Managing Long-Distance Relationships as an International Driver

Introduction

Relocating from Global to Romania to build a career in transportation and logistics can be a smart move. Romania offers EU market access, competitive take-home pay compared with living costs, and strong demand for skilled drivers. Yet one question sits at the heart of most relocation decisions for professional drivers: how do you keep your relationships strong when your routes and rosters put you hundreds or thousands of kilometers away from the people you love?

This guide answers that question with clear, practical strategies for managing long-distance relationships as an international driver while also giving you the essential facts about working and living in Romania. You will learn about EU driving regulations and CPC requirements, how to convert your credentials, what salaries to expect, and how to handle everyday life in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi. Most importantly, you will get a playbook for maintaining connection, trust, and well-being across borders and time zones.

Why Romania?

Romania has evolved into a logistics and transport hotspot in Southeast Europe. For professional drivers relocating from Global, the country offers several advantages:

• EU membership and market access

  • Romanian transport companies run regular routes across the EU, often to Hungary, Bulgaria, Italy, Germany, Austria, Poland, the Czech Republic, and beyond.
  • EU standards apply, so your CPC, ADR, and tachograph skills are fully relevant and transferable across many routes.

• Competitive cost of living

  • Wages for international drivers are increasingly aligned with broader EU pay structures, while living costs in Romanian cities remain significantly lower than Western Europe. This combination allows you to save more while enjoying a comfortable lifestyle.

• Quality of life

  • Romania offers vibrant urban life and easy access to mountains, forests, and the Black Sea. Modern malls, healthcare facilities, and expanding road infrastructure make daily living convenient.

• Strong demand for drivers

  • E-commerce growth, European supply chain diversification, and industrial expansion have created ongoing demand for licensed drivers with CPC and ADR. Employers are actively recruiting, including non-EU Global citizens when legal requirements are met.

• Strategic logistics position

  • The Port of Constanta connects sea freight from Asia and the Middle East into Central and Eastern Europe. Major road corridors pass through Romania, and logistics parks near Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Timisoara are growing rapidly.

Job Market Overview

Romania offers a broad range of driving roles that fit different stages of your career and your desired balance between time on the road and time at home.

International trucking

• Long-haul and regional EU routes, often week-on, week-off or 4 weeks on and 2 weeks off.
• Trailers include curtainsiders, box trailers, refrigerated units, and tankers for ADR cargo.
• Typical employers include global logistics brands with Romanian subsidiaries or partners, such as DB Schenker Romania, DSV Romania, DHL Supply Chain Romania, and Kuehne+Nagel Romania, as well as established Romanian carriers and fleet operators.
• Hubs are common around Bucharest ring road, Timisoara industrial parks near the border with Hungary, and Cluj-Napoca logistics zones.

Domestic distribution and regional routes

• Day or short multi-day trips delivering to retailers, factories, and warehouses.
• Often more predictable home time compared with international long haul.
• Delivery services like FAN Courier, Cargus, and Sameday operate across the country, creating steady demand for drivers.

Bus and coach driving

• Urban public transport in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi, and intercity coach routes.
• Operators include municipal and regional transport companies such as STB in Bucharest, STPT in Timisoara, and CTP Cluj-Napoca and CTP Iasi.
• Offers more regular schedules and opportunities to sleep at home, especially in city positions.

Last-mile delivery

• Van driving for e-commerce and parcels, with potential for flexible schedules.
• Useful for drivers building local experience while working toward higher license categories or CPC completion.

Intermodal and port logistics

• Container transport linked to the Port of Constanta and intermodal terminals around major cities.
• Often integrates road, rail, and sea timelines. Experience here can support a future move into dispatch or operations roles.

Legal Requirements for Global Citizens

If you are a non-EU citizen, you will need authorization to live and work in Romania. The process is structured but manageable when you understand the steps.

Work permit and visa sequence

1. Job offer from a Romanian employer.
2. Employer applies for a work permit at the General Inspectorate for Immigration (Inspectoratul General pentru Imigrari, IGI). Processing can take several weeks.
3. Once the work permit is issued, you apply for a long-stay work visa (symbol D/AM) at a Romanian consulate or embassy in your country of residence.
4. Enter Romania with your D/AM visa and start work as allowed by your permit.
5. Apply for a residence permit or single permit at IGI within the required time after arrival. This card confirms your right to live and work in Romania.

Document checklist for the work authorization and visa

• Valid passport with sufficient validity.
• Employment contract or firm job offer from a Romanian company.
• Proof of qualifications and professional competence, including your driving license categories, CPC or equivalent training records, and ADR certificates if applicable.
• Criminal record certificate from your home country.
• Medical certificate of fitness to work and, for drivers, medical and psychological aptness record from accredited Romanian or recognized centers.
• Proof of accommodation in Romania, such as a lease or employer-provided housing confirmation.
• Proof of sufficient financial means and health insurance, depending on the visa stage.

Your employer usually coordinates much of this process. However, you are responsible for providing accurate documents, translations, and apostilles where required.

Family reunification

If you plan to bring your spouse or children later, Romania offers a family reunification route. After you obtain your residence permit, eligible family members can apply for long-stay visas for family reunification and then request residence permits after arrival. You will need to show adequate accommodation and financial means to support your family.

Schengen context

Romania is in the EU, and air and sea Schengen entry has been implemented, reducing checks for intra-Schengen air and sea travel. Overland Schengen integration is still in progress. International drivers must always carry correct identity and work documents, especially when crossing borders on EU routes.

Certification and License Recognition

Your ability to start work quickly depends on how fast you can validate or convert your driving qualifications.

Driving license recognition and exchange

• EU and EEA licenses: Generally valid across the EU. If you establish residency in Romania, you may eventually exchange your license for a Romanian one through the Driver License and Vehicle Registration authority (DRPCIV). The process is administrative for EU licenses.
• Non-EU licenses: Exchange is possible only if Romania has reciprocal agreements with your issuing country and if your license meets EU standards. If no reciprocity exists, you may need to pass Romanian theory and practical exams to obtain a Romanian license.
• License categories: Confirm your categories align with Romanian and EU classifications, especially for C, CE, and D categories.

CPC for professional drivers

• Code 95: In the EU, professional drivers of goods and passengers must hold CPC, indicated as Code 95 on the back of the license.
• Initial and periodic training: Periodic CPC training involves 35 hours every 5 years. Authorized training centers deliver this in Romania, and it is overseen by the Romanian Road Authority (ARR).
• Recognition: If you already hold CPC from another EU country, it is typically recognized. If you are from outside the EU, you may need to complete training in Romania to meet EU standards and get Code 95 on your license record.

ADR certification for hazardous goods

• ADR certificates issued by EU countries are generally recognized throughout the EU.
• If your ADR was issued outside the EU, you may need to attend training and pass exams in Romania to obtain an EU-compliant ADR certificate.

Digital tachograph driver card

• You will need a Romanian digital tachograph driver card if you are resident and working for a Romanian employer.
• Issuing authority: ARR processes applications.
• Required documents typically include ID or passport, residence proof, license details, and a photo. Processing can take several days to a few weeks. Plan ahead, as you cannot legally drive EU-regulated vehicles without a valid driver card, unless specific exemptions apply.

Medical and psychological evaluations

• Romanian law requires professional drivers to pass periodic medical and psychological checks at authorized medical centers.
• Keep these records valid. Employers often coordinate appointments.

Salary and Benefits

Salaries vary by role, route, experience, and language skills. Below are realistic ballpark figures as of 2026. Exchange rate used for reference: 1 EUR is roughly 5.0 RON. Actual rates fluctuate.

International trucking

• Net monthly income including per diems: approximately 1,500 to 2,500 EUR (7,500 to 12,500 RON). High-mileage or specialized ADR positions may exceed this range.
• Structure: A base salary plus per diems for days spent abroad. Per diems are usually tax-advantaged up to statutory limits.

Domestic trucking and distribution

• Net monthly income: approximately 900 to 1,600 EUR (4,500 to 8,000 RON), depending on overtime, nights, and vehicle category.

Bus and coach drivers

• Net monthly income: approximately 800 to 1,300 EUR (4,000 to 6,500 RON). City roles may add shift allowances.

Last-mile van drivers

• Net monthly income: approximately 700 to 1,200 EUR (3,500 to 6,000 RON), with performance bonuses in some companies.

Common benefits

• Meal vouchers known locally as meal tickets.
• Private health insurance top-ups or clinic subscriptions.
• Accommodation support for out-station routes.
• Training paid or partially subsidized for CPC and ADR.
• Referral bonuses and safety bonuses in some fleets.

Taxes and take-home pay

• Romania has a flat personal income tax of 10 percent for employment income. Social contributions apply as well. Employers often optimize packages with per diems for drivers on international routes, which are tax-favored up to regulated caps. Request a sample pay slip structure from your recruiter so you understand base pay, per diems, bonuses, and deductions.

Cost of Living in Romanian Cities

Your cost of living will depend on the city, your housing choices, and whether your family relocates with you.

Housing

• Bucharest: One-bedroom apartment rents range from about 400 to 800 EUR per month, depending on neighborhood and building. Two-bedrooms often range from 600 to 1,100 EUR.
• Cluj-Napoca: One-bedroom typically 400 to 700 EUR. Two-bedrooms from 550 to 1,000 EUR.
• Timisoara: One-bedroom typically 300 to 600 EUR. Two-bedrooms from 450 to 850 EUR.
• Iasi: One-bedroom typically 300 to 500 EUR. Two-bedrooms from 450 to 800 EUR.

Tip: Landlords often ask for one month deposit and the first month upfront. Furnished apartments are common. For quick starts, consider short-term rentals and then switch to a longer lease after you know the city.

Utilities and internet

• Utilities for a standard apartment: approximately 80 to 150 EUR per month, higher in winter for heating depending on building efficiency.
• High-speed internet: 7 to 10 EUR per month.
• Mobile plans with data: 5 to 10 EUR per month.

Groceries and eating out

• Monthly groceries per adult: roughly 150 to 250 EUR.
• Lunch in a casual restaurant: 7 to 10 EUR.
• Coffee: 2 to 3 EUR.

Transportation

• Fuel diesel: usually in the 1.4 to 1.7 EUR per liter range.
• Public transport monthly pass: 12 to 20 EUR depending on the city and zones.
• National road vignette rovinieta: required for vehicles on national roads. Costs vary by vehicle category and duration. Separate bridge and motorway tolls apply at certain points.

Family-related costs

• Public schools are free. Some bilingual or international schools charge significant fees. Budget carefully if you intend to enroll children in private education.
• Childcare and after-school programs can range widely; ask employers or local communities for neighborhood-specific pricing.

Sample monthly budgets

• Single international driver living in Timisoara: 300 to 600 EUR rent, 100 EUR utilities, 200 EUR food, 20 EUR internet and mobile, 50 EUR transport, 150 EUR miscellaneous. Total: about 820 to 1,120 EUR.
• Small family in Bucharest: 700 to 1,100 EUR rent, 150 EUR utilities, 400 EUR groceries, 40 EUR mobile and internet, 60 EUR transport, 300 EUR miscellaneous. Total: about 1,650 to 2,050 EUR.

Cultural Integration

Starting strong with culture and language will reduce stress and help your relationships at home and at work.

Language

• Romanian is the official language. English is increasingly common in logistics and in larger cities, but you will still encounter paperwork and conversations in Romanian.
• Focus on practical vocabulary first: greetings, directions, numbers, days of the week, and basic workplace terms.
• Use translation apps for admin tasks and ask your employer for bilingual document templates where possible.

Workplace culture

• Punctuality matters. On-time departures and slot times at warehouses are critical.
• Safety first. Proper rest and legal compliance are non-negotiable and increasingly enforced.
• Communication style can be direct but polite. Clarity is appreciated, especially around schedules and constraints like driving time limits.
• Hierarchies exist, but most dispatchers and managers value drivers who give timely updates and follow SOPs.

Social norms

• People are friendly and hospitable. If invited to a home, a small gift such as chocolates is appreciated.
• In apartments, quiet hours are often respected, especially late at night.

Public holidays

• Romania observes national and religious holidays. Plan for possible changes in delivery schedules and administrative office closures around these dates.

Managing Long-Distance Relationships While Driving Internationally

The core challenge for many drivers is staying close to loved ones while you are far away. The following system blends legal driving realities with relationship best practices.

1. Create a predictable communication rhythm

• Pick one anchor time per day when you are typically parked or on break to send a voice note or make a call. Even a 5 minute check-in keeps your bond strong.
• Use a shared calendar to block windows for longer calls during weekly rests. Treat these slots as you would a delivery appointment: they are firm commitments.
• Agree on a backup plan if a slot is missed due to an unforeseen delay. For example, a quick text that says Safe, delayed, will call after 21:00 local time.

2. Align with EU driving rules to plan quality time

• Regulation EC 561-2006 sets the framework. Key points include:
  • Daily driving time up to 9 hours, twice per week up to 10 hours.
  • Weekly driving time max 56 hours and 90 hours in any two consecutive weeks.
  • Daily rest normally at least 11 hours, with certain reductions allowed.
  • Weekly rest 45 hours regular, with limited reductions subject to compensation rules.
• Remember: regular weekly rest cannot be taken in the vehicle. Plan for hotel stays or trips home during regular weekly rests. This is your best window for long, interruption-free calls or in-person visits if you are local.

3. Reduce time-zone friction

• If your family is outside Europe, calculate overlapping hours and set call routines accordingly. Use the same time zone in your shared calendar to avoid confusion.
• Send asynchronous updates when live calls are hard: voice notes, photos, short videos. They feel more personal than text.

4. Set expectations and boundaries

• Be clear about when you are driving and cannot reply. Share your typical loading and unloading times where messaging is allowed.
• Agree on response-time expectations, such as I will usually reply within 3 hours unless I am driving or sleeping.

5. Keep intimacy and romance alive at a distance

• Send plans, not just messages. For example, propose a movie to stream at the same time once a week during your daily rest.
• Celebrate milestones creatively: courier a small gift, record a personal video, or create a playlist you both listen to while apart.
• Practice digital safety. Use private channels, lock your phone, and avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive conversations.

6. Parenting from the road

• Create a bedtime routine where you read a short story by video call once or twice a week.
• Ask your partner to scan or photo school notes and art so you can discuss them with your child.
• Share your route on a map, showing where you are. Kids love to track your progress.

7. Budget for visits and plan them like freight moves

• Flights to and from Romania can be affordable if you plan early. Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi have growing air connections.
• Book visits around your regular weekly rest. If you are on an international route near your home airport, coordinate with your dispatcher to make it work.
• Watch for seasonal price spikes and book ahead during holidays.

8. Prepare for emergencies

• Set up a power of attorney so a trusted person can handle banking or property issues while you are away.
• Copy all vital documents to a secure cloud folder and share access with your partner.
• Decide emergency contact protocols: who you call first, what info to share, and when to escalate to your employer.

9. Build a local support network

• Join driver forums and social media groups in Romania for advice on routes, rest areas, and service stations.
• Get to know other expats and local colleagues who can assist in a pinch. Strong local ties reduce stress and strengthen your resilience.

10. Protect your mental and physical health

• Sleep hygiene: blackout curtain in the cab, earplugs, and a fixed pre-sleep routine.
• Movement: 15 minutes of bodyweight exercises daily. A skipping rope fits in any cab and keeps you energized.
• Food: simple, high-protein snacks and a water bottle to avoid sugary drinks.
• Support: if your employer offers an employee assistance program, use it. Short counseling sessions can help with stress and relationship strain.

Practical Steps to Relocate to Romania

Here is a step-by-step checklist to help you move from decision to first day on the job.

1. Research your target role and city

   • Decide between international and domestic routes, or bus versus trucking.
   • Shortlist cities: Bucharest for largest market, Cluj-Napoca for tech and logistics growth, Timisoara for western border access, Iasi for the northeast corridor.

2. Prepare your credentials

   • Scan and translate your licenses, CPC records, and ADR certificates.
   • Obtain authenticated copies and apostilles where needed.
   • Update your CV to highlight EU-relevant experience and safe driving record.

3. Apply and interview with Romanian employers

   • Ask specific questions about routes, rosters, equipment, pay structure, and home time.
   • Request clarity on who pays for CPC periodic training, ADR renewals, and the tachograph card.

4. Work permit application by employer

   • Provide all documents promptly to avoid delays.
   • Track timelines and keep your home country police clearance up to date.

5. Long-stay work visa application D or D AM symbol

   • Submit at the Romanian consulate with your work permit approval.
   • Arrange travel only after your visa is issued.

6. Housing search and arrival plan

   • Book temporary housing for the first weeks.
   • Line up apartment viewings and consider proximity to your depot.

7. Residence permit at IGI

   • Register your address and submit your residence permit application within the required time after arrival.
   • Keep receipts and appointment confirmations.

8. License steps

   • If you are EU licensed, confirm administrative exchange requirements.
   • If non-EU, check reciprocity with DRPCIV. Enroll for theory or practical exams if needed.

9. CPC and ADR status

   • Book periodic CPC training if due. Get Code 95 recorded correctly.
   • Enroll in ADR training or examination as required for your role.

10. Tachograph driver card

• Apply at ARR as soon as your residence status is set.
• Ask your employer to help with the application package.

1. Medical and psychological checks

• Attend required appointments at authorized centers.
• Keep digital copies of certificates.

1. Banking and mobile

• Open a Romanian bank account for salary payments. Bring passport, residence permit, and proof of address.
• Get a local SIM to reduce roaming charges and improve call quality with family.

1. Insurance and taxes

• Understand your tax withholding and health insurance coverage.
• Ask payroll for a breakdown of net pay, per diems, and any deductions.

1. Family strategy

• If your family is staying abroad initially, set your communication plan and visit budget.
• If you plan family reunification, gather documents and confirm timelines as soon as your residence permit is issued.

Common Challenges on Romanian and EU Roads and How to Handle Them

Driving on the right side

• Romania drives on the right. If you are used to left-side driving, schedule a few short practice sessions in low-traffic areas before tackling city centers.

Winter conditions

• Romania's winters can be harsh, especially in mountain zones. Prepare:
  • Winter tires are required when roads are covered with snow, ice, or slush.
  • Snow chains may be mandatory for vehicles over 3.5 tons where signed. Practice fitting them in dry conditions first.
  • Carry a winter kit: warm clothing, thermal blanket, shovel, and de-icer.

Toll systems

• Rovinieta: an electronic vignette for national roads. Verify your vehicle category and validity period.
• Bridge tolls: certain Danube bridges and motorways have separate tolls that can often be paid online or at gas stations.
• Keep receipts and digital confirmations. Fines for missing vignettes or tolls can be significant.

Working time and rest enforcement

• EU rules on driving time and rest are strictly enforced. Ensure your tachograph card is always used correctly and that manual entries are accurate when needed.
• Regular weekly rest cannot be taken in the cab. Plan accordingly with your dispatcher.

Smart tachograph upgrades

• Smart tachograph version 2 is being phased in for international transport. Ask your employer about fleet compliance and whether you need to adjust your workflow or card usage.

Success Tips From Other Expats

• Choose employers with clear home-time policies. Written commitments to rosters like 3 weeks on and 1 week off reduce uncertainty for your relationship.
• Negotiate your start date so you arrive one week before induction. Use the time for admin, housing, and a couple of long video calls to settle your family's anxieties.
• Keep all documents scanned in a cloud folder: passport, permits, licenses, medicals, CPC evidence, ADR cards, tachograph driver card, employment contract, and insurance. Share access with your partner.
• Use a budgeting app with shared view so your partner can see expenses and savings targets in real time.
• Pack a small comfort kit for the cab: photos, a travel kettle, your favorite mug, and a reliable headset. These small items reduce stress and help you be present during calls.
• Learn the basics of Romanian administrative terms so you can handle post office visits, toll receipts, and utility contracts more easily, even if you rely on translation apps.
• Before winter, run a personal drill: install chains, test cab heating, check door seals, and refresh your emergency kit.
• For the A2 motorway Danube crossing, know how to pay the bridge toll online or at partnered fuel stations. Avoid last-minute detours and delays that can disrupt your scheduled family calls.
• Join a local gym or pool when on home time. Health routines support emotional resilience and better communication with loved ones.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Relocating to Romania as a professional driver gives you access to the EU market, stable demand, and a cost of living that stretches your salary further. With the right plan, you can keep your long-distance relationships strong, even when your work takes you across borders and time zones. Start with a predictable communication routine, align visit planning with EU rest rules, and secure your paperwork early so your focus stays on safe, compliant driving and meaningful time with the people who matter most.

Ready to make the move? Shortlist employers in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi, gather your documents, and map out your family communication plan for the first 90 days. With preparation and consistency, you will thrive in Romania on the road and at home.

FAQ

1. Do I need CPC to work as a professional driver in Romania?

Yes. CPC, shown as Code 95 on your license, is required for most professional goods and passenger transport roles in the EU. If you already have CPC from an EU country, it is generally recognized. If not, you will need to complete recognized training and have Code 95 recorded.

2. How often can I return home if I take an international route?

It depends on your employer and roster. Common patterns are 3 weeks on and 1 week off or 4 weeks on and 2 weeks off. Discuss this clearly before you sign. If maintaining a long-distance relationship is a priority, target companies that publish fixed rosters and support regular weekly rest at home.

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

Many dispatchers and managers in larger companies speak English, and you can live in major cities using English. However, you will face Romanian forms and admin. Learning basic Romanian terms is very helpful for daily life and speeds up processes.

4. Can I bring my family to Romania?

Yes, after you obtain your residence permit you can usually sponsor eligible family members for family reunification. You must show proof of accommodation, health insurance, and sufficient income. Timelines vary, so start planning as soon as your own residence status is secured.

5. How do I get a Romanian digital tachograph driver card?

Apply through the Romanian Road Authority ARR. You will provide identification, residence proof, license details, and a photo. Processing can take days to weeks, so apply as soon as you are eligible. Without a valid driver card, you cannot drive vehicles covered by tachograph rules except under limited exemptions.

6. What are the typical salaries for drivers in Romania?

International truck drivers often earn 1,500 to 2,500 EUR net per month including per diems. Domestic trucking ranges from about 900 to 1,600 EUR net. Bus and coach roles are about 800 to 1,300 EUR net. Delivery drivers earn around 700 to 1,200 EUR net. Actual pay depends on experience, routes, and employer.

7. How is winter driving in Romania?

Winter can be challenging, especially in mountain areas. Prepare with appropriate tires, know when to use chains, and carry a winter kit. Plan routes with weather in mind and schedule calls with family during safe stops, not while driving in bad conditions.

8. Are per diems taxed in Romania?

Per diems for drivers on international routes are generally tax-advantaged up to legal limits. Above those caps, tax may apply. Ask payroll for a written explanation of how your per diems are calculated and taxed.

9. Can I exchange my non-EU driving license in Romania?

It depends on reciprocity agreements. Some non-EU licenses can be exchanged administratively, others require taking Romanian theory and practical tests. Contact DRPCIV or ask your employer to verify the current rules for your issuing country.

10. Is Romania safe for international drivers?

In general, yes. As in any country, use secure parking areas, lock your vehicle, and avoid leaving valuables in sight. Follow company security protocols for high-value loads. Romania's main corridors and service stations are used by many EU carriers daily.