Labour Law and Employment in Romania – 2024-2025 Guide

So, you're considering working in Romania? That's fantastic! Romania offers a vibrant culture, a growing economy, and exciting opportunities for professionals from all over the world. But before you pack your bags, it's essential to understand the labour laws and employment landscape. This comprehensive guide, updated for 2025, breaks down everything you need to know to secure your dream job and thrive in Romania. We'll cover the employment process for both residents and non-residents (including essential details for those needing a Romania work visa), contract types, minimum requirements, employee benefits, and more!

Regardless if a Romanian employer contracts a Romanian or foreign individual, they must fulfill certain obligations. Under the Romanian law, in order to hire foreign citizens, employers must take some steps that, for non-EU citizens, are not very simple compared to other countries. Therefore, the difficulty of the employment process depends on the location from which the citizen seeking employment in Romania comes from.

1. The Fundamentals: Employment Characteristics & Contracts

Whether you're a Romanian citizen or a foreign national, understanding Romanian employment regulations is crucial.

Contract Types: Romanian law recognizes various types of employment agreements. The most common are:

1. Indefinite Period Contracts: These offer stability and are the standard. They are designed to protect the employee's rights.
2. Definite Period Contracts: These are for a fixed term, often used for specific projects or temporary roles. However, there's a limit – a maximum of three consecutive definite-term contracts is permitted.

1.1. Employment of Residents: 

If you're a Romanian resident, the basics apply:

A. Minimum Age: The minimum age for employment is 16. However, 15-year-olds can be hired for certain activities that don’t affect their health or development, with parental consent. Under 15? Not allowed to be hired.

B. Required Documents: 

Be prepared to provide:

1. Study diplomas
2. Medical check results (paid for by your new employer)
3. Identity card or Passport
4. Birth Certificate
5. Any required professional certifications. 

1.2. Employment of Non-Residents (EU and Non-EU):

This is where the Romania work visa comes into play.

• Non-EU Citizens:Typically, employment contracts are for an indefinite period to demonstrate stability. You'll need to:
  1. Obtain approval from the Romanian Immigration Office.
  2. Apply for a Romanian stay permit (residence permit).
  3. This process often requires the Romania work visa (detailed below).
• EU Citizens: The process is generally simpler. If your stay exceeds 180 days in a year, you must register with the Romanian Immigration Office.
• Equal Rights: After signing your employment contract, ALL employees (resident, EU, or non-EU) have the same rights and obligations.

2. The Crucial Employment Contract: Minimum Requirements 

A written employment contract in Romanian is mandatory.

2.1. Contract Essentials (and what you MUST know!): 

The contract must include:

• Identification details of both employer and employee.
• Contract duration (indefinite or definite) and the specific job position based on the Romanian Classification of Jobs (important!).
• Salary, payment frequency, and payment method.
• Vacation days and other leave entitlements.
• Probationary period (if any).
• Notice period (if either party wants to terminate).

Your contract can also include specific clauses about confidentiality, intellectual property (especially relevant in IT), and other important matters. Contracts can be signed with handwritten or electronic signatures (use the same type throughout!).

2.2. Salary Matters for 2025: 

Here's a crucial update:

• Minimum Gross Base Salary (2025): RON 4,050 per month (up from RON 3,700 in 2024) for standard work schedules.
• Construction, Agricultural, and Food Industry (Special Rules): Sector-specific minimums apply, often higher than the general minimum (details below)

Important Note: Employers could not pay employees the minimum gross base salary for more than 24 months (for 2024 rules).

• Construction: RON 4,582 (minimum gross).
• Agriculture/Food: RON 3,436 (minimum gross)

2.3. Probationary Periods: These are periods for both you and the employer to assess the job fit.

• Part-Time Contracts:
  • Less than 3 months: Up to 5 working days
  • 3-6 months: Up to 15 working days
  • Over 6 months: Up to 30 working days
  • Management positions (over 6 months): Up to 45 working days.

3. End of the Road: Terminating the Employment Contract

Understanding termination is just as vital as starting.

3.1. Ways Contracts End:

• By Right: For definite-period contracts, when the term expires.
• Mutual Consent: Agreed upon date by both parties.
• Unilateral Will: In specific cases defined by law.
• Dismissal by the Employer:
  • Reasons Related to the Employee: Disciplinary issues, lack of professional fit, or medical reasons.
  • Reasons Unrelated to the Employee: Restructuring, job elimination.

3.2. Giving Notice:

• Notice Period: Varies depending on the position.
  • Execution Position: 20 working days.
  • Management Position: 45 working days.

4. Finances: Social Contributions and Income Tax (Important!)Understanding taxes and contributions is crucial for budgeting.

The following example assumes the base salary for the year 2024 for RON 3,300. The 2025 tax percentages and calculations will vary to the higher minimum gross base salary.

4.1. Tax Breakdown (General):

• Construction, Agriculture, Food Industry, and IT industries often have special tax rules and exemptions.

5. Time Off & Wellbeing: Working Hours and Vacation

• Normal Work Time: 8 hours/day, 40 hours/week (Monday-Friday).
• Maximum Weekly Hours: 48 hours (including overtime).
• Overtime: Compensated with time off (within 90 calendar days), or paid at a rate of at least 75% above the basic wage if time off isn't possible.
• Annual Vacation: A minimum of 20 working days per year.
  • Medical Leave:
    • Entitlement to a medical leave allowance of 100%, 75%, etc., of your average monthly income (for the 6 months before the illness), depending on the illness.
    • The employer pays for the first 5 days of your sick leave. The Romanian state covers the rest.

6. Perks & Benefits: What to Expect (and Negotiate!)
Employee benefits are common in Romania.

• 6.1. Common Benefits:
  • Meal tickets (meal vouchers)
  • Laptop
  • Private healthcare
  • Reimbursed travel expenses
  • Additional vacation days
  • Gift tickets
  • Mobile phone
  • Gifts for children
  • Team-building activities
• 6.2. Rules for Meal Tickets:
  • Optional benefit.
  • The maximum nominal value of a meal ticket is RON 40. The value is decided by the employer. (as of January 2024, but this may change.)
  • The value is exempt from social security contributions for the employee.
  • Taxed at 10% (income) and 10% (health).
  • Issued for worked days only.
  • Issued in electronic/card format.
  • Usable for online payments.

7. Temporary Work Options

7.1. Temporary Labour Agents: These agencies provide employees to users (companies) for temporary assignments.

• Temporary Employees: Work for the temporary agency and are assigned to a user company.
• Temporary Work Assignments: Maximum duration is 24 months, extendable up to a total of 36 months.

7.2. Delegation and Posting (within a labour contract)

• Delegation: Temporary assignment to work tasks outside your usual workplace, max. 60 calendar days within 12 months.
• Posting: Temporary assignment to work for another employer (but your contract with your original employer remains active). Max 1 year.
• Cross-Border Posting: Governed by EU Directives, and is important to be clear on the type of contract that is taking place, due to it having different implications.

8. Prioritizing Your Wellbeing: Professional Health and Safety

• Your employer has a legal obligation to ensure your safety and health at work.
• Training is Key: You mustreceive SHW training, at a minimum.
  • Upon hiring.
  • When changing jobs/transferring.
  • When using new equipment/technologies.
  • For special tasks.
• Training Phases: Introductory-general, on-the-job, and periodic.
• Prevention & Protection Activities: Your employer will organize these based on the size and risk profile of the company.

9. Key Legislation: Know Your Rights (and Responsibilities!) 

Understanding the legal framework is crucial! Here's a list of important laws:

• Romanian Labour Code (Law 53/2003)
• Law no. 16/2017 (on posting of employees)
• Order of the Ministry of Employment no. 2171/2022 (framework model of the employment contract)
• Law no. 227/2015 (Fiscal Code)
• Law no. 202/2002 (equality of chances)
• Government Decision no. 900/2023 (minimum gross basic salary)
• Government Emergency Ordinance No. 93/2023 (minimum gross basic wage for construction, agricultural, and food industry sectors)
• Law No 319/2006 (safety and health at work)

Bringing it All Together: The Romania Work Visa (Key Steps)

For non-EU citizens, obtaining a Romania work visa is essential. 

Here's a simplified overview:

1. Find a Job: Secure a job offer from a Romanian employer. The employer must demonstrate that the position cannot be filled by a Romanian citizen or an EU citizen.
2. Obtain a Work Permit: Your employer applies for a work permit from the Romanian Immigration Office (IGI).
3. Apply for the Visa: Once the work permit is approved, you can apply for a long-stay visa (type D) at the Romanian embassy or consulate in your country.
4. Apply for the Residence Permit: After arriving in Romania with your visa, you'll apply for a residence permit at the Romanian Immigration Office.

Important Note: The application process can be complex and time-consuming. Be prepared to provide a lot of documentation. We recommend consulting with an immigration lawyer or a specialist in Romania work visas to ensure a smooth process!

Conclusion: Your Romanian Adventure Awaits! Working in Romania can be a rewarding experience! This guide provides a strong foundation for your employment journey. Remember to always:

• Review your employment contract carefully.
• Understand your rights and obligations.
• Stay informed about any changes to Romanian labour laws.
• Seek legal advice if you have any questions or concerns.

Good luck with your job search and your new life in Romania! This guide is designed to help you navigate the process and make the most of your exciting opportunity.

To find specific hiring details, job openings, and application instructions, please visit the JORAS VENTURES website.