Step-by-Step Guide to Driver Work Visa Applications

Introduction

Romania has quietly become one of Europe’s most dynamic logistics hubs. From the deep-sea Port of Constanța on the Black Sea to the busy EU land borders at Nădlac and Borș and the industrial corridors around Bucharest, Arad, Pitești, and Cluj, demand for professional drivers is strong and still growing. If you are currently a driver in Dubai and considering a move to Romania for better work-life balance, European market exposure, and long-term career growth, this guide is for you.

This step-by-step guide walks you through the complete process of obtaining a driver work visa for Romania, from securing a job offer and work permit to applying for the long-stay visa and residence permit. It also covers practical aspects of living and working in Romania as a driver: international routes, salaries and per diems, winter driving, language basics, cultural nuances, and how Romania’s EU membership benefits your professional path.

Whether your goal is to join a Romanian transport company for pan-European routes or build a stable life in an affordable EU country with family-friendly cities, this article provides a clear, Romania-specific roadmap for the Dubai-to-Romania transition.

Main Content

1) Understanding the Romanian work authorization pathway for drivers

Before you start gathering documents, get familiar with the three-stage pathway for non-EU drivers relocating to Romania:

• Stage 1: The employer applies for a work permit (in Romanian: aviz de angajare) from the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI). This is employer-driven.
• Stage 2: You apply for the long-stay employment visa (Type D/AM) at the Romanian Embassy or Consulate in the UAE after the work permit is issued.
• Stage 3: You travel to Romania and apply for your residence permit for employment (permis de ședere în scop de muncă) at IGI to legally live and work beyond the initial visa period.

Key points specific to drivers:

• Most professional driver roles fall under the standard worker category. Some employers will ask for EU driver qualifications (C+E and Code 95) before sponsorship. Others may hire you and support Romanian licensing and CPC training after arrival. Clarify this before signing a contract.
• Romania is an EU member, so Romanian-registered carriers can operate across the EU. As a driver employed by a Romanian company, you can drive international routes throughout Europe as part of your job. However, your right to work is tied to your Romanian employment and residence status; you cannot independently work for a non-Romanian company in other EU states without separate authorization.
• The annual quota for non-EU workers in Romania has been large in recent years, making sponsorship more accessible. Still, the employer must meet legal requirements, including a labor market test and minimum salary thresholds.

2) Step-by-step: From Dubai job search to residence permit in Romania

This is the practical sequence you should expect as a driver relocating from Dubai.

1. Find a Romanian employer that hires foreign drivers

• Look for transport and logistics companies with international routes. Examples: Dumagas Transport (Craiova), Dolo Trans Olimp (Argeș), International Alexander (Arad), E van Wijk Romania (Satu Mare), Aquila (Ploiești), DB Schenker Romania, DSV Solutions Romania, Transmec Romania. Many have careers pages and post openings on eJobs.ro, BestJobs.eu, LinkedIn, and their websites.
• Clarify the route type: domestic, regional Balkans, or EU-wide. Also clarify whether they require EU C+E and Code 95 on day one or will support Romanian licensing.
• Confirm pay structure: base salary, per diem for international trips, overtime, rest-day compensation, bonuses, and whether accommodation or transport is covered during training.

1. Employer obtains the Romanian work permit (aviz de angajare)

• The employer files with IGI and typically must prove that no local or EU candidates filled the role (labor market test via the local employment agency, often 30–45 days of advertising).
• You will usually be asked to supply scans of your passport, CV, criminal record certificate, medical fitness letter, and any driving qualifications or experience letters. Some employers request a copy of your driving license and proof of professional training.
• Processing time: commonly 3–6 weeks after the labor market test window is complete, but timelines vary by region and workload.
• Outcome: your employer receives the work permit document. You will need the original or an official copy for your visa application.

1. Apply for the long-stay employment visa (Type D/AM) in the UAE

• Where to apply: Embassy of Romania in Abu Dhabi or Consulate General of Romania in Dubai. Many applicants start the process through Romania’s official eVisa portal and then attend an in-person appointment.
• Typical documents include:
  • Valid passport (with sufficient validity; aim for at least 12 months ahead)
  • Work permit (aviz de angajare)
  • Employment contract or binding job offer from the Romanian company
  • Proof of accommodation in Romania (company-provided address or rental arrangement; some consulates accept a company letter stating accommodation will be arranged)
  • Medical insurance covering the duration of the visa
  • UAE police clearance certificate (apostilled or legalized as required)
  • Recent passport photos meeting Romanian specifications
  • Visa application form and fee (long-stay visa fees are generally around 120 EUR equivalent; confirm current amount)
• Processing time: often 10–20 working days after submission, but allow extra time for verifications.
• Outcome: visa sticker in your passport, usually valid for entry and a 90-day stay for the purpose of employment.

1. Travel to Romania and sign the employment contract

• Upon arrival, go to the company headquarters or HR office to complete onboarding. The company registers your employment contract with the Labor Inspectorate (Revisal).
• You may undergo a compulsory occupational medical check and psychological assessment specific to professional drivers.

1. Apply for your residence permit (permis de ședere) for employment

• Deadline: apply before your 90-day visa period ends; most drivers file in the first 30 days after arrival.
• Where: IGI office covering your place of residence. Appointments can be scheduled online in many counties.
• Typical documents:
  • Application form (IGI format)
  • Passport and long-stay visa
  • Work contract registered in Revisal
  • Proof of accommodation (rental contract, notarized declaration by host, or company-provided housing document)
  • Proof of health insurance (your employer registers you in the Romanian health system; carry confirmation)
  • Recent photos and applicable fees for the card issuance
  • Occasionally, an updated medical certificate
• Processing: a plastic residence card is issued. It includes your CNP (Personal Numeric Code) used for taxes, banking, and administrative matters.
• Duration: initial permits are typically granted for 1 year and renewable while your contract remains valid.

1. Professional driver licensing in Romania (if you need EU credentials)

• If your employer requires EU-equivalent licensing and you do not already have an EU C+E with Code 95, discuss a training and licensing plan before relocation. In Romania, professional competence for drivers is referred to as CPC (code 95), managed via authorized training centers and the Romanian Road Authority (ARR).
• You may need to:
  • Obtain a Romanian driving license (if your UAE license cannot be exchanged). This may involve theory and practical exams. Not all non-EU licenses are exchangeable; check the latest official list or rely on your employer’s HR/legal team.
  • Complete initial CPC or periodic training and examinations to obtain Code 95.
  • Apply for a digital tachograph driver card from ARR, required for most EU heavy-vehicle operations.
• Timeframes: converting or obtaining a C+E and Code 95 can take several weeks to a few months. Many reputable companies schedule training in phases so you start earning sooner.

3) Document checklist and how to prepare in Dubai

Organize documents early and in the correct format to prevent delays.

Core identity and legal documents

• Passport: Ensure long validity (12–24 months ahead) and at least two blank visa pages.
• UAE residence visa and Emirates ID: Keep valid until you exit unless your employer requires cancellation.
• UAE police clearance certificate: Obtain from Dubai Police or UAE Ministry of Interior. Confirm whether apostille or prior legalization is required and whether a Romanian translation will be needed.
• Passport photos: Romanian specifications often differ slightly from GCC norms. Get several sets.

Employment and skills evidence

• Updated CV detailing professional driving experience: tractor-trailer, reefer, ADR (dangerous goods) if any, average routes, mileage, safety record, and incident-free years.
• Letters of experience from employers: ideally on letterhead, with contact details and dates.
• Driving license copies: front and back, plus any driver qualification cards. If you have ADR, forklift, or defensive driving certificates, include those.

Medical and fitness

• General medical fitness letter from an approved clinic in Dubai (some employers will redo all checks in Romania; still useful at work-permit stage).
• Vision test results and any specialist reports relevant to driving fitness.

Accommodation and support

• Draft accommodation plan for Romania. Even if your employer offers temporary housing, research neighborhoods near your base depot (for example, Arad for western border routes, Pitești for automotive corridors, Bucharest for national hubs, and Cluj or Timișoara for mixed domestic and EU routes).

Translations and legalization

• Romania requires documents in Romanian or with certified translations. In practice:
  • Get an apostille or consular legalization for key documents originating in the UAE (police clearance, sometimes degree or vocational certificates if requested).
  • Plan certified Romanian translations either in the UAE (if available) or upon arrival in Romania via a sworn translator.

Travel and finance

• Budget for visa fees, translations, medicals, and initial housing and living costs for 1–2 months.
• Prepare international debit/credit cards that work in the EU. You can open a Romanian bank account after receiving your residence permit or sometimes earlier with your work contract and passport.

4) Costs, timelines, and who pays what

Costs you may encounter

• Work permit: usually paid by the employer.
• Long-stay visa fee: around 120 EUR equivalent (confirm current fee).
• Translations and legalizations: 100–300 EUR depending on volume and location.
• Medicals and psychological evaluation in Romania: often covered by the employer; confirm in contract.
• Residence permit issuance fee: a modest administrative fee for the residence card; budget 25–60 EUR equivalent.
• Professional training: costs for C+E licensing upgrades, CPC Code 95 courses, ADR, and tachograph card vary. Many employers pay or reimburse; some tie coverage to a minimum service period.

Typical timeline from job offer to first day on the road

• Job search and interviews: 2–6 weeks.
• Employer work permit process: 4–8 weeks including labor market test.
• Long-stay visa processing in UAE: 2–4 weeks.
• Arrival, onboarding, residence permit filing: 2–3 weeks.
• Licensing/CPC (if needed): several weeks to a few months.

In total, expect 2.5–4 months for a straightforward case, longer if driver licensing conversion is required.

5) Working as a driver in Romania: pay, routes, and conditions

Pay structures

• International long-haul: typically a base salary plus daily per diem (diurnă). Ranges vary by employer and route complexity. As a broad guide, base net salaries can range from 500–900 EUR equivalent, with per diem commonly in the 50–75 EUR/day range for days spent outside Romania. Experienced drivers on EU lanes often gross 1,800–2,700 EUR per month when combining base pay, diurnă, and bonuses. Clarify your contract terms and how rest days are compensated.
• Domestic routes: lower per diems and more home time. Base pay varies by region and company.
• Bonuses: safe driving, fuel-saving, on-time delivery, winter operations, ADR qualifications.

Routes and fleets

• EU corridors: Westbound to Hungary via Nădlac II (A1), then Austria, Germany, Italy, France, Benelux. Northbound toward Poland and the Baltics. Southbound to Bulgaria and Greece.
• Domestic corridors: Bucharest–Constanța (A2) for port traffic, Pitești–Sibiu–Cluj–Oradea axis for automotive and electronics, and Bucharest–Timișoara for consumer goods.
• Fleet tech: modern Romanian carriers increasingly use Euro 6 tractors (Volvo, Scania, Mercedes-Benz), digital tachographs (smart tachograph v2 on newer units), and telematics for fuel and compliance.

Work hours and EU rules

• Driving limits under EU law (Mobility Package):
  • Daily: 9 hours (can extend to 10 hours twice per week)
  • Weekly: up to 56 hours
  • Fortnightly: maximum 90 hours combined
  • Rest: daily and weekly rest periods must be observed; accommodation requirements apply for regular weekly rest.
• Tachograph compliance: mandatory use, accuracy, and card management. Keep printouts and explain anomalies at roadside checks.

Weather and road safety

• Romania has four seasons. Winters can bring snow and ice, especially in mountain passes. You will likely use winter tires and chains in certain conditions.
• Expect fog in plains and heavy rain in spring and autumn.
• Border queues: at peak times, delays at Nădlac, Borș, and Giurgiu–Ruse bridge. Companies typically plan buffers; drivers should manage hours and rest accordingly.

Living conditions

• Housing: Rents are lower than in Dubai. Typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom:
  • Bucharest: 450–750 EUR depending on area
  • Arad, Pitești, Oradea: 250–450 EUR
  • Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara: 350–650 EUR
• Utilities: 80–160 EUR depending on winter heating.
• Groceries and eating out: significantly cheaper than UAE; local markets and hypermarkets (Kaufland, Lidl, Carrefour) keep costs down.
• Transport: Public transport is affordable; most drivers rely on company shuttle, depot parking, or personal car for local mobility.

Taxes and social insurance

• Romania uses payroll withholding. Income tax is generally 10%, with social contributions also withheld. Per diem allowances for international trips are often partially non-taxable within legal limits, which boosts net take-home pay. Your employer’s payroll team will explain your net vs. gross structure.

6) Culture, language, and daily life integration for drivers

Language basics

• Romanian is a Romance language; many younger Romanians speak English, especially in logistics. Still, learning basic Romanian is a major advantage for roadside checks, depot security, medical visits, and daily errands.
• Start with numbers, greetings, route phrases, and safety-related terms. Many companies offer language support or recommend apps and local tutors.

Work culture

• Romanian teams value punctuality, straightforward communication, and documentation accuracy. Dispatchers and planners expect proactive updates if delays occur.
• Breaks and rest are respected under EU law. However, self-discipline with tachograph entries is essential.

Community and lifestyle

• Romania is family-friendly; cities have parks, pedestrian zones, and vibrant cafe culture.
• As a driver, you may be away for days on EU routes, then home for rest periods. Many carriers offer rotation systems to balance income and personal time.

Best Practices and Tips (Romania-specific)

• Clarify licensing early: Ask employers if you need EU C+E and Code 95 before relocation. If not, secure a written plan for training and the timeline to full international operations.
• Keep originals and digital copies: Carry notarized translations and store secure scans in cloud storage. IGI and roadside checks may request certain documents.
• Learn Romanian road terms: Police, inspection (ISCTR), vignette (rovinietă), bridge tolls (for example Giurgiu–Ruse), and weight checks. Even if the company handles vignettes and tolls, you should know procedures at border crossings.
• Winter-readiness kit: Pack warm layers, gloves, thermal socks, a compact shovel, de-icer, phone power bank, and a headlamp. Many carriers kit trucks, but personal gear improves comfort and safety.
• Banking and SIM on arrival: Get a local SIM (Orange, Vodafone, Digi) and open a bank account after getting your residence card. This eases payroll, remittances, and communication with dispatch.
• Apartment setup: Choose accommodation near your depot or a main transport hub with good road links. Short-term stays via serviced apartments or company-provided housing help while you search longer-term.
• Family planning: If you plan to bring family later, ask HR about family reunification options, schools, and healthcare registration timelines.
• Keep a clean compliance record: Good tachograph and inspection records boost your value and help with permit renewals and promotions to premium routes.
• Network locally: Join expat driver groups and Romanian logistics forums for tips on border times, fuel stations, and best rest areas.

Common Challenges and Solutions (Dubai-to-Romania)

1. Uncertainty about license conversion

• Challenge: Not all non-EU licenses can be exchanged in Romania without exams; Code 95 is mandatory for EU professional driving.
• Solution: Confirm your employer’s licensing plan. If exams are needed, ask for a training timeline and whether paid practice hours and exam fees are covered.

1. Weather adaptation

• Challenge: Winter driving is new for many drivers from the Gulf.
• Solution: Take a winter-driving course, practice chain installation, learn EU winter equipment rules, and monitor weather reports. Ask your company for route assignments that gradually increase difficulty.

1. Language barrier

• Challenge: Roadside checks and depot instructions may be in Romanian.
• Solution: Memorize key phrases, keep a translation app offline, and ask your employer for bilingual documents or a Romanian-English handbook.

1. Processing delays

• Challenge: Work permit or visa processing can stretch beyond initial estimates.
• Solution: Apply early, submit complete documents, and maintain regular contact with HR. Keep your UAE visa valid until you have the Romanian visa stamped.

1. Understanding pay components

• Challenge: Base vs. diurnă vs. bonuses can be confusing.
• Solution: Request a detailed pay breakdown with examples. Confirm when per diem applies, how rest days are paid, and what happens during training.

1. Housing near depots

• Challenge: Finding affordable apartments with good transport links.
• Solution: Ask colleagues for recommendations, use local property platforms (OLX, Storia), and consider mid-term rentals while you learn the city.

1. Border queues and time management

• Challenge: Delays at EU borders complicate driver hours.
• Solution: Communicate early with dispatch, use safe parking areas, and maintain impeccable tachograph records to justify delays.

Industry Insights: Romania’s trucking and logistics market

Macro trends

• Strategic location: Romania connects the Black Sea to Central and Western Europe. The Port of Constanța is one of the largest in the region, feeding road and rail corridors inland.
• EU integration: Romania’s EU membership ensures harmonized transport rules, and joining Schengen for air and sea has already streamlined some flows. Land border checks with neighboring Schengen states still exist, so planning remains important.
• Infrastructure boom: Expansion of the A1, A3, A7 (Moldova Expressway), and other corridors is underway, improving east–west and north–south connectivity.
• Labor demand: Persistent driver shortages across Europe mean Romanian carriers actively recruit non-EU drivers, especially for international services.

Key hubs and corridors

• Western Gateways: Arad, Timișoara, Oradea for Hungary and Central Europe.
• Southern Axis: Bucharest and Pitești, including automotive supply chains.
• Northern and Central: Cluj-Napoca, Sibiu, and Brașov serving manufacturing and retail distribution.
• Port Corridor: Bucharest–Constanța for containerized and bulk cargo.

Operational realities for drivers

• Equipment standards: Euro 6 tractors with modern safety features are common. Telematics and fuel-efficiency coaching are standard practice.
• Compliance culture: ISCTR inspections and EU roadside checks prioritize tachograph hours, load security, ADR compliance, and vehicle condition.
• Pay and retention: Companies compete through predictable rotations, higher per diems, and training investment. Drivers who maintain clean records and communicate well often move onto premium routes.

Employer examples and hiring notes

• Domestic and EU-mix fleets like Dumagas Transport and Dolo Trans Olimp have a long history in international haulage.
• Multinationals such as DB Schenker and DSV operate Romanian branches that may contract dedicated lanes or regional distribution.
• Carriers with western hubs near Arad or Oradea often specialize in EU-wide lanes, making them attractive for drivers seeking higher per diem exposure.

Future outlook

• Continued investment in motorways and logistics parks is expected to increase freight volumes.
• Growth in e-commerce and automotive supply chains will sustain demand for skilled drivers.
• Digitalization of compliance (smart tachographs, eCMR) will favor drivers who embrace technology and precise record-keeping.

Practical Action Steps (Dubai-to-Romania relocation)

Phase 1: Research and outreach (Weeks 1–2)

1. Shortlist employers in Romania with international fleets that sponsor non-EU drivers.
2. Prepare a professional CV highlighting C+E experience, EU route familiarity (if any), safety record, and long-haul stamina.
3. Gather scans of your passport, driver license, UAE visa, and any certificates.
4. Start UAE police clearance process and inquire about apostille/legalization steps.

Phase 2: Interviews and offer (Weeks 2–6)

1. Attend video interviews. Ask direct questions:
   • Do I need EU C+E and Code 95 before arrival?
   • What is the pay structure (base + diurnă + bonuses)?
   • What is the rotation plan and average days away?
   • Is accommodation or transport provided during training?
2. Request a draft contract or offer letter in English (and Romanian) covering key terms.

Phase 3: Work permit and visa (Weeks 6–14)

1. Provide employer with requested documents for the work permit.
2. Track progress of labor market test and IGI processing.
3. Book a visa appointment at the Romanian mission in the UAE as soon as the work permit is issued.
4. File your D/AM visa with all required documentation and fees.

Phase 4: Arrival and onboarding (Weeks 14–18)

1. Travel to Romania with originals and translations of your documents.
2. Sign the employment contract; complete occupational medical and psychological checks.
3. Apply for residence permit at IGI; prepare photos, proof of accommodation, and insurance confirmation.

Phase 5: Licensing and ramp-up (Weeks 16–24+)

1. If needed, begin Romanian driver license conversion or full C+E training.
2. Complete CPC Code 95 training and apply for your tachograph card (ARR).
3. Join supervised runs or regional routes before full international deployment.

Ongoing (Month 6 and beyond)

• Keep your residence permit valid; renew on time.
• Maintain a clean compliance record; attend periodic training.
• Explore ADR endorsement to widen job options and earning potential.

Conclusion: Your European driving career starts in Romania

Romania offers a powerful combination for Dubai-based drivers: genuine EU-wide driving exposure, lower cost of living, strong demand from reputable carriers, and a clear legal pathway from work permit to residence. The process requires organization and patience, but once you are onboard, you gain access to Europe’s logistics network, competitive pay structures with per diem allowances, and a family-friendly lifestyle with a realistic path to long-term residency.

If you are ready to take the next step, start contacting Romanian employers, assemble your documents, and map your timeline using the action plan above. With the right preparation and a supportive employer, your Dubai-to-Romania move can unlock a stable, high-growth career in Europe’s transport sector.

FAQ: Working and living in Romania as a professional driver

1. Do I need an EU C+E license and Code 95 before a Romanian company can sponsor me?

• It depends on the employer. Some require EU credentials before sponsorship, while others hire experienced drivers and support licensing and CPC training after arrival. Clarify this in writing before you accept an offer. If your UAE license cannot be exchanged, expect to take Romanian exams.

1. How long does the full process take from job offer to first international route?

• A straightforward case might take 2.5–4 months: work permit (4–8 weeks), visa (2–4 weeks), residence permit (2–3 weeks), and any employer onboarding. If you need licensing conversion and Code 95, add several weeks to a few months depending on training capacity and exam slots.

1. What salary can I realistically expect in Romania as a driver?

• International drivers typically receive a base salary plus per diem (diurnă) for days spent outside Romania. Total monthly take-home commonly ranges around 1,800–2,700 EUR depending on routes, experience, and bonuses. Domestic-only roles usually pay less but offer more home time. Always negotiate and request a pay example with scenarios.

1. Is English enough to work and live in Romania?

• You can manage with English in many logistics companies, especially with dispatch and HR. However, basic Romanian greatly helps with roadside checks, medical appointments, and daily life. Start learning key phrases before arrival and continue after you settle.

1. How cold are Romanian winters and what does that mean for driving?

• Winters can be cold, with sub-zero temperatures and snow in many regions. Expect icy roads and occasional chain requirements in mountainous areas. Carriers equip fleets for winter, but you should prepare personally with proper clothing and familiarity with winter-driving techniques.

1. Can I bring my family to Romania?

• Yes, family reunification is possible once you hold a valid residence permit that meets the criteria. Your spouse and minor children can apply for long-stay visas for family reunification, followed by residence permits in Romania. Ask your employer for documentation and timelines.

1. Can I move to another EU country after working in Romania?

• Your right to work is tied to your Romanian residence and employer. You can drive throughout the EU as part of your Romanian company’s operations. To work directly for an employer in another EU country, you would need to follow that country’s immigration rules. After five years of continuous legal residence in Romania, you may qualify for long-term EU residence status, which can provide enhanced mobility under certain conditions.

1. What are common Romanian logistics hubs where drivers are based?

• Bucharest, Pitești, Arad, Timișoara, Oradea, Cluj-Napoca, Sibiu, and the Port of Constanța corridor. These areas offer access to EU borders, major motorways, and industrial zones, making them ideal for staging international and domestic routes.

1. Will my employer cover training and exam costs?

• Many reputable carriers pay for CPC Code 95, tachograph cards, and even licensing upgrades. Some agreements include a minimum service period or repayment clause if you leave early. Ask for a written training policy and confirm what happens if you need additional exam attempts.

1. How do per diems (diurnă) work for international routes?

• Per diems are daily allowances applied when you are outside Romania. They are intended to cover meals and incidentals and are often partially non-taxable within legal limits. Your contract should specify the per diem rate, when it applies, how rest days are treated, and how it is paid.

Final note: Immigration rules, fees, and licensing policies can change. Always verify the latest requirements with the Romanian Embassy or Consulate in the UAE, your future employer’s HR team, and official Romanian authorities before making decisions.