Romania is set to issue 100,000 work visas in 2025 as part of its ongoing efforts to address labor shortages across various industries. This move is expected to open up numerous opportunities for foreign workers, particularly in sectors struggling to find local employees.

Why Is Romania Issuing So Many Work Visas?

Like many other European countries, Romania is facing a significant labor shortage. The government has recognized that certain industries cannot operate efficiently due to a lack of workers, prompting the need to hire from abroad.

The decision to allocate 100,000 work visas in 2025 aligns with the country’s economic goals and the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). This quota matches the cap set in 2024, indicating a continued need for foreign workers to sustain economic growth.

Work Visa Trends in Romania

The number of work permits issued in Romania has fluctuated over the past few years:

• 2021: 49,954 work permits issued
• 2022: A record-breaking 108,882 work permits issued
• 2023: 101,254 work permits issued
• 2024: 99,268 work permits issued (plus 5,957 pending for 2025)

These numbers show that Romania has become an increasingly attractive destination for foreign workers. Despite a slight decrease from the peak in 2022, the demand remains strong, driven by growing industries and a shortage of local workers.

Which Sectors Need Foreign Workers the Most?

Romania's labor shortages are most pronounced in specific industries. The sectors in dire need of foreign workers include:

1. Construction

With an estimated shortage of 47,716 workers, the construction sector is one of the most affected industries. Infrastructure projects and urban expansion require skilled laborers, and the local workforce cannot meet the demand.

2. Postal and Courier Services

This sector has 29,293 job vacancies. With the rapid growth of e-commerce and logistics services, Romania needs more workers to handle the increasing volume of parcels and deliveries.

3. Hospitality and Restaurants

Tourism is a key part of Romania’s economy, but the hospitality sector struggles with staffing shortages. Restaurants alone need 21,457 more workers to keep up with demand.

4. Contracting and Security Services

About 19,889 workers are needed for contracting-related jobs, while the protection and security sector is short by 12,367 employees.

5. Transportation and Logistics

With 9,091 job vacancies in road transport and 6,559 in handling, logistics companies are actively searching for drivers, warehouse workers, and handlers.

6. Retail and Supermarkets

Shops selling food, beverages, and tobacco products have around 4,758 unfilled positions.

Where Are Foreign Workers Coming From?

Romania is increasingly looking to Asian countries to fill its labor gaps. Many foreign workers come from:

• Nepal
• Sri Lanka
• Indonesia
• India
• Philippines
• Egypt

These workers are often hired for construction, hospitality, and logistics jobs, where local Romanians are either unavailable or unwilling to work.

Why Are There So Many Job Vacancies in Romania?

Several factors contribute to the growing labor shortage in Romania:

1. Migration of Romanian Workers to Western Europe

Many Romanians prefer to work in countries like Germany, Italy, Spain, or the UK, where wages are higher. This has created a gap in the local workforce that foreign workers can help fill.

2. Aging Population

Romania’s working-age population is shrinking due to a declining birth rate and an aging demographic. As older workers retire, there are not enough young Romanians to replace them.

3. Low Interest in Certain Jobs

Many of the available jobs involve hard labor or low wages, making them less attractive to Romanian workers. Foreign workers are more willing to take up these positions due to better economic opportunities compared to their home countries.

Benefits of Working in Romania

For foreign workers, Romania offers several advantages:

• Decent Wages: While salaries may be lower than in Western Europe, they are often much higher than in many Asian countries.
• Cost of Living: Romania has a lower cost of living compared to Western European nations, making it easier to save money.
• Opportunities for Permanent Residency: Workers who stay in Romania for several years may be eligible for long-term residence or even citizenship.
• Growing Economy: Romania’s economy is expanding, offering long-term job stability in many industries.

Challenges for Foreign Workers in Romania

Despite the benefits, foreign workers may face some challenges, including:

1. Language Barrier

Romanian is the primary language for most job roles, and not knowing it can be a hurdle in daily work and interactions. Learning basic Romanian phrases can be helpful.

2. Work Permit Processing Delays

Although Romania issues a high number of work permits, bureaucratic delays can sometimes slow down the approval process.

3. Housing Issues

Finding affordable and comfortable accommodation can be challenging, especially in major cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Timișoara.

How to Apply for a Romanian Work Visa

If you're interested in working in Romania, here are the key steps to apply for a work visa:

1. Find a Job: Secure employment with a Romanian company. Your employer will play a crucial role in sponsoring your visa.
2. Obtain a Work Permit: The employer must apply for a work permit on your behalf from the General Inspectorate for Immigration.
3. Apply for a Long-Stay Visa: Once the work permit is approved, you need to apply for a long-stay visa (D Visa) at the Romanian consulate in your home country.
4. Travel to Romania: Upon approval, you can enter Romania and start working. You must also register for a residence permit within 30 days of arrival.

Final Thoughts

Romania’s decision to issue 100,000 work visas in 2025 presents an excellent opportunity for foreign workers seeking stable employment. With various industries facing labor shortages, skilled and unskilled workers alike can find job openings in construction, logistics, hospitality, and other sectors.

If you're considering working in Romania, it's essential to research job opportunities, understand the visa process, and prepare for the cultural and linguistic challenges. With proper planning, Romania can be a great place to build a career and improve your financial stability.