Moldova to Romania Work Permit 2026: Direct Answer
Moldovan citizens can enter Romania without a visa for up to 90 days. To work legally beyond 90 days, you need a Romanian work permit (aviz de muncă) and a long-stay visa for employment (D/AM visa). The employer in Romania must first obtain the work permit from the Romanian Immigration Inspectorate (IGI). Once approved, you apply for the D visa at the Romanian embassy in Chișinău. The total process typically takes 2–4 months.
Who Can Apply / Requirements
Eligibility
- You must have a valid job offer from a Romanian employer registered with the IGI.
- The employer must demonstrate that the position could not be filled by a Romanian or EU/EEA citizen (labor market test).
- For certain occupations (IT, engineering, healthcare), the test may be waived under the EU Blue Card or specific shortage lists.
- You must be at least 18 years old and have no criminal record in Moldova or Romania.
- You must have valid health insurance for Romania.
Required Documents
- Valid Moldovan passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay).
- Employment contract or pre-contract signed by the Romanian employer.
- Work permit issued by IGI (employer applies).
- Proof of accommodation in Romania (rental contract or employer-provided housing).
- Health insurance valid in Romania (public or private).
- Certificate of no criminal record from Moldova (apostilled or legalized, translated into Romanian).
- Medical certificate (not older than 3 months).
- Two passport-size photos.
- Completed visa application form (for D/AM visa).
- Proof of sufficient funds (bank statement or employer guarantee).
Language Requirements
No official language test is required for the work permit. However, knowing Romanian (or English) is highly beneficial for integration and may be required by the employer.
Step-by-Step Process
- Job Offer: Secure a job offer from a Romanian employer. The employer must be willing to sponsor your work permit.
- Employer Applies for Work Permit: The employer submits the application to the IGI (Inspectoratul General pentru Imigrări) in Romania. Processing takes 30–60 days.
- Work Permit Issued: If approved, the employer receives the work permit and sends you a copy.
- Visa Application: Apply for the D/AM visa at the Romanian Embassy in Chișinău. Book an appointment, submit documents, and pay the fee. Processing: 10–30 days.
- Visa Decision: If approved, you receive a visa sticker in your passport (valid for 90 days initially).
- Travel to Romania: Enter Romania within the visa validity. You must register with the IGI within 90 days to obtain a residence permit (card de ședere) valid for the work permit duration (usually 1 year, renewable).
- Residence Permit: After registration, you receive a residence permit card that allows you to live and work in Romania.
Salary, Cost & Savings
Indicative estimates for a Moldovan worker in Romania in 2026. Actual figures vary by occupation, city, and employer.
| Occupation | Monthly Gross (EUR) | Estimated Net (EUR) | Monthly Living Costs (EUR) | Realistic Monthly Savings (EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction worker | 1,200–1,800 | 950–1,420 | 500–700 | 250–720 |
| IT specialist | 2,500–4,000 | 1,850–3,000 | 700–1,000 | 850–2,000 |
| Factory worker | 1,000–1,500 | 800–1,200 | 400–600 | 200–600 |
| Driver (truck/bus) | 1,500–2,200 | 1,200–1,750 | 600–800 | 400–950 |
Fees & Timeline
| Item | Cost (EUR) | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Work permit application (employer fee) | 200–400 | 30–60 days |
| D visa fee (paid by applicant) | 120 | 10–30 days |
| Residence permit card | ~50 | 1–2 months after arrival |
| Translations & legalization | 50–150 | 1–2 weeks |
| Health insurance (annual) | 200–500 | 1 day |
Total estimated cost for the worker: ~300–800 EUR (excluding travel and accommodation during the process).
Processing Time & What to Expect
The entire process from job offer to residence permit typically takes 2–4 months. The work permit stage is the longest (30–60 days). The D visa is usually faster (10–30 days). After arrival, you have 90 days to register for the residence permit. Delays can occur if documents are incomplete or if the employer fails to meet IGI requirements. Last verified: July 2026.
Scams & Red Flags
- Never pay an employer or agency for a job offer or work permit application. Legitimate employers cover the work permit fees.
- Be wary of “guaranteed” visas or offers that sound too good (e.g., very high salary without experience).
- Only use official channels: the Romanian Embassy in Chișinău and the IGI website.
- If an agent asks for money upfront for a “registered” job, it is likely a scam. Verify the employer’s registration with the Romanian Trade Register.
- Do not hand over your passport to anyone except official immigration authorities.
Sources & How to Verify
Official information is available from:
- Romanian Immigration Inspectorate (IGI): igi.mai.gov.ro
- Romanian Embassy in Chișinău: chisinau.mae.ro
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania: mae.ro
- Moldovan Bureau for Migration and Asylum: bma.gov.md
Always confirm current requirements directly with the embassy or IGI before applying. Rules can change.
Key takeaways
- Moldovans can work in Romania visa-free for up to 90 days; longer stays require a work permit and D visa.
- The employer must obtain the work permit from IGI before you apply for the visa.
- Total process takes 2–4 months; costs for the worker are around 300–800 EUR.
- Be cautious of scams: never pay for a job offer or work permit upfront.
- Always verify requirements with the Romanian Embassy in Chișinău or IGI.
Frequently asked questions
Do Moldovan citizens need a visa to work in Romania?
Moldovans can enter Romania without a visa for up to 90 days. To work beyond 90 days, you need a work permit and a long-stay D/AM visa.
How long does it take to get a Romania work permit from Moldova?
The work permit itself takes 30–60 days; the D visa takes 10–30 days. Total process: 2–4 months.
What is the minimum salary for a work permit in Romania?
The salary must be at least the national gross minimum wage (approximately 600 EUR/month in 2026), but most jobs pay higher.
Can I bring my family to Romania on a work permit?
Yes, after you obtain a residence permit, your spouse and minor children can apply for family reunification.
Is there a language requirement for the Romania work permit?
No official language test is required, but knowing Romanian or English is helpful for the job and daily life.
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