Romania is introducing a new framework for the recruitment and employment of foreign workers, marking an important change in how employers and foreign worker placement agencies access the Romanian labour market.
Under Government Emergency Ordinance No. 32/2026 (GEO No. 32/2026), Romania is establishing a more structured system for the recruitment of foreign nationals, with greater emphasis on employer registration, authorisation, recruitment transparency, financial responsibility, and compliance.
For Romanian employers facing ongoing workforce shortages, these changes highlight an increasingly important priority: recruiting qualified, reliable, and properly prepared workers is more important than simply filling vacancies.
A New Framework for Foreign Worker Recruitment in Romania
One of the key changes introduced by GEO No. 32/2026 is the creation of a new electronic system, WorkinRomania.gov.ro, through which employers and authorised foreign worker placement agencies will manage key procedures related to the employment of foreign nationals.
The platform is designed to support employer registration, placement agency authorisation, submission of applications, publication of shortage occupations, and monitoring of foreign worker recruitment activities.
The new framework also replaces the previous system of employment and secondment permits with a new process centred around long-stay employment visas and a single application submitted through the electronic platform.
For permanent, seasonal and cross-border workers in occupations included on Romania's shortage occupations list, the process will generally involve the D/AM2 long-stay employment visa. Highly skilled workers and certain other categories may fall under the D/AM1 visa.
Financial Guarantees and Stricter Employer Requirements
The new regulations introduce additional financial and administrative responsibilities for employers who wish to recruit foreign workers directly.
Employers seeking authorisation to hire certain permanent, seasonal or cross-border workers without using a foreign worker placement agency must meet a number of requirements. These include having at least 24 months of uninterrupted economic activity, an average of at least 50 employees in the previous year, compliance with tax obligations, and other conditions related to their previous employment of foreign nationals.
Importantly, these employers must also provide a financial guarantee of EUR 1,000 for each foreign national for whom authorisation is requested.
The new requirements create a more accountable recruitment environment and encourage employers to approach international recruitment with greater planning, responsibility and long-term commitment.
New Requirements for Foreign Worker Placement Agencies
GEO No. 32/2026 also establishes specific rules for foreign worker placement agencies.
Authorised placement agencies may provide recruitment services for occupations included on Romania's shortage occupations list and based on firm job offers submitted by registered employers. To operate, agencies must obtain specific authorisation from the National Agency for Employment.
The regulations also introduce significant financial guarantee requirements. A placement agency must provide a guarantee of EUR 75,000 for up to 250 foreign workers placed, with an additional EUR 50,000 for each subsequent group of 250 workers. Authorisation is valid for two years and may be extended for additional two-year periods.
These requirements are expected to encourage a more professional and transparent foreign worker recruitment market in Romania.
Quality Recruitment Becomes Increasingly Important
As Romania introduces stronger controls and clearer requirements for international recruitment, the quality of candidates becomes a critical factor for employers.
A successful recruitment process should not simply provide workers who are available. Candidates need to possess the appropriate technical skills, understand their employment conditions, meet workplace requirements, and be prepared to adapt to a new professional and cultural environment.
For industries such as manufacturing, construction, steel structures, welding, assembly, food processing and other labour-intensive sectors, the difference between an unprepared worker and a properly trained worker can have a direct impact on productivity, workplace safety and employee retention.
This is why professional workforce preparation is becoming increasingly important.
Vietnam Manpower – Preparing Vietnamese Workers for European Employers
With nearly a decade of experience supplying Vietnamese workers to Romania and other European countries, Vietnam Manpower is confident in its role as a reliable workforce partner for international employers.
Our experience in the European labour market has allowed us to understand the importance of matching the right worker with the right employer and job position.
Vietnam Manpower focuses not only on recruitment, but also on comprehensive worker preparation. Depending on the requirements of each project, candidates may receive:
- Professional skills assessment and practical testing
- Technical and vocational training
- Language training
- Employer interview preparation
- Workplace safety guidance
- Employment contract explanation
- Pre-departure orientation
- Guidance on living and working in Europe
This comprehensive approach helps ensure that workers are better prepared before entering the international workplace.
Building Long-Term Partnerships Through Quality
The changing regulatory environment in Romania presents both new responsibilities and new opportunities for employers.
As the recruitment process becomes more structured, employers need reliable partners who understand international recruitment procedures and can provide qualified workers who are properly prepared for their positions.
At Vietnam Manpower, we believe that sustainable cooperation begins with quality recruitment, transparent communication and thorough preparation.
Our goal is not simply to fill vacancies. We aim to build long-term partnerships between Vietnamese workers and European employers by delivering workforce solutions that meet actual business requirements.
Vietnam Manpower – Your Trusted Workforce Partner in Romania and Europe
Romania remains an important destination for Vietnamese workers seeking international career opportunities, while Romanian employers continue to look for reliable workforce solutions.
The introduction of GEO No. 32/2026 represents an important step toward a more structured and professional foreign worker recruitment system.
For employers, this is also an opportunity to place greater emphasis on workforce quality, compliance and long-term recruitment strategies.
With nearly 10 years of experience in Romania and other European markets, Vietnam Manpower is ready to continue supporting Romanian and European employers with qualified, trained and well-prepared Vietnamese workers.
We believe that when the right people are connected with the right opportunities, international recruitment can create sustainable value for employers, workers and both markets.
Vietnam Manpower – Connecting Vietnamese Talent with Global Opportunities.
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