Romania Work Permit Application Process 2026: Work Authorization, Documents & Embassy Submission Support

Romania has become an increasingly attractive destination for non-EU skilled workers, technicians, and professionals due to its growing economy, labor shortages, and entry into the Schengen zone. However, the process of obtaining a Romanian work permit (work authorization) requires coordination between the applicant, the Romanian employer, and the immigration authorities (IGI).

This article is a complete guide to the Romania work permit application process for 2026, outlining the requirements, required documents, timelines, and where our consultancy team provides support.

1. Overview of the Romanian work permit system

Unlike some EU countries with points-based or job-seeker cards, Romania operates a classic employer-sponsored work permit system. A non-EU national cannot simply arrive in Romania and look for work; they must secure a job offer from a Romanian company first.

The process is divided into two major phases:

1. Work Authorization (Aviz de Angajare): Applied for by the Romanian employer at the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) in Romania. This is the main approval document.
2. Long-Stay Visa for Work (D/AM): Applied for by the employee at the Romanian embassy or consulate in their home country, based on the approved Work Authorization.

2. Key requirements for the employer

Before a Romanian employer can hire a non-EU worker, they must prove to the IGI that:

• The position cannot be filled by a Romanian or EU citizen (labor market test, although exemptions exist for some shortage occupations).
• The company is active, tax-compliant, and has no history of illegal employment or labor violations.
• The company will pay at least the national minimum gross wage (approx. RON 3,700/month in 2026; higher for highly qualified roles or EU Blue Card equivalents).

3. Documents required from the applicant

To start the Work Authorization phase, you must supply your Romanian employer with several key documents, which must be apostilled/legalized and translated into Romanian:

• Valid passport copy (valid for at least 6 months beyond the visa period).
• Detailed CV / résumé matching the job description.
• Educational certificates or diplomas proving qualification for the role (translated and legalized).
• Clean criminal record certificate from your home country (apostilled and translated).
• Medical certificate stating you are fit for work and have no contagious diseases.
• Two recent passport-size photos.

4. Step-by-step application timeline

A typical Romania work permit application takes between 3 and 4 months from start to finish. The steps are:

1. Job Offer & Contract: Applicant signs the offer letter and employment contract.
2. IGI Work Authorization: Employer submits the application to IGI in Romania. IGI reviews the file (takes 30–45 days).
3. Embassy Visa Submission: Once IGI approves the Work Authorization, the employer sends the original document to the applicant. The applicant books an appointment and submits their Long-Stay Visa (D/AM) application at the Romanian embassy in their home country (takes 15–30 days).
4. Travel & Residence Permit: Applicant travels to Romania on the D/AM visa. Within 30 days of arrival, they apply for a Residence Permit (Permis de Ședere) at the IGI office in Romania to secure their plastic card (valid for 1 year, renewable).

5. Common reasons for delays or refusals

• Incomplete or improperly legalized/translated educational certificates.
• Criminal record check not apostilled or expired (must be within 90 days of IGI submission).
• Employer tax non-compliance or unresolved labor files in Romania.
• Embassy interview failure (if the applicant cannot explain the job role or employer details).