Essential Documents for International Driving Jobs

Introduction

Relocating from Global to Romania for an international driving career is an exciting move that can unlock higher earnings, steady employment, and access to the broader European market. Romania sits at the crossroads of the EU and the East, serving as a vital logistics gateway for long-haul trucking, regional distribution, and passenger transport. Whether you are a seasoned CE long-haul driver, a bus driver with D category experience, or a last-mile delivery professional, Romania offers a practical entry point into the EU transport ecosystem.

This comprehensive guide delivers a complete checklist of documents and step-by-step processes you need to secure a professional driving role in Romania. You will learn how to convert your licenses, obtain CPC and ADR certifications, request a digital tachograph card, meet Romanian legal requirements, and prepare for practical challenges like winter driving and toll systems. It is written specifically for Global drivers aiming to relocate to Romania, with realistic salary figures, cost of living estimates, and actionable advice for a smooth transition.

Why Romania?

EU Membership and Market Access

Romania is an EU member state, which means:

Access to EU-wide logistics networks and customers
Clear and harmonized professional driver rules under EU legislation (CPC, tachographs, working time)
Opportunities to run international routes to Italy, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria, and beyond

Romania is strategically located along European corridors linking the Black Sea ports (Constanta) to Central and Western Europe. This translates into strong demand for reliable, qualified drivers in international and domestic operations.

Competitive Salaries with Lower Cost of Living

While EU-level wages vary, Romania offers a strong balance: competitive pay for international routes combined with a lower cost of living than many Western EU countries. Per diems (daily allowances) for international trips can significantly boost take-home income. Housing, food, and transportation in cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi remain affordable relative to wages in international driving.

Strong Driver Demand

Romanian logistics and transport companies face ongoing driver shortages due to a fast-growing export sector and extensive international networks. Employers actively recruit Global talent, especially drivers holding CE and D categories, ADR certification, and digital tachograph experience.

Quality of Life and Work-Life Balance Potential

Romania combines vibrant urban centers with beautiful countryside, the Carpathian Mountains, and the Black Sea coast. With thoughtful route planning and employers that respect EU working time rules, drivers can achieve a steady rhythm between work assignments and rest periods.

Job Market Overview

Romania hosts a diverse transport and logistics landscape, ranging from long-haul international trucking to urban delivery and passenger bus operations. Here are common job tracks for professional drivers.

1) International Long-Haul Trucking (Category CE)

Routes: Romania to Italy, Germany, France, Benelux, Spain, and intra-Balkan corridors
Freight: General cargo, refrigerated transport, automotive, e-commerce, and FMCG
Employers: Romanian trucking firms and subsidiaries of multinational logistics companies
Typical employers and brands to look for: DB Schenker, DHL, DSV, Kuehne+Nagel, Aquila, FAN Courier (linehaul), Cargus, Sameday, and numerous medium-sized Romanian carriers based around Bucharest-Ilfov, Timisoara, and Cluj-Napoca

2) Regional and Domestic Distribution (Category C or CE)

Routes: Distribution hubs to retailers, warehouses, and factories within Romania
Freight: Palletized goods, construction materials, supermarket distribution, fuel and chemicals with ADR
Employers: National carriers, retail logistics divisions, 3PL providers

3) Passenger Transport (Category D)

City buses and trolleybuses: STB in Bucharest, CTP in Cluj-Napoca, STPT in Timisoara, and CTP Iasi
Intercity and international coach services: Private operators and partners of European brands such as FlixBus
Airport shuttles and corporate transport providers

4) Last-Mile Delivery (B or C category)

E-commerce delivery and parcel distribution in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi
Employers: FAN Courier, Cargus, Sameday, DHL Express, and numerous subcontractors

5) Specialized Sectors

ADR Tanker and hazardous goods transport
Construction logistics and heavy haulage
Temperature-controlled pharma and food transport

In all cases, experience with digital tachographs, EU driving regulations, and safe winter driving practices will make your profile stand out.

Legal Requirements

Understanding the legal framework is essential before you accept a job offer and relocate to Romania. The rules depend on your nationality, your intended role, and how long you plan to work in Romania.

For EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens

Work authorization: Not required
Registration: Register your residence if staying longer than 3 months; obtain a registration certificate from the Romanian immigration authority (General Inspectorate for Immigration, IGI)
Licensing: EU driving licenses are recognized. Code 95 (CPC) issued by another EU country is valid across the EU while it remains valid and you comply with periodic training requirements

For Non-EU Citizens (Global)

Most Global drivers will follow this general sequence:

Romanian Employer Sponsorship and Work Permit
- Your future employer applies for a work permit through the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI). The category is typically permanent worker for full-time employment
- Required employer-side documentation often includes proof of vacancy, company tax registrations, labor quota compliance, and your employment contract offer
- Processing time varies by region and season, commonly 20-45 working days
Long-Stay Visa for Employment (Type D/AM)
- Once the work permit is approved, you apply for a Romanian long-stay employment visa (symbol D/AM) at a Romanian consulate or embassy in your country of residence
- Typical documents: valid passport, work permit, employment contract or job offer, proof of accommodation, proof of means, medical insurance for the visa period, clean criminal record certificate, visa application form, and consular fees
- Processing time is commonly 10-20 working days after you submit the complete file
Entry and Residence Permit
- Enter Romania with your D/AM visa and start work as per your contract
- Apply for a residence permit for work at IGI after arrival (normally within 30 days of entry). The residence permit aligns with your employment duration, commonly 1 year at a time, renewable
- You will receive a Romanian residence card and a personal numeric code (CNP) which simplifies tax, banking, health insurance, and driver certifications
Renewals and Employer Changes
- Renew your residence and work authorization annually if your contract continues
- If changing employers, coordinate carefully so your legal status remains continuous

Note: Some drivers may enter under posted worker or secondment arrangements if they are employed by a non-Romanian company operating in Romania. In such cases, documentation may include A1 social security coverage and posting declarations under EU rules. Always clarify your employment structure before departure.

Romanian Road Transport Laws and EU Rules

EU Regulation 561/2006: Driving times, breaks, and rest periods for professional drivers
EU Regulation 165/2014: Tachographs in road transport, including driver obligations to use the digital tachograph correctly
Working Time Directive 2002/15/EC: Working time rules for mobile workers in road transport
AETR Rules: Apply to international transport operations with non-EU countries that are parties to the AETR agreement
Romanian national road transport law aligns with these EU frameworks and is enforced by agencies such as the Romanian Police, ISCTR (for road transport control), and ARR (Romanian Road Authority)

Compliance is not optional. Employers expect drivers to know the basics, and inspectors may request printouts, card data, and manual entries to verify compliance.

Certification and License Recognition

International driving in Romania requires proper licenses, CPC compliance, tachograph authorization, and sometimes ADR. Here is how to navigate the credentials.

Driving License Categories

B: Cars and light vans
C: Trucks over 3.5 tonnes without trailer
CE: Articulated trucks or trucks with trailers
D: Buses and coaches

Recognition and Exchange of Licenses

EU/EEA Licenses: Recognized in Romania. You can keep your original EU license and continue to drive. CPC (Code 95) on an EU license remains valid until expiration, provided you meet periodic training requirements
Non-EU Licenses: If you become a resident in Romania (obtain residence permit), you generally must exchange your foreign license for a Romanian license. The process depends on whether Romania has an exchange agreement with your issuing country
- If an exchange agreement exists: You can exchange your license with minimal testing
- If no agreement: You may be required to pass theory and practical exams in Romania
International Driving Permit (IDP): Useful for short-term driving but does not replace the need to exchange your license once you are a resident

Typical documents for exchange:

Valid foreign driving license (original and certified translation if required)
Passport and Romanian residence permit
Medical certificate and psychological evaluation from authorized centers
Proof of domicile or accommodation in Romania
Recent photos and applicable fees

Check the local DRPCIV office (Romanian driving license authority) for current exchange rules specific to your issuing country.

CPC - Certificate of Professional Competence (Code 95)

CPC is mandatory for professional goods (C and CE) and passenger (D) drivers in the EU. In Romania:

Initial Qualification: 280 hours (standard) or 140 hours (accelerated) with theoretical and practical training
Periodic Training: 35 hours every 5 years
Code 95: The code printed on your license (or on a separate driver qualification card) proves CPC compliance. For non-EU licenses, you will need to obtain your CPC in Romania after you become a resident or employed locally

To obtain CPC in Romania, prepare:

Valid driving license of the appropriate category (or exchange documents underway)
ID and residence documentation
Medical and psychological suitability certificates
Course enrollment at an ARR-authorized training center
Course completion and exam pass to receive Code 95

Digital Tachograph Driver Card

A driver card is mandatory for vehicles equipped with digital tachographs. In Romania:

Issuing Authority: ARR (Autoritatea Rutiera Romana)
Eligibility: Professional drivers with valid ID, residence in Romania, and the appropriate license
Documents: Application form, passport and residence permit, Romanian CNP (if available), driving license, recent photo, fee payment proof
Processing Time: Typically up to 15 working days
Validity: Usually 5 years

Best practice:

Apply for your tachograph card as soon as you have your residence permit and CNP
Always keep printouts for the days you drove without a card if the card is defective or stolen, along with written explanations

ADR Certification for Hazardous Goods

ADR certification is required for transporting dangerous goods. In Romania:

Training: Provided by ARR-authorized centers; includes basic course and specialization (tanks, classes of dangerous goods)
Exam: Conducted under ARR supervision
Validity: 5 years, renewable with refresher training and exam

ADR often improves pay and job stability. Employers operating fuel tankers, chemicals, and industrial products typically require ADR.

Additional Certificates and Health Checks

Professional medical exam: Required upon employment and periodically (vision, hearing, general health)
Psychologic evaluation: Conducted by accredited psychologists specialized in transport safety
Vehicle-specific inductions: Some employers offer brand, load securing, and route-specific training

Salary and Benefits

Romanian driver compensation varies by role, route, and employer. Below are realistic ranges as of recent years, expressed in both EUR and RON. Exchange rate example: 1 EUR ~ 4.95-5.00 RON.

International Long-Haul (CE) from Romania

Base salary: 3,000 to 5,500 RON gross monthly (approx 600 to 1,100 EUR gross)
Per diems (diurna) for international trips: 40 to 70 EUR per day, sometimes higher depending on route and client
Typical monthly total: 1,600 to 2,800 EUR net, with experienced ADR or Western Europe routes occasionally reaching 3,000+ EUR net for intensive schedules
Benefits: Accommodation in the cab during trips, paid travel to assigned truck yards, performance bonuses, legal rest periods, sometimes private health insurance or meal vouchers for days in Romania

Domestic Distribution (C or CE)

Net monthly: 700 to 1,500 EUR depending on region, employer, and overtime
Benefits: Meal vouchers, steady home time, no international per diems, regular routes

Passenger Transport (D)

City bus drivers: 4,500 to 7,500 RON net (approx 900 to 1,500 EUR) depending on city, night/weekend premia, and union-negotiated packages
Intercity and international coaches: Similar base with travel allowances; total may be higher if overnight trips are frequent

Last-Mile Delivery (B or C)

Net monthly: 3,000 to 6,000 RON (approx 600 to 1,200 EUR), plus productivity bonuses and tips during peak seasons

Keep in mind:

Pay structures differ: some employers combine a modest base with high per diems for international runs
Verify overtime pay and rest-day compensation for compliance with Romanian labor law and EU rules
Clarify whether per diems are taxed or tax-exempt under current legislation, and whether they count toward social contributions

Cost of Living

Romania remains affordable compared to Western Europe, especially if you are earning from international routes with daily allowances.

Housing (Monthly Rent Averages)

Bucharest: 400 to 700 EUR for a 1-bedroom apartment outside the center; 700+ EUR in central areas
Cluj-Napoca: 350 to 600 EUR for a 1-bedroom outside center; higher in premium districts
Timisoara: 300 to 500 EUR
Iasi: 300 to 450 EUR

Shared housing or living on the outskirts can reduce costs by 20 to 30 percent. Many drivers maintain a modest base in Romania and spend significant time on international routes.

Utilities and Internet

Utilities (electricity, heating, water, garbage) for a 1-bedroom: 80 to 150 EUR per month depending on season
High-speed internet and mobile phone: 10 to 25 EUR monthly, with competitive data plans

Groceries and Dining

Monthly groceries: 150 to 250 EUR per person for a balanced diet
Inexpensive restaurant meal: 7 to 12 EUR
Coffee: 2 to 3 EUR

Transportation

Public transport pass: 15 to 20 EUR monthly in major cities
Fuel: 1.5 to 1.8 EUR per liter (prices fluctuate)
Intercity train or coach: Economical options available; employers often cover travel to fleet yards

Summary

A prudent single driver can live comfortably on 600 to 900 EUR per month outside central Bucharest, allowing you to save significantly if you are earning international route per diems.

Cultural Integration

Language Basics

Romanian is a Romance language with Latin roots. In major cities and logistics hubs, many people speak basic English, but learning key Romanian phrases will make everyday life easier.

Hello: Buna
Thank you: Multumesc
Please: Va rog
Yes/No: Da / Nu
I am a driver: Sunt sofer
Where is the warehouse?: Unde este depozitul?

Consider enrolling in a beginner Romanian course or using language apps. Employers value drivers who can communicate with dispatchers, warehouse staff, and inspectors.

Workplace Culture

Professionalism: Punctuality, clear communication with dispatch, and accurate paperwork are core expectations
Safety: Employers take compliance seriously due to strict EU enforcement; do not compromise on rest periods or load security
Hierarchy: Dispatchers and transport managers coordinate tightly; escalate issues early and respectfully
Documentation: Keep your documents organized and ready for inspections at any time

Driving on the Right Side

Romania drives on the right side of the road. If you are coming from a left-side driving country, plan extra practice. Employers may offer induction drives and mentoring before you operate independently.

Winter Driving

Romania has mountainous areas and cold winters.

Winter tires are mandatory when roads are covered with snow, ice, or black ice
For heavy vehicles, snow chains may be required in mountainous regions; carry chains and know how to fit them
Allow longer braking distances; watch for fog and black ice, especially at dawn and dusk

Tolls and Road Use

Rovinieta: Road usage fee required for national roads. For vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, electronic rovinieta must be purchased and is enforceable through camera and roadside checks
Bridge tolls: Separate tolls for certain bridges, for example over the Danube
International corridors: Neighboring countries have their own toll systems (e.g., vignette or distance-based tolling). Ensure your truck is equipped with the relevant onboard units and that your employer has registered your plates

Practical Steps to Relocate

Below is a step-by-step roadmap for Global drivers moving to Romania.

Step 1: Research the Market and Target Cities

Bucharest-Ilfov: Largest logistics hub with international carriers, airports, and major warehouses
Cluj-Napoca: Tech and e-commerce growth, regional distribution opportunities
Timisoara: Western gateway near Hungary and Serbia; strong manufacturing and logistics base
Iasi: Northeast hub with growing distribution and cross-border routes to Moldova and Ukraine (subject to international conditions)

Step 2: Prepare Your Professional Profile

Update your CV to EU standards: include license categories (C, CE, D), CPC status, ADR, tachograph experience, languages, and clean driving record
Gather references from previous employers; include verifiable contact details
Scan and store digital copies of your documents: passport, licenses, medical and psych certificates, training courses, and police clearance

Step 3: Engage Employers and Agencies

Identify carriers with routes that match your preferences: international long-haul, domestic distribution, or passenger transport
Apply directly to well-known companies such as DB Schenker, DHL, DSV, Kuehne+Nagel, Aquila, FAN Courier, Cargus, Sameday, as well as municipal operators like STB (Bucharest), CTP (Cluj-Napoca), STPT (Timisoara), and CTP (Iasi)
Ask detailed questions: truck handover locations, schedule patterns, average days away, per diem rates, overtime rules, accommodation between routes, and contract terms

Step 4: Confirm the Legal Route

EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: Plan your move, bring EU license and CPC, register residence in Romania if staying over 3 months
Non-EU citizens: Confirm employer sponsorship and start the work permit application. Ask for a realistic timeline and list of required documents

Step 5: Collect Documents for Visa and Work Permit (Non-EU)

Typical records to prepare:

Valid passport with sufficient validity and blank pages
Clean criminal record certificate from your home country
Medical insurance for the visa application period
Employment contract or official job offer
Work permit approval from IGI (provided by your employer)
Proof of accommodation or invitation
Passport-sized photos and completed visa application form

Step 6: Secure Housing and Arrival Logistics

Book temporary accommodation for your first 2 to 4 weeks (Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, or Iasi)
Visit neighborhoods near logistics hubs for easier commuting to yard or depot
Keep proof of address for opening a bank account and for residence permit processing

Step 7: Residence Permit and CNP After Arrival

Attend your IGI appointment to apply for your residence permit for work
Present your employment contract, work permit, health insurance, accommodation proof, and passport
Receive your residence card and CNP, which you will need for banking, tax, and driver certifications

Step 8: Driver Credentials in Romania

License exchange (if non-EU): Start the exchange process with DRPCIV
CPC (Code 95): Enroll in an ARR-authorized center if you need initial or periodic training
Digital tachograph card: Apply at ARR after you have residence documentation and CNP
ADR: Enroll for basic and specialized modules if your role requires it
Medical and psych: Undergo examinations at accredited centers, then keep the certificates updated

Step 9: Onboarding and Familiarization

Complete employer induction: company procedures, safety training, route planning, and load securing
Practice right-side driving and vehicle familiarization if you are coming from a left-side country
Install necessary toll devices and verify fuel card and expenses protocols

Step 10: Live and Work Confidently

Track your driving and rest times precisely using the tachograph
Keep your documents organized and accessible; store backups digitally
Contact dispatch early if you face delays, breakdowns, or border issues

Success Tips from Other Expats

Document discipline: Keep a dedicated folder for passport, residence card, license, Code 95, tachograph card, ADR, medical and psych certificates, and insurance
Winter readiness: Carry chains, gloves, headlamp, warm clothing, and an emergency kit in mountainous areas
Budget smart: Build a reserve fund for 2 to 3 months of expenses; delays in first pay or card processing can happen
Language learning: 15 minutes of Romanian daily accelerates integration and improves cooperation at depots and checkpoints
Network: Join driver communities in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi; referrals often lead to better routes and schedules
Clarify per diems: Understand how your per diems are calculated, paid, and taxed before signing
Respect rest times: EU compliance protects you from unsafe scheduling and preserves your long-term health

Conclusion and Call to Action

Romania offers Global drivers a realistic and rewarding pathway into the EU transport market. With strong demand across trucking, delivery, and passenger transport, you can convert your experience into stable income and long-term growth. The key to success is excellent documentation: prepare your work authorization, exchange your license if needed, secure CPC and ADR, apply for your tachograph card, and stay fully compliant with EU and Romanian rules.

If you are ready to take the next step, start by organizing your documents and reaching out to employers in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi. Confirm your legal route, plan your arrival, and map your certification timeline. With a solid checklist and disciplined execution, you will be on the road in Romania with confidence and a clear career horizon.

FAQ

1) What are the absolute essential documents I need to start driving professionally in Romania?

Passport and, if required, long-stay employment visa (D/AM)
Romanian residence permit and CNP
Valid driving license in the correct category (C, CE, or D)
CPC (Code 95) certification or proof you are enrolled to obtain it
Digital tachograph driver card from ARR
ADR certificate if your role requires hazardous goods transport
Medical and psychological fitness certificates
Employment contract and proof of employer onboarding

2) How long does it take to obtain the digital tachograph card in Romania?

Processing typically takes up to 15 working days after you submit your complete application to ARR. Apply as soon as you receive your residence permit and CNP. If your card is lost or stolen, report it immediately and follow ARR guidance for replacement; keep printouts and written explanations while awaiting the new card.

3) Do I need to exchange my non-EU license for a Romanian one?

Yes, if you become a resident. Depending on agreements between Romania and your license-issuing country, you may exchange it without exams or you may need to pass theory and practical tests. While you hold only an International Driving Permit and a non-EU license, you may be limited to short-term driving; employers typically require the local exchange for long-term contracts.

4) Can I work as a driver in Romania without CPC?

No. CPC (Code 95) is mandatory for professional driving in the EU for C, CE, and D categories. If you do not already have an EU CPC, you must complete initial or periodic training in Romania through an ARR-authorized provider. Your employer may allow onboarding while you finalize training, but you cannot operate commercially without Code 95.

5) What are realistic CE long-haul earnings if based in Romania?

A common monthly total ranges from 1,600 to 2,800 EUR net, combining base salary and international per diems. Experienced drivers with ADR, clean records, and Western Europe routes may exceed 3,000 EUR net during intensive months. Confirm the contract structure, per diem rates, route schedule, and payment frequency before signing.

6) What is the biggest operational challenge for new Global drivers in Romania?

Three stand out: adapting to EU tachograph and working time rules, winter driving in mountainous regions, and understanding toll systems across multiple countries. Prepare by studying Regulation 561/2006 and tachograph rules, practicing chain fitting, and ensuring you have the correct toll devices for Romania and each country on your route.

7) Will my family be able to join me in Romania?

Yes. Once you hold a valid residence permit, you can typically apply for family reunification for your spouse and dependent children, subject to conditions like proof of income, accommodation, and health insurance. Processing times vary, so plan ahead and maintain clear documentation.

8) Can I rent an apartment without a Romanian CNP?

It is possible to rent with your passport and visa, especially in larger cities, but having a CNP simplifies matters. Many landlords and utility companies are familiar with expatriates, so bring copies of your passport, visa, and proof of employment. After you obtain your residence permit and CNP, update your lease records to streamline banking and utility contracts.

9) How do I handle medical and psych evaluations?

Use accredited clinics that provide professional driver evaluations. You will complete a general medical exam (vision, hearing, blood pressure, general health) and a psychological assessment focused on attention, reaction times, and stress tolerance. Keep your certificates valid; employers and inspectors may request them.

10) Which Romanian cities are best for new drivers to settle in?

Bucharest: Maximum job variety and international networks; higher rents; major depots in Ilfov
Cluj-Napoca: Balanced costs, growing logistics, friendly expat scene
Timisoara: Strong Western gateway, good access to EU routes
Iasi: Affordable and developing, potential cross-border work

Choose based on your employer location, family needs, and your preferred route pattern.

11) What if my tachograph card malfunctions during a trip?

Immediately make a manual printout from the tachograph at the start and end of each day, record all activities by hand, and inform your employer. Carry written explanations as required by EU rules. Apply for a replacement card without delay and keep evidence of your application and printouts for any roadside inspections.

12) Are ADR certificates from my home country valid in Romania?

ADR is based on international rules, but recognition depends on where the certificate was issued. If your ADR was issued by an EU authority and is valid, it is usually recognized across the EU. For non-EU ADR, Romanian employers may request conversion or retraining. Confirm with your employer and ARR before starting ADR operations.