Romania Launches Major Work Permit Reform 2026: Unified Online System, New Visa Types, and Stricter Employer Rules

Bucharest, May 07, 2026 — The Romanian government has enacted a sweeping reform of its immigration procedures for foreign workers, replacing the previous fragmented work permit and long-stay visa system with a new unified digital framework.

While the changes are designed to modernize and simplify the process long-term, the transition period is likely to bring added complexity for employers and foreign nationals as authorities roll out the new platform and procedures.

Romania launches major work permit reform 2026 – new D/AM1 and D/AM2 visas, online platform.

Core Elements of the New Romanian Work Permit System

1. Two New Visa Categories The reform replaces the old work permit system with two streamlined long-stay visa types:

• D/AM1 Visa — Targeted at highly qualified professionals and special categories. This route is not subject to quotas or a shortage occupation list.

• D/AM2 Visa — For general labour positions. This is subject to an annual quota and a Shortage Occupation List (expected to be published by June 14, 2026).

2. New Employer Classification System Employers are now divided into two categories:

• Registered Employers — Easier access, primarily for sponsoring D/AM1 visas.

• Authorized Employers — Face stricter conditions but can directly sponsor D/AM2 visas for general labour.

This is a significant shift from the previous uniform procedure that applied the same rules to all employers.

3. Fully Digital “WorkinRomania.gov.ro” Platform All work permit and long-stay visa applications, along with employer registrations, will now be handled through the new centralized online platform WorkinRomania.gov.ro.

• Testing phase: Until August 7, 2026

• Full mandatory launch: August 8, 2026

Applications submitted before the new system becomes fully operational will continue to be processed under the old rules.

Major Additional Changes

• Posted Workers Redefined: Third-country nationals can no longer be posted to Romania from companies based outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland. Companies relying on such arrangements must restructure using Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) or the new D/AM1/D/AM2 visas.

• New Obligations: Mandatory bilingual employment contracts, minimum language training for workers, stricter employer reporting requirements, and limits on worker mobility (up to two years in some cases).

• Recruitment Agencies: Placement agencies must now obtain a license, provide financial guarantees, and be controlled or owned by Romanian or EU/EEA entities.

• Family Reunification: These applications remain outside the new digital system and will continue to require in-person processing.

Timeline and Transition Period

The reform is already in motion, but full implementation will be gradual:

• June 14, 2026 — Shortage Occupation List publication

• August 8, 2026 — Mandatory use of the new online platform

During the transition, employers and applicants may face evolving document requirements, additional requests, and temporary uncertainty as workflows are stabilized.

Impact on Employers and Foreign Workers

Advantages:

• More digital and transparent process once fully operational

• Faster route for highly qualified talent

• Better oversight and worker protections

Challenges:

• Short-term increase in complexity during rollout

• Quota limitations for general labour positions

• Higher compliance burden and new employer categorization requirements

• Need to restructure existing posting arrangements

Practical Advice for Stakeholders

For Employers:

• Evaluate whether your company should apply as a Registered or Authorized employer.

• Review current foreign workforce arrangements and prepare for the new platform.

• Start planning recruitment around the upcoming Shortage Occupation List if hiring general labour.

• Update contracts and internal policies to meet new bilingual and reporting obligations.

For Foreign Workers:

• Stay in close contact with employers regarding the new procedures.

• Prepare documents early and monitor official announcements for the platform launch.

For the latest Romania work permit updates, D/AM1 & D/AM2 visa guidance, WorkinRomania.gov.ro instructions, and full 2026 immigration reform details, explore our complete collection here: Romania Visa & Immigration Updates

Romania’s new unified work permit system represents a bold step toward digitalization, transparency, and stronger labour market control. While the long-term goal is greater efficiency, employers and foreign professionals should prepare for a more demanding transition period through the summer of 2026.