Essential Documents for International Driving Jobs

Introduction: Your Road From Dubai to Romania Starts With the Right Paperwork

If you are a professional driver in Dubai looking to move into the European market, Romania is one of the fastest, most practical gateways. The country has strong demand for international truck and bus drivers, active recruitment of non-EU professionals, competitive earnings when you include per diems for international routes, and easy access to EU highways connecting to Hungary, Germany, Italy, and Poland. But there is one truth every seasoned driver knows: no matter how good your skills are, you need your documents in perfect order to get the job, cross borders smoothly, and stay compliant.

This guide is your complete, Romania-focused checklist for winning international driving jobs and relocating from Dubai. You will learn what documents you actually need, how to secure and legalize them from the UAE, how to convert your driving credentials to EU standards, and how to move through the Romanian immigration and licensing system efficiently. With step-by-step timelines, cost-saving tips, and insider context on the Romanian logistics market, you will be road-ready with confidence.

The Romania-Ready Document Checklist: What You Need and Why

Below is the definitive checklist for Dubai-based drivers targeting international driving roles in Romania. Use it to plan your application, visa, licensing pathway, and onboarding with Romanian employers.

1. Identity and Travel Documents

Valid passport
- Ensure at least 12 months validity beyond your intended arrival in Romania.
- Keep at least two blank visa pages.
Passport-sized photos
- Multiple biometric photos will be needed for visa, residence permit, tachograph card, and driver qualification card.
International Driving Permit IDP
- Useful for rental or interim driving; not sufficient for professional driving jobs. Get it from an authorized UAE motoring organization before departure.

2. Immigration and Work Authorization

Romanian work authorization
- Often called work permit or aviz de munca, issued for a specific employer. Many employers in Romania obtain this on your behalf through the General Inspectorate for Immigration IGI.
Long-stay employment visa D AM
- After the work authorization is issued, you apply for the D AM visa at a Romanian consulate. Carry the employer invitation and other supporting documents.
Romanian residence permit
- Obtained after arrival. This includes your biometric card confirming your right to live and work. It is typically linked to your employment contract and extendable.
Proof of accommodation in Romania
- Lease contract, hotel booking for initial weeks, or employer-provided housing letter. Required for residence permit and sometimes for visa.
Health insurance coverage
- Private policy to cover you until you are enrolled in the Romanian system through your employer. Keep your policy certificate printed and in English Romanian.

3. Driving Credentials for EU Professional Work

Romanian or EU category C and CE licenses
- For international truck driving, C for trucks above 3.5 t and CE for articulated vehicles. If your current license is from the UAE, plan to obtain a Romanian license in-country; exchanges are limited and not guaranteed for UAE licenses.
Driver CPC Driver Certificate of Professional Competence
- Mandatory in the EU for professional drivers. In Romania it is commonly documented as Code 95 on the license and or a Driver Qualification Card CQC issued by Autoritatea Rutiera Romana ARR.
Digital tachograph driver card
- Issued by ARR. Required to operate EU tachographs and record driving times per Regulation EC 561 2006 and the Mobility Package.
ADR certificate optional
- For dangerous goods transport. Highly valued and increases pay potential. Issued after training and exam at an ARR-authorized center.
Proof of driving experience
- Experience letters from previous employers with vehicle categories, routes, and accident-free record can strengthen your application.

4. Health and Fitness Certificates

Medical fitness certificate for professional drivers
- Issued by a Romanian authorized medical center; needed for license and CPC. Includes vision, cardiovascular, and other checks.
Psychological evaluation certificate
- Required for professional drivers in Romania, performed by accredited psychologists.
Drug and alcohol test report employer specific
- Some companies request a pre-employment screening. Ask your recruiter in advance.

5. Background and Civil Status Documents

Police clearance certificate PCC from Dubai
- Obtain from Dubai Police smart services. Must be apostilled or legalized and translated into Romanian by a sworn translator.
Civil status documents if applicable
- Marriage certificate, birth certificates for children for family reunification. Apostille legalization and sworn translation required.

6. Employment and Training Documents

Signed job offer letter or employment contract
- Required for visa and onboarding. Ensure the position title, location, pay structure base salary plus per diem, and responsibilities are clearly stated.
Europass CV in English or Romanian
- Standard CV format widely used by EU employers. Include all license categories and cargo types.
Training certificates
- Any safety, load securing, defensive driving, ADR basic or tanks, H2S, or company trainings from the UAE. Bring originals and translations if relevant.

7. Financial and Administrative Documents

Proof of funds and bank statements occasionally requested
- For visa or initial accommodation.
Romanian bank account open after arrival
- Many companies pay per diems in EUR and base salary in RON. A local account streamlines payroll.
Tax social registration handled by employer
- Romania has simple payroll withholding. Keep your residence permit and employment contract accessible for HR onboarding.

Tip: Create a digital and physical document binder with dividers passport, visa, work, license, CPC, tachograph, medical, background, employment, accommodation. Keep certified translations and apostilles together.

Licensing and Qualifications: Converting to the Romanian and EU Standard

If you hold a UAE driving license, understand this crucial point: for professional driving in the EU, you must meet EU standards including EU issued or recognized license categories and Driver CPC. In Romania, licensing and CPC are closely linked and administered by DRPCIV for driving tests licensing and ARR for CPC and tachographs.

Can you exchange a UAE license in Romania

In general, Romania does not have broad exchange agreements with the UAE for category C CE. Even if limited exchange exists for B car category, professional categories often require testing.
Assume you will need to test in Romania for C CE to ensure timely planning. Check with DRPCIV in your county for the latest rules.

The Romanian path to C and CE

Obtain temporary or long-term residence and register address. Your residence status allows you to enroll.
Medical fitness and psychological exam at an authorized clinic.
Enroll with a Romanian driving school accredited for categories C and CE.
Prepare for theory exam covering road law, vehicle technical knowledge, safety, and EU rules.
Take practical training including maneuvers and road driving with loaded trailers.
Pass theory and practical tests administered by DRPCIV.
Receive your Romanian driving license indicating C and CE categories.

Timeframe: 2 to 4 months depending on training intensity and test availability. Some schools offer accelerated programs; plan earlier slots if starting in Bucharest, Cluj, or Timisoara where demand is high.

Driver CPC in Romania code 95

Initial qualification: 140 or 280 hours depending on route accelerated or standard, followed by exam. If you already have extensive professional experience and recognized EU CPC, you may follow periodic training 35 hours every 5 years.
Documented as code 95 on the license and or a Driver Qualification Card CQC issued by ARR.
Training providers: Choose ARR-authorized centers. Major cities like Bucharest, Arad, Oradea, Timisoara, Iasi, and Cluj have multiple providers catering to international drivers.

Digital tachograph driver card

Issued by ARR. Required to operate EU tachographs. Valid 5 years.
Documents required: identity and residence documents, Romanian driving license with the appropriate categories, recent photo, application form, and fee.
Processing: Usually within 15 business days. Apply immediately after obtaining your license and CPC to avoid downtime.

ADR dangerous goods certificate

Optional but a strong advantage. Many Romanian carriers run chemical and fuel routes across the EU.
Basic and tank specializations available. Valid 5 years. Training and exam at ARR-approved centers.

Cost planning

C and CE training and exams: budget 1,300 to 2,500 EUR depending on city and package.
CPC initial qualification: 350 to 800 EUR depending on hours and provider.
Tachograph driver card: 40 to 70 EUR.
ADR basic plus tanks: 250 to 450 EUR.

Employers sometimes sponsor or reimburse parts of CPC, ADR, or tachograph costs after probation. Confirm in writing.

Immigration and Legal Steps: From Dubai Resident to Romanian Employee

Romania has modernized processes to attract non-EU workers, including drivers. Here is the typical Dubai to Romania immigration sequence.

Step 1: Employer sponsorship and work authorization

Employer files for a work authorization aviz de munca with IGI. You will be asked for passport copies, CV, proof of experience, and police clearance or an undertaking to provide it later.
Processing time: usually 30 to 45 days, depending on annual quotas and document completeness.

Step 2: Long-stay employment visa D AM

Once the work authorization is approved, you apply at the Romanian embassy or consulate serving your jurisdiction. Documents include passport, completed application, health insurance proof, accommodation plan, work authorization, contract or offer letter, and bank statements if requested.
Processing time: typically 10 to 15 working days.

Step 3: Arrival in Romania and residence permit

Register your address and submit biometrics for a residence permit at IGI within the legal timeframe usually within 90 days of entry under D visa.
Bring lease accommodation proof, employment contract, medical insurance, and receipt of visa entry.
Processing time: 30 to 45 days for the biometric card.

Step 4: Employment onboarding

Employer registers you with labor authorities and tax social systems. Keep your residence permit available for audits.
You may start training and licensing steps if not already completed. Many companies coordinate driving school enrollment and CPC schedules.

Legalization and translation of UAE documents

Police clearance Dubai Police PCC: obtain electronically; then apostille or legalization. Since UAE implements apostille, confirm the current apostille procedure and have it translated into Romanian by a sworn translator.
Civil status certificates: apostille legalize in UAE; sworn translation in Romania.
Employment experience letters: translation recommended to speed up evaluation by employers and training centers.

Pro tip: Use a single sworn translation office in Romania for consistency. Keep both printed and digital scans. Many authorities accept printed copies if you can show the original upon request.

Health, Safety, and Compliance Documentation

Working across the EU means strict safety and compliance expectations. Romania implements EU road transport rules and adds local medical and psychological standards for professional drivers.

Medical and psychological exams

Required before licensing and CPC. Choose a clinic authorized for professional driver assessments.
Exams include vision acuity and field, hearing, cardiovascular, neurological, and reaction time assessments.
Validity aligns with your license category and age. Periodic renewal is mandatory.

EU driving time and rest rules

Carry your tachograph driver card at all times and ensure proper operation of smart tachographs.
EU baseline rules per Regulation 561 2006:
- Daily driving up to 9 hours, twice per week up to 10 hours
- Weekly driving up to 56 hours and two week limit 90 hours
- Break of at least 45 minutes after 4.5 hours driving split allowed 15 plus 30 minutes
- Daily rest 11 hours regular can be reduced with compensation
Romania enforces these rules through ISCTR roadside checks. Keep printouts and records up to date.

Seasonal and equipment requirements in Romania

Winter tires are mandatory when roads are covered with snow, ice, or slush. Although not date-bound, plan for November to March in most regions.
Snow chains may be required on mountain routes when signed. Keep chains, shovel, reflective vest, and warning triangles on board.
Speed limits for trucks over 3.5 t: typically 90 km h on motorways, 80 km h on expressways national roads outside localities, and 50 km h in towns unless otherwise posted.

Employment and On-the-Road Paperwork in Romania

Once hired, you will manage a second set of documents day to day. Employers will train you, but understanding the essentials helps you avoid fines and delays.

Contract and payroll

Employment contract in Romanian with key terms base salary, per diem structure for international missions, schedule, and location.
Payslips and per diem statements
- Keep copies, especially when operating in the EU under posting rules. Roadside inspections in some EU countries may request proof of pay for posted drivers.

Posting of drivers under EU rules

Romanian carriers posting you to work temporarily in other EU states must file IMI posting declarations. You may receive a copy or electronic proof to show inspectors in countries like Germany or France.

Transport documents

CMR waybill for international road consignments
Vehicle registration and insurance Green Card handled by the company
ADR documents and equipment if carrying dangerous goods
Tolls and bridge receipts, including Giurgiu Ruse bridge and Fetești toll on A2 for certain categories handled by company policy

Tachograph compliance

Driver card insert at start of duty; record manual entries when required
Keep last 28 days of records available plus current day; many companies digitize via telematics, but you are still responsible for proper card use

Safe parking

Romania has growing networks of secure TIR parkings near Nădlac II, Arad, Sibiu, Pitești, and around Bucharest ring. Plan your routes to align rests with guarded parking whenever possible.

Best Practices and Tips for Romania

Start with paperwork readiness in Dubai
- Secure police clearance PCC early and have it apostilled and translated.
- Export your driving history letter from RTA or Dubai Police if available to support experience claims.
Prioritize language basics
- Learn key Romanian terms: salut hello, multumesc thank you, stanga left, dreapta right, incarcatura load, descarcare unloading, acte documents, semnatura signature.
Choose your county wisely
- West border counties Arad, Bihor, Timis are ideal for EU international routes and quicker access to Hungary. Bucharest Ilfov has the highest volume of carriers and training centers but also higher living costs.
Use ARR and DRPCIV authorized centers only
- For CPC, ADR, and tachograph cards, only work with accredited providers to avoid invalid certificates.
Keep duplicates
- Carry printed and digital copies of license, CPC, tachograph card, residence permit, and employment contract. Store backups in cloud storage.
Dress for seasons
- Prepare for winter clothing, gloves, thermals, and waterproof boots. Temperatures can drop below minus 10 Celsius in some regions and mountain passes.
Bank smartly
- Open EUR and RON sub-accounts when possible; per diems often come in EUR. Use local bank cards to avoid fees at fuel stations and toll points.

Common Challenges and Solutions When Relocating From Dubai to Romania

Challenge 1: License conversion uncertainty

Solution: Plan to obtain Romanian C and CE with testing. Book a driving school before arrival through employer referrals. Ask for an integrated package medical psychological exams, theory classes, and test booking.

Challenge 2: Timing overlaps between visa, residence, and training

Solution: Sequence your steps. Apply for work authorization early. Arrive with D AM visa, register address within the first week, and schedule medical and psychological exams immediately to start licensing and CPC.

Challenge 3: Document legalization and translation delays

Solution: In Dubai, secure PCC and apostille before departure. In Romania, work with one sworn translation office to process all documents within 3 to 5 working days.

Challenge 4: Language at counters and clinics

Solution: Many urban offices have English support. Bring a Romanian-speaking colleague from HR when submitting documents at IGI or DRPCIV. Keep a translated list of your document names.

Challenge 5: Adapting to EU rest rules and tachographs

Solution: Take a refresher course on EU Reg 561 2006 and tachograph operations during CPC. Practice manual entries. Always check your card status before starting a shift.

Challenge 6: Weather and road habits

Solution: Attend winter driving workshops offered by some Romanian schools. Plan routes with safe parking, check mountain passes forecast, and carry winter equipment earlier than you think you need it.

Challenge 7: Cost of living and salary structures

Solution: Understand that base salary can seem modest but per diems on international trips significantly increase total take-home. Ask for transparent per diem policies and examples of typical monthly totals by route.

Industry Insights: Romania as Your EU Launchpad

Romania has become a strategic logistics hub linking Eastern and Western Europe. For drivers relocating from Dubai, that means high demand and steady routes.

Market demand

Driver shortages continue across the EU, and Romanian carriers actively recruit non-EU drivers, including professionals from the Gulf region and South Asia.
International routes are common: Romania to Hungary via Nădlac II and Borș, then onward to Austria, Germany, Italy, and the Benelux region.

Key corridors and hubs

West gateways: Nădlac II Arad and Borș II Oradea for Hungary.
Motorways: A1 Bucharest Pitești Sibiu Deva Arad, A3 Transylvania corridors to Oradea Cluj sections, A2 Bucharest to Constanța.
Logistics clusters: Bucharest Ilfov, Timisoara, Arad, Cluj, Oradea, Ploiesti, and Brasov. Port of Constanța handles maritime containers to inland hubs.

Employers and sectors

International carriers and 3PLs with Romanian operations: DB Schenker Romania, DSV, H. Essers, Raben, KLG Europe, Aquila, International Alexander, Transmec. Always verify current hiring status.
Sectors: automotive components, FMCG, retail distribution, e-commerce, chemicals ADR routes, and temperature-controlled transport.

Compensation snapshot indicative

Domestic routes: lower per diems, more home time.
International routes: typical base salary 700 to 1,100 EUR gross with per diems 60 to 90 EUR day depending on country and company policy. Total monthly take-home for active international drivers can often reach 1,800 to 2,800 EUR or more.
Bonuses: fuel economy, safe driving, on-time delivery, ADR premium.

Note: Always seek written confirmation of total compensation structure and per diem rates by destination country.

Regulatory context worth noting

Romania joined Schengen for air and sea; land borders still have checks. Expect queue times at Hungary crossings during peak seasons.
EU Mobility Package enforcement is active. Proper posting declarations, minimum pay rules in host countries, and rest rules are monitored.
Smart tachograph version 2 is standard on new vehicles. Familiarize yourself with border crossing auto-recording and positioning features.

Practical Action Steps: Your Dubai to Romania Roadmap

Use this 90-day plan as a realistic sequence from first contact with an employer to your first EU route.

Days 1 to 15: Preparation in Dubai

Update your Europass CV with license categories and routes operated.
Request police clearance PCC from Dubai Police and initiate apostille.
Collect experience letters from employers and scan training certificates ADR, defensive driving if any.
Research Romanian employers and apply, focusing on companies with non-EU driver onboarding experience.
Shortlist Romanian cities Arad, Timisoara, Oradea, Bucharest based on employer location and training center availability.

Days 16 to 45: Employer sponsorship and visa

Confirm job offer and provide documents for work authorization aviz de munca.
While waiting, study EU road rules and Romanian traffic signs.
Prepare accommodation plan temporary booking or employer housing confirmation.
After approval, apply for long-stay D AM visa with required documents.

Days 46 to 60: Arrival and initial setup in Romania

Register address and submit residence permit application with IGI.
Open a local bank account RON and EUR.
Complete medical and psychological exams at an authorized clinic.
Enroll in a C CE program if needed, or schedule CPC initial or periodic training.
Begin Romanian language basics daily 15 minutes minimum using apps or local tutors.

Days 61 to 90: Licensing, CPC, and tachograph readiness

Complete theory and practical training; book DRPCIV exams.
Apply for tachograph driver card through ARR.
Take ADR training if required by your employer.
Finalize employment onboarding; receive vehicle assignment.
Perform a mentored route with a senior driver to learn company SOPs and EU border routines.

By day 90 to 120, most drivers are fully licensed, CPC qualified, tachograph-enabled, and assigned to international lanes.

Best Practices for Document Management and Compliance

Keep a laminated card with your key numbers residence permit, license number, tachograph card expiry, ADR expiry, CPC expiry.
Set calendar reminders 60 and 30 days before any document expiry.
Use a cloud folder with offline access on your phone for scanned copies of all critical documents.
Build a personal checklist for each trip documents loaded CMR, ADR kit, toll devices, posting declaration if applicable, ferry bookings.
At borders Nădlac, Borș, Giurgiu ensure your documents are together for quick presentation to speed up inspections.

Living in Romania: Cost, Culture, and Comfort for Drivers

Cost of living
- Rent: 250 to 400 EUR in Arad, Oradea, and Timisoara for a studio; 400 to 700 EUR in Bucharest for similar units.
- Utilities: 80 to 150 EUR month depending on season.
- Groceries and meals: 200 to 300 EUR month for one person. A hot meal at a roadside cantina can be 6 to 10 EUR.
Weather adjustment
- Four seasons. Summers are warm 25 to 35 C; winters can be cold 0 to minus 15 C in some areas. Plan winter clothing and driving habits accordingly.
Language and community
- Romanian is the official language. Younger staff often speak English. Hungarian is common in western regions like Oradea. Joining expat driver groups on social platforms will shorten your learning curve.
Lifestyle and off days
- Romania offers scenic mountain drives, medieval towns like Sibiu and Brasov, and the Black Sea coast near Constanța. Good work life balance is possible when routes and rotations are planned carefully.

Conclusion: Pack Your Skills, Prepare Your Documents, Secure Your Seat

International driving jobs in Romania can transform your career, opening doors to the wider EU market with steady international routes and competitive total compensation. The secret is smooth paperwork: secure your UAE clearances and apostilles early, follow the Romanian work visa path, convert your license to C and CE, lock in CPC and tachograph cards, and be ready for winter and EU compliance systems.

If you are in Dubai and serious about taking the wheel in Europe, start today. Update your Europass CV, request your police clearance, and connect with Romanian employers who onboard non-EU drivers. With the right documents and a smart 90-day plan, your next stop could be Nădlac Border en route to Germany, with a European career ahead of you.

FAQ: Working and Living in Romania as a Professional Driver

1. Can I drive professionally in Romania with my UAE license and an International Driving Permit

No. An IDP is not sufficient for professional driving in the EU. You should plan to obtain a Romanian or other EU category C and CE license and Driver CPC code 95. Expect to complete medical and psychological exams, theory and practical tests, and CPC in Romania.

2. How long does the Romania work visa and residence process take for drivers

Employer work authorization typically takes 30 to 45 days. The long-stay employment visa D AM usually takes 10 to 15 working days after that. The residence permit card after arrival takes around 30 to 45 days. Many employers start training and administrative steps while the residence card is in process.

3. What salary can I expect as an international truck driver based in Romania

Compensation varies by company, cargo, and routes. A common structure includes a base salary plus daily per diems for international missions. Indicative totals often range from 1,800 to 2,800 EUR per month for active international drivers. Confirm per diem rates by country and rotation length in writing.

4. Is Romanian language mandatory for the job

It is not legally mandatory for licensing, but basic Romanian is highly helpful for paperwork, loading docks, and police checks. Many dispatchers and border officers speak English, but a few key phrases in Romanian will make your day smoother and faster.

5. Do I need ADR certification to get hired

Not always. Many companies hire drivers for general cargo without ADR. However, ADR certification boosts your earning potential and route options fuel, chemicals, specialized loads. If you have time, obtain ADR basic at minimum; add tanks if you aim for fuel carriers.

6. What are the key Romanian authorities I will deal with

IGI General Inspectorate for Immigration for work authorization and residence permit
DRPCIV for driving tests and license issuance
ARR Romanian Road Authority for CPC, Driver Qualification Card, and tachograph cards
ISCTR for roadside checks and enforcement

7. How different is winter driving in Romania compared to Dubai

Very different. Expect icy roads, snow, and temperature swings. Winter tires are mandatory when conditions require, and snow chains can be required on mountain roads. Plan longer stopping distances, gentle inputs on steering and braking, and extra time for loading and unloading. Many Romanian driving schools offer winter handling modules; take one if possible.

Ready to map your route from Dubai to Romania Leave the guesswork behind, follow this document checklist, and take the next step by contacting Romanian carriers with non-EU onboarding programs. The EU road network is waiting, and Romania is your best on-ramp.