Assessing Travel and Visa Obligations

Whether you can travel lawfully as a business visitor or require work authorization depends on the types of activities you will be conducting during your time in Romania. In case you are unsure if your activities constitute business or work, please seek advice from your immigration counsel.

Traveling for Business

Business visitors traveling to Romania may engage in the activities below. This list is not comprehensive and other activities may qualify as business.

• Attend business meetings
• Attend conferences or seminars
• Become an associate or shareholder in a Romanian company
• Install and maintain equipment

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Romania?

EU, Canadian, US and many other select nationals do not require a visa to enter Romania to conduct business activities for up to 90 days. Business visitors who require a visa to enter Romania must obtain a Business Visa, otherwise known as a Short-Stay Visa, prior to travel from a Romanian Consulate or Embassy.

Working in Romania

What sorts of activities require a work permit?

The activities below, whether paid or unpaid, generally constitute work under Romanian law. This list is not comprehensive and many other professional activities are considered work in Romania, even if conducted for a short duration.

• Hands-on technical work
• Repairs and maintenance
• Project planning or implementation
• Marketing
• Auditing

In many cases, you may be eligible for an exemption to conduct professional or technical activities without a work permit; however, a legal assessment is recommended prior to travel to Romania.

If I am traveling to Romania for work, what type of work permit do I need?

Whether you require a work permit depends on your qualifications, whether your employer has an entity in Romania, and the nature of your work. The most common type of Romanian work authorizations are the:

• Standard Work Permit (direct-hire work permit)
• Work Permit for Secondment (work permit for assignees)
• EU Blue Card (highly-skilled professionals work permit)

Are there any nationals who are exempt from work permit requirements?

Nationals of the European Union, including Croatia and Switzerland, do not require a Work Permit for Romania. Registrations or other formalities may be required for these nationals to reside in Romania.

What else should I know?

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection or work authorization entail careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.

Copyright © 2016 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. Government immigration agencies often change their policies and practices without notice; please consult an immigration professional for up-to-date information. This document does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. BAL maintains comprehensive immigration information and processing specifics for our clients.