What is the total processing time?

Allow between 3 and 4 months between commencement of IGI process by your employer to the issue of your final visa.

Can I go to Germany or France with a Romanian work visa?

Well, but on a tourism basis (not exceeding 90 days). You would then have to obtain a certain permit required to work in a different Schengen country.

What would become of me in case I lose my job in Romania?

Your working permission is bound to the employer. When the contract is terminated you are normally allowed 90 days to secure another sponsor or you are forced to leave the country.

Romania Work Visa 2026: Application Process for Foreign Nationals

Do you have a dream of working in the fastest developing economy in Europe? By 2026, Romania has completely linked its Schengen Area protocols, which is why a Romanian work visa has never been as worthwhile. Although the government has established a strategic quota of 90,000 work permits per year, the demand of the international talent in the construction sector, logistics, and IT is at an all-time high.

2026 Quotas & Demand Sectors

Romania also remains open to foreign professionals in order to fill its labor gap. Nonetheless, the 2026 landscape is a competitive one as there is a minor decrease in annual quota.

Annual Work Quota (2026): the Romanian government has adopted a quota of 90,000 permits had by non-EU/EEA nationals, compared to 100,000 in 2025.
High-Demand Industries: Construction (masonry, demolition, and general labor), HORECA, Logistics (couriers and drivers), and Manufacturing are all at their highest in terms of recruitment.
Schengen Access: Being one of the members of the Schengen Area, now your work visa provides you with the right to travel to 29 European countries and stay not more than 90 days in any of 180 days.

Updated 2026 Salary Thresholds

Romania has stringent minimum wage laws as a way of safeguarding both local and foreign workers. The following rates should be captured in your employment contract which is valid in the year 2026:

Standard Minimum Wage (Jan -June 2026): 4, 050 RON gross per month.
Standard Minimum Wage (Since July 1, 2026): 4325 RON gross/month.
Highly Skilled Workers (EU Blue Card): You have to receive a minimum of 3 times the gross average salary in Romania, which normally is more than 15,000 RON.
Construction Sector: This sector is prone to using higher differentiated minimum wages; regularly check that the recent agreements of the sector are being revised.

Romania Work Visa 2026: Application Process for Foreign Nationals

Types of Core Work Visa (Long-Stay D-type)

The foreigners have to obtain a long-stay D-type visa. The most prevalent ones in 2026 are:

D/AM (Employment Visa): Those that are employed in the country on a permanent or nonrenewable basis.
D/DT (Secondment Visa): Applicable to employees that are sent temporarily by a foreign parent company to a Romanian branch.
EU Blue Card: Particularly intended targeted professionally skilled specialists, i.e. university degree and a well-paying job opportunity.
Seasonal Worker Visa: Best suited to the tourism or agriculture industry, and can be used up to a maximum of 9 months a year.

Application Process (2026) -Step-by-Step

In the Romanian work visa, the visa is employer-driven. You will have to wait until your employer obtains a Work Authorization (Aviz de Muncă) of the Authority of the General Inspectorate of Immigration (IGI) to make the application regarding the visa.

Employer Steps

Labor Market Test: The employer demonstrates that it is not possible to fill in the position by a Romanian or EU citizen.
IGI Approval: The employer forwards your files to the IGI. Approval usually takes 30–45 days.

Foreign Nationals Steps

Schengen eVisa Portal: Make the first application through the official portal RO-eVisa.
Consular ppointment: After getting your 16 digits, book an appointment with the Romanian Embassy. You have 60 days within which you have to apply after the issuance of your work permit.
Entry & Residence Permit: Once you enter Romania, within 30-90 days you have to apply to the IGI office at the local level to get a Residence Permit (Permis de Ședere).

Documentation and Compliance which are mandatory

In order to prevent a visa denial, make sure that your papers comply with these 2026 standards:

Apostille and Legalization: Your educational diplomas and Police clearance certificate (PCC) have to be Apostilled or legalized at your Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Romanian Embassy.
Medical Fitness: A certificate to show that you are physically fit to work in the particular environment.
Language Ability: You might have to furnish a statement or evidence of slight familiarity with Romanian or a universal language (English/French).
Criminal History: Clean background check taken in the past 6 months in the country you are residing in.

FAQs

What is the total processing time?

Allow between 3 and 4 months between commencement of IGI process by your employer to the issue of your final visa.
Can I go to Germany or France with a Romanian work visa?

Well, but on a tourism basis (not exceeding 90 days). You would then have to obtain a certain permit required to work in a different Schengen country.
What would become of me in case I lose my job in Romania?

Your working permission is bound to the employer. When the contract is terminated you are normally allowed 90 days to secure another sponsor or you are forced to leave the country.

Final Thoughts

In 2026, Romania will continue to be one of the most easy points of entry to the European labour market. You could have a secure and satisfying career by applying to a high demand industry such as construction or logistics and making sure that your employer covers the July 2026 wage increase of 4,325 RON.

Disclosure

This information in the job is provided on educational and informational grounds only. For applications, please ensure that you get the information on the official employer/government web page (General Inspectorate for Immigration – IGI.mai.gov.ro) before making an application.