Romania has recently implemented significant changes to its immigration laws, impacting non-EU citizens looking to stay and work in the country. These updates, under Law no. 28/2024 and Emergency Ordinance no. 25/2024, introduce key modifications aimed at ensuring compliance and simplifying the immigration process for individuals and companies.
Key changes in Romania’s Immigration Law:
1. Timely Registration of Work Contracts:
Companies must register new Work Contracts within 15 working days from the arrival of non-EU citizens in Romania or upon obtaining a new Work Permit. Failure to comply may result in work visa cancellations.
2. Minimum Salary Requirements:
Regular workers are now required to earn a minimum of 1 x the monthly gross salary, while highly-skilled workers must meet a higher threshold. This change aims to ensure fair compensation and working conditions for migrant workers.
3. Exemptions and Mobility Options for Blue Card Holders:
Non-EU citizens holding a valid EU Blue Card issued by a member state can now enter and stay in Romania for economic activities without the need for a work permit, for a period of 90 days in any 180-day period. This provision allows for increased flexibility and mobility for eligible individuals within the EU.
4. Legal Notification Obligations:
Stricter notification requirements for changes in work contracts, personal details, and emergencies are now in place.
Fulfilling these obligations is crucial to avoid potential financial sanctions and ensure a smooth immigration process.
a. For Non-EU Citizens:
- Notify the Immigration Office within 3 working days of any updates to the work contract (financial sanction: 400-800RON).
- Report changes such as passport, marriage, birth, or death within 10 days to the Immigration Office in Romania (financial sanction: 400-800RON).
- Report theft or loss of passport within 48 hours at the local Police Station (financial sanction: 400-800RON).
- All non-EU citizens entering Romania (except Romanian Residence Card holders) must inform the Immigration Office within 3 days of arrival.
b. For Employers with Non-EU Employees:
- Register the new work contract within 15 days of a non-EU citizen’s arrival in Romania (financial sanction: 5.000-10.000 RON).
- Inform the Immigration Office about any update of a non-EU citizen’s work contract or secondment, including its termination/suspension within 5 working days (financial sanction: 1.500-3.000 RON).
- Inform Immigration about start of the work contract/secondment within 10 calendar days (financial sanction: 1.500-3.000 RON).
By understanding and adhering to these changes, individuals and companies can navigate the immigration landscape effectively, fostering a more inclusive and diverse workforce in Romania. Stay informed and compliant to make the most of these regulatory updates.
Discover all the updates within Law no. 28/2024 & Emergency Ordinance no. 25/2024 in a digestible format.
Want to discuss this further or need our assistance in light of these changes? Book a meeting with our Immigration experts.
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