Immigration

Romania | Legislative changes affecting the hiring of foreign nationals

Summary

On 27 April 2026, the Romanian Government adopted Emergency Ordinance No. 32/2026, introducing significant changes to the immigration framework governing the hiring of foreign nationals (non‑EU/EEA/Swiss nationals). The changes affect employer registration requirements, the use of foreign worker placement agencies, and key visa and residence processes under Government Emergency Ordinance No. 194/2002.

These measures are relevant to employers in Romania that currently employ, or plan to employ, foreign nationals and will impact workforce planning, hiring timelines and ongoing compliance.

The detail

Key immigration changes for employers

Emergency Ordinance No. 32/2026 introduces a more controlled and compliance‑driven approach to the employment of foreign nationals.

A “list of shortage occupations” will be introduced and updated by the Ministry of Labour every six months or as required. As a general rule, permanent hires of foreign nationals will only be permitted for roles included on this list, limiting employer flexibility in role selection.

Romanian employers intending to hire foreign nationals must register on the WorkinRomania.gov.ro platform and meet strict legal, financial and integrity requirements. Key points include:

• Authorisation will be subject to conditions such as minimum business activity, workforce size and a compliant employment history.
• Employers must provide a EUR 1,000 guarantee per employee.
• Non‑compliance may result in the suspension of future hiring approvals for periods between six and thirty‑six months and restrictions based on previous workforce levels.
• Limited exceptions apply where registration or authorisation is not required.

As an alternative to direct hiring, employers may use authorised foreign worker placement agencies to recruit foreign nationals for roles included on the shortage occupation list. Placement agencies will take on a more prominent role, but will also be subject to stricter enforcement and penalties.

New long- stay employment visa structure

Two long‑stay employment visa categories are introduced:

• D/AM1 visa – applicable primarily to highly qualified workers and certain exempt categories. Romanian employers may apply directly for this visa for eligible individuals, including nationals of Moldova, Ukraine and Serbia employed full‑time for up to nine months per year.
• D/AM2 visa – applicable to permanent employment, including seasonal and cross‑border workers. Placement agencies will be permitted to submit only one online application per individual.

Employers will also be required to ensure that foreign employees receive Romanian language training and cultural integration support for at least six months following the start of registered employment.

Changes to visa, residence and employment rules

Emergency Ordinance No. 32/2026 amends Government Emergency Ordinance No. 194/2002, introducing further changes across the immigration lifecycle, including:

• A single electronic application process via the WorkinRomania.gov.ro platform for long‑stay employment visas and temporary residence permit extensions.
• Introduction of a new “working holiday” visa category (D/VM).
• An increase in the long‑stay employment visa fee from EUR 120 to EUR 300.
• D/AM2 visas becoming subject to the annual quota approved by the Romanian Government, while D/AM1 visas will not be quota‑restricted.
• Limitation of the standard secondment route to EU/EEA/Swiss home countries, with non‑EU/EEA/Swiss secondments generally restricted to the ICT route.
• Greater flexibility for foreign nationals to change employers after six months of contract validity, subject to the new framework.
• New rights for certain family reunion permit holders to work in Romania, provided the role is included on the shortage occupation list.

Transitional measures apply to pending applications. From 8 August 2026, employment‑based residence permit holders may change employers under the updated rules. Overstayed foreign nationals without a return order may regularise their status until 31 December 2026, subject to strict notification requirements.

What this means for employers

The revised framework significantly tightens the conditions under which foreign nationals may be recruited for permanent roles in Romania. Increased reliance on the shortage occupation list is likely to lengthen recruitment timelines and place greater emphasis on proactive workforce planning. The expanded role of placement agencies may increase costs and complexity, while authorised employers will need to manage enhanced compliance and financial obligations.

At the same time, the reforms aim to establish a more structured and predictable immigration system over the longer term.

How we can help

Vialto Partners’ immigration team in Romania can support employers in understanding and navigating the new requirements, including during the transitional period. We advise on appropriate immigration routes under the revised framework, assist with employer registration and authorisation, and support the preparation and submission of immigration applications. We also work with employers to align foreign national hiring plans with business needs while managing compliance risk.

Contact us

For a deeper discussion on the above, please reach out to your Vialto Partners point of contact, or alternatively:

Irina Marinescu
Managing Director

Alina Dumitru  
Senior Manager

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