Romania Unskilled Jobs Visa 2026 Explained
Do you want an opportunity to work in Europe and change your life without a special degree? Another gateway that is perceived to be very accessible to the international workers is the 2026 unskilled work visa in Romania.
By January 2026, Romania will have achieved full membership in the Schengen Area, so that a Romanian residence permit will provide unparalleled mobility over 29 European countries. A huge shortage of labour in the sphere of logistics and construction, the Romanian government has established a major quota of 90,000 work permits by the year 2026 to ensure that the economy remains active.
Core Visa & Quota
In order to get through the application process, it is important to know the recent legal terms that are applied by the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI).
- 90000 Work Instrument Quota: This represents the general beginning of newly-accepted non-EU someone in 2026. Although it is marginally less than 2025, it is nevertheless one of the highest levels of intake in Eastern Europe.
- D/AM Long-Stay Visa: This is the type of visa that is required in employment. Your employer will be allowed to obtain your work permit and in that case, you are given 60 days to obtain this visa at the Romanian embassy in your country of residence.
- Aviz de Angajare (Employment Notice): This is the document that is the official work permit. Until your employer provides this notice, he has to demonstrate by a Labor Market Test that no Romanian or EU citizen can occupy the vacancy.
- Digitalized Work Permit Portal: In 2026, the IGI has made the applications easier by having a single digital system that eases the average time a work permit will be processed to about 3045 days.
- Residency Permit Renewal: Once in the country, it takes 30 days to apply a biometric residence card (Single Permit). This card typically provides legal stay of up to one year and can be renewed after every year.
High-Demand Unskilled Roles (2026)
As the recent statistics of the Ministry of Labor show, some spheres are in need of human resource. By concentrating on these positions, you are likely to have your visa approved in a short period.
- Courier & Goods Handler: This is the top most demanded category of 26000+ jobs. The e-commerce boom has necessitated the need of delivery drivers and warehouse loaders.
- Unskilled Construction Worker: The job offers more than 20,000 opportunities with site preparation, masonry helpers, and demolition workers when Romania is undertaking an enormous infrastructure project.
- Kitchen Helper / Dishwasher: Hospitability (HoReCa) is also one of the largest employers, particularly in tourist towns such as Brașov and Constanța.
- Packer Sorter: Thousands of workers are enlisted at manufacturing centers in Timișoara and Bucharest to work on assembly lines, packaging and recycling.
- Security Guard: Residential complex and warehouses often hire foreigners to monitor and keep the gate.
Guidelines Financial / Integration
The 2026 legislative changes have brought on board new employment protection to employees and increased employer financial requirements.
- National Minimum Wage (2026): Gross minimum wage amounts to 4,050 RON (approximately, it is enough to say, 815). The unskilled employees usually earn between 1,800 -2500 RON net, with or without overtime, depending on where they are.
- Language Integration Mandate: A new rule in 2026 that will be in place will dictate that workers be able to perform Minimum Communication in Romanian or English. This will help to maintain the safety of the field, and it will help to avoid the exploitation of the workers.
- Cazare si Masa (Accommodation and Board): The majority of unprofessional contracts of 2026 will involve free shared housing. Never forget to look at whether or not they include Meal Vouchers or Free Food because it can potentially make you save money to the tune of 800 RON every month on your living expenses.
- Recruitment Agency Monitoring: To avoid visa jumping into other Schengen countries, now the agencies are requested to monitor worker attendance. Quitting employment is a punishable offense punishable by a lifetime EU entry ban.
FAQs
Is the quota smaller in 2026?
Yes. The quota of 2026 is at 90,000, 100000 less than that of 2025. Early application is therefore important since spots in the desirable industries such as logistics are filled by the month of June.
Will unskilled job be applicable without an agent?
Absolutely. On portals such as BestJobs.eu or eJobs.ro, there are legitimate employers, but to be sure you do not receive the job posting but rather pay the government the amount of the work permit, which is always 100.
Is an IELTS score required in an unskilled job?
No formal IELTS is required. Nevertheless, you will have to meet a minimum interview with your employer to show that you could follow safety instructions in English or basics of Romanian.
What is the processing time of the visa?
After the Aviz (Work Permit) is issued, the embassy visa (D/AM) normally takes 4 to 8 weeks to be granted.
Is it possible to change jobs in case I get a better job?
Yes, but it is complex. You have to obtain a release letter with your present employer or get another employer who would be ready to request a new work permit on your behalf. You will not be able to work in Company B with a permit of Company A.
Final Thought
The New Foreign Workforce Legislation 2026 has rendered the procedure more transparent due to the digitalization of the process though more regulated. Although the Courier and Logistics industry has the quickest path to a visa, the emphasis of the government on Language Integration will allow those who study simple phrases in Romanian to be at a great advantage.
Disclaimer
The information given about this job is only to educate and inform. Before applying, please confirm information on the official employer or government site (igi.mai.gov.ro).