Understanding work eligibility and legal framework

Romanian law enables Ukrainian refugees and beneficiaries of temporary protection to work legally without requiring a separate work permit. This right has been instituted through emergency ordinances that aim to simplify and expedite access to the Romanian labor market for displaced persons from Ukraine. Knowing the legal framework, documents needed, and where to stay informed ensures you can find stable employment while enjoying the same labor protections as Romanian citizens.

1. Temporary protection & employment

1. Registering with IGI (General Inspectorate for Immigration)

   • Temporary protection permit:

     • Once you receive this permit, you gain the right to work under Romanian labor laws.

     • You can apply for the permit at regional IGI offices across the country.

     • Where to check: igi.mai.gov.ro often posts contact details and updated guidelines on obtaining temporary protection.

   • Validity & renewal:

     • Current EU decisions extend temporary protection until at least March 2026, but be sure to verify ongoing updates.

     • Renew your permit before it expires to avoid interruptions in your right to reside or work in Romania.

2. Rights under temporary protection

   • Same as Romanian employees: You’re entitled to legal work contracts, regulated working hours, annual leave, and the national minimum wage.

   • Social & health insurance: Employers must pay contributions on your behalf, granting you access to healthcare services and eventual pension rights.

2. Non-regulated vs. regulated professions

1. Non-regulated professions

   • Immediate access: Fields such as IT, hospitality, retail, construction, or manufacturing generally do not require special certifications beyond a standard CV or proven experience.

   • Self-declaration of skills: If you lack diplomas or documents, you may sign a self-declaration attesting to your qualifications (valid for a limited period, typically 12 months, renewable by six-month increments up to one year).

   • Where to inquire: ANOFM (National Employment Agency) and local AJOFMs can guide you on which sectors require no special licensing.

2. Regulated professions

   • Examples: Medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, architecture, law, psychology, etc.

   • Diploma recognition: You must get official recognition via CNRED (Centrul Național de Recunoaștere și Echivalare a Diplomelor) and potentially a professional order (e.g., College of Physicians, Bar Association, Order of Architects).

   • Additional exams or training: Some fields may require language proficiency or bridging courses. The precise steps differ per profession.

3. Required documents

1. ID or temporary protection permit

   • Your temporary protection permit replaces the need for a work visa. If you only have a passport with a Romanian entry stamp, confirm with IGI if you need additional registration.

2. CV/Resume

   • Format: Romanian or English are commonly accepted. Keep it concise, highlight relevant experience, and list any language skills. Usually you should use Europass format. Enter Europass website for full guidance

   • Online Tools: Sites like E-jobs, BestJobs, or LinkedIn facilitate quick application submissions.

3. Copies of diplomas/certificates (if available)

   • If you do have original or partial documentation from Ukraine, it can strengthen your job application and salary negotiations.

   • In regulated fields, you must show recognized qualifications or an official equivalence certificate from CNRED or the relevant professional body.

4. Self-declaration (for missing documents)

   • If you cannot produce diplomas, you may sign a self-declaration affirming you meet the job requirements and have no criminal record that conflicts with the role.

   • Caution: This self-declaration is not valid for highly regulated fields (medicine, law, etc.).

4. Contracts & labor law

1. Mandatory written employment contracts

   • Legal protections: In Romania, a formal contract (Contract Individual de Muncă) must specify salary, role, work schedule, and benefits.

   • Trial period: Common in many jobs (up to 90 days). During this period, either party can terminate the contract with minimal notice, but you still retain certain legal protections.

2. Minimum wage & working Hours

   • Minimum Wage: The gross minimum wage changes periodically. As of 2023/2024, it’s around 3,000 RON (about €600) gross per month. Keep track of official updates via mmuncii.ro (Ministry of Labor).

   • Working hours: Typically 8 hours/day, 40 hours/week. Overtime is paid extra or compensated with time off.

3. Social security & health insurance

   • Employer contributions: Once hired, your employer automatically contributes to social security and health insurance on your behalf. This grants you public healthcare access and accumulative pension rights.

   • Unemployment insurance: If you later lose your job, you could be eligible for unemployment benefits (depending on how long you worked).

4. Annual leave & public holidays

   • Full-time employees normally receive at least 20 days of paid vacation per year. Official Romanian public holidays (Christmas, Easter, 1 December, etc.) are typically off-days with pay.

5. Staying informed

1. ANOFM & Local AJOFMs

   • Website: anofm.ro

   • What you’ll find:

     • Job postings: Updated listings from Romanian employers.

     • Career counseling: Free sessions on writing CVs, job interview techniques, or local labor market insights.

     • Language courses: Some AJOFMs organize or fund Romanian language classes to aid job seekers.

2. Government websites

   • ProtectieUcraina: protectieucraina.gov.ro/1/

     • Provides official announcements on legislative changes relevant to Ukrainian refugees, details on social assistance, and links to job-finding resources.

   • Ministry of Labor (Ministerul Muncii): mmuncii.ro

     • Posts updates on minimum wage, labor law amendments, and unemployment insurance regulations.

3. NGO support

   • Jobs4Ukr: jobs4ukr.com/romania – A specialized platform connecting Ukrainian refugees with Romanian employers, offering step-by-step employment guides.

   • Consiliul Național Român pentru Refugiați (CNRR): cnrr.ro – Sometimes assists with legal consultation or clarifications on labor rights for refugees.

4. Professional forums & social Media Groups

   • LinkedIn groups: “Ukraine – Romania Job Network” or relevant Romanian professional communities.

   • Facebook: “Ucraineni în [City Name]” groups frequently share job leads, experiences with local employers, or tips on contract negotiations.

Additional tips & links

• Labor inspection (inspecția muncii):

  • If you suspect any labor violation—like unpaid wages, forced overtime, or discrimination—you can contact the local Labor Inspectorate.

  • Website: inspectiamuncii.ro

• CNRED – cnred.edu.ro/en

  • Check the “Recognition of Diplomas” section if you want a regulated profession or you prefer to confirm your qualifications for higher-level positions.

• Language for employment:

  • If your Romanian is still limited, highlight any English, French, or German skills—Romanian employers value multi-lingual staff, especially in tourism, IT, or multinational companies.

Final thoughts

By obtaining temporary protection status, you gain the legal standing to work under Romania’s labor code, safeguarding you with formal contracts, minimum wage standards, and social insurance. Carefully distinguish between non-regulated and regulated professions to see if you need additional recognition of diplomas. Always insist on a written contract, know your rights, and stay current on legislative updates or job market shifts via reputable sites like anofm.ro and protectieucraina.gov.ro.

Should any issues arise—like unfair dismissal or non-payment of salaries—there are official avenues for help, including labor inspectors, NGOs, and legal clinics. Armed with the proper information, you can confidently integrate into the Romanian workforce, build your professional profile, and safeguard yourself against potential exploitation.