Latest Immigration Law Updates in Romania for Non-EU Citizens

Romania has recently implemented significant changes to its immigration laws, affecting non-EU citizens looking to stay and work in the country. These updates, introduced under Law no. 28/2024 and Emergency Ordinance no. 25/2024, bring key modifications aimed at ensuring compliance and simplifying the immigration process for individuals and companies alike.

Timely registration of work contracts

Companies must now 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, making this deadline one employers need to track closely.

Minimum salary requirements

Regular workers are now required to earn at least the monthly gross salary threshold, while highly skilled workers must meet a higher one. This change is aimed at ensuring fair compensation and working conditions for migrant workers in Romania.

Exemptions and mobility for Blue Card holders

Non-EU citizens holding a valid EU Blue Card issued by another member state can now enter and stay in Romania for economic activities without needing a work permit, for a period of 90 days within any 180-day period. This provision gives eligible Blue Card holders increased flexibility and mobility within the EU.

Stricter notification obligations

The updates also introduce stricter notification requirements for changes in work contracts, personal details, and emergencies. Meeting these obligations is essential to avoid financial penalties and keep the immigration process running smoothly.

For non-EU citizens, the key requirements include:

• Notifying the Immigration Office within 3 working days of any updates to the work contract, with a financial sanction of 400 to 800 RON for non-compliance
• Reporting changes such as a new passport, marriage, birth, or death within 10 days to the Immigration Office in Romania, with a financial sanction of 400 to 800 RON
• Reporting theft or loss of a passport within 48 hours at the local Police Station, with a financial sanction of 400 to 800 RON
• Informing the Immigration Office within 3 days of arrival for all non-EU citizens entering Romania, except Romanian Residence Card holders

For employers with non-EU employees, the key requirements include:

• Registering the new work contract within 15 days of a non-EU citizen's arrival in Romania, with a financial sanction of 5,000 to 10,000 RON
• Informing the Immigration Office about any update to a non-EU citizen's work contract or secondment, including its termination or suspension, within 5 working days, with a financial sanction of 1,500 to 3,000 RON
• Informing the Immigration Office about the start of the work contract or secondment within 10 calendar days, with a financial sanction of 1,500 to 3,000 RON

Staying compliant

By understanding and adhering to these changes, individuals and companies can navigate Romania's immigration landscape more effectively, supporting a compliant and well-managed foreign workforce. Nestlers Group can help employers put processes in place to track these deadlines and avoid the penalties associated with missed notifications.

Sources: Law no. 28/2024, Emergency Ordinance no. 25/2024, Romanian Immigration Office