Travel to Romania for work

EUThis Blueguide Cardbusinessis 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.

RomaniaOn is31 notMarch in2024, Romania partially joined the Schengen area. However,for ifborder 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.

Romania appliesIt adoes separatenot 90-daymatter rule.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.

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

RomaniaYou isdo not in the Schengen area but it still applies the visa waiver 90-day rule.

You don’t 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 aren’tare 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 exemptionsexemptions 

Certain types of work and activities do not require a visa or permit because they’re exempt.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.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:period: 

• athletes and other sports professionals, including representatives of international sports organisations, involved in an international sports eventevent 
• installing, operating or verifying the use and functionality of bought or sold goods under commercial contracts or industrial cooperation contractscontracts 
• staff training in the use of bought or sold goods under commercial contracts or industrial cooperation contractscontracts 
• shareholders or partners of a company operating in Romania or individuals that will be appointed to such positionspositions 
• artistic activitiesactivities 

Check Romania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. 

Show proof of exemptionexemption 

You need to be able to show proof that you’re exempt to the authorities on request. This could be:be: 

• approval from relevant authorities, such as the Romanian Centre for the Promotion of Foreign InvestmentsInvestments 
• a service contractcontract 
• proof of required qualifications, such as degree and professional certificatescertificates 
• CVCV 

Further checkschecks 

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 permitpermit 

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 familyfamily 

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.first. 

Find out about family reunification.. 

Long-stay visa and residence permitspermits 

You need to apply for a long-stay D visa and residence permit even for short work trips to Romania.Romania. 

You must apply if you’re in Romania because you’re: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.Romania. 

Residence permits are valid for up to 3 years depending on which one you need.need. 

Transferring from a UK-based company to a Romanian branchbranch 

You can apply for one of these permits if you’re moved to a branch in Romania to work: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 workersworkers 

To qualify for a permit for posted workers you must:must: 

• have at least a bachelor’s level degree, or technical or professional qualifications relevant to the positionposition 
• keep your UK employment contractcontract 
• stay on UK payrollpayroll 

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 can’tcannot extend it.it. 

How it works

works 

You need to check with Romania’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.prepare. 

1. The Romanian company completes the verification of the degree certificate with the Romanian Ministry of Education.. 

2. The Romanian company submits a work permit application to the General Inspectorate for Immigration.. 

3. You apply online for a long-stay D visa.. 

4. You have a full medical exam when you arrive in Romania.Romania. 

5. You submit a residence permit application at the General Inspectorate for Immigration.Immigration. 

Application documents

documents 

Romania’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:need: 

• completed application form (generated when application submitted online)online) 
• UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 6 months after your intended departure datedate 
• 2 recent passport-standard photosphotos 
• highest educational qualification certificatecertificate 
• CVCV 
• signed UK employment contractcontract 
• signed assignment agreement with your UK employeremployer 
• police clearance certificate from your current country of residenceresidence 
• 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 monthsmonths 
• proof of residence in the UKUK 
• payslips or other proof of financial means, such as bank statementsstatements 
• marriage certificate, if applying with familyfamily 
• birth certificate for any children, if applying with familyfamily 

Intra-corporate transfer (ICT) permitpermit 

You can apply for an ICT permit if your UK-based company moves you to a Romanian branch to work for up to:to: 

• 3 years if you’re a specialist or managermanager 
• 1 year if you’re a traineetrainee 

To qualify you must: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 RomaniaRomania 
• have at least 3 years’ relevant professional experience and a university degree if you’re a manager or specialistspecialist 
• have a university degree if you are a traineetrainee 
• keep your UK employment contractcontract 
• stay on UK payrollpayroll 

An ICT permit can take between 4 to 5 months to get. You can’tcannot extend it beyond 3 years, or 1 year if you’re a trainee.trainee. 

How it works

works 

You need to check with Romania’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.prepare. 

1. The company in Romania verifies your degree certificate with the Romanian Ministry of Education.. 

2. The company in Romania submits a work permit application to the General Inspectorate for Immigration.. 

3. You apply online for a long-stay D visa.. 

4. You have a full medical exam when you arrive in Romania.Romania. 

5. You submit a residence permit application at the General Inspectorate for Immigration.Immigration. 

Application documents

documents 

Romania’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:need: 

• completed application formform 
• UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 6 months after your intended departure datedate 
• 2 recent passport-standard photosphotos 
• highest educational qualification certificatecertificate 
• CVCV 
• signed UK employment contractcontract 
• signed assignment agreement with your UK employeremployer 
• police clearance certificate from your current country of residenceresidence 
• 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 monthsmonths 
• proof of residence in the country that you’re applying fromfrom 
• payslips or other proof of financial means, such as bank statementsstatements 
• marriage certificate, if applying with familyfamily 
• birth certificate for any children, if applying with familyfamily 

Working for a company in Romania on a Romanian contractcontract 

• single work permit 
• EU Blue Card for highly skilled work for at least 1 year 

Single work permitpermit 

To qualify for a single work permit you must:must: 

• have an employment offer with a Romanian companycompany 
• be placed on Romanian payrollpayroll 
• be paid at least the national minimum salary rate for your level of education and experience  
• have the relevant professional skills or qualificationsqualifications 

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.criteria. 

How it works

works 

You need to check with Romania’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.prepare. 

1. Your employer carries out a labour market test (if your role isn’tis not highly qualified), advertising the position in a Romanian newspaper.newspaper. 

2. Your employer submits a work permit application to the General Inspectorate for Immigration.. 

3. You apply online for a long-stay D visa.. 

4. You have a full medical exam when you arrive in Romania.Romania. 

5. You submit a residence permit application at the General Inspectorate for Immigration.Immigration. 

Application documents

documents 

Romania’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:need: 

• completed application formform 
• UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 6 months after your intended departure datedate 
• 2 recent passport-standard photosphotos 
• highest educational qualification certificatecertificate 
• CVCV 
• signed employment contract with the company in RomaniaRomania 
• employment offer letterletter 
• police clearance certificate from your current country of residenceresidence 
• 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 monthsmonths 
• proof of residence in the country that you’re applying fromfrom 
• payslips or other proof of financial means, such as bank statementsstatements 
• marriage certificate, if applying with familyfamily 
• birth certificate for any children, if applying with familyfamily 

EU Blue CardCard 

To qualify for an EU Blue Card you must: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 yearsyears 
• be paid a monthly gross salary of at least twice the average gross salary (RON 6,789 as of 2023)2023) 
• have an employment contract or offer for a highly qualified positionposition 

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.criteria. 

How it works

works 

You need to check with Romania’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.prepare. 

1. The company in Romania verifies your degree certificate with the Romanian Ministry of Education.. 

2. Your employer submits a work permit application to the General Inspectorate for Immigration.. 

3. You apply online for a long-stay D visa.. 

4. You have a full medical exam when you arrive in Romania.Romania. 

5. You submit an EU Blue Card application at the General Inspectorate for Immigration.Immigration. 

Application documents

documents 

Romania’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:need: 

• completed application formform 
• UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 6 months after your intended departure datedate 
• 2 recent passport-standard photosphotos 
• highest educational qualification certificatecertificate 
• documents supporting experience relevant to the positionposition 
• CVCV 
• signed employment contract with Romanian employeremployer 
• employment offer letterletter 
• police clearance certificate from your current country of residenceresidence 
• 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 monthsmonths 
• proof of residence in the country that you’re applying fromfrom 
• payslips or other proof of financial means, such as bank statementsstatements 
• marriage certificate, if applying with familyfamily 
• birth certificate for any children, if applying with familyfamily 

Providing services to a client in RomaniaRomania 

You can apply for a work permit to provide services if your UK employer has a contract or work order with a Romanian company.company. 

To qualify you must:must: 

• have the relevant professional skills or qualificationsqualifications 
• stay employed in the UKUK 
• stay on UK payrollpayroll 

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 can’tcannot extend it.it. 

How it works

works 

You need to check with Romania’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.prepare. 

1. The company in Romania verifies your degree certificate with the Romanian Ministry of Education.. 

2. The company in Romania submits a work permit application to the General Inspectorate for Immigration.. 

3. You apply online for a long-stay D visa.. 

4. You have a full medical exam when you arrive in Romania.Romania. 

5. You submit a residence permit application at the General Inspectorate for Immigration.Immigration. 

Application documents

documents 

Romania’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:need: 

• UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 6 months after your intended departure datedate 
• 2 recent passport-standard photosphotos 
• highest educational qualification certificatecertificate 
• documents supporting your experience relevant to the positionposition 
• CVCV 
• signed UK employment contractcontract 
• contract or work order between your UK employer and the Romanian companycompany 
• assignment letter from your UK employeremployer 
• police clearance certificate from your current country of residenceresidence 
• 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 monthsmonths 
• proof country of residence that you’re applying fromfrom 
• payslips or other proof of financial means, such as bank statements application formform 

Establishing a company in RomaniaRomania 

You need a temporary residence permit if you want to establish a company in Romania and carry out commercial activities.activities. 

To qualify you must:must: 

• get approval from the Romanian Centre for the Promotion of Foreign Investments for your businessbusiness 
• be a shareholder or member of a management or administration board of a company in RomaniaRomania 
• have proof that you can support yourself financiallyfinancially 

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.criteria. 

How it works

works 

You need to check with Romania’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.prepare. 

1. You request approval from the Romanian Centre for the Promotion of Foreign Investments through the Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism.. 

2. You apply online for a long-stay D visa.. 

3. You have a full medical exam when you arrive in Romania.Romania. 

4. You submit a residence permit application at the General Inspectorate for Immigration.Immigration. 

Application documents

documents 

Romania’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:need: 

• completed application formform 
• UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 6 months after your intended departure datedate 
• 2 recent passport-standard photosphotos 
• company’s registration certificatecertificate 
• approval from the Romanian Centre for the Promotion of Foreign InvestmentsInvestments 
• articles of incorporationincorporation 
• registration court orderorder 
• proof of required financial means 
• proof of legal possession of the registered office, such as a tenancy agreement or deedsdeeds 
• police clearance certificate from your current country of residenceresidence 
• 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 monthsmonths 
• marriage certificate, if applying with familyfamily 
• birth certificate for any children, if applying with familyfamily 

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 jobsjobs 

Self-employed workwork 

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.bodies. 

To qualify you must show that:that: 

• your profession is recognised by the relevant Romanian professional bodies and that you’re allowed to operate in RomaniaRomania 
• your work in the UK is similar to the work you intend to carry out in RomaniaRomania 
• you can support yourself financiallyfinancially 

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.criteria. 

How it works

works 

You need to check with Romania’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.prepare. 

1. You get proof from the Romanian regulating body for your profession that you meet the legal requirementsrequirements 

2. You apply online for a long-stay D visa.. 

3. You have a full medical exam when you arrive in RomaniaRomania 

4. You submit a residence permit application at the General Inspectorate for ImmigrationImmigration 

Application documents

documents 

Romania’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:need: 

• completed application formform 
• UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 6 months after your intended departure datedate 
• 2 recent passport-standard photosphotos 
• proof that you meet the legal requirements for your professionprofession 
• proof that you have carried out similar work in the UK and intend to continue working in that profession in RomaniaRomania 
• proof of financial means of at least the average monthly gross salarysalary 
• police clearance certificate from your current country of residenceresidence 
• 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 monthsmonths 
• marriage certificate, if applying with familyfamily 
• birth certificate for any children, if applying with familyfamily 

Digital nomadsnomads 

To qualify for a temporary residence permit as a digital nomad you must:must: 

• be able to perform your duties remotely while staying in RomaniaRomania 
• keep your UK employment contractcontract 
• stay on UK payrollpayroll 
• 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 staystay 

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.criteria. 

This permit type does not allow you to bring your family as dependents.dependents. 

How it worksworks 

You need to check with Romania’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.prepare. 

1. You apply online for a long-stay D visa.. 

2. You have a full medical exam when you arrive in Romania.Romania. 

3. You submit a residence permit application at the General Inspectorate for Immigration.. 

Application documentsdocuments 

Romania’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:need: 

• completed application formform 
• UK passport, valid for 6 months after your intended departure datedate 
• 2 recent passport-standard photosphotos 
• flight ticket reservationreservation 
• police clearance certificate from your current country of residenceresidence 
• 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 monthsmonths 
• payslips for the previous 6 months showing that you have earned at least RON 18,50022,701 per monthmonth 
• signed UK employment contractcontract 
• 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 duedue 
• 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 themthem 

Research workwork 

To qualify for a temporary residence permit for scientific research you must have:have: 

• authorisation from Romania’s Ministry of Research and InnovationInnovation 
• a university degreedegree 
• hosting agreement from a research and development institution for scientific research in RomaniaRomania 

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.criteria. 

How it works

works 

You need to check with Romania’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.prepare. 

1. Your employer requests authorisation from Romania’s Ministry of Research and Innovation.. 

2. You apply online for a long-stay D visa.. 

3. You have a full medical exam when you arrive in Romania.Romania. 

4. You submit a residence permit application at the General Inspectorate for Immigration.Immigration. 

Application documents

documents 

Romania’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:need: 

• completed application formform 
• UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 6 months after your intended departure datedate 
• 2 recent passport-standard photosphotos 
• police clearance certificate from your current country of residenceresidence 
• Ministry of Research and Innovation authorisationauthorisation 
• hosting agreement with the institution stating you’ve been accepted for the workwork 
• 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 monthsmonths 
• 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 familyfamily 
• birth certificate for any children, if applying with familyfamily 

Romanian government guidanceguidance 

Read official Romanian government information on visas, work permits, and residence permits.. 

Check for travel changeschanges 

European governments may update or change their rules without notice.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.