Romania Modifies Work Visa Regulations with New Online Portal and Visa Categories
In August 2026, Romania will implement a centralized online platform, employer categories, and new D/AM1 and D/AM2 visas as part of a revamp of its work visa system. Employers and candidates may experience delays and more stringent compliance requirements during the transition phase, even though the reforms are intended to make hiring foreign workers easier.
One of Romania's largest immigration reforms in recent memory is about to take place. In an effort to make employing foreign workers easier over time, the nation is replacing its outdated work permit and long-stay visa procedures with a new, centralized system.
Here's the catch, though. Although the new regulations promise increased openness and quicker digital processing, businesses and international workers may first find things more complex during the transition phase.
New visa categories, more stringent employer standards, and a fully digital application platform that is scheduled to launch in August 2026 are all included in the reforms.
Romania Introduces Two New Types of Work Visas
Romania's present work permit structure will be replaced by two primary visa types under the new system.
1. D/AM1 Visa for Romania
The D/AM1 was created by Romanis for certain categories of foreign nationals and highly trained workers. There will be no connection between this category and shortage occupation listings or yearly quotas. Additionally, it will cover:
Moldovan nationals
Citizens of Ukraine
Serbian nationalsSports experts
Academic personnel
According to the government, this approach is intended to make it easier for firms to find qualified foreign workers.
2. D/AM2 Visa for Romania
For general labor positions, Romania's D/AM2 visa will be applicable. In contrast to D/AM1, this category will rely on:
A yearly cap
A list of occupations in short supply
By June 14, 2026, Romania is anticipated to release the official shortage occupation list.Hiring Workers with Lower Skills May Become More Difficult
Although the new visa structure makes categories easier to understand on paper, firms hiring non-specialized individuals may face more difficulties as a result.
Before hiring lower-skilled foreign labor, businesses must wait for Romania's official shortage occupation list. Employers who hire highly skilled professionals, on the other hand, probably won't have as many constraints.
Romania Establishes New Categories for Employers
The addition of two employer classifications is another significant modification.
Employers who are registered
The D/AM1 route will primarily allow these employers to sponsor employees.Approved Employers
Although this category has more stringent regulations, it gives businesses direct access to the D/AM2 visa stream.
In order to be eligible for D/AM2 hiring authorization, businesses need to:
have been in operation for a minimum of 24 months
kept 50 workers on average over the preceding year.
In the past, regardless of business size or compliance record, all employers used the same immigration procedure.
The employer's status will now play a major role in determining access to immigration proceedings. August 2026 will see the launch of a new Work in Romania platform.
Additionally, Romania is creating "WorkinRomania.gov.ro," a centralized web portal, to manage:
Applications for work permits
Applications for long-stay visas
Registrations of employers
Prior to its formal launch on August 8, 2026, the system is anticipated to undergo testing through August 7, 2026.
The current immigration regulations will still apply to applications filed prior to the implementation of the new system. Residence permits for family reunification will still need to be applied for in person, though.
Transition Time May Lead to Confusion and Delays
Romania's digital transformation is anticipated to gradually streamline procedures, although its early implementation could cause short-term issues.
Authorities still require time to stabilize inter-institutional collaboration, standardize document requirements, and finalize workflows. In this stage, candidates could encounter:
Requests for additional documentation
Modifying the criteria for documents
Processing delays
Uncertain protocols
Until the system is completely operating, immigration experts anticipate some ambiguity.
Romania Stricter Regulations for Seconded Workers
Additionally, Romania is defining "seconded employees" more narrowly. Only non-EU nationals transported to Romania by firms with headquarters in the EU, EEA nations, or Switzerland will be eligible under the new regulations.
This implies that typical posting arrangements will no longer allow foreign workers posted from non-EU nations to enter Romania. Instead, businesses might have to use:Routes for intra-company transfers (ICT)
Contracts for direct local employment
Pathways for D/AM1 or D/AM2 visas
Companies that depend on postings from non-EU nations may now need to reorganize their hiring practices.
Other Important Shifts Employers Should Be Aware Of
A number of new compliance criteria for businesses and recruitment firms are also included in Romania's reform package. Among them are:
Bilingual employment contracts that are required
Minimum standards for language instruction
More stringent reporting requirements for employers
restrictions on employee mobility for a maximum of two years
Requirements for placement agencies' licensing
Requirements for financial guarantees for hiring companies
For placement agencies to function lawfully, ownership or control must be in Romania or the EU/EEA.
The Reasons Behind Romania's Changes
The administration claims that the reform intends to:Boost the efficiency of digital processing
Boost openness
Boost safeguards for employees
Boost the accountability of employers
However, the reforms also result in more stringent eligibility requirements, more
expenses for compliance, and increased operational pressure for enterprises, particularly during the transition phase.
As Romania moves toward a fully digital immigration system, the upcoming months may present both new opportunities and obstacles for international workers who intend to relocate there.
