How to Evaluate an International Electrical Contract

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    Red flags, key clauses, and what to negotiate before signing.

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    How to Evaluate an International Electrical Contract

    Introduction

    Relocating from Global to Romania can transform your electrical career. Romania is hiring across construction, industrial facilities, and fast-growing renewable energy projects. But your move will succeed or stumble on one crucial step: how you evaluate, negotiate, and sign your international electrical contract.

    In a new country, assumptions from home do not always apply. Job titles may look familiar, yet safety responsibilities, working hours, overtime rules, pay frequency, and site allowances can be very different. Add in visa procedures, Romanian electrical standards, and the need for ANRE authorization, and you have a lot to check before you commit.

    This guide gives professional electricians a rigorous, practical approach to reviewing a Romanian job offer or service agreement. You will learn how to read clauses with a safety and compliance mindset, spot red flags, and negotiate terms that protect your finances, your license, and your health. We focus on Romania as the destination, covering regulations, certifications, salary benchmarks, cost-of-living realities, and cultural tips to help you land with confidence.

    Use this as your checklist before signing anything. When in doubt, seek local legal advice. Your future in Romania is worth getting the contract right.

    Why Romania?

    Romania has quietly become one of Eastern Europe's most dynamic construction and industrial markets. Four drivers make it compelling for Global electricians:

    • EU membership and harmonized standards: Romania is in the EU, so you will work under EU directives such as the Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU and harmonized EN standards adopted as SR EN standards locally. This reduces technical friction compared with non-EU destinations.
    • Competitive salaries plus lower living costs: While wages are typically lower than in Western Europe, the cost of living is significantly lower. In cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi, your net income can stretch further.
    • High demand across sectors: Residential construction, commercial builds, industrial automation, and renewable energy installations are all hiring. Romania's energy transition is accelerating, bringing utility-scale solar, onshore wind, and battery storage projects online.
    • Gateway to the European market: Working in Romania helps you build EU project experience, ANRE authorization, and EU safety credentials that travel across borders.

    Quality of life is another advantage. Romania offers a blend of historic cities, mountains and forests, developing infrastructure, and a growing expat community. Work-life balance is achievable if you set clear hours and overtime terms in your contract from day one.

    Job Market Overview

    Electricians will find opportunities across the full project lifecycle: design support, installation, testing and commissioning, operations, and maintenance. The most active segments include:

    Renewable energy installations

    • Utility-scale solar farms: DC string wiring, combiner boxes, inverters, grid connection at MV, earthing, and lightning protection. Commissioning roles are in demand.
    • Onshore wind: Turbine assembly assistance, cabling, switchgear, SCADA integration, and substation work. Safety and working at height certifications are valued.
    • Commercial rooftop PV: Design verification, mounting, cable routing, protection devices, and integration with building management systems.

    Typical employers: EPC contractors, renewable energy companies, electrical subcontractors with ANRE authorization for connection works, and O&M service firms.

    Industrial automation and manufacturing

    • PLC panel wiring, motor control centers, VFD installations, sensors, and instrumentation for automotive, food processing, and logistics facilities.
    • Maintenance electricians for factories looking to reduce downtime and implement preventive maintenance.

    Typical employers: International manufacturers with plants in Romania, industrial integrators, and automation-focused electrical contractors.

    Residential and commercial construction

    • New apartment complexes, office buildings, hospitals, and retail spaces require large teams for first fix, second fix, and final testing.
    • Smart building systems: KNX, BACnet, access control, CCTV, fire alarms, and energy management.

    Typical employers: General contractors, MEP contractors, and specialized low-voltage integrators.

    Infrastructure and public works

    • Street lighting modernization, EV charging networks, transport hubs, and utility upgrades.

    Typical employers: Municipal contractors, public-private partnership consortia, and civil engineering firms.

    Where the jobs are

    • Bucharest: The capital, with the highest concentration of corporate HQs, major construction, and complex MEP projects. Rich opportunities for industrial automation and high-spec commercial builds.
    • Cluj-Napoca: Tech hub with strong commercial development, residential growth, and modern infrastructure projects.
    • Timisoara: Manufacturing base with factories and logistics, plus a growing renewables footprint.
    • Iasi: Expanding residential and commercial market, university-driven growth, and regional infrastructure projects.

    Legal Requirements: Work Permits and Visas for Global Citizens

    The process differs depending on whether you are an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen or from outside the EU.

    If you are an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen

    • Right to work: You have free movement and do not need a work permit.
    • Registration: Within 90 days of arrival, obtain a residence certificate from the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI). Provide employment contract, proof of accommodation, and ID.

    If you are a non-EU citizen

    • Employer-sponsored work permit: Your Romanian employer typically applies for your work authorization with IGI. Required documents usually include job offer, proof of company's compliance, your qualifications, and a clean criminal record.
    • Long-stay work visa (D type): After the work permit is approved, apply for a D/AM long-stay visa at the Romanian consulate in your country. Bring the work permit approval, travel documents, medical insurance, and proof of accommodation.
    • Residence permit: After arrival, apply with IGI for a temporary residence permit for employment. This must be renewed before expiry.
    • Family members: Spouses and children can apply for family reunification once you have valid residence.

    Timeline: 1 to 3 months is typical from job offer to D visa, assuming complete documentation. Start early and insist your employer specifies in the contract who pays for permit fees, translations, and travel.

    Important: Keep copies of every document and signed contract pages. Romania values original documents and stamped copies. Your contract should include a clause that employment is conditional on obtaining the required work authorization at the employer's cost, and specify what happens if a permit is delayed.

    Certification and License Recognition

    In Romania, electrical work is regulated, and specific activities require authorization by ANRE (Autoritatea Nationala de Reglementare in domeniul Energiei).

    ANRE authorization grades (overview)

    • Grade I: Design and execution for low-voltage installations within consumer premises under certain scope.
    • Grade II: Broader execution rights at low voltage; often required for connection works.
    • Grade III: Medium-voltage associated works, including specific switching and connection tasks under defined conditions.
    • Grade IV: High-voltage works and complex operations, usually for utilities or specialized firms.

    Note: Employers hold company-level ANRE authorizations, and individual electricians often need personal authorization or documented competencies depending on the work. Always confirm whether your tasks require a personal ANRE authorization and how your employer will sponsor or recognize it.

    Converting or validating your credentials

    • Document your experience: Prepare detailed CVs, references, and a portfolio of projects. Include equipment types, voltage levels, and responsibilities.
    • Translate and notarize: Have diplomas, training certificates, and licenses translated into Romanian by a certified translator. Employers may pay for this; confirm in the contract.
    • Recognition by employer and ANRE: If the role requires ANRE-related tasks, ensure the employer's authorization scope covers your activities and that they will register or authorize you as needed.
    • EU directives and standards: Romania applies EU Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU and harmonized standards (SR EN 60204, SR EN 61439, SR EN 62305, etc.). This helps align previous EU experience, though local norms like I7 for low-voltage installations still apply.

    Safety and specialized authorizations

    • Health and safety: Law 319/2006 outlines employer and worker responsibilities. Expect pre-employment medicals, periodic training, and site-specific inductions.
    • Working at height, hot works, confined spaces: If required, confirm the employer will provide training and certification valid in Romania.
    • Tool certification: Hand tools should be CE compliant, with appropriate insulation ratings (for example VDE 1000 V for live working tools). Clarify whether the company supplies tools and performs periodic inspections.

    How to Evaluate an International Electrical Contract

    This is the heart of your decision. Whether you receive an employment contract (CIM in Romanian) or a contractor services agreement, evaluate each clause through four lenses: compliance, safety, money, and exit options. Below is a structured checklist with red flags and negotiation strategies.

    1) Employment status and governing law

    • Contract type: Confirm if it is an indefinite-term employment contract, a fixed-term contract, or a services agreement as an independent contractor (for example via PFA or SRL). Each has different tax and protection implications.
    • Governing law and language: Romanian contracts are usually governed by Romanian law. If your version is bilingual, ensure the English text has equal legal weight or that you have an accurate certified translation. Red flag: Only Romanian language version prevails with no certified translation and tight signature deadlines.
    • Collective bargaining and internal rules: Ask for the internal regulations and any applicable collective bargaining agreement, as they can dictate overtime, bonuses, and discipline processes.

    2) Job scope and location

    • Role clarity: Define your tasks, voltage levels, and whether you will work on renewable, industrial, or residential projects. Specify commissioning vs installation responsibilities.
    • Work locations: List base location and expected travel to other cities or sites. Red flag: Nationwide or abroad travel obligations without per diem, travel, and accommodation terms.
    • Tools and equipment: Specify who supplies tools, test equipment, and PPE. Include calibration and replacement schedules, and who pays for losses or damage.

    3) Working hours, shifts, and overtime

    • Standard hours: Romania's Labor Code caps the average workweek at 40 hours, with a maximum including overtime of 48 hours over a reference period.
    • Overtime pay: Overtime must be compensated with time off or premium pay. Negotiate an explicit premium rate for overtime (for example 75 to 100 percent) and night shifts. Red flag: Clauses stating overtime is included in base pay, with no rate or cap.
    • On-call and standby: Define on-call periods, response times, and compensation.
    • Rest and travel time: Clarify if travel to remote sites counts as working time.

    4) Salary, currency, and indexation

    • Gross vs net: Romania quotes salaries as gross per month. Ask for an estimated net after taxes. Request both gross RON and an indicative EUR value.
    • Currency and exchange risk: If paid in RON, consider an indexation clause to EUR for long projects. Red flag: Fixed RON salary with no review during high inflation or prolonged projects.
    • Pay frequency and method: Confirm monthly pay date, bank transfer details, and whether you need a local bank account.
    • Performance bonuses: Define measurable criteria, payment timing, and whether they are guaranteed or discretionary.

    5) Allowances, per diem, and travel benefits

    • Per diem (diurna): For out-of-town work, set daily per diem ranges. For domestic travel, private companies often pay 25 to 60 RON per day; for international assignments from Romania, rates are higher and typically listed by country. Negotiate per diem aligned with market and your actual expenses.
    • Accommodation: Clarify whether the company provides accommodation or a housing allowance for project sites. Specify quality standards, privacy, and whether utilities are included.
    • Transport: Company vehicle, fuel card, mileage reimbursement, flights, or rail tickets. Define who books and who pays.
    • Relocation package: One-way flight, initial hotel stay, rental deposit support, and shipment of tools or personal items.

    6) Training, certifications, and ANRE-related costs

    • ANRE fees: State who pays for ANRE authorization and renewals. Include paid time for exams or training days.
    • Safety certifications: Working at height, first aid, and equipment operation training should be employer-funded, especially when mandatory.
    • Language classes: Bargain for Romanian language support if the role requires interacting with local inspectors or documentation.

    7) Safety, compliance, and liability

    • Safety responsibilities: Specify provision of PPE, lockout-tagout procedures, and stop-work authority if conditions are unsafe. Red flag: Broad liability clauses blaming workers for any incident regardless of employer-provided conditions.
    • Insurance: Confirm employer carries adequate liability and workers compensation insurance. For contractors, confirm professional and general liability coverage requirements and who pays.
    • Medical checkups: Pre-employment and periodic medicals must be arranged and paid by the employer.

    8) Probation, termination, and notice

    • Probation: Commonly up to 90 calendar days for non-managerial roles. Ensure clear performance criteria and feedback schedule.
    • Notice periods: Typically up to 20 working days for non-managerial employees and up to 45 working days for managerial roles. Confirm symmetry of notice (employee and employer).
    • Severance: Negotiate severance pay if termination occurs without fault. Red flag: Zero severance and immediate termination rights for the employer without cause.

    9) Leave, public holidays, and sick pay

    • Annual leave: At least 20 working days per year under Romanian law. Confirm accrual, carry-over, and blackout periods.
    • Public holidays: Romania observes approximately 15 public holidays. Ensure they are paid or compensated.
    • Sick leave: Clarify how medical certificates are handled and what portion of salary is paid.

    10) Confidentiality, non-compete, and intellectual property

    • Confidentiality: Reasonable clauses are standard. Avoid overly broad restrictions that limit your future career.
    • Non-compete: Under Romanian law, enforceable non-compete clauses require compensation during the restricted period. Negotiate scope, geography, duration, and compensation. Red flag: Uncompensated non-compete with broad geography and long duration.
    • IP and code ownership: For automation or SCADA work, define who owns PLC programs, panels drawings, and commissioning documentation.

    11) Dispute resolution and jurisdiction

    • Venue: Romanian courts are standard. Consider mediation or arbitration for complex contractor disputes.
    • Costs: Each party should bear their own legal costs unless a court or arbitrator decides otherwise.

    12) Documentation and language

    • Attachments: Ensure all referenced annexes, job descriptions, and safety procedures are attached at signing.
    • Translations: Get an official English translation or hire a translator. Do not sign a complex Romanian-only contract you do not fully understand.

    High-risk red flags

    • Undefined travel with no allowances or accommodation.
    • Employee responsible for providing all tools, test equipment, and PPE at own expense and liability.
    • Overtime all-inclusive with no cap or premium.
    • Salary only in RON with no annual review or indexation in a high inflation environment.
    • Employer not covering work permit, visa, and ANRE costs.
    • Broad liability for any site damages regardless of employer controls.
    • Non-compete without compensation.
    • Immediate termination rights for employer without cause or notice.
    • Missing annexes that define job scope, safety procedures, and benefits.

    What to negotiate before signing

    • A written relocation package and per diem rates.
    • Overtime premium and caps on total weekly hours.
    • ANRE fee coverage, safety training, and paid time to attend.
    • Indexation to EUR or scheduled salary reviews every 6 or 12 months.
    • Clear accommodation standard for remote sites.
    • Symmetrical notice periods and defined severance for termination without cause.
    • Non-compete scope and compensation or removal if unnecessary.
    • Explicit tool and PPE provision, calibration, and replacement.
    • Clarified bonus criteria and timing in writing.

    A simple negotiation script you can adapt

    • Thank you for the offer. I am excited about the projects in Bucharest and Timisoara. To proceed, I would like to align a few clauses with Romanian practice for safety and compliance: overtime premium at 75 percent after 40 hours, per diem of 50 RON for out-of-town work with company-provided accommodation, employer coverage of ANRE fees and training, and a salary review every 12 months indexed to EUR. If we can include these items in the offer letter and contract annex, I am ready to sign this week.

    Salary and Benefits

    Salary varies by city, sector, and ANRE scope. The figures below are realistic ballparks for 2025-2026 conditions. Your final number depends on experience and project type.

    • Junior residential electrician: 3,500 to 5,500 RON net per month (approximately 700 to 1,100 EUR).
    • Experienced industrial electrician, ANRE Grade II or III tasks: 6,500 to 9,500 RON net per month (approximately 1,300 to 1,900 EUR).
    • Commissioning specialist or site lead in renewables or industrial automation: 8,500 to 12,500 RON net per month (approximately 1,700 to 2,500 EUR).

    Bucharest typically pays at the top of the range, followed by Cluj-Napoca and Timisoara, then Iasi. Premiums are common for difficult schedules, remote sites, and projects with demanding commissioning tasks.

    Beyond base pay, expect and negotiate the following benefits:

    • Overtime and shift premiums: Night shift and weekend work should carry premiums.
    • Per diem and accommodation: For work away from your base city.
    • Meal vouchers: Many employers offer monthly meal vouchers (tichete de masa), which boost net take-home value.
    • Private medical insurance: A common perk in larger companies.
    • Paid annual leave: Minimum 20 working days; many employers offer 21 to 25 days for skilled roles.
    • Public holidays: Paid or compensated if you must work on them.
    • Training budget: ANRE fees, safety courses, manufacturer certifications.
    • Transport: Company vehicle or mileage reimbursement for site work.
    • Annual bonus: Linked to project completion or company performance. Push to list the criteria.

    Always ask for a gross-to-net estimate in writing. Romanian payroll includes income tax and social contributions withheld at source. The final net will vary based on your personal situation and any sectoral tax incentives in force.

    Cost of Living

    Romania's overall cost of living is lower than many EU countries, but larger cities are more expensive. Indicative monthly costs for a single electrician are below. Values are approximate and will vary.

    Housing (rent per month)

    • Bucharest: 1-bedroom apartment 400 to 700 EUR in central or well-connected areas; 300 to 500 EUR in outer districts.
    • Cluj-Napoca: 350 to 650 EUR.
    • Timisoara: 300 to 550 EUR.
    • Iasi: 300 to 500 EUR.

    Utilities and internet

    • Utilities for a 1-bedroom: 80 to 150 EUR per month depending on season and building insulation.
    • High-speed internet: 7 to 12 EUR per month.
    • Mobile plan with data: 6 to 12 EUR per month.

    Transport

    • Monthly public transport pass: Bucharest roughly 80 to 100 RON (around 16 to 20 EUR). Other cities often cheaper.
    • Fuel: Similar to EU averages. Traffic and parking can add costs in Bucharest.

    Food and daily expenses

    • Groceries: 150 to 250 EUR per month for a single person cooking at home.
    • Lunch out: 6 to 10 EUR at casual restaurants.
    • Coffee: 2 to 3 EUR.

    A skilled electrician's net of 6,500 to 9,500 RON can support a comfortable lifestyle outside the most premium neighborhoods, especially with per diem and accommodation covered during site work. Couples or families should budget extra for larger housing and childcare.

    Cultural Integration

    Language basics

    Romanian is the primary language. Many engineers and site managers speak English, especially in multinationals, but everyday life is smoother with basic Romanian. Key phrases for site safety and coordination are worth learning immediately.

    Negotiate access to language classes. Reading safety procedures and standards in Romanian will help, particularly for ANRE processes and inspections.

    Workplace culture

    • Professional and pragmatic: Teams value reliable, hands-on electricians who deliver safely and on time.
    • Hierarchy with approachability: Respect titles and roles, but most supervisors are accessible.
    • Punctuality and documentation: Be on time for toolbox talks and complete permits and checklists thoroughly.
    • Safety culture is improving: Push for stop-work authority and proper PPE if you see unsafe conditions. Document your concerns professionally.

    Technical norms and standards

    • Voltage: 230/400 V, 50 Hz.
    • Conductor color codes: Brown or black phases, blue neutral, green-yellow protective earth in new installations. Older sites may use legacy colors; verify during lockout.
    • Romanian standard I7: The technical normative for low-voltage electrical installations. Expect requirements on RCD usage, equipotential bonding, cable sizing, and protection coordination.
    • Harmonized standards: SR EN versions of IEC/EN standards apply. Get familiar with SR EN 61439 for low-voltage switchgear, SR EN 60204 for machinery safety, SR EN 62305 for lightning protection.
    • Documentation: As-built drawings, test reports, and commissioning dossiers are critical. Clarify who is responsible for issuing and signing them.

    Practical Steps to Relocate

    Use this step-by-step plan from first interview to your first day on site.

    1. Research employers and roles
    • Target electrical contractors, EPCs, and industrial firms in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi.
    • Focus on sectors matching your strengths: renewable energy, industrial automation, or commercial MEP.
    1. Prepare your portfolio
    • Detailed CV with voltage levels, equipment types, and project outcomes.
    • Copies of diplomas, licenses, and training certificates.
    • Letters of reference and photos of completed installations or panels (respecting confidentiality).
    1. Apply and interview
    • Ask technical questions about standards used, safety procedures, and commissioning tools.
    • Request a sample contract early or at least a benefits summary.
    1. Evaluate the offer and negotiate
    • Use the contract checklist in this guide.
    • Prioritize safety, overtime terms, ANRE costs, and per diem.
    • Negotiate a relocation package and language support.
    1. Work authorization
    • For non-EU citizens: Employer files for work permit with IGI, then you apply for D/AM long-stay visa. Keep your passport valid for at least 6 to 12 months.
    • For EU citizens: Plan your registration with IGI after arrival.
    1. Housing and logistics
    • Book short-term accommodation for the first month in your destination city.
    • Open a Romanian bank account once you have residency paperwork or employer support.
    • Get a local SIM for two-factor logins and communication.
    1. Arrival and onboarding
    • Attend medical check and safety induction.
    • Confirm PPE, tools, and calibration certificates.
    • Verify site access permits and documentation requirements.
    1. ANRE and training
    • Begin or transfer your authorization process if needed for your tasks.
    • Schedule required safety courses.
    1. Family and settlement
    • Enroll children in school if applicable.
    • Register with a family doctor and understand how to access healthcare.
    • Exchange or validate your driving license if applicable.

    Success Tips from Other Expats

    • Document everything: Keep digital copies of your contract, annexes, pay slips, timesheets, and per diem claims.
    • Learn key Romanian terms: Especially for safety, tools, and materials. It speeds up teamwork and inspections.
    • Think in RON for daily life: Budget in local currency but negotiate salary alignment to EUR for long-term stability.
    • Inspect accommodation: If company-provided, check location, heating system, and commuting distance to site.
    • Clarify commissioning windows: Push for realistic schedules and defined downtime for safe work.
    • Request manufacturer training: For inverters, drives, and switchgear you will use on site.
    • Balance sites and rest: Respect weekly rest and take leave. Fatigue raises risk.
    • Network locally: Join professional groups and training sessions. Opportunities spread quickly by word of mouth in Romania.

    Conclusion and Call to Action

    Romania offers compelling opportunities for skilled electricians, from renewable energy installations to cutting-edge industrial automation and high-spec commercial builds. Your success hinges on a strong, fair contract that respects safety, defines pay and hours, and supports your legal and professional standing with ANRE and local standards.

    Use the checklists and negotiation tactics in this guide to secure a contract you can live and work with. If you already have an offer letter in hand, pause and review it line by line against the clauses above. Clarify, negotiate, and get every promise in writing. When you are confident your contract protects you, Romania can be an excellent next chapter in your electrical career.

    Ready to evaluate your offer? Start by listing the top five items you want amended, send a professional counterproposal, and set a date to finalize. Your safest and most rewarding move begins with the contract you sign today.

    FAQ

    1) Do I need ANRE authorization to work as an electrician in Romania?

    It depends on the tasks. Many installation and especially grid connection activities require company and sometimes individual authorization under ANRE grades I to IV. At minimum, your employer must hold the appropriate company authorization for the scope of work. Confirm whether your duties require you to be individually authorized and who pays for fees and training.

    2) What is the difference between an employment contract and a contractor agreement in Romania?

    An employment contract (CIM) gives you labor protections such as paid leave, regulated overtime, and notice periods. Taxes and social contributions are handled through payroll. A contractor agreement (for example via a PFA or SRL you set up) may pay more per day but shifts tax, social contributions, and insurance responsibilities to you, and provides fewer protections. Only choose the contractor route after you fully understand the tax and compliance obligations and have insurance in place.

    3) How much overtime is legal, and what should I negotiate?

    The Romanian Labor Code limits average working time to 48 hours per week including overtime over a reference period. Overtime must be compensated with time off or premium pay. Negotiate a clear overtime premium (for example 75 to 100 percent), caps on weekly hours, and explicit rules for night, weekend, and holiday work. Avoid all-inclusive overtime clauses.

    4) What salary should I expect in Bucharest vs other cities?

    Bucharest pays at the higher end due to demand and higher living costs. Experienced industrial or commissioning electricians in Bucharest often see net salaries around 7,500 to 10,500 RON, sometimes more with overtime and per diem. In Cluj-Napoca and Timisoara, ranges are slightly lower, and Iasi is generally a bit lower still. Always evaluate the full package, including allowances and accommodation.

    5) How do I handle the currency issue if I am paid in RON?

    Ask for either EUR-indexed salary reviews or a schedule of increases tied to inflation or project milestones. You can also split compensation, with base salary in RON and a EUR-denominated bonus. Clarify pay dates, which help you manage exchange timing if you remit money abroad.

    6) Will my tools and PPE be provided?

    Many Romanian employers provide core PPE and heavy tools, but policies vary. Your contract should list what is provided (hard hat, safety boots, gloves, harness, insulated tools, multimeter) and who is responsible for calibration, damage, and theft. Avoid clauses making you fully liable for tool loss from shared storage without proper controls.

    7) What standards will I work under?

    Expect EU directives and harmonized SR EN standards, plus Romanian norms like I7 for low-voltage installations. For machinery, SR EN 60204 applies; for switchgear, SR EN 61439; for lightning protection, SR EN 62305. Confirm which standards your employer designs and tests against. If you are new to these, request training.

    8) What should a fair relocation package include?

    A typical package includes one-way travel to Romania, temporary accommodation for 2 to 4 weeks, assistance securing a rental, coverage of work permit and visa fees, translation costs for documents, and shipment or purchase of essential tools and PPE. You can also negotiate a rental deposit advance.

    9) How many vacation days will I get?

    Romanian law sets a minimum of 20 working days of paid annual leave. Many employers offer 21 to 25 days for skilled roles. Check the contract for accrual rules, carry-over limits, and blackout periods during critical project phases.

    10) What if the contract is only in Romanian?

    Ask for a bilingual contract or a certified English translation. If the Romanian version prevails legally, have an independent translator review it. Do not sign a legally binding text you cannot read. Insist that all annexes referenced in the contract are provided before signing.

    11) Who pays for the work permit and visa if I am a non-EU citizen?

    Employers commonly cover these costs along with translations. Make this explicit in the contract. Include what happens if the permit is delayed or denied and whether temporary accommodation will be extended.

    12) Are non-compete clauses enforceable in Romania?

    Yes, but enforceable non-competes require compensation during the restricted period and must be reasonable in scope, duration, and geography. If your role does not justify a non-compete, ask to remove it or narrow it and add proper compensation.


    Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes and is not legal advice. Always consult a Romanian labor lawyer or immigration advisor before signing a contract or relocating.

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