Romania · work sponsored · Leads to settlement
Single Permit for Work and Residence
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
If you are a non-EU national with a Romanian job offer, the single permit is the main route - one document covering both your work and your residence.
- Processing time
- Indicative only - IGI works to published timelines for complete files; confirm current processing on the official page.
- Government fees
- Indicative only - permit and residence fees apply; confirm current amounts on the official page.
- Typical duration
- Tied to your employment and typically renewable; renew at least 30 days before it expires - confirm current validity on the official page.
- Sponsorship required
- Yes
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
In short
As of 10 July 2026, the Single Permit for Work and Residence for Romania is a sponsor-led Romania immigration route. Sources: official Romania government pages, reviewed 10 July 2026.
Cite this: https://visaatlas.org/visas/romania/single-permit#answer
What is the Single Permit for Work and Residence in Romania?
Single Permit for Work and Residence is a sponsor-led Romania route. Indicative government fees are Indicative only - permit and residence fees apply; confirm current amounts on the official page; indicative processing time is Indicative only - IGI works to published timelines for complete files; confirm current processing on the official page; typical duration is Tied to your employment and typically renewable; renew at least 30 days before it expires - confirm current validity on the official page. This route can lead to permanent residence.
Verified against General Inspectorate for Immigration (Romania) on 1 June 2026.
Overview
Romania's single permit combines work authorisation and residence in one document for non-EU nationals employed in Romania. Your employer normally secures a work permit (aviz de angajare) first, you enter on a long-stay (type D) employment visa, and then you apply to the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) for the residence side. You must show means of support at least at the level of the guaranteed minimum salary. It is the standard sponsored-employment route, and lawful time on it counts toward EU long-term residence. Romania became a full Schengen member in January 2025.
Recent changes to this route
- Romania becomes a full Schengen member1 January 2025
Romania lifted land-border checks and became a full Schengen member on 1 January 2025, following the lifting of air and sea checks in 2024.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓You have a genuine job offer from an employer in Romania who has obtained the required work permit (aviz de angajare).General Inspectorate for Immigration (Romania) ↗
- ✓You enter on a long-stay (type D) employment visa, or already hold a qualifying right to stay.General Inspectorate for Immigration (Romania) ↗
- ✓You can show means of support at least at the level of the country's guaranteed minimum salary.General Inspectorate for Immigration (Romania) ↗
- ✓You hold a valid passport and meet the general conditions for residence.General Inspectorate for Immigration (Romania) ↗
Common blockers
- !No employer who has secured the required work permit before your application.General Inspectorate for Immigration (Romania) ↗
- !Inability to show means of support at the required minimum level.General Inspectorate for Immigration (Romania) ↗
- !Applying late - the single permit should be renewed at least 30 days before expiry.General Inspectorate for Immigration (Romania) ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Valid passport and the long-stay (type D) employment visa.General Inspectorate for Immigration (Romania) ↗
- ·Employment contract and the employer's work permit (aviz de angajare).General Inspectorate for Immigration (Romania) ↗
- ·Proof of means of support and of accommodation.General Inspectorate for Immigration (Romania) ↗
- ·Proof of payment of the applicable fees.General Inspectorate for Immigration (Romania) ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Confirm your job offer and that your employer can obtain the work permit (aviz de angajare) for the role.
Build the evidence pack
Gather your passport, employment contract, the work permit, and proof of means and accommodation.
Submit through the official channel
Enter on the type D employment visa, then apply to IGI in person or via the IGI online portal and pay the fees.
After approval
Collect your residence permit, renew at least 30 days before expiry, and track time toward EU long-term residence.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicant + sponsorUse official Single Permit for Work and Residence route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Single Permit for Work and Residence.
General Inspectorate for Immigration (Romania) · verified
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EU Blue Card (Romania)
If you are a highly-qualified non-EU professional with a Romanian job offer above the salary threshold, the EU Blue Card gives you residence plus EU-wide mobility benefits.
EU Long-Term Residence (Romania)
If you have lived in Romania continuously for five years, this is your settlement status - a long-term right to stay with EU-wide mobility benefits.
Family Reunification (Romania)
If a close family member already lives lawfully in Romania, this route lets you join them and build toward settlement together.
Frequently asked questions
Does my employer need a work permit before I apply?+
Yes - in most cases your employer first obtains a work permit (aviz de angajare), which underpins your long-stay visa and single permit. Confirm the current process on the official IGI page.
When should I renew?+
You should apply to renew the single permit at least 30 days before it expires. Confirm the current rule on the official IGI page.
Can I get a work and residence permit in Romania without a job offer?+
No - the single permit requires a genuine job offer from a Romanian employer who has first obtained the required work permit (aviz de angajare); having no such employer is a common blocker. Confirm the current process on the official IGI page.
Does time spent on the single permit count toward permanent residence in Romania?+
Yes - the single permit is settlement-capable, and lawful time spent on it counts toward EU long-term residence. Confirm the current rules on the official IGI page.
Is Romania part of the Schengen area now?+
Yes - Romania became a full Schengen member in January 2025. Confirm any travel specifics on the official IGI page.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
Find a regulated advisor in RomaniaHow we verified this
We check every figure on this page against the primary government source, record the date it was last checked, and re-check it on a regular schedule. Rules change, so always confirm time-sensitive details with the official source before you rely on them. Visa Atlas is an information-only publication and does not give legal advice.
Primary source: General Inspectorate for Immigration (Romania)
Last checked: 1 June 2026