What is a Romania work visa for Indian citizens?
An Indian citizen who is hired by a Romanian employer normally follows a three-document route: the Romanian employer first obtains an employment permit, the candidate then applies for a long-stay visa for employment (D/AM), and after entering Romania the worker applies for a single permit that confirms the right to live and work in the country.
The phrase “Romania work visa” is often used for the entire process, but legally the employment permit, entry visa and residence document are separate stages handled by different authorities.
Offers the job and submits the employment-permit application to IGI.
Provides accurate documents and applies for the D/AM visa after permit issuance.
Independently assess the permit, visa and post-arrival residence application.
Romania employment permit vs D/AM visa vs single permit
| Document | Who applies? | Purpose | When? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employment permit | Romanian employer | Allows the employer to hire a specific non-EU worker for an authorised role. | Before the visa application |
| D/AM long-stay visa | Indian worker | Allows entry into Romania for employment under the approved process. | After the employment permit |
| Single permit | Worker in Romania | Confirms the temporary right to reside and work after arrival. | Before the visa-based stay expires |
The employment permit is tied to the employer and the approved employment conditions. Changing employer or job without completing the required legal process can put the worker’s status at risk.
Who can apply?
Indian citizens may be considered for Romanian employment when a legitimate Romanian employer has a genuine vacancy and the legal conditions for employing a non-EU national are met. IGI lists conditions involving the employer, the vacancy and the worker.
Typical worker-side conditions
- You have the training, experience or authorisation required for the role.
- You are medically capable of performing the work.
- You do not have a criminal record incompatible with the intended occupation.
- Your passport and supporting documents are valid, authentic and consistent.
- You complete the visa process and do not attempt to work under a visitor status.
Employer-side conditions
- The employer must be genuinely active and eligible to hire.
- The position and business activity must be real and compatible.
- The employer must satisfy Romanian tax, labour and immigration requirements.
- The application must fit within the applicable annual foreign-worker quota and permit category.
Step-by-step Romania work visa process from India
Find and verify a genuine Romanian job
Review the job title, city, salary, working hours, overtime terms, accommodation, transport, deductions, contract duration and probation conditions. Never rely only on a WhatsApp promise.
Employer prepares the employment-permit file
The Romanian employer or its authorised representative submits the application to the General Inspectorate for Immigration. The candidate supplies the requested personal, qualification, medical and criminal-record documents.
IGI reviews the employment permit
IGI states a standard processing period of 30 days from registration, with a possible extension of up to 15 days when additional checks are needed.
Receive the permit and prepare the visa file
After issuance, the employer sends the employment permit and the employment-related documents needed for the visa application. Check names, passport number, employer and job details for errors.
Apply through Romania's official eVisa portal
Create the online application on the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs eVisa platform, select the correct employment purpose and upload the requested documents. Follow the instructions for appointment and original-document presentation.
Attend the consular appointment
Present originals, biometrics and any additional documents requested by the competent Romanian mission. Answer questions truthfully and consistently with the job and permit.
Travel only after visa approval
Check the visa sticker, validity dates and entry conditions before buying a non-refundable ticket. Carry copies of the employment permit, contract, accommodation details and employer contact information.
Apply for the single permit in Romania
Submit the residence application to the relevant IGI territorial office or through its online portal. IGI recommends applying at least 30 days before the visa-based right of stay expires.
Documents commonly required
The exact checklist can vary by permit category, consular instructions and the applicant’s circumstances. Always use the current checklist shown in the eVisa portal and by the competent Romanian mission.
| Document | Prepared by | Practical check |
|---|---|---|
| Valid Indian passport | Applicant | Ensure sufficient validity, blank pages and matching personal details. |
| Romanian employment permit | Employer / IGI | Check employer, job and passport data. |
| Employment contract or firm job documentation | Employer and applicant | Read salary, hours, deductions, accommodation and termination terms. |
| Online visa application | Applicant | Select the correct long-stay employment category. |
| Criminal-record certificate | Applicant / competent authority | Follow current legalisation, apostille and translation instructions. |
| Travel medical insurance | Applicant | Use coverage and validity accepted by the Romanian authorities. |
| Proof of accommodation | Employer or applicant | Confirm the real address and who pays. |
| Proof of means, where requested | Applicant / employer | Follow the exact eVisa checklist for your case. |
| Photographs and supporting civil documents | Applicant | Use the current format requested by the mission. |
| Qualifications or experience evidence | Applicant | Needed where the occupation requires training, licences or experience. |
Processing time and government fees
Employment-permit stage
IGI states that employment-permit applications are normally settled within 30 days from registration. When additional checks are required, the deadline may be extended by up to 15 days.
The IGI employment page currently lists an employer-paid fee equivalent to EUR 100 for several standard permit categories, including permanent workers, and lower fees for certain categories. This is an employer-stage government fee and should not be misrepresented as the applicant’s visa fee.
Visa and appointment stage
Consular processing depends on the application category, document completeness, appointment availability and any additional verification. Do not advertise a guaranteed total processing time. The visa fee and local payment instructions should be checked on the official eVisa portal and the Embassy of Romania in New Delhi immediately before applying.
Important checks for workers leaving India
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs advises prospective emigrants to verify recruiting agents, examine the employment contract carefully, obtain payment receipts, retain copies of the passport and visa, and keep the employer’s full contact details.
Use registered and traceable entities. Avoid unlicensed sub-agents and cash-only arrangements.
Every legitimate payment should have a written invoice or receipt identifying the service.
Keep an English copy and verify salary, hours, benefits, deductions and employer identity.
Retain control of your original passport except when formally submitted to an authority.
Keep the employer, recruiter, Romanian authorities and Indian mission contact details.
Romania is not listed among the 17 ECR countries on the cited MEA page, but verify your own passport and current departure requirements.
What happens after you arrive in Romania?
Entering Romania with a D/AM visa is not the final immigration step. You must obtain the single permit from the General Inspectorate for Immigration in the county where you live.
IGI commonly lists the following for the first single permit
- Application form.
- Passport or other border-crossing document, with copies.
- Proof of legal accommodation or use of the living space.
- Medical certificate.
- Applicable residence-permit fees.
IGI says the application should be submitted at least 30 days before the right of stay granted by the visa expires. The authority also provides an online portal for document submission and appointment management.
Common avoidable problems
| Problem | Why it creates risk | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Different names, passport numbers or dates | Creates identity and document-consistency concerns. | Check every permit, contract and application before submission. |
| Unclear employer or fake vacancy | The permit depends on a genuine Romanian employer and role. | Verify the company, address, contact person and signed documents. |
| Incomplete or outdated checklist | Authorities may request more information or refuse an incomplete file. | Use the current eVisa and mission checklist, not an old social-media post. |
| False qualifications or work history | False documents may lead to refusal, cancellation and legal consequences. | Submit only authentic, verifiable documents. |
| Wrong visa purpose | A tourist visa does not permit employment. | Apply under the correct D/AM employment category. |
| Late residence application | The right of stay may expire before the single permit is issued. | Start the IGI process early and follow the 30-day-before-expiry guidance. |
Official websites to check before applying
Immigration rules, forms, fees and appointment procedures can change. These government sources should take priority over agencies, blogs and social-media advice.
Frequently asked questions
Do Indian citizens need a work visa for Romania?
Yes. For ordinary employment, an Indian citizen normally needs an employment permit obtained by the Romanian employer and then a D/AM long-stay visa before travelling for work.
Can I apply for a Romanian work visa without a job offer?
Not through the standard employment route described here. A genuine Romanian employer and an approved employment permit come before the D/AM visa application.
Who applies for the employment permit?
The Romanian employer or its authorised representative submits the employment-permit application to the General Inspectorate for Immigration.
How long does the employment permit take?
IGI states a standard term of 30 days from registration, extendable by up to 15 days if additional checks are necessary.
Is the employment permit the same as the visa?
No. The permit allows the employer to hire the worker. The D/AM visa allows the worker to enter Romania for the approved employment purpose. The single permit is obtained after arrival.
Is IELTS required?
IELTS is not generally listed as a standard Romanian D/AM visa requirement. The employer may impose job-specific language requirements.
Can I work in Romania on a tourist visa?
No. A tourist or short-stay visa does not authorise employment.
Can JobsPWI guarantee my visa?
No. Only the competent Romanian authorities decide whether to issue an employment permit, visa or residence permit.
Should I pay the employer’s work-permit fee?
IGI describes the work-permit tax as an employer-stage payment. Any recruitment or service charge presented to you should be transparent, lawful, invoiced and clearly separated from official government fees.
Can I change employer after arriving?
A change of employer may require a new employment permit and compliance with additional rules. Obtain formal guidance before leaving the approved employer or starting another job.
When should I apply for the single permit?
IGI recommends submitting the application at least 30 days before the visa-based right of stay expires.
Can my family accompany me immediately?
Family reunification is a separate immigration procedure with its own conditions and documents. It is not automatically included in an employment visa.
Where do I submit the visa application?
Start through Romania’s official eVisa portal and follow the instructions for the competent Romanian diplomatic mission, including appointment and original-document requirements.
What should I check in the employment contract?
Check the legal employer name, workplace, occupation, gross and net salary assumptions, working hours, overtime, accommodation, meals, transport, deductions, probation, contract duration and termination conditions.
What if an agent promises 100% approval?
Treat that as a warning sign. No private person or agency controls the decision of the Romanian immigration or consular authorities.
