Work Visa Requirements for Drivers: Country by Country

Introduction: From Dubai Highways to the Heart of Europe

If you are a professional driver in Dubai considering your next big move, Romania offers a compelling blend of European market access, stable employment, and a lower cost of living compared to Western Europe. This comprehensive guide explains work visa requirements for drivers country by country, with a strong focus on Romania’s legal pathway, how to align your UAE driving experience with European standards, and what to expect as you transition to life and work in Romania.

Whether you haul containers from Jebel Ali or run long-haul routes across the GCC, your skills are highly transferable. Romania’s logistics sector continues to expand, supported by EU infrastructure funds, a strategic location at the crossroads of Central and Eastern Europe, and growing demand for international transport to Germany, Italy, Poland, and beyond. In addition to detailing Romania’s work permit, visa, and compliance requirements, this guide benchmarks other popular destinations, helping you understand where Romania stands in the European driving landscape—and why it’s a strong entry point into the EU market for non-EU drivers coming from Dubai.

Main Content

Understanding Work Visas for Professional Drivers: Key Principles

Before diving into Romania’s pathway, it helps to understand common threads across European countries:

Employer sponsorship is the backbone: Most European countries require a job offer first, followed by a work permit application by the employer, then a long-stay visa for you to enter and begin work.
Two-step approval: Typically, immigration authorities approve a work authorization; then the consulate issues a visa. After arrival, you convert your visa into a residence/work permit.
Professional driver qualifications: For heavy goods vehicles (HGV), you generally need EU-recognized license categories (C for trucks, CE for articulated trucks) plus professional driver qualification (often referred to as CPC/Code 95 or DQC in EU terminology).
Tachograph and rest time rules: EU drivers must comply with Regulation (EC) 561/2006 and tachograph requirements. Expect standardized driving/rest times across the EU.
Recognition or exchange of your license: Non-EU licenses often must be exchanged to a local or EU license when you become a resident. This can include additional tests or training depending on the country.

These principles apply in Romania and most European destinations. The specific procedures, documents, and processing times vary by country and—crucially—by employer preparedness and your personal documentation.

Romania: Your Gateway to the EU Road Network

Romania is a practical and increasingly popular destination for professional drivers moving from Dubai. Romanian employers are familiar with onboarding non-EU drivers, and the process, while formal, is predictable when you work with reputable companies.

The Romanian Work Authorization and Visa Pathway

The standard route for non-EU drivers is:

Employer work authorization

Your Romanian employer applies for a work authorization known locally as an aviz de muncă for the role of driver. This is processed by the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI).
Employers must typically demonstrate that the position meets salary thresholds and that you have the necessary professional qualifications and experience.

Long-stay work visa application (Type D/AM)

Once the aviz de muncă is approved, you apply for a long-stay work visa for employment at a Romanian embassy or consulate. The designation commonly used is D/AM for employment.
The visa is usually issued for multiple entries and valid for a short period (often up to 90 days) to allow entry and finalization of formalities in Romania.

Residence permit after arrival

After you enter Romania on your D/AM visa, you apply for a residence permit (permis de ședere) for work at IGI before your visa expires.
The residence permit is typically valid for up to one year and renewable as long as your employment continues.

Tip: Timing matters. Coordinate with your employer to ensure that your work authorization approval, visa issuance, and travel dates align. Delays often stem from missing documents or mismatched information between your contract and the work authorization.

Documents Commonly Required for Romania

While requirements can vary, expect to prepare:

Valid passport with sufficient validity and blank pages
Employment contract or firm job offer from the Romanian employer
Employer’s work authorization (aviz de muncă)
Proof of qualifications: C/CE license, professional driver certificate (CPC/Code 95) if available, or evidence of readiness to obtain it
Proof of relevant driving experience (employment letters, experience certificates)
Clean criminal record certificate from the UAE (and possibly from your home country)
Medical certificate indicating fitness for professional driving
Proof of accommodation in Romania (for residence permit stage)
Health insurance coverage during visa processing and initial entry
Passport-sized photos
Government application forms and fees

Always verify the latest checklist with the Romanian consulate and IGI. Requirements and fees may be updated.

Professional Driving Compliance in Romania

License categories: To drive heavy trucks, you need Category C and CE. If you currently hold a UAE license, plan for recognition/exchange steps after you become a resident.
CPC/Code 95: The EU Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (often noted as Code 95 on the license) is mandatory for professional drivers in EU countries. If you do not hold an EU-recognized CPC, your employer may arrange training and testing in Romania.
Tachograph rules: EU rules require you to observe driving time limits (e.g., 9 hours per day, extendable to 10 hours twice a week; 56 hours per week; 90 hours per two weeks), breaks (at least 45 minutes after 4.5 hours driving), and weekly rest periods. Expect digital tachograph usage and checks.
Mobility Package: If you perform international trips, EU Mobility Package rules on posting, cabotage limits, and return home provisions may apply. Romanian companies operating internationally are experienced with these requirements.

Why Romania Makes Strategic Sense for Dubai-Based Drivers

Entry to EU corridors: Romania connects to Central and Western Europe via Hungary and Bulgaria, and to the Black Sea via the port of Constanța. You can reach hubs in Germany, Italy, and the Benelux region from Romanian bases.
Manageable cost of living: Compared to Western Europe, Romania offers lower housing and daily expenses, helping you save more while earning in the EU market.
Employer familiarity with non-EU onboarding: Many Romanian carriers recruit drivers from non-EU countries and provide structured support for permits, training, and EU compliance.
Language practicality: While Romanian is the official language, many dispatchers and logistics professionals speak functional English, especially in larger fleets.

Country-by-Country Visa Requirements for Drivers: How Romania Compares

Below is a high-level comparison of driver work visa pathways in several major European destinations. Use this as a directional overview, and always confirm current rules with the destination’s embassy and your prospective employer.

Romania (EU)

Pathway: Employer obtains work authorization (aviz de muncă), you apply for D/AM long-stay work visa, then secure a residence permit after arrival.
Driver requirements: C/CE license, CPC/Code 95 (or willingness to obtain in Romania), medical fitness, clean criminal record.
License: Exchange/recognition may be required after residency; employers often guide this process.
Pros: Predictable procedures, lower living costs, strong access to EU routes.

Poland (EU)

Pathway: Employer applies for a Type A work permit (Zezwolenie na pracę Type A); you obtain a national visa (Type D) based on this. After arrival, apply for a temporary residence permit.
Driver requirements: C/CE, CPC/Code 95, medical checks. Poland has heavy demand for drivers, with established onboarding processes.
License: Exchange or additional testing may be required upon residency.
Pros: Large international trucking market and proximity to Germany; strong volumes in automotive and e-commerce logistics.

Germany (EU)

Pathway: National visa for employment based on a job offer; after entry, residence permit for employment. Some routes require recognition of professional qualifications and local compliance with Code 95.
Driver requirements: C/CE, German-compliant CPC/Code 95, medical and background checks. German language can be helpful for safety briefings and depot procedures.
License: Likely exchange to a German license after residency; Code 95 annotation required.
Pros: High standards, strong pay potential; competition can be high and qualification recognition may be more rigorous.

Czechia (EU)

Pathway: Long-term visa for employment followed by residence permit. Employer sponsorship is required.
Driver requirements: C/CE, CPC/Code 95, medical and background checks.
Pros: Central location, robust manufacturing logistics, and routes into Germany, Poland, and Austria.

Hungary (EU)

Pathway: Work permit with employer sponsorship, national visa, post-arrival residence permit.
Requirements: C/CE, Code 95; medical and background checks.
Pros: Strategically located on major EU corridors, growing logistics parks, competitive cost of living.

Italy (EU)

Pathway: Employer applies for a work authorization (nulla osta) within annual quota programs; national visa follows. Conversion to residence permit after entry.
Requirements: C/CE, Italian-recognized CPC/Code 95, medical checks.
Pros: High demand in certain regions; however, quota availability and processing times can be limiting.

Spain (EU)

Pathway: Employer-sponsored work authorization; national visa; residence permit after arrival.
Requirements: C/CE, Spanish-recognized CPC/Code 95 (CAP), medical checks.
Pros: Strong domestic and international routes; language can be a barrier without Spanish.

Netherlands (EU)

Pathway: Combined residence and work permit (GVVA) for many roles; employer sponsorship essential.
Requirements: C/CE, Dutch-recognized Code 95, strict compliance standards; English often accepted, Dutch beneficial.
Pros: High logistics intensity around ports and inland terminals; permitting can be stricter.

United Kingdom (non-EU)

Pathway: Skilled Worker visa with employer sponsorship. Requires a licensed sponsor, a Certificate of Sponsorship, English language proof, and meeting salary thresholds.
Requirements: C/CE (UK license or exchange), Driver CPC, medical checks, English language at the required level.
Pros: Strong demand; however, the process involves English testing and specific pay thresholds.

Where Romania stands out for Dubai-based drivers is the balance between accessibility (predictable permit process), cost, and broad EU market access once you are working with a Romanian carrier.

Romanian Regulations and Driver Compliance: What You Must Know

Driver Qualification and Code 95

CPC/Code 95 is mandatory for professional drivers operating in Romania and across the EU. If you do not already have an EU-recognized CPC, many Romanian employers will help schedule your training and tests soon after arrival.
Periodic training: Expect periodic refresher modules to maintain Code 95 validity.

Tachograph and EU Driving Time Rules

Daily driving limit: Typically 9 hours per day; you may extend to 10 hours twice per week.
Weekly and fortnightly limits: Up to 56 hours per week; maximum 90 hours in any two consecutive weeks.
Breaks and rests: At least 45 minutes break after 4.5 hours of driving; weekly regular rest is typically 45 hours, with permitted reductions under specific conditions.
Inspections: Romania enforces tachograph compliance on its road network. Romanian carriers engaged in international transport keep drivers trained and audits current.

Winter Equipment and Road Safety

Winter tires: Required when roads are covered with snow or ice; many fleets equip seasonally and expect drivers to follow company policies on chain use in mountainous regions.
Safety kit: Vehicles generally carry reflective vests, warning triangles, and fire extinguishers. Familiarize yourself with company-specific checklists.

License Recognition and Exchange

Once you become a resident, you may need to exchange your non-EU license for a Romanian one. If your UAE license does not have a direct exchange agreement, your employer can advise on obtaining Romanian C/CE and Code 95 in-country.
Documents: Keep certified translations of your driving experience and training records. A well-documented profile speeds up recognition and hiring.

Life and Work in Romania for Professional Drivers

Relocating from Dubai’s desert climate and cosmopolitan lifestyle to Romania’s four seasons and European rhythm takes planning—but many drivers find the work-life balance attractive.

Key cities and hubs: Bucharest and Ilfov region, Timișoara, Cluj-Napoca, Oradea, Arad, Brașov, Pitești, Ploiești, Iași, and Constanța (port) are major logistics hubs.
Typical routes: International trips to Germany, Italy, Austria, Poland, and Hungary; domestic routes connecting Bucharest, Transylvania, Moldova region, and the Black Sea port of Constanța.
Cost of living: Rental prices vary by city and neighborhood. A modest one-bedroom apartment might range from moderate to higher in Bucharest and Cluj, with lower costs in smaller cities such as Arad or Bacău. Utilities and groceries are generally lower than in Western Europe and can be significantly lower than Dubai housing costs, depending on your Dubai neighborhood.
Weather and driving: Romania has warm summers and cold winters. Expect snow and ice in winter, especially in the Carpathian regions. Adjust driving style accordingly and allow extra time for loading/unloading in adverse conditions.
Language: Romanian is a Romance language; English is common in logistics operations, especially in larger companies. Learning basic Romanian accelerates integration and helps at fuel stations, service points, and when interacting with authorities.

Best Practices and Tips for Romania

Choose the right employer:
- Look for companies with international routes and prior experience onboarding non-EU drivers.
- Ask about support for Code 95 training, license exchange, accommodation assistance, and onboarding timelines.
Prepare a complete document pack:
- Passports, education records (if any), driving certificates, employment letters from UAE, police clearance, medical fitness certificates, and passport photos.
- Keep scanned, certified translations where needed.
Synchronize timelines:
- Coordinate with HR to avoid gaps between aviz de muncă approval, visa issuance, and travel. Book consulate appointments early.
Plan your first 90 days:
- Arrange short-term housing, open a bank account, register with local authorities as instructed by HR, and schedule medicals and training.
Invest in language basics:
- Learn Romanian phrases for directions, loading docks, documents, and emergency situations. It builds rapport and smooths inspections.
Understand your pay structure:
- International drivers in Romania often receive a base salary plus daily allowances for international trips. Clarify the split, overtime, and rest-day compensation before you sign.
Compliance is your shield:
- Keep tachograph usage accurate, store documents tidy, and report any equipment faults immediately. Good compliance records boost career growth.

Common Challenges and Solutions When Relocating to Romania

Challenge: Aligning UAE experience with EU standards
- Solution: Gather detailed experience letters with vehicle types, routes, and tonnage. Enroll early in Code 95 and any gap training your employer offers.
Challenge: Visa and permit timelines
- Solution: Start the process as soon as you have a job offer. Keep a clear checklist, track consulate appointments, and respond quickly to any requests from IGI.
Challenge: License exchange uncertainty
- Solution: Ask HR for the exact steps and whether direct exchange is possible. If not, plan for local testing for C/CE and Code 95. The sooner you begin, the sooner you can handle international assignments.
Challenge: Weather adaptation
- Solution: Practice winter driving techniques, attend company briefings on snow/ice operations, and keep spare clothing, gloves, and boots in your cab during winter months.
Challenge: Language and cultural nuances
- Solution: Learn phrases and ask a Romanian colleague to help with depot and paperwork vocabulary. Simple courtesies go a long way.
Challenge: Housing and budgeting
- Solution: Start with company-recommended neighborhoods close to depots. Share apartments with colleagues at first to reduce costs. Track monthly expenses and aim to save an emergency fund.

Industry Insights: The Romanian Trucking and Logistics Market

Strategic geography: Romania sits on major Pan-European corridors linking the Black Sea to Central and Western Europe. Border crossings to Hungary (e.g., Nădlac) and Bulgaria (e.g., Giurgiu–Ruse) are key gateways.
Infrastructure momentum: Ongoing upgrades to motorways (A1, A2, A3, A10, and new segments) steadily improve transit times. The Port of Constanța is a critical node for containerized and bulk cargo from Asia and the Middle East.
Sectors driving demand: Automotive (notably around Pitești and Craiova), electronics (Timișoara region), retail and e-commerce (Bucharest, Ilfov), and FMCG distribution keep trucks moving year-round.
Employer landscape: Large international forwarders and carriers operate in Romania alongside strong local fleets. Names you may encounter include DB Schenker, DHL Freight, Kuehne+Nagel, Raben, H.Essers, and prominent Romanian logistics and courier groups. Many mid-sized Romanian carriers specialize in EU-wide long-haul with rotating driver schedules.
Work patterns: Rotational schedules (e.g., weeks on the road with defined rest) are common for international fleets. Domestic roles often follow standard weekly patterns, with variable night work depending on delivery slots.
Compliance culture: European rules on posting of drivers, wages, and returns require carriers to organize routes and payroll carefully. Romanian firms with established EU operations will brief you on country-specific documentation for France, Germany, Austria, etc.

Practical Action Steps: Your Dubai-to-Romania Relocation Plan

Clarify your career target

Decide between international long-haul (EU cross-border) or domestic/regional Romanian routes. International routes typically offer higher total compensation through allowances.

Prepare your professional portfolio

Update your CV with detailed UAE experience: vehicle types (C/CE), cargo categories, average monthly kilometers, route profiles, and safety record. Attach copies of licenses and training.

Shortlist employers

Target Romanian carriers with a track record of hiring non-EU drivers. Ask about:
- Sponsorship for aviz de muncă
- Assistance with D/AM work visa
- Code 95 training and testing
- Accommodation or relocation support in your first months

Secure the job offer

Review the contract for base salary, international per diems, overtime rates, rest day policy, route patterns, and probation period. Clarify what happens if permit timelines shift.

Start the work authorization and visa process

Employer files for aviz de muncă.
You book your consular appointment and gather documents: police clearance, medical certificate, insurance, photos, and proof of qualifications.
Track milestones and keep digital copies of everything.

Plan arrival logistics

Confirm airport pickup and initial accommodation.
Schedule medicals, Code 95 training, and any license exchange steps with HR.
Open a bank account, set up a local SIM, and register your address as instructed.

On-the-job integration

Learn depot layouts, fuel card procedures, toll and vignette rules, and cross-border documentation.
Follow tachograph protocol strictly and keep a daily checklist of vehicle checks.

Build your Romanian life

Explore neighborhoods near your base depot for long-term housing.
Learn Romanian basics; enroll in an evening course if possible.
Join driver communities for route tips, parking advice, and peer support.

Best Practices for Compliance, Safety, and Career Growth in Romania

Keep audit-ready records: Maintain neat files for your employment contract, residence permit, tachograph cards, Code 95 certificate, medicals, and training.
Communicate early: Notify dispatch about delays, breakdowns, or border issues the moment they arise. European carriers value proactive communication.
Respect rest times: Proper rest not only avoids penalties but protects your safety and the cargo.
Embrace continuous learning: New tachograph updates, Euro VI maintenance knowledge, defensive driving in snow, and ADR (if you handle dangerous goods) can all boost your earnings potential.
Know your routes: Study major Romanian motorways (A1, A2, A3, A10) and cross-border formalities with Hungary and Bulgaria. Familiarity reduces stress and time loss.

Common Questions on Living Conditions for Drivers in Romania

Housing: Company-provided housing may be temporary. After that, shared apartments near depots are a practical start. Contracts typically require a deposit and first month’s rent.
Utilities and internet: Widely available and affordable compared to Western Europe; reliable mobile data plans support GPS and communication on the road.
Food and lifestyle: Local markets offer fresh produce at good value. Halal options exist in major cities, with increasing availability in Bucharest and larger regional hubs.
Banking and taxes: You will likely open a local bank account for salary. Romania’s tax system includes income tax and social contributions withheld by your employer; request a clear payroll breakdown.

Conclusion: Your Road Into Europe Starts in Romania

For Dubai-based professional drivers, Romania offers a realistic and rewarding entry point into the European logistics market. The work authorization plus D/AM visa pathway is structured, employers are experienced in onboarding non-EU drivers, and the country’s location gives you immediate access to high-demand corridors across the EU. With the right documents, strong employer support, and a focus on compliance, you can transition smoothly—earning European experience while maintaining a cost of living that supports savings and long-term stability.

Ready to shift gears? Start by shortlisting Romanian carriers, assembling your UAE driving portfolio, and booking your consular appointment timeline. With preparation and a professional approach, your next long-haul chapter can begin in Romania.

FAQ: Working and Living in Romania as a Professional Driver

1) How long does the Romanian work visa process take for drivers?

Timelines vary based on employer readiness and embassy workload. A common sequence is: employer work authorization processing, followed by your D/AM visa appointment and issuance, and then arrival for residence permit application. Companies accustomed to hiring non-EU drivers usually provide realistic timelines. Start early, keep a complete document set, and be responsive to any additional requests to avoid delays.

2) Do I need to speak Romanian to work as a driver in Romania?

Not strictly, especially in international fleets where dispatch may use English. However, basic Romanian is a major advantage for road checks, depot instructions, fuel stations, and daily life. Investing in simple phrases and logistics vocabulary will improve your performance and integration.

3) Will my UAE driving license be valid in Romania?

For professional driving as a resident, you should plan on license recognition or exchange steps and obtaining EU-compliant Code 95. Some non-EU licenses are not directly exchangeable; in such cases, your employer will typically guide you through local testing and training for C/CE categories. Bring certified translations of your experience and training to support the process.

4) What is the typical pay structure for drivers in Romania?

International long-haul roles commonly combine a base salary with daily allowances for time spent on EU routes. Domestic roles may focus on a monthly salary with overtime. Pay varies by company, route complexity, and experience. Clarify your base salary, allowances, overtime, and rest-day policy with HR before signing.

5) Can I drive internationally from a Romanian base?

Yes. Many Romanian carriers operate across the EU. Once you hold the correct residence permit, qualifications (C/CE plus Code 95), and tachograph card, you can perform international assignments to neighboring countries and beyond. Your company will brief you on posting documentation for specific countries.

6) What are living costs like compared to Dubai?

Housing and daily expenses in Romania are generally lower than in Dubai, though they vary by city. Bucharest and Cluj can be pricier than smaller cities like Arad or Bacău. Groceries, utilities, and mobile plans are typically affordable by European standards. Choosing accommodation near your depot reduces commuting time and costs.

7) Is family reunification possible?

Romanian law provides avenues for family members to join you after you hold a valid residence permit, subject to conditions and documentation. How and when this is possible depends on your permit type and the duration of your employment. Your employer’s HR or an immigration advisor can outline realistic timelines and requirements.

Important note: Immigration procedures can change. Always verify the latest requirements with the Romanian General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) and the Romanian embassy or consulate handling your visa, and follow your employer’s guidance for the most current document lists and timelines.