Let’s be real—getting into Europe is getting harder every day, but Romania is currently the “golden gate” for workers from Pakistan, India, and beyond. Since Romania joined the Schengen Area, a Romanian work visa is no longer just for Romania—it’s your entry into 29 European countries.
If you want a low-cost work visa with a straightforward process, 2026 is your year to move. In this guide, we’ll skip the fluff and give you the raw facts on how to land a job and get your Romania D/AM long-stay visa.
What’s New? Romania Schengen Visa Updates 2026
The biggest news for 2026 is that Romania is now fully integrated into the Schengen acquis. This means:
- Travel Freedom: Your work permit allows you to travel to Germany, France, and Italy without a separate visa.
- Digital Systems: The General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) Romania has shifted most of its tracking online.
- ETIAS 2026: While ETIAS is coming for tourists, as a work visa holder, your Romanian temporary residence permit (TRC) is your primary identity.
1. Romania Work Permit Process 2026: Step-by-Step
The process is unique because your employer does most of the heavy lifting. You can’t just apply for a work visa without a job.
- Find an Employer: Secure a job offer in sectors like construction, hospitality, or agriculture.
- IGI Approval: Your employer applies to the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) for a work notice.
- Visa Appointment: Once you have the work permit, book your Romania visa appointment in Islamabad or Delhi via the e-visa portal.
- Embassy Submission: Submit your passport, Police Clearance Certificate (PCC), and medical fitness report.
2. Top Jobs & Vacancies in Romania 2026
Romania is facing a massive labor shortage. Unlike the New Zealand Green List, Romania’s “needed jobs” are more focused on manual labor and trades.
- Construction: Masons, Welders, Carpenters, and Electricians (Massive demand!).
- Factory Workers: Packaging, sorting, and goods handling for Indians and Pakistanis.
- Hospitality: Hotel caretakers, experienced cooks, and cleaning staff.
- Agriculture: Seasonal workers for fruit picking and farming.
3. Romania Work Permit Cost & Processing Time 2026
One of the reasons people choose Romania is that it’s low cost.
- Visa Fee: The long-stay visa fee (D/AM) is approximately $140 – $150.
- Employer Tax: Your employer pays around €100 for the work notice.
- Minimum Wage 2026: The minimum wage in Romania for expatriates in 2026 is expected to remain around RON 4,050 (approximately €800) gross per month, although construction workers often earn more.
- Processing Time: It typically takes 30–45 days for IGI approval and an additional 10–20 days for the embassy to stamp your visa.
4. Requirements Checklist (E-A-T Verified)
To avoid rejection, ensure you have these documents ready:
- Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months.
- Police Clearance (PCC): A clean record is mandatory.
- Medical Fitness: A certificate proving you are fit for physical labor.
- Accommodation Proof: Your employer must show where you will live.
- Flight Booking: A one-way ticket is usually sufficient for work visas.
Common Questions (FAQs)
Q. Can I change my employer in Romania?
A. Yes, but it’s tricky. You need a new work permit from the new employer before you quit your current one.
Q. Is IELTS required for Romania?
A. No! Romania does not officially require IELTS for a general work permit, though basic English or Romanian helps.
Q. What is the rejection rate?
A. If your Romania work permit tracking online shows “Approved,” the embassy rejection rate is very low, provided your PCC and medical reports are genuine.
Read This Before You Apply:
Look, don’t get blinded by the dream of Europe. We are not licensed agents or lawyers. This guide is based on current trends and official IGI data, but rules in the Schengen acquis can change overnight.
Advice? Do not pay huge amounts to “agents” promising a visa in 10 days. Always check the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) website yourself. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Verify your work permit on the official IGI portal before you fly!