Romania Work Visa 2026: New Digital System and Key Changes

Romania is rolling out big changes to its work visa system for non-EU workers starting August 8, 2026. The government passed Emergency Ordinance No. 32/2026 to create a fully digital process through the WorkinRomania.gov.ro portal. This shift aims to fix low usage rates from past years, where over 100,000 approvals in 2025 led to fewer than 40% of workers actually arriving.

The new rules split work visas into two main types and add strict checks on employers. They include bilingual contracts, financial guarantees, and electronic tracking. These updates make the Romania work visa 2026 process faster and more accountable for everyone involved.

Key Changes from Emergency Ordinance No. 32/2026

Emergency Ordinance No. 32/2026, published on April 27, 2026, and signed by Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, ends the old paper-based work permit system. It replaces it with a digital platform at WorkinRomania.gov.ro. The goal is better tracking of employers, workers, and job approvals.

In 2025, Romania issued more than 100,000 work authorizations, but many went unused. The new system addresses this by linking visas to personal ID numbers (CNP for workers) and employer codes (CUI). This helps ensure jobs match real hires.

Employers and agencies must register on the portal first. They upload job offers, contracts, and guarantees. The National Agency for Employment reviews files in 15 days and issues electronic approvals with digital signatures.

D/AM1 and D/AM2 Visa Types Explained

The ordinance creates two visa categories to separate skilled and general workers.

D/AM1 Visa targets highly qualified roles. It covers managers, specialists, researchers, IT workers, and intra-company transfers. This visa skips annual quotas and Romania’s shortage occupation list, making it easier for top talent.

D/AM2 Visa applies to general labor jobs. It follows government quotas and the List of Shortage Occupations, updated on May 12, 2026, with 150 jobs like welders, construction workers, nurses, and IT support. The 2026 quota for D/AM2 is 100,000 authorizations, set on May 5, 2026.

Both visas include the worker’s CNP on the sticker. Later residence permits list the employer’s CUI.

Step-by-Step Application Process

The digital process starts with employers and runs through WorkinRomania.gov.ro after August 8, 2026.

1. Employers register and submit a job offer, bilingual contract (Romanian and worker’s language), financial guarantee proof, and self-responsibility forms.

2. The National Agency for Employment checks the file in 15 days and approves electronically if it passes.

3. Employers add the full visa dossier: employment contract, €30,000 medical insurance, criminal record, €600/month subsistence proof, and qualification documents.

4. The Inspectorate General for Immigration (IGI) reviews and approves. Workers then apply at Romanian consulates for a D/AM1 or D/AM2 visa, valid 90-360 days.

5. After entry, workers apply for a residence permit within 90 days at an IGI office. The first permit lasts up to 2 years, matching the contract, with annual renewals.

Total time from start to visa: 45-60 days. Fees add up to €420 (€120 visa, €100 authorization, €200 permit).

Employer and Worker Requirements

Employers face new duties. Contracts must detail salary, hours, and 20 hours of Romanian language training. For D/AM2, minimum gross pay is €800/month. Employers report job starts/ends to IGI in 3 days and file quarterly reports.

Workers need medical insurance, criminal records, and subsistence proof. Posted workers from EU/EEA/Switzerland are limited to 12 months.

Financial guarantees range from €5,000 to €20,000 per worker, based on company size. Non-compliance, like worker absconding, can lead to forfeiture.

Penalties are tough: €2,000-€10,000 fines per violation, 6-month suspensions, or agency shutdowns. IGI revoked 1,200 authorizations in 2025 for misuse.

Transition Period and Quotas

Until August 8, 2026, the old system runs. It needs an IGI permit (30 days), consulate visa (10-20 days), and residence permit (90 days). The first-half 2026 quota is 25,000.

Portal testing starts June 1, 2026. Employers can prepare files early, but pre-August filings use the legacy route.

Resources include WorkinRomania.gov.ro, IGI hotline (+40 21 414.1234), and ANOFM.ro for the shortage list.

Long-Term Residence Options

Rules for permanent stay remain similar but now fit the digital system. After 5 continuous years (half student time counts), workers qualify if absences stay under 6 months/year or 10 months total.

Requirements: A2 Romanian language test, health insurance, housing proof, clean record, and income at €3,700 gross/month (January 2026 minimum). Permits renew every 5 years with full job access.

If a job ends, the D/AM visa lasts 90 days or until unemployment benefits end. Workers must find new work or leave.

Conclusion

Romania’s new digital work visa system under Emergency Ordinance No. 32/2026 brings clearer rules and better tracking for the Romania work visa 2026. It separates skilled D/AM1 from quota-bound D/AM2 visas while adding employer guarantees and penalties. Employers and workers should check WorkinRomania.gov.ro early to prepare. This setup promises higher actual hires and fairer labor migration.