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Romania Work Permits & Visas: Processes for Employers

Looking to sponsor an international hire in Romania? This guide breaks down what employers need to know — from visa types to employer obligations and timelines. Whether you're hiring locally or relocating international talent, we've got you covered.

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Capital City

Bucharest

Currency

Romanian Leu

(

RON

)

Timezone

EET

(

GMT +2

)

Payroll

Monthly

Employment Cost

10.00%

Milani Notshe

Research Specialist

Last Updated

July 11, 2025

In This Guide

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Hiring Foreign Talent in Romania: What Employers Need to Know

Are you an employer looking to sponsor international talent in Romania? Navigating Romania’s visa and work permit process can be complex — especially without a local legal entity or dedicated HR team.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about employer-sponsored work visas in Romania, including processing times, documentation, and local compliance rules. Whether relocating a team member or hiring locally, Playroll simplifies visa sponsorship through an end-to-end employer of record platform.

Key Takeaways

Employers or EOR providers need to be registered with the Romanian Immigration Office to sponsor foreign nationals.

The work permit process usually takes 30 days.

Common work permits include the Single Permit Work Visa (RON 100) and the EU Blue Card (RON 500).

Independent contractors must go through a different process, often involving self-employment registration.

Work permits are location-specific, and changing jobs or locations may require additional approval.

Who Needs a Work Permit in Romania

Non-European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or Swiss Confederation citizens require a work permit to be employed legally in Romania. Employers must ensure that these individuals obtain the necessary authorization before commencing employment. However, citizens from EU/EEA countries and Switzerland enjoy the same labor rights as Romanian citizens and do not need a work permit.

Types of Work Visas in Romania

Romania offers various work visas tailored to different employment scenarios. Employers should identify the appropriate visa type that aligns with the nature of employment for their prospective international employees.

Visa Type	Description
Long-Stay Visa for Employment (D/AM)	For non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals with a Romanian work permit, allowing stays beyond 90 days.
Long-Stay Visa for Intra-Company Transfer (ICT)	For employees of multinational companies transferring to Romanian branches.
Long-Stay Visa for Highly Skilled Workers	For professionals in highly qualified positions, requiring proof of qualifications and a higher salary threshold.
Long-Stay Visa for Seasonal Workers	For temporary employment in sectors like agriculture or tourism during peak seasons.
Digital Nomad Visa	For remote workers employed by non-Romanian companies, allowing them to live in Romania while working remotely.

Common Hiring Scenarios for Romania

When hiring talent in Romania, employers typically choose one of three pathways depending on the role, duration, & legal requirements. Below are the most common models.

Use Case 1: Sponsoring a Foreign Employee via Work Permit or Visa

This is the most common route for companies hiring full-time foreign talent in Romania. To sponsor this visa, an employer (or Playroll as the Employer of Record) must have a registered legal entity in-country and issue a compliant offer of employment.

Key Employer Considerations:

Sponsorship is required — contractors or freelancers cannot apply under this visa.
Employees must remain in the approved work location unless authorized to relocate or change employers.
Processing timelines vary (approximately 30 days), depending on the consulate or embassy.

This is best for: Long-term roles with in-office or hybrid presence in Romania.

Use Case 2: Hiring a Foreign Contractor in Romania

Independent professionals in Romania can legally work with international clients without employer sponsorship, but must comply with local tax registration and reporting laws.

With Playroll’s Contractor Management solution, you can:

Draft fully compliant local contractor agreements.
Automate contractor invoicing and cross-border payments, in Saudi Riyal (SAR) or USD.
Mitigate risk of permanent establishment and contractor misclassification.

This is best for: Freelancers, consultants or project-based roles, especially if the worker already lives in Romania.

Use Case 3: Relocating an Existing Employee to Romania

Transferring an existing team member to Romania? You’ll still need to navigate the same visa and payroll setup process. Even if the employee works for you elsewhere, a local employer of record is required to stay compliant.

EOR’s, like Playroll, handle all local steps, including:

Work permit sponsorship and immigration paperwork,
Registration with local authorities and payroll systems,
Enrollment in mandatory benefits and statutory schemes.

This is best for: Internal transfers or remote-first companies looking to expand into Middle East, or talent retention offerings for global mobility programs.

Not Sure What to Pay in Romania? Compare fair, local salaries with our free benchmarking tool.

Requirements For a Work Permit in Romania

To obtain a work permit in Romania, specific criteria must be met to ensure compliance with immigration and labor laws.

Employer's Legal Activity: The employer must conduct legitimate operations in Romania and demonstrate that the position cannot be filled by Romanian or EU/EEA citizens.
Employee's Qualifications: The prospective employee should possess the necessary professional qualifications and experience relevant to the job.
Medical Fitness: The employee must provide a medical certificate confirming their capability to perform job duties.
Clean Criminal Record: A criminal record certificate from the employee's country of residence is required to ensure no legal impediments to employment.
Valid Travel Document: The employee must hold a valid passport or travel document.

Romania Work Permit Application Process

Obtain a Work Permit: The employer applies to the Romanian Inspectorate General for Immigration (IGI) on behalf of the employee, providing necessary documentation and justifications.
Apply for a Long-Stay Visa: Upon receiving the work permit, the employee must apply for a long-stay employment visa (D/AM) at a Romanian consulate or embassy in their home country.
Enter Romania and Register: After visa approval, the employee enters Romania and must register with local authorities to obtain a temporary residence permit.

Process for Visa Sponsorship In Romania

Visa sponsorship in Romania requires employers to initiate the work permit application on behalf of the foreign employee. This involves demonstrating the necessity of hiring a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national by proving that the position cannot be filled locally. Employers must ensure compliance with all legal requirements, including maintaining records of the employee's legal status and employment terms.

What Are the Fees for a Work Permit or Visa in Romania

Fees associated with work permits and visas in Romania vary based on the visa type.

Visa Type	Application Fee
Long-Stay Employment Visa (D/AM)	€120
Digital Nomad Visa	€120

Processing Time for a Work Permit Or Visa in Romania

The processing time for a work permit in Romania is approximately 30 days. Once the work permit is issued, the employee has 60 days to apply for the long-stay employment visa, which typically takes 10 to 14 days to process.

Work Permit Renewal Periods in Romania

Work permits in Romania are generally valid for one year and can be renewed annually, provided the employment relationship continues, and all legal requirements are met. Employers must apply for renewal before the current permit expires to ensure uninterrupted legal employment status.

Visa Requirements For Digital Nomads in Romania

Romania offers a Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers employed by companies registered outside Romania. Applicants must meet specific criteria to qualify.

Income Requirement: Demonstrate a monthly income of at least €3,700 for the six months preceding the application.
Proof of Remote Employment: Provide evidence of employment with a non-Romanian company.
Health Insurance: Obtain health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
Clean Criminal Record: Submit a criminal record certificate.
Proof of Accommodation: Show proof of accommodation in Romania.

Common Challenges and Tips for Employers Hiring in Romania

Employers may face several challenges when hiring foreign workers in Romania. Understanding these issues can help streamline the process.

Complex Administrative Procedures: Navigating Romania's work permit processes requires diligence and thorough documentation.
Language Barriers: Language differences may impact workplace communication and integration.
Cultural Differences: Differences in workplace culture can lead to misunderstandings if not managed effectively.
Tip: Engage specialized recruitment agencies, offer language training, and implement cultural sensitivity programs to support foreign employees.

Hire Global employees without hassle with an EOR solution

Expanding your workforce across international borders is an exciting step, but it can be a logistical nightmare to hire and pay employees in different countries. That’s the advantage of using a trusted Employer of Record like Playroll. They can:

Handle your international payroll: An EOR will act as your payroll provider, paying your employees on your behalf in the local currency. The company will also have in-depth knowledge of local tax codes, regulatory practices, and everything else that goes into managing global payroll.
Alleviate compliance concerns: Different countries each have their own federal and local laws governing employee payments. An EOR helps ensure that you are compliant with the unique set of laws for any country in which your company operates. This is extremely important since a compliance slip-up can result in heavy fines or even a lawsuit.
Hire and pay international contractors: Sometimes a particular project or role doesn’t require hiring a full-time employee. An EOR gives employers the flexibility to also hire contractors as needed, and avoid the potential for misclassification under local labor law.

Disclaimer

THIS CONTENT IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE. You should always consult with and rely on your own legal and/or tax advisor(s). Playroll does not provide legal or tax advice. The information is general and not tailored to a specific company or workforce and does not reflect Playroll’s product delivery in any given jurisdiction. Playroll makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of this information and shall have no liability arising out of or in connection with it, including any loss caused by use of, or reliance on, the information.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Milani Notshe

Milani is a seasoned research and content specialist at Playroll, a leading Employer Of Record (EOR) provider. Backed by a strong background in Politics, Philosophy and Economics, she specializes in identifying emerging compliance and global HR trends to keep employers up to date on the global employment landscape.

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FAQs about Work Permits & Visas in Romania

Can Playroll sponsor a visa in Romania?

We don’t currently sponsor visas in Romania — but we can still help. Our in-house compliance team supports employers through every stage of the visa process: helping you compile documentation, set timelines, and coordinate with our network of trusted local immigration advisors.

If you’re looking to hire in Romania, book a demo and we’ll help you prepare, flag potential issues, and streamline the path to compliant onboarding.

What is the difference between a work permit and a work visa in Romania?

A work permit is an authorization that allows a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national to work legally in Romania. It is obtained by the employer on behalf of the employee. A work visa, specifically the long-stay employment visa (D/AM), is required for entry into Romania for employment purposes and is obtained by the employee after the work permit is issued. The work visa allows the individual to enter Romania, where they must then apply for a residence permit to legally reside and work.

How long does it take to process a work permit or visa in Romania?

What are the requirements for sponsoring a work permit or visa in Romania?

Employers must demonstrate that the position cannot be filled by Romanian or EU/EEA citizens, ensure the foreign employee has the necessary qualifications, and comply with all legal requirements, including obtaining a work permit and ensuring the employee applies for the appropriate visa and residence permit.

What types of work permits and visas are available in Romania?

Romania offers various work permits and corresponding long-stay visas, including those for employment, intra-company transfers, highly skilled workers, seasonal workers, and digital nomads. Each type has specific requirements and is designed to accommodate different employment scenarios.