Romania Work Visa Guide, Romania, located in Eastern Europe and a member of the European Union (EU), is emerging as a popular destination for skilled workers, professionals, and entrepreneurs. With its growing economy, affordable lifestyle, and increasing job opportunities, many foreigners are looking to work and settle in Romania. If you are planning to work in Romania in 2025, understanding the Romania Work Visa process is crucial. This guide provides complete details on eligibility, documents required, fees, and step-by-step application process for the Romania work visa. Romania Work Visa Guide
Why Work in Romania in 2025?
Before diving into the visa process, let’s look at why Romania is becoming a top choice for foreign workers:
- Growing Job Market: Sectors like IT, engineering, healthcare, construction, and manufacturing are experiencing rapid growth.
- Affordable Living: Romania offers a lower cost of living compared to other EU countries.
- EU Member State Benefits: Once you work in Romania, you may gain easier access to other EU job markets in the future.
- Competitive Salaries: Skilled professionals, especially in IT and healthcare, earn attractive packages.
- Cultural Diversity: A welcoming environment for expatriates with rich culture and history.
Who Needs a Romania Work Visa in 2025?
- EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens: Do not need a visa to work in Romania. They can work freely with just a residence registration.
- Non-EU/Non-EEA Citizens: Need a Romanian work permit and then apply for a long-stay work visa (D/AM Visa) before starting employment.
Types of Romania Work Permits
Romania issues different types of work permits depending on the employment type:
- Standard Work Permit – For regular full-time employees.
- Secondment Work Permit – For foreign employees temporarily sent by a company abroad.
- Highly Skilled Work Permit (Blue Card) – For highly qualified professionals with a high salary package.
- Seasonal Worker Permit – For temporary or seasonal jobs.
- Internship Permit – For interns working under a training program.
- Sports Activities Permit – For athletes and coaches.
- Cross-border Work Permit – For workers living near Romania’s border but employed in the country. Romania Work Visa Guide
Eligibility Criteria for Romania Work Visa 2025
To be eligible for a Romanian work visa, you must:
- Have a valid job offer from a Romanian employer.
- The employer must obtain a work permit from the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI).
- Meet the qualification and skill requirements of the job.
- Provide proof of financial stability and a clean criminal record.
- Hold valid health insurance during your stay. Romania Work Visa Guide
Documents Required for Romania Work Visa Application
To apply for a Romania work visa in 2025, you will generally need the following documents:
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity).
- Copy of Romanian work permit issued by IGI.
- Employment contract from the Romanian employer.
- Proof of accommodation in Romania.
- Medical insurance covering the duration of stay.
- Bank statement showing financial means (at least €500 per month).
- Recent passport-size photographs.
- Criminal record certificate from your home country.
- Visa application form (completed and signed). Romania Work Visa Guide
Step-by-Step Romania Work Visa Application Process 2025
Step 1: Job Offer from a Romanian Employer
- Secure a valid job offer from a Romania-based employer.
- The employer initiates the process by applying for a work permit with IGI.
Step 2: Employer Applies for Work Permit
- The Romanian employer submits necessary documents to IGI, including the job contract, proof of recruitment efforts, and your qualifications.
- Work permit approval may take 30–45 days.
Step 3: Apply for Long-Stay Work Visa (D/AM)
- Once the work permit is approved, apply for a long-stay visa (D/AM) at the Romanian Embassy or Consulate (mae.ro)in your home country.
- Submit all required documents and pay the visa fee.
Step 4: Visa Processing
- The Romanian consulate processes your application in 10–30 working days.
- If approved, you will receive the visa stamped in your passport.
Step 5: Enter Romania and Register for Residence Permit
- Travel to Romania with your work visa.
- Within 90 days of arrival, apply for a residence permit at the local immigration office.
- The residence permit is usually valid for one year and renewable. Romania Work Visa Guide
Romania Work Visa Fees 2025
The Romania work visa fees include:
- Work Permit Fee (paid by employer): Approximately €100
- Long-Stay Work Visa Fee: €120 (varies slightly by country)
- Residence Permit Fee: €60
Processing Time for Romania Work Visa 2025
- Work Permit Approval: 30–45 days
- Visa Application Processing: 10–30 days
- Residence Permit Issuance: 30 days
Total processing time may take 2–3 months, so apply well in advance. Romania Work Visa Guide
Validity and Renewal of Romania Work Visa
- Initial work visa validity: 1 year.
- Renewable annually as long as employment continues.
- After 5 years of continuous stay, you may apply for long-term residency. Romania Work Visa Guide
Benefits of Romania Work Visa 2025
- Legally work and live in Romania.
- Access to healthcare and social security benefits.
- Possibility to bring family members through family reunification.
- Pathway to permanent residence and citizenship after a certain period.
- Opportunity to explore and work in other EU countries in the future.
Tips for a Successful Romania Work Visa Application
- Ensure your employer has approval from IGI before applying.
- Submit all documents correctly to avoid delays.
- Apply at least 3 months before planned travel.
- Keep copies of all documents submitted.
- Consult a professional immigration advisor if needed. Romania Work Visa Guide
Conclusion
The Romania Work Visa 2025 application process is straightforward but requires careful preparation. From securing a job offer to obtaining a work permit, applying for the visa, and registering for residency, each step must be followed accurately. With a valid Romanian work visa, you can enjoy excellent career opportunities, affordable living, and long-term settlement options in an EU country. Romania Work Visa Guide