Romania has updated how it manages residence and work authorisation for foreign nationals, and in 2026 these changes became significant. A new legal framework replaced the old permit system with a more integrated, digital process. For Nepali workers planning to go to Romania, understanding how residence works is not a minor detail. It determines how long you can stay, what rights you have while there, and what happens after your first entry. This guide explains exactly how Romania handles residence for foreign workers, step by step.
Why Residence Matters Beyond the Visa
Many workers focus only on the visa and overlook residence. They are not the same thing.
- A visa gets you into Romania legally.
- A residence permit is what allows you to stay and work beyond the initial entry period.
- Without a valid residence permit, your legal right to remain in Romania eventually lapses.
- Residence is what turns a trip into a legal working life in Romania.
Understanding the difference from the start saves a great deal of difficulty later.
The 2026 Overhaul: What Changed
Romania made major changes to its foreign worker rules in 2026, and these directly affect how residence works.
- Emergency Ordinance No. 32/2026 came into force in April 2026 and replaced the old employment permit system.
- A new digital platform, WorkinRomania.gov.ro, is being introduced to handle applications.
- The old system required a separate employment authorisation and a visa as two distinct steps. The new system integrates these more tightly.
- The work visa itself now functions as the primary authorisation for employment on arrival.
This shift simplifies some parts of the process but makes getting the initial visa even more important to prepare for properly.
The Two Types of Work Visa for Romania
Under the 2026 framework, two long-stay visa categories cover labour migration into Romania.
D/AM1: Highly Qualified and Special Categories
- This visa covers highly qualified workers and certain special categories.
- It is not subject to an annual quota.
- It is also not restricted by a shortage occupations list.
- Workers who qualify under this category have a more flexible route.
D/AM2: General Labour
- This is the category that applies to most workers, including those coming from Nepal.
- It is subject to an annual quota set by the Romanian government.
- Workers must fall within the List of Shortage Occupations to qualify.
- For 2026, Romania has set a quota of 90,000 permits for this category.
Most Nepali workers in construction, manufacturing, hospitality, logistics, and agriculture will apply under D/AM2.
Step One: The Long-Stay Employment Visa
The process for a foreign worker begins before arriving in Romania.
- The first step is applying for a long-stay employment visa, now submitted through the new digital platform.
- This requires a confirmed job offer or employment contract from a Romanian employer.
- The application includes supporting documents such as a valid passport, proof of accommodation, and evidence of the job offer.
- The visa is the foundation of the whole process. Getting documents right at this stage matters enormously.
Step Two: Arriving in Romania
Once the visa is issued and you arrive in Romania, the clock starts.
- The employment contract must be signed within 15 working days of arriving in Romania.
- This is a legal requirement, not a formality. Missing this window causes complications.
- Entering Romania legally, through a proper, documented route with a genuine employer, is what makes the next steps possible.
- Illegal or informal entry does not lead to a residence permit and should always be avoided.
Step Three: Applying for the Residence Permit
After arrival, the residence permit application is what secures your legal right to remain.
- You must apply for your residence permit at the General Inspectorate for Immigration, known as IGI, within 90 days of arriving in Romania.
- The 90-day window is firm. Missing it means your status becomes irregular.
- IGI has 30 days to decide on the application.
- The residence permit confirms your right to live and work in Romania for the duration of your employment contract.
This permit is the document that matters most to your day-to-day life in Romania.
What Documents Are Typically Required
Getting documents right is one of the areas where proper preparation makes the biggest difference.
- A valid passport with sufficient remaining validity.
- The signed employment contract from your Romanian employer.
- Proof of accommodation in Romania.
- Health insurance documentation.
- Proof of payment of any relevant application fees.
- In some cases, a clean criminal record certificate may be required.
Documents from Nepal usually need to be translated and attested. This preparation step should begin well before your departure date.
The Annual Quota System
Romania sets a limit each year on how many general labour permits it will issue.
- The 2026 quota stands at 90,000 permits for non-EU workers under the D/AM2 category.
- Once the quota is filled for the year, no new general labour permits are issued until the following year.
- This means timing your application matters. Early preparation increases your chances of falling within the quota.
- Workers in shortage occupations are prioritised, which is why being matched to a genuine role in a shortage sector is important.
What Happens to Your Residence Permit Over Time
A first residence permit is not necessarily the end of the process.
- The initial residence permit is usually granted for the duration of your employment contract.
- When the contract is renewed or extended, the residence permit can also be renewed.
- Staying beyond the validity of a permit without renewal is a serious legal violation and can result in removal.
- Workers who follow the legal route properly can build a stable, legal presence in Romania over time.
Common Reasons Residence Applications Face Problems
Understanding what goes wrong helps you avoid the same mistakes.
- Arriving without a properly issued visa and expecting to regularise status afterwards. This rarely works.
- Missing the 90-day window to apply for the residence permit after arrival.
- Not signing the employment contract within the 15 working day deadline.
- Submitting incomplete or incorrectly translated documents.
- Working for an employer other than the one named in the visa and permit.
Each of these mistakes can put a worker’s legal status at serious risk.
Why Document Preparation Is the Most Critical Phase
Of all the steps in the process, document preparation is where things most often go wrong for Nepali workers.
- Nepal-issued documents must be translated into Romanian or another accepted language and properly attested.
- Errors in translation or missing attestations are among the most common reasons for delays and refusals.
- The preparation process for documents typically takes several weeks at a minimum.
- Starting this process early, with proper guidance, is the single most effective thing a worker can do to protect their application.
The Role of AMC Nepal in This Process
Understanding the process is one thing. Navigating it correctly from Kathmandu is another.
- AMC Nepal provides visa guidance to help you understand which visa category applies to you and what your application needs.
- Our document preparation service helps you organise, translate, and present every required document correctly.
- Language preparation matters too. Our Romanian language training helps you communicate once you arrive.
- You can learn more about the Romania opportunity and what the process looks like end to end on our Romania page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a work visa and a residence permit in Romania? A work visa allows you to enter Romania legally. A residence permit is applied for after arrival and is what gives you the legal right to stay and work for the duration of your contract. Both are needed. The visa comes first, the residence permit follows within 90 days of arrival.
How long do I have to apply for a residence permit after arriving in Romania? You have 90 days from the date you arrive in Romania to submit your residence permit application at IGI. Missing this window puts your legal status at risk.
How many foreign worker permits does Romania issue each year? Under the 2026 framework, Romania’s quota for general labour under the D/AM2 category is 90,000 permits. Once this quota is filled, no more permits are issued until the next year, which makes early and properly prepared applications important.
Can I change employer after I receive my residence permit? The residence permit is tied to the employer named in your employment contract and visa. Changing employer is possible but requires a formal process. Working for a different employer without following this process puts your permit at risk.
What happens if I miss the 90-day window? Missing the 90-day deadline to apply for the residence permit makes your stay irregular. This can result in being required to leave Romania and may affect future applications. Following the deadlines from the start is essential.
Do I need a Romanian language certificate to get a residence permit? A language certificate is not a requirement for a standard work-based residence permit. However, knowing at least basic Romanian makes the daily process of living and working there significantly easier and reduces the risk of errors in handling paperwork.
Final Thoughts and Next Step
Romania has a clear, legal process for foreign workers to obtain and maintain residence. It begins with the right visa, requires an employment contract to be signed within 15 working days of arrival, and must be followed by a residence permit application within 90 days. Under the 2026 framework, the process is more integrated and more digital, and the annual quota of 90,000 permits means preparation and timing both matter. For Nepali workers, the steps are achievable, but they require proper documents, correct timing, and a genuine employer from the start.
If you want help preparing correctly for legal work and residence in Romania, contact AMC Nepal for a free consultation.