Romania Launches Unified Work Permit System with New Online Platform and Stricter Rules

Bucharest, May 15, 2026 — Romania has introduced a major overhaul of its work permit and long-stay visa system, replacing the previous fragmented procedures with a unified, digitalized framework designed to increase efficiency, transparency, and control over foreign labor.

The reform introduces new visa categories, employer classifications, and a centralized online platform, while imposing stricter requirements on both employers and foreign workers.

Romania launches unified work permit system with new online platform and stricter rules.

Key Features of the New System

• Two New Visa Types:

  • D/AM1 Visa: For highly qualified workers, specialists, and certain exempted categories (including citizens of Moldova, Ukraine, and Serbia, sports professionals, and academic staff). This category is not subject to quotas or the shortage occupation list.

  • D/AM2 Visa: For general labor market workers. This route is subject to an annual quota and a shortage occupation list, which is scheduled to be published by June 14, 2026.

• Employer Categories:

  • Registered Employers: Primarily eligible for D/AM1 visas.

  • Authorized Employers: Can access D/AM2 visas directly but must meet stricter conditions. To hire directly for D/AM2 roles, companies generally need an average of at least 50 employees in the previous year and 24 months of continuous activity.

• New Online Platform: All work permit and long-stay visa applications, along with employer registrations, will be processed through the new portal WorkinRomania.gov.ro. The platform is currently in testing and is expected to become fully operational on August 8, 2026.

• Restricted Seconded Employee Route: Third-country nationals can no longer be posted to Romania from non-EU companies. This route is now limited to postings from EU/EEA/Switzerland-based employers. Other companies must use intra-company transfer (ICT) or direct employment under the new visa categories.

Transition Period Challenges

Although the reform aims to simplify procedures in the long term, the transition phase is expected to create temporary complexity. Employers and applicants may face uncertainty regarding required documents, contract templates, and inter-institutional coordination until the system is fully stabilized.

Applications submitted before the new rules take full effect will be processed under the old system. Family reunification applications will continue to follow the existing in-person procedures.

Additional Obligations

The reform also introduces:

• Mandatory bilingual employment contracts

• Minimum language training requirements for foreign workers

• Stricter employer reporting duties (absences, contract changes, etc.)

• Limits on employee mobility for up to two years

• Mandatory licensing and financial guarantees for recruitment/placement agencies (which must be Romanian or EU/EEA-controlled)

Outlook

The Romanian government states that the changes will improve digitalization, strengthen worker protections, and enhance employer accountability. However, businesses reliant on non-highly skilled foreign labor will need to carefully monitor the upcoming shortage occupation list and quota allocations.

Companies using posting arrangements from non-EU countries should review and adjust their structures promptly.

Further implementing regulations and clarifications are expected in the coming weeks.

For the latest updates, detailed guides, and analysis of Romanian work permits, visas, and employer requirements, visit: visasupdate.com/blog/categories/romania