Romania’s New Digital Work Visas for Non-EU Workers Starting 2026

Romania is changing how non-EU workers get work visas. Starting August 8, 2026, the country will use a new digital system through the WorkinRomania.gov.ro portal. This comes from Emergency Ordinance No. 32/2026, published on April 27, 2026. The rules create D/AM1 and D/AM2 visas to better track workers and employers. These changes aim to fix low use rates from past years, where over 100,000 approvals in 2025 led to under 40% arrivals.

Key Changes in the New System

The old paper-based process is going digital. Employers must register on the portal first. They upload job offers, bilingual contracts, and financial guarantees. The National Agency for Employment reviews files in 15 days. If approved, they get an electronic authorization with a digital signature.

This setup links visas to the worker’s Romanian ID number, called CNP. Residence permits will show the employer’s code, CUI. The goal is close tracking from approval to job start. In 2025, officials revoked 1,200 authorizations for misuse, showing the need for tighter rules.

D/AM1 Visa: For Skilled Workers

The D/AM1 visa targets highly qualified people. It covers managers, specialists, researchers, IT workers, and those transferred within companies. No quotas or shortage lists apply here. Workers in these roles get priority without limits.

This visa helps Romania attract top talent fast. Employers do not face the same caps as other hires. The focus is on skills that boost the economy right away.

D/AM2 Visa: For General Labor

D/AM2 is for other jobs, like welders or nurses. It follows a quota of 100,000 for 2026, set on May 5. A list of 150 shortage occupations guides hires, published May 12. Construction, IT support, and health roles make the cut.

This keeps general hiring controlled. Employers check the ANOFM.ro list to qualify. It balances labor needs with local job protection.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Employers start on WorkinRomania.gov.ro. They submit:

• Job offer and bilingual contract (Romanian plus worker’s language).
• Financial guarantee (€5,000 to €20,000 per worker).
• Self-responsibility statements.

After approval, add worker documents: medical insurance (€30,000 coverage), criminal record, proof of €600/month support, and qualifications. The Inspectorate General for Immigration (IGI) checks it. Workers then apply at consulates for a 90-360 day visa.

On arrival, get a residence permit within 90 days. First one lasts up to 2 years, matching the contract. Renew yearly after that. Total time from start to visa: 45-60 days.

Employer and Worker Requirements

Employers provide contracts with salary, hours, and 20 hours of language training. For D/AM2, minimum pay is €800 gross monthly. Report job starts or ends to IGI in 3 days. Send quarterly reports.

Workers need insurance, funds proof, and clean records. Posted workers from EU firms face 12-month limits. If a job ends, the visa holds for 90 days to find new work.

Fees and Penalties

Total cost: €420. That breaks into €120 visa, €100 authorization, €200 permit. Guarantees start at €5,000 and can be lost if workers leave jobs early.

Break rules, and fines hit €2,000-€10,000 per case. Authorizations suspend up to 6 months. Agencies might shut down. These steps push compliance.

Transition to the New Rules

Until August 8, 2026, use the old system. It has a 25,000 quota for early 2026. Processing takes 30 days for permits, 10-20 for visas. Test the portal from June 1. Employers can prep files now.

Two systems run briefly, adding steps at first. Call IGI at +40 21 414.1234 for help.

Path to Long-Term Stay

After 5 years of legal work (half student time counts), apply for long-term residence. Pass A2 Romanian test, show insurance, housing, clean record, and €3,700 gross monthly income (January 2026 level). Renew every 5 years with full job access.

Conclusion

Romania’s digital work visa shift with D/AM1 and D/AM2 options brings order to hiring. It speeds skilled entry while capping general roles. Employers face more duties, but clearer tracking helps all. Check WorkinRomania.gov.ro soon to stay ahead.