Travel to Romania for work
Check if you need a visa or permit to work in Romania and how to get one if you do.
This guide is for British citizens travelling for business or other work purposes. It explains what employers, employees, or the self-employed need to do if they need a visa or permit.
This information is provided as a guide only. You must always check the exact application process and document requirements with Romania’s embassy or immigration authorities.
Entry requirements
If you’re going to Romania to work (or any other EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein) you must make sure you meet passport and other travel requirements.
On 31 March 2024, Romania partially joined the Schengen area for border control-free travel via air and sea. Border controls will remain at all land and river borders, including those within the Schengen zone. Visits to any other Schengen countries in the 180 days before you travel to Romania will count towards your 90 day visa-free limit.
If you’re travelling for business for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, you may be able to do some business-related activities without needing a visa or permit, such as attend business meetings. It does not matter how many countries you visit in the Schengen area. Your total stay must be no more than 90 days in every 180 days. The 180-day period keeps ‘rolling’.
If you’re staying for longer, or for other types of work, you may need a visa or permit.
The Romanian authorities are responsible for setting and enforcing entry rules. They decide which activities need a visa or permit, or which may be exempt.
You must always check with Romania’s embassy or immigration authorities before you travel, to make sure you meet their legal requirements.
If you’re working in more than one country, you need to check the entry rules of each country.
If you need a passport, visa or permit, you should apply well in advance of travel.
Visa and permit documents
This guide explains the general application process for some of the visa or permit types available in Romania. It includes a checklist of documents that you’ll usually need to include when applying.
It may not cover all scenarios so you must always check the exact application process and document requirements with Romania’s embassy or immigration authorities.
You must also check what format the documents should be presented in, including if they must be:
- translated
- ‘legalised’ (with an apostille) or notarised
- originals, or if copies are acceptable
- signed in ink (a wet signature), or if they can be signed electronically (an e-signature)
- dated within a certain period of time, such as 30 days before you submit your application
Countries often use the terms visa, work permit and residence permit differently. For example, some may refer to a work permit as a visa. This guide uses the same terms used in Romania, so you know which ones to use when speaking to Romania’s authorities.
Check if you need a visa or permit
You do not need a visa or permit if you’re travelling to Romania for up to 90 days in a 180-day period for:
- running or attending job interviews
- attending trade fairs or conferences
- attending board meetings
- meeting clients or customers (including entertainment like eating at a restaurant)
- meeting colleagues, contractors or sellers
- fact-finding visits
- negotiating, signing and executing deals or contracts
- attending, speaking or presenting at a conference if you are not being paid
- attending team building activities
- touring a company facility
- receiving classroom-based training
Border checks
At the border, you may be asked to show:
- proof of return travel, such as plane or train tickets
- health insurance that covers your entire stay
- proof of accommodation for your entire stay
- enough money for the duration of your trip
- an invitation letter from the Romanian company explaining your trip
Check Romania’s exemptions
Certain types of work and activities do not require a visa or permit because they’re exempt.
All countries have their own exemptions. What may be exempt in one country may not be in another. You should always check with the country’s authorities.
The following may not need a work permit or visa in Romania if they’re for up to 90 days in a 180-day period:
- athletes and other sports professionals, including representatives of international sports organisations, involved in an international sports event
- installing, operating or verifying the use and functionality of bought or sold goods under commercial contracts or industrial cooperation contracts
- staff training in the use of bought or sold goods under commercial contracts or industrial cooperation contracts
- shareholders or partners of a company operating in Romania or individuals that will be appointed to such positions
- artistic activities
Check Romania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Show proof of exemption
You need to be able to show proof that you’re exempt to the authorities on request. This could be:
- approval from relevant authorities, such as the Romanian Centre for the Promotion of Foreign Investments
- a service contract
- proof of required qualifications, such as degree and professional certificates
- CV
Further checks
If you’re not sure if you need a visa or permit to travel you can get advice from Romania’s embassy.
Applying for a visa or permit
This guide outlines the steps required for each visa or permit to help you prepare, but you’ll need to check the exact rules and processes with Romania’s embassy or immigration authorities.
Taking your family
If you have a partner, children under 18 or financially dependant parents they can join you with all of the permits in this guide, except the Digital nomads visa. You must get your long-term work permit and residence permit first.
Find out about family reunification.
Long-stay visa and residence permits
You need to apply for a long-stay D visa and residence permit even for short work trips to Romania.
You must apply if you’re in Romania because you’re:
- transferring from a UK-based company to a branch in Romania
- working for a company in Romania on a Romanian contract
- providing services to a client in Romania
- establishing a company in Romania
- carrying out self-employed work
- working as a digital nomad
- conducting research work
You’re issued with a long-stay D visa before you travel. If you’re staying longer than your visa you need to apply for a residence permit when you get to Romania.
Residence permits are valid for up to 3 years depending on which one you need.
Transferring from a UK-based company to a Romanian branch
You can apply for one of these permits if you’re moved to a branch in Romania to work:
- work permit for posted workers for up to 1 year in a 5-year period
- intra-corporate transfer (EU ICT) permit for up to 3 years for managers and specialists, or 1 year for trainees
Work permit for posted workers
To qualify for a permit for posted workers you must:
- have at least a bachelor’s level degree, or technical or professional qualifications relevant to the position
- keep your UK employment contract
- stay on UK payroll
A posted worker permit can take between 4 to 5 months to get. It’s valid for up to 1 year in a 5-year period. You cannot extend it.
How it works
You need to check with Romania’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.
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The Romanian company completes the verification of the degree certificate with the Romanian Ministry of Education.
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The Romanian company submits a work permit application to the General Inspectorate for Immigration.
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You have a full medical exam when you arrive in Romania.
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You submit a residence permit application at the General Inspectorate for Immigration.
Application documents
Romania’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:
- completed application form (generated when application submitted online)
- UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 6 months after your intended departure date
- 2 recent passport-standard photos
- highest educational qualification certificate
- CV
- signed UK employment contract
- signed assignment agreement with your UK employer
- police clearance certificate from your current country of residence
- proof of travel medical insurance for at least 6 months with the required level of cover
- accommodation lease contract registered with the Romanian tax office, or a hotel reservation for a minimum of 3 months
- proof of residence in the UK
- payslips or other proof of financial means, such as bank statements
- marriage certificate, if applying with family
- birth certificate for any children, if applying with family
Intra-corporate transfer (ICT) permit
You can apply for an ICT permit if your UK-based company moves you to a Romanian branch to work for up to:
- 3 years if you’re a specialist or manager
- 1 year if you’re a trainee
To qualify you must:
- have worked for your UK employer for at least 6 consecutive months for managers and specialists and at least 3 consecutive months for trainees immediately before starting at the branch in Romania
- have at least 3 years’ relevant professional experience and a university degree if you’re a manager or specialist
- have a university degree if you are a trainee
- keep your UK employment contract
- stay on UK payroll
An ICT permit can take between 4 to 5 months to get. You cannot extend it beyond 3 years, or 1 year if you’re a trainee.
How it works
You need to check with Romania’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.
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The company in Romania verifies your degree certificate with the Romanian Ministry of Education.
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The company in Romania submits a work permit application to the General Inspectorate for Immigration.
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You have a full medical exam when you arrive in Romania.
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You submit a residence permit application at the General Inspectorate for Immigration.
Application documents
Romania’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:
- completed application form
- UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 6 months after your intended departure date
- 2 recent passport-standard photos
- highest educational qualification certificate
- CV
- signed UK employment contract
- signed assignment agreement with your UK employer
- police clearance certificate from your current country of residence
- proof of travel medical insurance for at least 6 months with the required level of cover
- accommodation lease contract registered with the Romanian tax office, or a hotel reservation for a minimum of 3 months
- proof of residence in the country that you’re applying from
- payslips or other proof of financial means, such as bank statements
- marriage certificate, if applying with family
- birth certificate for any children, if applying with family
Working for a company in Romania on a Romanian contract
Single work permit
To qualify for a single work permit you must:
- have an employment offer with a Romanian company
- be placed on Romanian payroll
- be paid at least the national minimum salary rate for your level of education and experience
- have the relevant professional skills or qualifications
A single work permit can take between 4 to 5 months to get. It’s valid for up to 1 year and you can extend it. This permit type may lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.
How it works
You need to check with Romania’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.
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Your employer carries out a labour market test (if your role is not highly qualified), advertising the position in a Romanian newspaper.
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Your employer submits a work permit application to the General Inspectorate for Immigration.
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You have a full medical exam when you arrive in Romania.
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You submit a residence permit application at the General Inspectorate for Immigration.
Application documents
Romania’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:
- completed application form
- UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 6 months after your intended departure date
- 2 recent passport-standard photos
- highest educational qualification certificate
- CV
- signed employment contract with the company in Romania
- employment offer letter
- police clearance certificate from your current country of residence
- proof of travel medical insurance for at least 6 months with the required level of cover
- accommodation lease contract registered with the Romanian tax office, or a hotel reservation for a minimum of 3 months
- proof of residence in the country that you’re applying from
- payslips or other proof of financial means, such as bank statements
- marriage certificate, if applying with family
- birth certificate for any children, if applying with family
EU Blue Card
To qualify for an EU Blue Card you must:
- have a university degree that’s directly relevant to the position , or have attended a technical or professional school for a minimum of 3 years
- be paid a monthly gross salary of at least twice the average gross salary (RON 6,789 as of 2023)
- have an employment contract or offer for a highly qualified position
An EU Blue Card can take between 4 to 5 months to get. It’s valid for up to 2 years and you can extend it. This permit type may lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.
How it works
You need to check with Romania’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.
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The company in Romania verifies your degree certificate with the Romanian Ministry of Education.
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Your employer submits a work permit application to the General Inspectorate for Immigration.
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You have a full medical exam when you arrive in Romania.
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You submit an EU Blue Card application at the General Inspectorate for Immigration.
Application documents
Romania’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:
- completed application form
- UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 6 months after your intended departure date
- 2 recent passport-standard photos
- highest educational qualification certificate
- documents supporting experience relevant to the position
- CV
- signed employment contract with Romanian employer
- employment offer letter
- police clearance certificate from your current country of residence
- proof of travel medical insurance for at least 6 months with the required level of cover
- accommodation lease contract registered with the Romanian tax office, or a hotel reservation for a minimum of 3 months
- proof of residence in the country that you’re applying from
- payslips or other proof of financial means, such as bank statements
- marriage certificate, if applying with family
- birth certificate for any children, if applying with family
Providing services to a client in Romania
You can apply for a work permit to provide services if your UK employer has a contract or work order with a Romanian company.
To qualify you must:
- have the relevant professional skills or qualifications
- stay employed in the UK
- stay on UK payroll
A permit to provide services to a client can take between 4 to 5 months to get. It’s valid for up to 1 year in a 5-year period. You cannot extend it.
How it works
You need to check with Romania’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.
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The company in Romania verifies your degree certificate with the Romanian Ministry of Education.
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The company in Romania submits a work permit application to the General Inspectorate for Immigration.
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You have a full medical exam when you arrive in Romania.
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You submit a residence permit application at the General Inspectorate for Immigration.
Application documents
Romania’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:
- UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 6 months after your intended departure date
- 2 recent passport-standard photos
- highest educational qualification certificate
- documents supporting your experience relevant to the position
- CV
- signed UK employment contract
- contract or work order between your UK employer and the Romanian company
- assignment letter from your UK employer
- police clearance certificate from your current country of residence
- proof of travel medical insurance for at least 6 months with the required level of cover
- accommodation lease contract registered with the Romanian tax office, or a hotel reservation for a minimum of 3 months
- proof country of residence that you’re applying from
- payslips or other proof of financial means, such as bank statements application form
Establishing a company in Romania
You need a temporary residence permit if you want to establish a company in Romania and carry out commercial activities.
To qualify you must:
- get approval from the Romanian Centre for the Promotion of Foreign Investments for your business
- be a shareholder or member of a management or administration board of a company in Romania
- have proof that you can support yourself financially
A temporary residence permit for commercial activities can take between 2 to 3 months to get once approved by the Romanian Centre for the Promotion of Foreign Investments. It’s valid for up to 1 year and you can extend it. This permit type may lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.
How it works
You need to check with Romania’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.
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You request approval from the Romanian Centre for the Promotion of Foreign Investments through the Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism.
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You have a full medical exam when you arrive in Romania.
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You submit a residence permit application at the General Inspectorate for Immigration.
Application documents
Romania’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:
- completed application form
- UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 6 months after your intended departure date
- 2 recent passport-standard photos
- company’s registration certificate
- approval from the Romanian Centre for the Promotion of Foreign Investments
- articles of incorporation
- registration court order
- proof of required financial means
- proof of legal possession of the registered office, such as a tenancy agreement or deeds
- police clearance certificate from your current country of residence
- proof of travel medical insurance for at least 6 months with the required level of cover
- accommodation lease contract registered with the Romanian tax office, or a hotel reservation for a minimum of 3 months
- marriage certificate, if applying with family
- birth certificate for any children, if applying with family
You can extend your permit for another 3 years if you invest the required amount in your company or create more than 50 full-time jobs
Self-employed work
You can apply for a temporary residence permit if you want to carry out self-employed ‘professional activities’. Professional activities are regulated by specific Romanian laws and professional bodies.
To qualify you must show that:
- your profession is recognised by the relevant Romanian professional bodies and that you’re allowed to operate in Romania
- your work in the UK is similar to the work you intend to carry out in Romania
- you can support yourself financially
A temporary residence permit for professional activities can take between 2 to 3 months to get. It’s valid for up to 1 year and you can extend it. This permit type may lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.
How it works
You need to check with Romania’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.
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You get proof from the Romanian regulating body for your profession that you meet the legal requirements
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You have a full medical exam when you arrive in Romania
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You submit a residence permit application at the General Inspectorate for Immigration
Application documents
Romania’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:
- completed application form
- UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 6 months after your intended departure date
- 2 recent passport-standard photos
- proof that you meet the legal requirements for your profession
- proof that you have carried out similar work in the UK and intend to continue working in that profession in Romania
- proof of financial means of at least the average monthly gross salary
- police clearance certificate from your current country of residence
- proof of travel medical insurance for at least 6 months with the required level of cover
- accommodation lease contract registered with the Romanian tax office, or a hotel reservation for a minimum of 3 months
- marriage certificate, if applying with family
- birth certificate for any children, if applying with family
Digital nomads
To qualify for a temporary residence permit as a digital nomad you must:
- be able to perform your duties remotely while staying in Romania
- keep your UK employment contract
- stay on UK payroll
- be paid a monthly salary of at least RON 18,500 per month - for the 6 months before you apply and for the duration of your stay
A digital nomad permit can take between 2 to 3 months to get. It’s valid for up to 6 months and you can extend it as long as you meet the eligibility criteria.
This permit type does not allow you to bring your family as dependents.
How it works
You need to check with Romania’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.
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You have a full medical exam when you arrive in Romania.
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You submit a residence permit application at the General Inspectorate for Immigration.
Application documents
Romania’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:
- completed application form
- UK passport, valid for 6 months after your intended departure date
- 2 recent passport-standard photos
- flight ticket reservation
- police clearance certificate from your current country of residence
- proof of travel medical insurance for at least 6 months with the required level of cover
- accommodation lease contract registered with the Romanian tax office, or a hotel reservation for a minimum of 3 months
- payslips for the previous 6 months showing that you have earned at least RON 22,701 per month
- signed UK employment contract
- UK tax certificate showing that, at the date of applying for the visa, your taxes and contributions are paid in a timely manner and no outstanding liabilities are due
- letter signed and stamped by the UK employer including the following details: identification and contact details of the company, type of activities performed by the company, details regarding all legal representatives of the company and the confirmation that you are and will remain employed by them
Research work
To qualify for a temporary residence permit for scientific research you must have:
- authorisation from Romania’s Ministry of Research and Innovation
- a university degree
- hosting agreement from a research and development institution for scientific research in Romania
A research permit can take between 2 to 3 months to get, once you’re authorised by the Ministry of Research and Innovation. It’s valid for up to 1 year and you can extend it for up to 5 years. This permit type may lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.
How it works
You need to check with Romania’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.
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Your employer requests authorisation from Romania’s Ministry of Research and Innovation.
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You have a full medical exam when you arrive in Romania.
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You submit a residence permit application at the General Inspectorate for Immigration.
Application documents
Romania’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:
- completed application form
- UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 6 months after your intended departure date
- 2 recent passport-standard photos
- police clearance certificate from your current country of residence
- Ministry of Research and Innovation authorisation
- hosting agreement with the institution stating you’ve been accepted for the work
- proof of travel medical insurance for at least 6 months with the required level of cover
- accommodation lease contract registered with the Romanian tax office, or a hotel reservation for a minimum of 3 months
- proof that you have enough money to support yourself – at least the national minimum salary rate for your level of education and experience
- marriage certificate, if applying with family
- birth certificate for any children, if applying with family
Romanian government guidance
Read official Romanian government information on visas, work permits, and residence permits.
Check for travel changes
European governments may update or change their rules without notice.
You should always check foreign travel advice for Romania on issues, such as safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings before travelling, or planning to travel.
Last updated 15 April 2024 + show all updates
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Minimum salary thresholds updated as requirements for several visas; hyperlinks updated to point to English-language versions of webpages.
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Content reviewed. No changes made. (The information provided is up-to-date as of 11 September 2023.)
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Added requirement that police clearance certificate in all application documents is from your current country of residence. For self-employed work application documents must show proof of financial means of at least average monthly salary. Changed from proof of financial means of at least RON 6789. Updated link to Ministry of Foreign affairs for details on minimum required level of travel medical insurance. (The information provided is up-to-date as of 21 July 2023).
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Updated the minimum salary requirements for the EU Blue Card and Research Work for 2023. You can now apply online for a long-stay D visa. (The information provided is up-to-date as of 22 March 2023).
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Content reviewed. No changes made. (The information provided is up-to-date as of 9 January 2023).
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Added details of the new Digital nomad permit. Updated the average gross salary in Romania. The information provided is up-to-date as of 23 September 2022.
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Updated the exemptions list. British citizens who are representatives of creative industries are exempt from the Romanian short-stay visa requirement, if they travel to Romania to take part, as interpreters/performers in exhibitions, festivals and any other cultural or artistic activities/events. The information provided is up-to-date as of 30 November 2021.
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First published.