Immigration reform aimed at improving access to non-EU workers in Romania has been introduced. This is a significant development for HR professionals, recruiters and those in workforce planning because the new reform will change how HR manages the employment of foreign workers in Romania.
The new immigration reform (Emergency Ordinance No. 32/2026) was published in the Official Gazette on April 27, 2026, according to Newland Chase. The immigration reform will implement a structured and electronically based process to obtain visas for non-EU workers to come to Romania.
The full migration to the new WorkinRomania.gov.ro electronic system is not expected until the new system is launched, which is projected for August 8, 2026. Until then, the current processes will remain in place to process all visa applicants.
Why Romania Is Changing Its Immigration System
Romania’s immigration reform process is being reformed to establish a more transparent and more effectively managed method to hire non-EU workers. Under the new process, the current multi-step method will be replaced with a single-source digital platform to handle employer registration and visa applications.
For employers, the new immigration process will provide long-term benefits. Because of the new electronically based immigration process, it is easier for employers to manage the process. However, during the transition period, there will likely be varying degrees of adjustment to the new processes, including processing delays.
Key Changes Employers Should Understand
Two new long-stay visa types have been introduced as part of this reform. The D/AM1 visa is for qualified candidates, and the D/AM2 visa is for general labour. Employers must understand which visa type is appropriate when recruiting. A qualified worker in a technical role and a general labourer might not be classified the same way. Misclassification of the visa will delay or create compliance issues and could result in a refusal of an application.
Another item being implemented with this reform is the introduction of an employer classification system (Registered and Authorised). Authorised employers will have stricter eligibility criteria than those registered employers who do not meet authorisation standards.
What This Means for Workforce Planning
For those hiring foreign nationals in Romania, the company’s recruitment planning process must be very clear. This includes reviewing daily current and future recruitment requirements as they relate to foreign nationals.
If an employer works in construction, manufacturing, hotel, transportation, infrastructure or industrial service industries, it will be beneficial to plan since they will have to work within the annual quotas and “shortage occupation” lists.
Why Compliance and Documentation Matter
The new regulations create additional obligations for employers, including bilingual Employment Contracts, qualifications for employees requiring language training, and increased reporting requirements.
If your business is recruiting employees, you cannot just rely on candidate sourcing as your recruitment method. Each step in your recruitment must be documented, correct, and comply with the requirements of the new reforms.
How Dynamic Staffing Services Can Support Employers
Dynamic Staffing Services works with businesses by using an established method for recruiting to assist with the successful placement of international candidates who are qualified and reliable. We help businesses assess their workforce requirements, identify qualified candidates, screen candidates for experience, compile documentation, and support them in preparing for successful deployments.
As Romania’s immigration system goes through changes to become more digital and compliant, partnering with an experienced recruitment agency will help reduce delays for employers and provide a better overall hiring experience.
Build a Reliable International Workforce
Recent changes to the Romanian immigration policy offer new opportunities and responsibilities for employers. Employers who plan, understand the new regulations, and develop a comprehensive international recruiting strategy will have the competitive advantage of the ability to provide the necessary skilled workforce. Do you want to hire skilled international employees in Romania or anywhere in the world? Please email Dynamic Staffing Services at clientservices@dss-hr.com!
