Romania officially joined the Schengen Area in 2024, a move that brought significant changes for travelers. But amidst the excitement of visa-free travel within the Schengen zone, many are asking: Does this mean I can now work in Romania with just a Schengen visa?
The short answer is no. While the Schengen visa simplifies travel to Romania, it doesn’t automatically grant you the right to work there. Here’s a detailed look at why:
Understanding the Schengen Visa for 2025 Application Submissions
The Schengen visa (Type C) for Romania is primarily designed for:
- Tourism: Sightseeing, leisure activities, and exploring Romania.
- Short visits: Visiting family or friends residing in Romania.
- Business trips: Attending meetings, conferences, or engaging in short-term business activities.
Crucially, the standard Schengen visa does not permit you to take up employment in Romania in 2025 as per the purpose of visa mentioned here https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_24_1722. So, the question is how can you work in Romania and here’s the answer to it:
Working in Romania: The Work Permit is Key!
To legally work in Romania, you still need to obtain a Romanian work permit. This involves a separate process where your potential employer plays a crucial role. Here’s how it works:
- Employer Application: Your employer must apply for the work permit on your behalf at the Romanian Inspectorate General for Immigration (IGI – https://igi.mai.gov.ro/en/employment-and-posting/).
- Work Permit Types: Romania offers various work permits tailored to different employment situations, such as permanent employment, highly skilled work (EU Blue Card), seasonal work, and traineeships.
- Long-Stay Visa: Once your employer secures the work permit, you can then apply for a long-stay visa (Type D) at a Romanian embassy or consulate in your home country. This visa, combined with the work permit, allows you to live and work in Romania.
Skill Shortages and Visa Eligibility
If your skills align with Romania’s skill shortage list (https://www.live-skills.eu/skills-gaps-romania), your chances of securing a work permit are higher. However, your employer still needs to demonstrate that they were unable to find a suitable candidate from within the EU/EEA before offering you the position.