Bringing Family Abroad: Driver's Relocation Guide

Introduction

Relocating from Global to Romania as a professional driver is a bold move that can open up a stable career in an EU market, improve your family's quality of life, and bring your skills into high demand. Whether you are an experienced HGV driver with C or CE categories, a passenger transport driver with a D license, or a last-mile delivery specialist, Romania offers a combination of competitive earnings compared to local costs, modern logistics infrastructure, and a welcoming environment for families.

This guide is designed for drivers who plan to bring their spouse and children to Romania. You will find practical, step-by-step advice on visas and residence permits, how to convert your driving license and CPC, where to look for jobs, salary ranges in EUR and RON, how to manage schooling and healthcare for your family, and what to expect in daily life. We will also cover EU rules you must know, such as driving times, digital tachographs, and ADR certification.

By the end, you will have a clear relocation roadmap tailored to drivers, backed by realistic numbers, Romanian city examples, and checklists you can use immediately.

Why Romania?

If you are choosing your next base in Europe, Romania has a compelling mix of career opportunity, affordability, and family-friendly living.

• EU membership and market access: Romania is a member of the European Union, which means EU-aligned road transport laws, standardized training (CPC/Code 95), and potential access to international routes across the continent. Many Romanian employers operate long-haul fleets that service Central and Western Europe.
• Strong demand for drivers: Logistics and manufacturing growth, plus e-commerce expansion, continue to fuel demand for professional drivers across C, CE, and D categories. Employers actively recruit from Global and provide help with permits and onboarding.
• Competitive pay vs. cost of living: While salaries are lower than in Western Europe, the Romanian cost of living is significantly lower, especially outside Bucharest. For international truck drivers, total net earnings (salary plus per diems) can be attractive.
• Quality of life for families: Safe cities, friendly communities, excellent countryside, and a growing choice of schools and healthcare providers. Big cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi offer international schools and modern amenities.
• Strategic location: Strong cross-border connectivity via the A1, A2, and A3 corridors, ports on the Black Sea, and proximity to Hungary, Bulgaria, and Serbia. Romania is a logistical bridge between Central Europe and the Balkans.

Job Market Overview

Romania's road transport sector is diverse. As a driver, you can choose from several career paths depending on your license categories, experience, and lifestyle preferences.

Long-haul international trucking (C+E)

• Typical work: International road transport across EU member states and neighboring countries. Common routes connect Romania to Hungary, Austria, Germany, Italy, Poland, Czechia, and the Netherlands.
• Schedule: Multi-day or multi-week trips with 45-hour weekly rests, often away from home. Many companies rotate 4-6 weeks on, 1-2 weeks off.
• Employers: Large Romanian logistics companies and subsidiaries of international groups. Major hubs around Bucharest (A1/A2/A3), Timisoara (A1 to Hungary), Cluj-Napoca, Arad, and Oradea.
• Pay structure: Base salary in RON plus tax-advantaged per diem for international trips. Performance bonuses for fuel efficiency and safety.

Regional and domestic distribution (C)

• Typical work: Regional and national distribution of retail, industrial, and FMCG goods. Home more frequently, often nightly.
• Schedule: Day shifts with local hubs in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, Iasi, Brasov, Constanta.
• Employers: Retail chains, 3PLs, and specialized distributors.
• Pay structure: Monthly salary plus local allowances; fewer per diems compared to international roles.

Last-mile delivery and courier (B/C)

• Typical work: Parcel delivery for e-commerce and retail, often within major cities and surrounding areas.
• Schedule: Daytime shifts, high-volume stops, customer contact.
• Employers: Courier companies and delivery platforms; seasonal peaks around holidays and sales periods.
• Pay structure: Base salary with performance bonuses per delivery or per route.

Passenger transport (D)

• Typical work: City bus driver roles, intercity coaches, or charter services.
• Schedule: Shift systems with early mornings, evenings, or split shifts. Public transport roles tend to offer more predictable schedules.
• Employers: Municipal operators like STB in Bucharest, CTP in Cluj-Napoca and Iasi, and STPT in Timisoara, as well as private operators.
• Pay structure: Base salary, overtime, and meal vouchers; in some cities, union-negotiated benefits.

Special transport: ADR, reefer, heavy haul

• Typical work: Hazardous materials (ADR), refrigerated cargo, or oversized loads.
• Schedule: Variable depending on cargo type and route restrictions.
• Employers: Specialized carriers; ADR drivers often command higher pay.
• Pay structure: Salary plus premiums for qualifications, risk, and specialized equipment.

Legal Requirements: Work Permits and Visas for Global Citizens

If you are a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen, you will need the right to work and live in Romania. The process is structured, but many employers will guide you. Always confirm the latest rules with a Romanian consulate or the General Inspectorate for Immigration (Inspectoratul General pentru Imigrari, IGI).

Step 1: Secure a job offer from a Romanian employer

• Most work permits require a signed employment contract or a firm job offer.
• Employers apply for your work permit quota allocation. Romania maintains annual quotas for non-EU workers, and drivers are often prioritized due to shortages.

Step 2: Employer obtains your work permit

• The employer applies to IGI for a work permit (aviz de munca). Document sets typically include:
  • Copy of your passport and photos
  • Proof of qualifications: driving license (C, CE, D), CPC/Code 95 if available, tachograph training, ADR if applicable
  • Employment contract or job offer
  • Criminal record certificate from your home country (recent), usually apostilled or legalized
  • Medical certificate of fitness
  • Proof of experience (such as references or employment records)
• Timeline: 30-60 days depending on processing volumes.

Step 3: Apply for the long-stay visa (Type D) at a Romanian consulate

• Once the work permit is issued, you apply for a long-stay work visa (D/AM for employment) at the Romanian embassy/consulate in your country.
• Typical requirements:
  • Valid passport
  • Work permit approval
  • Proof of accommodation arrangements in Romania (temporary is fine)
  • Health insurance covering your stay until you join Romania's public system
  • Criminal record certificate (if not already provided)
  • Application forms and fees
• Timeline: Often 10-20 working days, but may vary.

Step 4: Enter Romania and obtain a residence permit (single permit)

• After arrival, you must register with IGI for a residence permit (permise de sedere). This creates your legal residency and work authorization in one card (single permit).
• You will need your employment contract, proof of housing, medical certificate, and valid visa.
• Timeline: Typically up to 30 days. The card is usually valid 1-2 years and renewable.

Family reunification: spouse and children

• Your spouse and minor children can join you via long-stay visas for family reunification (D/VF), then obtain residence permits.
• Key conditions for sponsoring family:
  • You hold a valid residence permit and meet minimum income requirements based on the family size
  • Proof of adequate housing (lease agreement or notarized hosting statement)
  • Health insurance for family members until they are enrolled in the public system
  • Marriage certificate and birth certificates for children, legalized/apostilled and translated into Romanian by a sworn translator
• Timeline: Allow 1-3 months overall for visas and residence cards.

Driver attestation for non-EU international trucking

If you will drive international routes for a Romanian-haulage company as a non-EU citizen, the employer may also need a Driver Attestation under EU Regulation 1072/2009. This is a separate document confirming that you are legally employed and qualified. It is carried in the vehicle during international trips.

Important notes

• You can only begin work after the visa and residence permit process is properly completed, unless your employer legally posts you under a different arrangement.
• Keep copies of every document, plus certified translations into Romanian.
• Processing times and document lists can change. Always verify with IGI and your local consulate.

Certification & License Recognition

Your professional credentials must align with EU standards. Romania follows EU rules for license categories, CPC, tachographs, and ADR.

Driving license exchange or recognition

• EU/EEA licenses: If you already hold an EU/EEA driving license with the correct categories (C, CE, D), you can use it in Romania. Exchanging for a Romanian license is optional. However, to add Code 95 (CPC) issued in Romania, you may need to complete periodic training locally.
• Non-EU licenses: If you are a non-EU citizen moving to Romania for residence, you may drive with your foreign license for a limited period (commonly up to 90 days after obtaining residence). After that, you must exchange or obtain a Romanian license.
  • Exchange is possible only if your country has reciprocity with Romania for that category. You will need certified translations, medical and psychological certificates, and your valid foreign license.
  • If exchange is not available, you will need to sit the theory and practical exams for the relevant categories in Romania.
• International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a license; it is only a translation and cannot replace the exchange or testing requirement for residents.

CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) - Code 95

• CPC is mandatory in the EU for professional drivers of trucks (C, CE) and buses/coaches (D).
• Two routes:
  • Initial qualification: If you are new to the EU market or your home CPC is not recognized, you will need to complete initial CPC training and exams.
  • Periodic training: 35 hours every 5 years to maintain Code 95. Many drivers complete one 7-hour module per year.
• Recognition: If you already hold CPC from another EU country, it is typically recognized across the EU. For non-EU CPC certificates, Romanian authorities may require you to requalify.
• Where to train: Authorized CPC centers operate across major cities (Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, Iasi). Certificates are administered through the Romanian Road Authority (Autoritatea Rutiera Romana, ARR).

Tachograph driver card

• Required under EU Regulation 165/2014 for vehicles with digital tachographs.
• Issued by ARR to residents. To apply, you generally need:
  • Identity document/residence permit
  • Valid EU-recognized driving license
  • Application form and fee
  • Recent passport-style photo
• Processing time: typically 1-3 weeks. The card is valid for 5 years.
• Keep tachograph records for the current day and the previous 28 days, and follow download rules if you handle your own data.

ADR certification for hazardous goods

• ADR training is delivered by authorized centers; the certificate is issued by ARR.
• Modules: Basic course plus specializations (tanks, classes like 1 explosives or 7 radioactive). Valid for 5 years, renewable via refresher training.
• ADR drivers often command higher pay and access specialized roles.

Medical and psychological fitness

• Romanian law requires professional drivers to maintain updated medical and psychological certificates.
• Authorized clinics perform checks for visual acuity, hearing, reaction time, and general health.
• Certificates are required for driving license issuance/renewal and sometimes for employment onboarding.

Salary & Benefits

Pay varies widely by role, route type, experience, and employer. Figures below are realistic ranges as of recent market conditions. Use them as guidance only; confirm specifics in your job offers.

Assumption for currency: 1 EUR is roughly 5.0 RON. Net pay estimates depend on tax treatment, per diems, and benefits.

Long-haul international truck drivers (C+E)

• Net monthly total (base + per diems): approx. 1,800 to 2,600 EUR (9,000 to 13,000 RON). Highly experienced ADR or specialized drivers can exceed these ranges.
• Base salary in Romania is often modest, with the majority of net income coming from tax-advantaged per diems for international travel (within legal limits).
• Bonuses: fuel-saving bonuses, on-time delivery, zero-incident bonuses, safe driving awards.

Domestic/regional HGV drivers (C)

• Net monthly: approx. 900 to 1,400 EUR (4,500 to 7,000 RON), depending on region, overtime, and sector.
• Usually home more nights, fewer per diems.

Passenger transport (D)

• City bus drivers: approx. 700 to 1,100 EUR net (3,500 to 5,500 RON), plus meal vouchers and overtime. Some cities offer additional benefits and union-negotiated pay scales.
• Intercity or international coach: potentially higher, especially with night shifts and longer routes.

Last-mile delivery (B/C)

• Net monthly: approx. 600 to 1,000 EUR (3,000 to 5,000 RON), plus performance bonuses based on deliveries completed and customer ratings.

Typical benefits

• Meal vouchers (tichete de masa) are common.
• Paid leave: minimum 20 working days per year, often more.
• Health insurance through the public system once contributions start; some employers add private health plans.
• Accident insurance for drivers, uniform/equipment allowance.
• Training support: CPC periodic training costs and ADR renewal subsidized by employers.

Taxes and take-home pay

• Romania applies a flat 10% income tax, alongside social contributions. Employees generally contribute to pension and health funds; however, net pay for drivers can be enhanced with per diem allowances for international trips, which are tax-advantaged within legal thresholds. Confirm the exact structure in your contract.

Cost of Living in Romanian Cities

Living costs vary by city, neighborhood, and lifestyle. Below are practical ranges for a family of three (two adults, one child), excluding extreme luxury choices.

Housing (monthly rent)

• Bucharest: 1-bedroom apartment 450-700 EUR; 2-bedroom 700-1,100 EUR. Central neighborhoods cost more.
• Cluj-Napoca: 1-bedroom 400-650 EUR; 2-bedroom 650-900 EUR.
• Timisoara: 1-bedroom 350-550 EUR; 2-bedroom 550-800 EUR.
• Iasi: 1-bedroom 300-500 EUR; 2-bedroom 500-750 EUR.
• Deposits: Typically 1-2 months rent. Some landlords require proof of employment.

Utilities and internet

• Utilities (electricity, gas, water, building fees) for a 2-bedroom: 100-200 EUR depending on season and insulation.
• High-speed internet and TV: 10-20 EUR per month; mobile plans around 5-15 EUR.

Groceries and daily expenses

• Monthly groceries for a family of three: 300-600 EUR depending on diet and shopping choices.
• Dining out: Local lunch menus 6-10 EUR per person; mid-range dinner 12-20 EUR per person.

Transport and commuting

• Fuel: Diesel and petrol prices fluctuate; expect roughly 1.4-1.6 EUR per liter.
• Public transport passes: 15-30 EUR per adult per month in most cities. Integrated metro + bus in Bucharest is typically around 25-30 EUR.
• Intercity trains: Reasonable pricing for second class; discounts for students and children.

Schooling and childcare

• Public schools: Free, taught in Romanian. Enrollment requires residence proof and translated documents.
• Private/international schools: Most options in Bucharest; some in Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi. Annual tuition commonly ranges from 6,000 to 15,000+ EUR depending on the school and program.
• Kindergartens: Public kindergartens are low-cost; private options range from 200 to 600 EUR per month.

Healthcare

• Public healthcare is accessible once your employment contributions are active and you obtain a family doctor (medic de familie).
• Private clinics: Widely available in major cities; private health packages range from 15 to 60+ EUR per month per adult.

Example monthly budget for a family of three in Timisoara

• 2-bedroom rent: 700 EUR
• Utilities + internet: 170 EUR
• Groceries + household: 450 EUR
• Transport (car fuel + public): 200 EUR
• Childcare/schooling (private kindergarten): 300 EUR
• Mobile plans/streaming/misc.: 80 EUR
• Total: approx. 1,900 EUR Your actual budget can be lower or higher based on city and choices.

Cultural Integration

Language basics

Romanian is a Romance language with Latin roots, making it familiar if you know Italian, Spanish, or French. In logistics, basic Romanian helps with dispatchers, warehouse staff, customers, and police checks.

Useful phrases:

• Buna ziua = Hello
• Multumesc = Thank you
• Va rog = Please
• Unde este... ? = Where is... ?
• Documente, va rog = Documents, please
• Acte de transport = Transport documents
• Incarcare/Descarcare = Loading/Unloading

While many dispatchers in international operations speak English, Romanian will accelerate your integration and help your family navigate daily life. Consider a short language course after arrival.

Workplace culture

• Professionalism: Punctuality and compliance with EU driving rules are essential. Dispatch appreciates clear communication about loading delays, border queues, or rest breaks.
• Hierarchy: Logistics companies often have clear reporting lines. Use respectful language with supervisors and clients.
• Documentation: Expect strict attention to CMR, ADR papers, tachograph records, and company policies. Keep everything organized.

Driving culture and safety

• Romania drives on the right-hand side. Transitioning from left-hand drive systems may take practice; consider a defensive driving session if you are switching.
• Winter conditions in the Carpathians and Transylvania can be severe. Use winter tires when roads are snow/ice covered, chains where signed, carry antifreeze and diesel anti-gel, and plan routes around known mountain passes.
• Road quality on main corridors is generally good, but secondary roads may be narrow or under construction. Keep safe distances and adjust speeds.

Family life

• Community: Expat communities and parent groups are active in Bucharest and larger cities. Joining international schools or community sports can help children adapt quickly.
• Leisure: City parks, mountains for hiking and skiing, Black Sea beaches in summer, and historic towns like Brasov and Sibiu make weekend trips easy.

Practical Steps to Relocate

Use this step-by-step plan to minimize stress and keep your family move on track.

1. Map your timeline (3-6 months)

• Month 1: Job search, interviews, document gathering.
• Month 2: Employer work permit application.
• Month 3: Long-stay visa application and approval.
• Month 4: Arrival in Romania, sign employment contract, apply for residence permits, start onboarding.
• Month 5-6: Family reunification visas (if not in parallel), housing, school enrollment, CPC/tachograph/ADR steps.

2. Prepare your documents

• Passport valid for at least 6-12 months beyond your planned arrival.
• Criminal record certificate from home country, apostilled/legalized.
• Marriage certificate and children birth certificates, apostilled/legalized.
• Driving license, CPC evidence, ADR certificate, employment references.
• Medical certificates (general and for driving). Some must be issued in Romania by authorized clinics.
• Certified translations into Romanian by a sworn translator.

3. Secure a job offer and work permit

• Target employers in hubs: Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, Iasi, Arad, Brasov, Constanta.
• Ask explicitly about relocation support: document assistance, temporary accommodation, CPC periodic training costs, and ADR renewal.
• Confirm route types, pay structure, home time, and what happens during probation.

4. Apply for the long-stay visa

• Submit your D/AM (employment) visa application with all required documents. Prepare for a consular interview if requested.
• For family members, plan for D/VF (family reunification) visas either after you obtain your residence card or in parallel if permitted.

5. Arrive and register your residence

• Sign your employment contract and submit your residence permit application at IGI.
• Obtain a lease or a notarized hosting declaration. You need a registered address for your residence permit.
• Once issued, your residence card includes your work authorization period.

6. Set up essentials

• Bank account: Many banks require your residence permit and a tax identification (CNP). Open RON and EUR accounts to receive per diems and manage cross-border expenses.
• Phone and internet: Prepaid SIMs are quick; switch to a contract once you have residence documentation.
• Family doctor: Register with a local medic de familie for you and your family once your public health insurance contributions start.

7. Sort your professional credentials

• License exchange: If required, start the exchange process at the driving license authority (DRPCIV). Bring medical and psychological certificates from authorized clinics.
• CPC Code 95: Book periodic training or initial qualification as needed. Ensure Code 95 is reflected on your license.
• Tachograph driver card: Apply at ARR; keep a copy of the receipt in case of checks while waiting for the card.
• ADR certification: Enroll in a Romanian ADR course if yours is not recognized.

8. Housing and schools

• House-hunting: Work with reputable agencies, and ensure the lease is registered. Factor commute time to your depot or dispatch center.
• School enrollment: Contact schools well in advance. You will need your child's documents translated into Romanian, vaccination records, and residence proof. For international schools, expect placement tests and waiting lists.

9. Bring your family

• Once your residence permit is issued and housing secured, your spouse and children can apply for D/VF visas. On arrival, they must also apply for residence permits.
• Keep all original documents and translations handy. Book appointments at IGI early.

10. First 90 days checklist

• Complete orientation with your employer.
• Learn key Romanian phrases for work and daily life.
• Practice local road rules and signs; plan winter routes and carry required equipment.
• Build a family routine: school runs, shopping, parks, and community networks.

Regulations Every Driver Should Know

EU driving times and rest (Regulation 561/2006)

• Daily driving limit: 9 hours (can be extended to 10 hours twice per week).
• Weekly driving limit: 56 hours; two-week limit: 90 hours.
• Breaks: 45-minute break after 4.5 hours driving (can split into 15 + 30 minutes).
• Daily rest: 11 hours regular (can reduce to 9 hours no more than three times between weekly rests).
• Weekly rest: 45 hours regular; can take reduced rest of at least 24 hours with compensation later.
• Always use the tachograph correctly, add manual entries where needed, and keep previous 28 days of records.

Tachographs (Regulation 165/2014)

• Digital tachographs and driver cards are mandatory; smart tachograph requirements are rolling out across the EU.
• Never share driver cards. Report a lost card immediately; temporary measures are possible with printouts.

Working Time Directive (2002/15/EC)

• Average weekly working time must not exceed 48 hours over a reference period; maximum 60 hours in any single week when averaged correctly.
• Working time includes driving, loading/unloading, cleaning, and administrative tasks.

Romanian road transport rules

• Oversight: Romanian Road Authority (ARR) and the State Inspectorate for Road Transport Control (ISCTR) carry out roadside and company audits.
• Rovinieta: Electronic vignette required for national roads. Ensure your company or you purchase the correct class and validity period. Fines for missing vignette are significant.
• Bridge tolls: Specific bridges (for example, across the Danube) have separate tolls. Check routes in advance.
• Winter equipment: Use winter tires when roads are covered by snow/ice. Chains may be required on signed sections, especially in mountain areas.

Common Challenges and How to Prepare

• Driving on the right: If you come from a left-driving country, practice in low-traffic areas. Focus on roundabout entries and lane discipline.
• Winter driving: Plan routes that avoid steep mountain passes in bad weather. Keep emergency kits, warm clothing, and traction aids.
• Toll systems: Romania uses rovinieta plus specific bridge tolls; neighboring countries have different electronic tolls. Confirm device requirements before crossing borders.
• Border waits: Check real-time border queues when planning international trips.
• Language barriers: Carry a bilingual set of delivery terms and common phrases. Many dispatchers speak English, but local loading staff may not.

Success Tips From Other Expats

• Be transparent with your dispatcher. Honest updates about delays help avoid penalties and strained relationships.
• Invest in your CPC and ADR early. Having the right endorsements increases your earning potential.
• Keep meticulous paperwork. Organized folders and digital backups prevent fines and speed up inspections.
• Meet other families. Your spouse and children will adapt faster with social support.
• Choose your city strategically. If your depot is near Bucharest, living near ring roads could save hours weekly.
• Build a financial buffer. Set aside 2-3 months of living costs for the first year to absorb unexpected expenses.
• Learn key Romanian. It is a career advantage and a family smoother.

Salary Comparison With Your Home Country

If you are relocating from Global, consider both gross pay and net purchasing power:

• International truck driver in Romania: 1,800-2,600 EUR net per month is realistic with per diems and consistent routes. Housing and utilities may cost 800-1,200 EUR in many cities for a 2-bedroom apartment.
• Domestic HGV: 900-1,400 EUR net with nightly home time may suit drivers prioritizing family presence.
• While pay may be lower than in Western Europe, Romania's lower living costs and family stability often balance the equation. Many drivers also treat Romania as a base while running international routes to higher-paying markets.

Family Benefits and Services

• Child allowance: Eligible resident families receive a monthly child allowance. The amount is adjusted periodically; as a ballpark, school-age children typically receive a few hundred RON per month. Confirm current rates at the time of application.
• Parental leave and benefits: Once insured under the Romanian system and meeting contribution requirements, parents can access parental leave and related benefits for young children. Rules change, so verify details with your employer and local authorities.
• Public healthcare: After your employment starts and contributions are active, enroll your family with a family doctor. Keep your European Health Insurance Card if you are an EU citizen for travel.
• Private insurance: Consider a private plan to bridge the first months and for faster access to specialists.

Conclusion: Your Next Mile Starts Here

Romania offers professional drivers real opportunities: EU-standard training, expanding logistics networks, international routes, and cities where your family can settle comfortably. If you bring a methodical approach to permits, license recognition, CPC, and housing, you can transition smoothly and start earning quickly.

Start now:

1. Shortlist employers in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi. 2) Prepare your documents and translations. 3) Align your CPC, tachograph, and ADR plan. 4) Map out your family visa steps and school options. Your new chapter in Romania is within reach.

FAQ

1) Can I drive in Romania with my non-EU license?

You can usually drive for a limited period after obtaining residence (commonly up to 90 days), but you must exchange your license if your country has reciprocity with Romania or sit theory and practical exams if not. An International Driving Permit is only a translation and does not replace exchange or testing for residents. Confirm exact rules with DRPCIV.

2) Do I need CPC (Code 95) to work as a driver in Romania?

Yes. CPC is mandatory in the EU for professional truck and bus drivers. If your CPC is from another EU state, it is generally recognized. If you hold a non-EU CPC or none at all, you must obtain initial qualification or periodic training in Romania through an authorized center and ensure Code 95 is endorsed on your license.

3) How long does the work permit and visa process take?

Typical timelines are 1-2 months for the work permit and about 2-4 weeks for the long-stay visa, followed by around a month to issue your residence permit after arrival. Plan for 3-4 months end-to-end, though timelines vary by season and region.

4) Can I bring my spouse and children with me immediately?

Yes, but the most efficient path is often to arrive first, obtain your residence permit and housing, then sponsor your family for D/VF visas. Your spouse and children will apply for their own residence permits after arriving in Romania. Keep marriage and birth certificates apostilled/legalized and translated into Romanian.

5) What are typical salaries for international truck drivers in Romania?

A realistic net monthly total ranges from about 1,800 to 2,600 EUR, combining base pay and per diems. Specialized roles like ADR or heavy haul may offer higher earnings. Domestic roles pay less but give more home time. Always confirm your contract structure and per diem policy in writing.

6) How does the digital tachograph system work in Romania?

It follows EU rules. You must use a personal tachograph driver card issued by ARR, record activities accurately, take breaks per Regulation 561/2006, and keep records for at least the previous 28 days. Smart tachographs are being phased in under updated EU regulations.

7) Is ADR certification recognized across the EU?

Yes, ADR certificates obtained in one EU country are recognized EU-wide. If your ADR is from outside the EU, you may need to retrain and certify in Romania. ADR drivers often receive higher pay and access to specialized freight.

8) What is the rovinieta, and do I need it?

Rovinieta is an electronic vignette required for vehicles using national roads in Romania. Ensure your vehicle has a valid vignette for the correct category and period. Separate bridge tolls may apply on some crossings. Fines for non-compliance are significant.

9) Are public schools suitable for my non-Romanian-speaking child?

Public schools teach in Romanian. Many children adapt quickly, especially in younger grades. If you prefer continuity in English or another language, consider international schools in Bucharest and larger cities, though costs are higher and spaces are limited.

10) What winter driving equipment is mandatory?

When roads are covered with snow or ice, use winter tires. Chains may be required on signed sections, especially in mountainous regions. Always carry emergency supplies: warm clothing, blankets, water, non-perishable food, flashlight, and a basic tool kit.

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By following the steps and guidance in this relocation guide, you will be well-prepared to bring your family to Romania and build a rewarding career in transportation and logistics. Keep your documents organized, invest in your CPC and ADR credentials, and lean on your employer and local authorities for up-to-date requirements. Safe travels and welcome to your new base in Romania.