Morocco to Romania Work Permit 2026: The Direct Route
To get a Romania work permit from Morocco, you first need a confirmed job offer from a Romanian employer. The employer applies for the work permit at the Romanian Inspectorate General for Immigration (IGI). Once approved, you apply for the long-stay visa (D visa) at the Romanian embassy in Rabat or consulate in Casablanca. Processing typically takes 30–60 days after the employer submits the application. Last verified: July 2026.
Who can apply / requirements
Eligibility
- Job offer: You must have a valid employment contract or binding job offer from a Romanian company.
- Labour market test: The employer must prove that no Romanian or EU/EEA national could fill the position (except for shortage occupations).
- Qualification: Relevant education, training, or experience for the job.
- Clean criminal record: A police clearance certificate from Morocco (or any country you lived in for over 6 months in the last 5 years).
- Health insurance: Valid medical insurance for the initial period until you register for Romanian public health.
- No ban: You must not be flagged in the Schengen Information System (SIS).
Required documents
- Valid passport (at least 6 months beyond the intended stay).
- Two recent passport-size photos (35x45 mm).
- Employment contract or job offer letter (original and copy).
- Proof of accommodation in Romania (rental agreement or employer-provided housing).
- Police clearance certificate from Morocco (apostilled or legalized, translated into Romanian).
- Medical certificate proving you are free from contagious diseases (issued within 3 months).
- Proof of health insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage).
- Curriculum vitae (CV) and copies of diplomas/degrees (translated into Romanian).
- Work permit application form (completed by employer).
- Visa application form (for D visa).
- Proof of visa fee payment.
Step-by-step process
- Secure a job offer: Find a Romanian employer willing to sponsor your work permit. Use reputable job portals like eJobs.ro, BestJobs.ro, or recruitment agencies with a physical presence in Romania.
- Employer applies for work permit: The employer submits the application to the IGI (Inspectoratul General pentru Imigrări). They need to provide documents proving the labour market test and your qualifications.
- Receive work permit approval: IGI issues the work permit (aviz de angajare) and sends it to the employer. The employer forwards it to you.
- Apply for long-stay visa (D visa): Book an appointment at the Romanian embassy in Rabat or consulate in Casablanca. Submit your passport, filled visa form, work permit copy, and supporting documents. Pay the visa fee (€120).
- Wait for visa decision: Processing takes 10–15 days. You may be called for an interview.
- Travel to Romania: Once the visa is stamped, you can travel. Upon arrival, you must register with the IGI for a residence permit (carte de identitate provizorie) within 90 days.
- Register for health insurance and tax number: Register at the National Health Insurance House (CNAS) and obtain a tax identification number (CNP) from the tax authority (ANAF).
Salary, cost & savings
INDICATIVE ESTIMATES based on common skilled trades (e.g., construction, manufacturing, hospitality) in Romania for 2026. Actual figures vary by city, employer, and experience.
| Item | Amount (EUR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly gross salary (average skilled) | €1,100 – €1,800 | Depends on sector; Bucharest pays higher |
| Monthly net salary (after tax & social contributions) | €800 – €1,300 | Romania flat income tax 10% + social contributions ~35% |
| Monthly living cost (single person, rent included) | €500 – €800 | Rent €250–€500; food €150–€200; transport €30–€50; utilities €50–€80 |
| Realistic monthly savings | €200 – €600 | Depending on lifestyle and location |
| Visa application fee | €120 | Non-refundable |
| Work permit fee (paid by employer) | €0 – €100 | Usually employer covers; some may deduct |
| Document translation & legalization | €50 – €150 | For police certificate, diplomas, etc. |
| Health insurance (first 3 months) | €50 – €100 | Private insurance until CNAS registration |
| Flight ticket (Casablanca–Bucharest) | €200 – €400 | Round trip if needed |
| Total upfront cost (worker) | €420 – €770 | Excluding flight; varies |
Processing time & what to expect
- Work permit (employer step): 20–30 working days after submission to IGI.
- Visa application: 10–15 working days at the embassy.
- Total time from job offer to visa: 30–60 days typically.
- Residence permit after arrival: Must apply within 90 days; card issued in 30 days.
- Expect possible delays if documents are incomplete or if the labour market test is challenged.
- You can work only after the residence permit is issued (not on the D visa alone).
Scams & red flags
- Never pay upfront for a job offer: Legitimate employers do not charge fees for recruitment. If an agent or employer asks for money before you have a contract, it's likely a scam.
- Verify the employer: Check the company's registration on the Romanian Trade Register (ONRC). Use LinkedIn or official websites.
- No legitimate work permit process requires you to pay the employer for the permit: The employer bears the cost.
- Fake visa agents: Only the Romanian embassy or consulate can issue a visa. Agents promising guaranteed visas are scammers.
- Too-good-to-be-true salary: If the promised net salary is above €2,000 for an entry-level job, be suspicious.
- Pressure to decide quickly: Scammers often create urgency to prevent you from verifying.
Sources & how to verify
- Romanian Inspectorate General for Immigration (IGI): Official site for work permit procedures: igi.mai.gov.ro
- Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Visa information: mae.ro
- Embassy of Romania in Rabat: Consular services: rabat.mae.ro
- National Agency for Employment (ANOFM): Labour market test details: anofm.ro
- Romanian Tax Authority (ANAF): Tax rates: anaf.ro
- Always confirm current requirements directly with the embassy or IGI before applying.
Key takeaways
- A job offer is mandatory; the employer starts the process.
- Total upfront cost for the worker is around €400–€800.
- Processing takes 1–2 months.
- Monthly savings potential: €200–€600.
- Beware of scams; never pay for a job offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a Romania work permit without a job offer?
No. A job offer from a Romanian employer is required. The employer must apply for the work permit first.
How long is the work permit valid?
The work permit is usually valid for 1 year, renewable. After 5 years of legal residence, you may apply for permanent residency.
Can my family join me?
Yes, after you obtain a residence permit, your spouse and minor children can apply for family reunification. They need to meet income and accommodation requirements.
Do I need to speak Romanian?
Not for the work permit, but basic Romanian helps with daily life. Some jobs may require Romanian language skills, especially in customer-facing roles.
Is there a quota for Moroccan workers?
Romania does not have country-specific quotas for work permits, but there is an annual overall quota set by the government. For 2026, the quota is 100,000 non-EU workers. Most are for construction, hospitality, and manufacturing.
Key takeaways
- A job offer from a Romanian employer is mandatory; the employer applies for the work permit first.
- Total upfront cost for the worker is approximately €400–€800, excluding flights.
- Processing time from job offer to visa is typically 30–60 days.
- Realistic monthly savings range from €200 to €600 after covering living costs.
- Beware of scams: never pay for a job offer or visa guarantee.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for a Romania work permit without a job offer?
No. A job offer from a Romanian employer is required. The employer must apply for the work permit first.
How long is the work permit valid?
The work permit is usually valid for 1 year, renewable. After 5 years of legal residence, you may apply for permanent residency.
Can my family join me?
Yes, after you obtain a residence permit, your spouse and minor children can apply for family reunification. They need to meet income and accommodation requirements.
Do I need to speak Romanian?
Not for the work permit, but basic Romanian helps with daily life. Some jobs may require Romanian language skills, especially in customer-facing roles.
Is there a quota for Moroccan workers?
Romania does not have country-specific quotas for work permits, but there is an annual overall quota set by the government. For 2026, the quota is 100,000 non-EU workers. Most are for construction, hospitality, and manufacturing.
