Jobs in Romania for Foreigners 2025 (Full Step-by-Step Guide)
The ultimate 2025 guide for Africans, Asians, and other foreigners who want real, legal jobs in Romania – with salary ranges, best cities, and how to get hired from abroad or on arrival. Read one section, then click Next to continue.
1. Why Romania Is Becoming a Job Hotspot for Foreigners in 2025
Romania has quietly become one of Europe’s fastest-growing destinations for foreign workers. Many companies across construction, factories, shipyards, hospitality, agriculture and services now actively hire workers from:
- Africa – Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Nigeria, etc.
- Asia – Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Pakistan.
- Other non-EU regions looking for legal EU-based work.
Why? Because Romania has a huge labour shortage. Local workers often leave for richer EU countries like Germany, Italy or Spain – so Romanian employers bring in foreign workers to fill the gaps.
If you’ve ever wondered “Can I really get a job in Romania as a foreigner?” – the answer is YES, if you follow the legal process and work with genuine employers or agencies.
2. Can a Foreigner Legally Work in Romania in 2025?
Yes. Foreign nationals from non-EU countries can legally work in Romania – but you must have:
- A job offer from a Romanian employer, and
- A valid work permit and long-stay work visa (D/AM or similar), followed by a residence permit.
You cannot just enter on a tourist visa and start working. The process must pass through Romanian immigration and labour authorities.
In most cases, your Romanian employer or recruitment agency handles the work permit application on your behalf – then you complete the visa at the Romanian embassy in your home country or where you are legally resident.
3. Best Jobs in Romania for Foreigners (High Demand 2025)
These are some of the most common and realistic jobs foreigners are getting in Romania right now:
1. Construction & Skilled Labour
- General labourers
- Steel fixers, welders, carpenters, masons
- Scaffolders, painters, electricians (for those with experience)
Typical salary: ~€600–€1,200 per month depending on skill and overtime.
2. Factory & Production Workers
- Assembly line workers
- Packaging and sorting
- Machine operators (with training)
Typical salary: ~€500–€800 per month.
3. Hospitality & Cleaning
- Hotel housekeepers
- Kitchen helpers, dishwashers
- Waiters, bar staff (sometimes require basic English)
- Office and building cleaners
Typical salary: ~€450–€800 per month plus potential tips or bonuses.
4. Agriculture & Seasonal Work
- Fruit and vegetable picking
- Farm helpers
- Greenhouse workers
Typical salary: ~€450–€700 per month, sometimes with accommodation included.
5. Logistics & Warehouses
- Pickers & packers
- Loaders & forklift assistants (licensed operators earn more)
Typical salary: ~€500–€850 per month.
6. Drivers & Transport
For those with the right licence (e.g., CE for truck drivers), salaries can be higher than standard labour roles.
4. Best Cities in Romania for Foreign Workers
Foreigners typically find jobs faster in cities and industrial regions such as:
Bucharest
The capital city – strong in construction, services, hospitality, security, cleaning, and some factory work in the surrounding areas.
Cluj-Napoca
A growing tech and business hub. More English-speaking roles, plus services and hospitality. Higher rents than some other cities.
Timișoara
Important industrial and automotive region in western Romania, close to Hungary and Serbia. Many factories and logistics jobs.
Constanța
Port city on the Black Sea – opportunities in port-related activity, shipyards, logistics, tourism and hospitality (especially in summer).
Brașov, Iași, Sibiu, Oradea and other regional cities
Growing industrial zones, tourism and services – often with slightly lower cost of living than Bucharest or Cluj.
5. How to Find a Job in Romania as a Foreigner (Step by Step)
Step 1: Prepare a Romania-Friendly CV
Your CV should clearly show:
- Full name (matching your passport)
- Nationality & current country of residence
- Contact details (phone, WhatsApp, email)
- Skills, experience, and any trade or driving licences
- Languages spoken (even basic English is useful)
- Statement: “Ready to relocate to Romania for work”
Step 2: Use Job Portals & Agencies That Work With Foreigners
Look for:
- Romanian recruitment agencies that specialise in hiring non-EU workers.
- International agencies with contracts in Romania.
- Job boards that clearly mention “foreign workers” or “non-EU workers”.
Many foreign workers actually get to Romania through contracts arranged by agencies in their home countries – but you must check that the agency is genuine and licensed.
Step 3: Shortlisting Genuine Employers
Before you trust any offer, always:
- Ask for the full Romanian company name and check it online.
- Check if the agency has an office, website, and registration.
- Be careful with anyone using only Facebook or WhatsApp and refusing to show proof.
6. Work Permit & Long-Stay Visa Process (General Overview)
The exact rules can change, but in general the path for a non-EU citizen looks something like this:
-
Employer / agency applies for a work permit in Romania
The Romanian employer requests a work authorisation for you from Romanian immigration / labour authorities. -
Work permit is approved
Once approved, you receive details or a copy that is used for your visa application. -
You apply for a long-stay work visa at the Romanian embassy
You submit your passport, forms, work permit approval, insurance and other requested documents. -
Visa is granted & you travel to Romania
The long-stay visa allows you to enter Romania for the purpose of employment. -
After arrival: residence permit
In Romania, you complete additional steps (such as residence permit application) so you can stay and work long-term.
Most of these steps are guided by the employer or agency if they are legit. Always ask them to explain the process in simple language before you pay anything.
7. Salary Expectations & Cost of Living in Romania
Romania does not pay like Germany or the UK, but for many foreigners the combination of legal EU work + salary + low living costs still makes sense.
Approximate Net Monthly Salaries
| Job Type | Typical Range (€/month) |
|---|---|
| General labour / factory worker | €500–€800 |
| Construction worker (semi-skilled) | €600–€1,000 |
| Skilled worker (welder, electrician, etc.) | €800–€1,300 |
| Cleaner / housekeeper | €450–€700 |
| Warehouse & logistics | €500–€850 |
Average Monthly Living Costs (Simple Lifestyle)
- Shared room / bed space: €80–€180
- Small studio (in cheaper city): €200–€350
- Food & groceries (cooking at home): €120–€200
- City transport: €20–€30
- Phone & internet: €15–€30
Many contracts in Romania include accommodation and sometimes meals for foreign workers. This can help you save more from your salary.
8. Documents You Should Prepare (And How to Avoid Scams)
Core Documents Often Requested
- Valid passport (with enough remaining validity).
- Passport-sized photos as per embassy requirements.
- Police clearance / certificate of good conduct.
- Educational or trade certificates (if required for your job).
- Medical check reports (sometimes done in Romania, sometimes in home country).
How to Stay Safe From Fake “Romania Job” Deals
- Be careful with offers that sound too good – huge salary with no experience.
- Refuse to send large amounts of money via mobile money to private individuals.
- Always ask for:
- Company name and registration details.
- Written job offer or pre-contract.
- Breakdown of any charges (if your country allows agency fees).
- Check reviews or feedback from other workers who already went through the same agency.
9. Common Questions About Jobs in Romania for Foreigners
Q1: Do I need to speak Romanian?
For many basic labour or factory roles, Romanian is not required at the beginning, especially if you work with other foreigners. However, learning simple phrases will help you a lot with daily life and can open more opportunities.
Q2: Can I bring my family?
In most cases, you start alone on a work contract. After you are settled and depending on your income and permit type, there may be options later for family reunification – but that is not usually immediate for low-wage jobs.
Q3: Can I change employers after I arrive?
Often your permit is linked to a specific employer. Changing jobs may require a new work permit and updated documents. Never disappear from your employer and start working somewhere else illegally – this can cause bans.
Q4: Is Romania safe for foreign workers?
Generally, Romania is considered relatively safe. As everywhere, you should be wise: avoid fights, respect local laws, and stay away from illegal activities. Most foreign workers who focus on work and keep good behaviour do not face major problems.
Q5: Which nationalities are already working in Romania?
You will find thousands of workers from Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Philippines, Vietnam, as well as African countries like Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Nigeria and others.
10. Final Verdict: Is Romania a Good Option for Foreigners in 2025?
If you are looking for a legal, realistic way to enter the European Union job market – especially from Africa or Asia – Romania can be a strong starting point.
Romania offers:
- Real labour shortages – companies genuinely need workers.
- Legal contracts and work permits for non-EU citizens.
- Lower cost of living than many Western EU countries.
- Opportunity to build experience inside the EU.
It is not “easy money” – you will work hard and salaries are modest compared to richer EU states – but for many people it is still a powerful step up from what they earn at home.
Use this guide as your roadmap: prepare your documents, target genuine agencies and employers, understand the work permit process, and protect yourself from scams. With patience and good research, jobs in Romania for foreigners in 2025 can move from dream to reality.
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