Key Points
- Romania updated its immigration law on 8 March 2024 to better align its policies with the broader EU
Romania’s Immigration Law Changes for 2024
The government of Romania introduced changes to its immigration law on 8 March 2024. These changes include the following:
- Extending the deadline for applying for long-stay visas for secondment purposes from 60 to 180 days.
- Reducing the timeline for employers to contact immigration authorities of termination or suspension of work with a foreign national employee from 30 to 10 days.
- Employment or secondment permits will be canceled upon termination of the employment contract or secondment.
- Increasing the maximum validity of residence permits for working purposes to 2 years for permanent workers and 3 years for highly skilled workers.
- Requiring work authorization for all highly skilled workers, including those with protection status.
- Introducing financial support requirements for sponsors and obligating family members to apply for residence permits within one month of entering Romania.
- Establishing a new category of workers called mobile highly skilled workers, allowing entry and stay in Romania for economic activities without work authorization.
- Allowing residence permit holders for studies to work part-time without work authorization for up to six hours per day.
- Redefining highly skilled workers’ qualifications and reducing the minimum gross salary requirement.
- Introducing conditions for obtaining work authorization for highly skilled workers, including at least five years of professional experience or three years for specific positions.
According to the government, these changes aim to improve the immigration process for foreign nationals in Romania and align with EU standards.
Looking Ahead
Continue to check the government of Romania’s website and Envoy Global’s website for the latest updates and information.
Content in this publication is for informational purposes only and not intended as legal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. For additional information on the issues discussed, consult an attorney at Corporate Immigration Partners, P.C., or another qualified professional of your choosing. On non-U.S. immigration issues, consult your Envoy representative, or another qualified representative of your choosing.
