fee: €120. Website |
| ANOFM — National Employment Agency | Labour market test evidence coordinated through the employer. The employer must demonstrate the position cannot be filled by Romanian citizens, EU/EEA nationals, or permanent residents. ANOFM publishes vacancies and maintains the labour market records referenced in the test. |
The 2026 annual work permit quota
Romania sets an annual ceiling on work and secondment permits for third-country nationals through the National Tripartite Council for Social Dialogue. Once the quota is exhausted, no further work permits can be issued until the following year’s quota opens, regardless of how urgent the employer’s need is or how complete the application is. The 2026 quota of 90,000 is 10,000 fewer than 2025, despite significant employer demand particularly in construction, manufacturing, and services.
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| Parameter | Limit/Window | Affected Group | Base Reference | Extensions/Notes | Agency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 annual quota | 90,000 | Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals (Work + Secondment) | Reduced from 100,000 in 2025 | IGI | |
| IGI decision window | 30 days | Complete applications | From date of completion | Extendable by up to 15 additional days for further checks | IGI |
The quota applies at the point of application, not at the point of entry. Applications submitted when the quota is available but not processed until after exhaustion may still be rejected. Employers with multiple planned hires for 2026 should submit all applications simultaneously rather than sequentially.
Certain categories are exempt from the quota and may be hired without a standard work permit, including nationals of countries with bilateral agreements, certain educational and scientific staff, workers appointed to head branches/subsidiaries, and others listed on the IGI website.
The three authorisations — all required, all synchronised in Romania
Legal employment as a third-country national in Romania only exists where all three authorisations are valid simultaneously. Each is applied for sequentially — the next cannot begin until the previous is complete.
1. Work Permit (IGI)
Applied for by the employer at any IGI territorial formation before the employee travels. Employer-specific — not transferable to another employer. Employer keeps the original for the full employment period. Decision: 30 days. Quota-dependent.
2. Long-Stay Visa D/AM (Romanian Embassy)
Applied for by the employee at the Romanian embassy or consulate within 60 days of work permit issuance. Fee: €120. Processing: 10 days (employment, IGI-endorsed). Grants right to enter Romania and apply for residence permit.
3. Residence Permit (IGI)
Applied for at IGI within 90 days of arrival. The residence permit extension application must be submitted at least 30 days before the long-stay visa expires. Decision: 30 days. Valid for up to 1 year (standard); up to 2 years (highly skilled workers).
Work permit and visa fees in Romania
I’ve converted your selected text into a table that outlines the visa fees, processing times, and upcoming minimum wage adjustments in Romania.
| Requirement | Value / Detail | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Type | Long-stay visa D/AM | |
| Processing Fee | 120 | Paid in local currency equivalent at the Romanian consulate; non-refundable |
| Application Context | Visa processing (employment) | |
| Processing Time | 10 days | From application submission — employment permits pre-endorsed by IGI; 20 days for secondment |
| Minimum Wage (until 30 June 2026) | RON 4,050 | Gross/month — must be demonstrated as means of subsistence for visa |
| Minimum Wage (from 1 July 2026) | RON 4,325 | Gross/month — confirmed Government Decision (L&E Global, March 2026) |
EU Blue Card salary threshold: RON 8,620 gross/month (from 13 February 2025). Work permit application fees are paid to IGI at the time of submitting the application. Residence permit extension fee applies at IGI when the right to stay is extended. Workers may not remain at the minimum wage level for more than 2 years, employers must increase salary beyond the minimum after 2 years of employment.
How to hire a third-country national in Romania
Employer confirms pre-conditions and labour market test evidence
Before applying, the employer must confirm it meets IGI pre-conditions: at least 1 year of activity in the field for which the permit is requested; no penalties for undeclared work or illegal employment in the previous 6 months; business not established primarily to facilitate entry of foreigners.
The employer must also document that the vacant position cannot be filled by Romanian citizens, EU/EEA nationals, or permanent residents in Romania — this is the labour market test requirement. ANOFM vacancy declaration records form part of this evidence. Employer active for 1+ year in the field; no undeclared work penalties in previous 6 months, both are hard pre-conditions.
Employer submits work permit application to any IGI territorial formation
The employer (or an authorised representative who is the legal representative of the employer) submits the work permit application with all required documentation to any territorial formation of the General Inspectorate for Immigration. The proof of fee payment is presented at the time of submitting the application.
The application must fall within the annual quota, employers should check quota availability before submitting. IGI processes the application and issues a decision within 30 days; if additional checks are required, the deadline may be extended by up to 15 days. Must fall within 2026 quota of 90,000 — submit promptly; quota exhaustion blocks all further applications until 2027.
Work permit issued — employer keeps original; employee receives copy for visa application
After IGI approval, the work permit is issued. The work permit is kept by the employer for the entire period of employment — this is a legal obligation, not an administrative preference. The employer sends a copy to the employee, who uses it for the visa application at the Romanian embassy. The employee must apply for the long-stay D/AM visa within 60 days of the work permit being issued. Employer keeps original work permit throughout employment | Employee has 60 days from permit issuance to apply for D/AM visa.
Employee applies for long-stay D/AM visa at Romanian embassy or consulate
The employee applies for the long-stay visa for employment (symbol D/AM) at the Romanian embassy or consulate in their country of residence. Required documents include: valid passport (at least 3 months beyond intended period of stay); work permit copy; proof of financial means at minimum gross salary level for the visa period; criminal record certificate from country of domicile or residence; medical insurance valid for the visa duration.
Visa fee: €120 paid in local currency at the consulate. Processing: 10 days from submission (employment permits endorsed by IGI). Visa fee €120 | Processing 10 days | Applied for within 60 days of work permit issuance.
Employee enters Romania and applies for residence permit at IGI within 90 days
After entering Romania on the D/AM long-stay visa, the employee must apply at IGI for the extension of the right of temporary stay (residence permit) within 90 days of arrival, and at least 30 days before the visa expires. IGI issues its decision within 30 days of receiving the application.
The residence permit is valid for up to 1 year (standard employment) or up to 2 years for highly skilled workers. Both the employer and the employee must maintain copies of the residence permit or travel document showing legality of stay. Apply at IGI within 90 days of arrival and at least 30 days before visa expiry, both deadlines must be met.
Employer registers employee and meets ongoing compliance obligations
The employer must register the employment contract with the relevant authorities, ensure payroll compliance at or above the applicable minimum gross salary (RON 4,050 until 30 June 2026; RON 4,325 from 1 July 2026), and maintain the original work permit for the full employment period.
If hiring a worker from the categories exempt from a work permit, the employer must notify IGI within 10 days of the employee’s start date. Residence permit extension applications must be submitted at least 30 days before the current permit expires. Notify IGI within 10 days if hiring exempt category | Keep original work permit | RON 4,325 from 1 July 2026.
| Process Stage | Processing Time | Authority / Location | Responsibility | Requirements / Fees | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IGI Work Permit | 30 days | IGI | Employer | Additional 15 days if checks required | First step of the immigration process |
| D/AM Visa | 10 days | Romanian Embassy | Employee | €120 fee; Apply within 60 days of permit | Necessary for legal entry |
| Entry to Romania | — | Romanian Border | Employee | Must have valid D/AM visa | Employee travels after visa issuance |
| Residence Permit | 30 days | IGI | Employee | Apply within 90 days of arrival | Final stage in Romania |
| Total End-to-End | 2–4 months | — | — | — | From initial application to card in hand |
Work permit types in Romania in 2026
Romania recognises multiple work permit categories. The type determines the processing requirements, duration, and eligibility conditions. Most commercial expatriate hiring falls under the permanent worker or ICT (Intra-Company Transfer) categories.
| Permit type | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Permanent worker | Up to 1 year; renewable | Standard employment with indefinite or fixed-term contract. Most common category for expatriate commercial hires. Employer-specific — cannot change employer without new permit. |
| Seasonal worker | Up to 9 months per calendar year | For agriculture, tourism, and sectors with seasonal labour demand. Special treatment for Moldovan, Ukrainian, and Serbian nationals — eligible for up to 9 months with full-time contract without standard permit requirement. |
| ICT — Intra-Company Transfer | Up to 3 years (managers/specialists); 1 year (trainees) | For employees transferred within the same corporate group. Secondment permit issued. EU mobility rights: if ICT permit held in another EU member state, may work in Romania without obtaining a separate Romanian work permit for shorter periods. |
| EU Blue Card | Up to 2 years; renewable | For highly qualified workers. Salary threshold: RON 8,620 gross/month (from 13 February 2025). Faster processing — residence permit extension request settled within 15 days. Enhanced intra-EU mobility. |
| Trainee | Up to 6 months | For structured training programmes within Romanian companies. Training agreement required. |
| Cross-border worker | Up to 1 year; renewable | For workers resident in a neighbouring country who commute regularly to work in Romania without taking up residence. |
| Nominal work permit | Varies | For specific named individuals in specialised categories not covered by other permit types. |
Documents required for a Romania work permit and long-stay visa
Employer documents, submitted to IGI (work permit application)
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Work permit application form | Submitted to any IGI territorial formation by the employer or authorised legal representative. Proof of fee payment presented at submission. |
| Proof of employer’s 1-year activity in the relevant field | Confirms the employer has been conducting business in the sector for which the work permit is requested for at least 1 year |
| Labour market test evidence | Demonstrates the vacant position cannot be filled by Romanian citizens, EU/EEA nationals, or permanent residents — ANOFM vacancy declaration records |
| Individual employment contract (draft) | Or proof of employment relationship; must comply with Romanian Labour Code; must specify salary at or above minimum gross salary |
| Declaration that employer has not been penalised for undeclared work or illegal employment | Covering the 6 months preceding the application date |
| Commercial registration documents | Confirming the employer is a legally registered Romanian entity |
Employee documents — submitted at Romanian embassy (D/AM visa application)
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Work permit copy | Copy issued to the employee by the employer after IGI approval; original kept by employer |
| Valid passport | At least 3 months beyond the intended period of stay; issued within the last 10 years; at least 2 blank visa pages |
| Passport photographs | Recent; conforming to Romanian consulate specifications; typically 3.5cm × 4.5cm |
| Proof of financial means of subsistence | At the level of the minimum gross salary guaranteed in payment for the entire period inscribed on the visa (RON 4,050 until 30 June 2026; RON 4,325 from 1 July 2026) |
| Criminal record certificate | Issued by authorities of the State of domicile or residence; or other document with equivalent legal value |
| Medical insurance | Valid for the entire duration of the visa; minimum 6 months coverage |
| Visa application fee payment | €120 equivalent in local currency; paid in cash at the consular section |
Employee documents — submitted at IGI (residence permit application after arrival)
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Work permit (original) | Employer presents the original; copy provided to IGI for residence permit processing |
| Valid passport with D/AM visa and entry stamp | Confirming legal entry into Romania on the correct visa category |
| Proof of accommodation | Lease agreement, property ownership document, or proof of legal ownership of the living space (original and duplicate) |
| Individual employment contract registered with competent authorities | Signed by both parties; registered with REVISAL (Romanian employee records system); translated and legalised if concluded with a foreign entity |
| Proof of financial means of support | At the minimum gross salary level for the residence period requested |
| Biometric photograph | Taken at the IGI appointment for the residence permit card |
Romania work permit at a glance. 2026
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Work permit authority | IGI — General Inspectorate for Immigration | Any territorial formation |
| Visa authority | MAE — Ministry of Foreign Affairs via Romanian embassies |
| Governing legislation | Government Ordinance No. 25/2014 on employment and secondment of foreigners in Romania |
| 2026 annual quota | 90,000 work and secondment permits for non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals (reduced from 100,000 in 2025) |
| IGI decision time | 30 days from complete application; extendable by up to 15 additional days |
| Visa application window | Employee must apply for D/AM visa within 60 days of work permit issuance |
| Visa processing time | 10 days (employment, IGI-endorsed); 20 days (secondment); 60 days (general) |
| Visa fee | €120 — paid in local currency at Romanian consulate |
| Residence permit application deadline | Within 90 days of arrival; at least 30 days before long-stay visa expires |
| Residence permit decision | 30 days (standard); 15 days (EU Blue Card from another EU state) |
| Residence permit validity | Up to 1 year (standard); up to 2 years (highly skilled workers) |
| Employer pre-conditions | 1+ year active in the relevant field; not penalised for undeclared work/illegal employment in previous 6 months |
| Labour market test | Mandatory — position must not be fillable by Romanian citizens, EU/EEA nationals, or permanent residents |
| Work permit portability | Employer-specific — cannot change employer without new work permit application |
| Employer obligations | Keep original work permit for full employment period; keep copy of employee’s residence document; notify IGI within 10 days if hiring exempt category |
| EU/EEA/Swiss nationals | No work permit required — free access to Romanian labour market |
| Minimum gross salary — until 30 June 2026 | RON 4,050/month |
| Minimum gross salary — from 1 July 2026 | RON 4,325/month |
| EU Blue Card salary threshold | RON 8,620 gross/month from 13 February 2025) |
| Single Permit route | Available for applicants already in Romania under a different right of stay, can extend to employment without leaving and re-entering |
Acumen International — your Employer of Record in Romania
Official government resources in Romani
The primary authority for work permits and residence permits. Full conditions, pre-conditions, employer obligations, exempt categories, and document requirements for all permit types.
2. IGI — Long-stay visa for employment purposes
Confirmed list of categories exempt from work permit requirement; visa conditions; employer notification obligations for exempt workers.
3. MAE — Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Long-stay visas)
Official MAE guidance on all long-stay visa categories including D/AM (employment), D/DT (secondment), D/SB (Single Permit), and others. Processing times and fee confirmed at €120.
4. EURAXESS Romania — Work Permit guide
Official Romanian government-hosted guide confirming work permit types, duration limits, and the general rule that the right to extend stay may be granted for up to 1 year (standard) or 2 years (highly skilled workers).
For applicants already in Romania under a different right of stay who wish to extend for employment purposes without leaving. Also covers ICT worker conditions and EU Blue Card mobility rules.
Frequently asked questions
Do EU, EEA and Swiss nationals need a work permit in Romania?
No. EU, EEA and Swiss nationals can work in Romania without a work permit, long-stay employment visa or annual quota allocation. Residence registration may be required if they stay for more than 90 days.
Can a foreign company hire in Romania without a Romanian entity?
Not directly through the standard work permit route. The employer must be a Romanian-registered entity that meets the activity, compliance and labour market test conditions. A registered Employer of Record can provide the local employing structure.
Can the employee travel to Romania before the work permit is approved?
No. For the standard employment route, the employer must obtain the work permit first. The employee then applies for the long-stay employment visa and only travels after the visa is issued.
What is the main risk with Romania’s 2026 quota?
The quota is limited to 90,000 permits. Once it is exhausted, new standard work permits cannot be issued until the next quota opens. Employers planning several hires should avoid sequential applications where possible.
Can a third-country national change employer in Romania?
Not on the same work permit. Romanian work permits are employer-specific. A new employer must submit a fresh application before the employee can start work for them.
What employer conditions matter before applying?
The employer must usually show at least one year of activity in the relevant field, a clean recent record on undeclared or illegal employment, and evidence that the vacancy cannot be filled locally or from the EU/EEA labour market.
What is the 60-day visa window?
After the work permit is issued, the employee must apply for the Romanian long-stay employment visa within 60 days. Missing this window can require the process to be restarted.
What happens after the employee arrives in Romania?
The employee must apply for the residence permit at the immigration authority within the required post-arrival period and before the long-stay visa expires. The employer must keep the original work permit and maintain compliant payroll and employment records.
What is the Single Permit route?
The Single Permit may apply where a foreign national is already legally staying in Romania under another status and wants to move into employment. It is not a shortcut for someone entering Romania as a tourist.
Why businesses choose Acumen International for hiring expats in Romania
- Hire in Romania without setting up a local entity
Employ eligible foreign nationals through Acumen’s Romanian Employer of Record structure, without creating your own company first. - Employer-side work permit support
Support with the Romanian employer requirements, work permit process, visa timing and residence permit coordination. - Romanian employment compliance from day one
Employment contracts, payroll registration, tax, social security and HR administration managed in line with Romanian requirements. - Faster route to market
Reduce delays linked to entity setup, unfamiliar employer obligations and missed procedural deadlines. - One-country hire, global employment model
Manage Romania as part of a wider international hiring programme across 190+ countries.
Hiring expats in Romania?
Hire eligible foreign nationals in Romania without opening a local entity. Acumen International acts as your Romanian Employer of Record, supporting the work permit process, visa timing, residence permit coordination, payroll and ongoing employment compliance.
Important: Acumen International operates as a Global Employer of Record and supports businesses deploying their own expatriate employees in Romania. Our involvement flows from our role as the registered Romanian employing entity — specifically, IGI work permit applications, employment compliance under Romanian labour law, and payroll compliance. We do not provide standalone immigration legal advice and do not assist individuals seeking employment in Romania independently.