Why Romania Is the Easiest Country to Get a Work Permit (Work Visa) in 2026

Why Work Permits in Europe Are Getting Harder

Across the European Union, it has become harder to get a work permit. Countries like Germany, France, and the Netherlands and Austria now face strong political pressure to limit immigration, make labor market tests stricter, and raise salary requirements. Processing times are longer, quotas are tight, and employers often feel discouraged by the paperwork.

In contrast, Romania has a real labor shortage that it cannot fill with local workers. Instead of blocking immigration, Romanian authorities have changed the laws to attract foreign workers (how to start bussiness in Romania) efficiently and still follow EU rules.

Two Legal Ways to Obtain a Romanian Work Permit in 2026

Romanian law sets out two clear ways for non-EU nationals to get a work permit. Both options are easier, faster, and more predictable than in most other EU countries.

Pathway 1: Open a Company in Romania (Business / Management Route)

How This Route Works

A foreign national can open a Romanian company, usually an SRL, make themselves the administrator or director, and then apply for a work permit based on that management role. Legally, the company is the sponsor, even though the person is in charge the business.

Starting a company in Romania can provide a pathway to obtaining a work visa, but simply forming the company does not automatically grant you the right to live or work there. To achieve this, you must go through business registration as a foreigner and how to do it, secure immigration approval, and be compliant to Romanian labor and immigration laws.

The a Work Visa and then a Work permit is granted by opening company and guided process through us, is over 90%.

The process begins with a foreign national establishing a Romanian business, commonly an SRL (limited liability company). This requires registration with the Romanian Trade Registry, a legitimate business purpose, a physical address, and tax registration. Authorities will verify whether the business is operational and not just created for immigration purposes. After the company is established, the foreign owner can assume roles like director or manager. The company must apply for this permit and demonstrate that the role is essential while meeting all legal requirements, including compliance with minimum salary standards.

Once the work permit is granted, the applicant must obtain a long-stay work visa (type D/AM) from a Romanian consulate. This visa authorizes entry into Romania for employment purposes. Upon arrival, it is necessary to apply for a work residence permit to legally stay and work in the country long-term. It is crucial that the business remains active, compliant with regulations, and financially sound. Permits can be denied or refused renewal if the company ceases operations or fails to maintain proper records.

This approach is particularly suitable for entrepreneurs who genuinely intend to run a business, hire employees, or manage real operations in Romania. When done appropriately, company formation and securing a work visa can be one of the more straightforward and reliable ways to relocate to the European Union. However, success depends on thorough preparation, meticulous documentation, and ongoing adherence to regulations.

Why Romania Makes This Route Easy

Romania does not require high capital or set unrealistic business standards. Authorities mainly check if the company is properly registered, active, and follows tax and reporting rules.

Who This Route Is Best For

• Entrepreneurs and founders
• Consultants and freelancers
• Business owners expanding into the EU
• Directors of foreign companies
• Service-based professionals

Work Permit Type Used

Most people apply for either a local managerial work permit or an intra-company transfer (ICT) permit. Labor market tests are often skipped for executive roles.

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Pathway 2: Employer Sponsorship Model (Standard Employment Route)

How Employer Sponsorship Works

In this model, a Romanian employer offers a job and applies for a work permit for the foreign worker. Once approved, the worker applies for a long-stay work visa and then gets a residence permit after arriving.

Why Employer Sponsorship Is Easier in Romania

High Annual Work Permit Quotas

Romania gives out tens of thousands of work permits each year. These quotas are used but rarely run out early, so permits are available all year.

Realistic Salary Requirements

Salary requirements follow Romanian labor law and are much lower than in Western Europe. This makes the system open to many different professions.

Flexible Labor Market Test

There is a labor market test, but it is quick and often skipped for jobs in shortage areas like construction, manufacturing, and logistics.

Fast Processing Times

• Work permit approval: 30–45 days
• Work visa issuance: 10–30 days
• Residence permit after arrival: a few days

Romania vs Other EU Countries

Compared to Germany, France, the Netherlands, or Austria, Romania has less paperwork, faster approvals, and more predictable results. Even compared to other Central European countries, Romania is still one of the least restrictive choices in 2026.
Read more: How to start a business as a foreigner

Compliance and Legal Certainty

Romania applies immigration law fairly and consistently. Authorities focus on whether employers follow the rules, have valid contracts, and proper paperwork, instead of making random refusals.

Long-Term Opportunities After a Romanian Work Permit

A Romanian work permit gives you legal residence in an EU country, access to the Romanian job market, and a path toward long-term or permanent residence. For many non-EU nationals, Romania is the first step into Europe.

Final Conclusion

In 2026, Romania is the easiest EU country to get a work permit because it offers two clear and practical options: Company incorporation , High quotas, fast processing, reasonable salaries, and real labor demand make Romania especially accessible.

As Europe becomes more restrictive, Romania stays open, practical, and focused on opportunities, making it the top destination for work permits in 2026.