EV Charging Infrastructure: The Next Big Opportunity for Electricians

Introduction

If you are a professional electrician in Global exploring new horizons, Romania belongs on your shortlist. The European Union is in the middle of the biggest electrification wave in modern history, and Romania is catching that wave with speed. Electric vehicles (EVs), distributed solar, battery storage, and smart buildings are moving from niche to mainstream. That shift is more than a technology story; it is a jobs story. Every charger installed, every panel upgraded, every meter replaced needs a skilled electrician on site.

EV charging infrastructure is one of the fastest-growing segments within Romania's electrical and construction services market. Think of the scale: home chargers in new apartments, workplace AC stations, highway DC fast charging hubs, mall parking retrofits, fleet depots for delivery vans and buses, and grid upgrades to keep everything stable and safe. Each project requires inspection, design input, installation, testing, commissioning, and maintenance.

For electricians in Global, Romania offers the right mix: EU-grade salaries with a lower cost of living than many Western capitals, a welcoming business environment, access to the wider European market, and a straightforward path to local authorization through ANRE (the national energy regulator). This guide shows you how to turn the EV charging boom into a long-term, rewarding career in Romania.

Why Romania?

EU Membership and Market Access

Romania is a European Union member, which means projects, standards, and procurement align with EU directives. If you work in Romania, you will be operating within the EU regulatory framework for low-voltage and EMC compliance, and you can build experience that is portable across the European market. EV infrastructure growth is supported by the EU's Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR, Regulation 2023/1804), which sets targets for public charging accessibility across the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). Romania's strategic position on that network makes it a focus area for public charging rollouts.

Competitive Salaries, Lower Cost of Living

Romania's net salaries for experienced electricians are competitive within Eastern and Central Europe, and the cost of living in cities like Timisoara and Iasi remains significantly lower than in many Western European cities. You will find that your net income stretches further for housing, transportation, and daily expenses, while still granting access to EU-level projects and equipment.

Demand for Skilled Electricians

There is a sustained shortage of qualified electricians in Romania, especially those with industrial wiring, renewable energy, and EV charging experience. Employers include electrical contractors, EPC firms, industrial facilities, distribution system operators (DSOs), renewable energy companies, and e-mobility charge point operators. Many employers prefer candidates with ANRE authorization and hands-on experience in standards-compliant installations. If you bring international projects on your resume, you will stand out.

Quality of Life

Romania offers a blend of urban and outdoor lifestyles. Bucharest is a dynamic capital with major employers, airports, and infrastructure contracts. Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi are technology and university hubs with vibrant communities. The Carpathian Mountains and the Black Sea coastline are within reach for weekend escapes. Healthcare and schooling options (including private and international schools) are widely available in major cities.

Job Market Overview

Where the EV Charging Opportunities Are

EV charging creates roles at every stage of the project lifecycle:

Site surveyors and estimators: Assess electrical capacity, cable routes, civil works scope, grounding, and protection needs.
Installation electricians: AC and DC charger mounting, cable pulling, conduit routing, earthing systems, panel upgrades, and meter relocations.
Commissioning engineers: Configuration, functional tests, insulation resistance tests, RCD checks, verification against IEC 61851, load management setup, and back-end OCPP integrations.
Maintenance technicians: Preventive and corrective maintenance, firmware updates, PRAM testing (earthing and protective measures), and safety inspections.
Project leads and site managers: Supervising subcontractors, managing materials and schedules, enforcing safety procedures, and documenting as-built and test records.

Other Growth Segments for Electricians

Romania's electrification story spans beyond EV charging:

Renewable energy installations: Rooftop PV for homes and commercial buildings, hybrid systems with battery storage, and utility-scale projects. Grid tie-ins and protection settings are in high demand.
Industrial automation: PLC wiring, motor control centers (MCCs), VFD integration, and instrumentation in factories and logistics hubs.
Residential and commercial construction: New builds and retrofits with smart panels, energy-efficient lighting, structured cabling, and smart building systems.
Smart building systems: BMS, access control, fire alarm systems, and metering for energy optimization.

Typical Employers in Romania

Electrical contractors and EPC firms delivering turnkey installations.
Construction companies with large-scale commercial and residential portfolios.
Industrial facilities and logistics centers scaling up automation and electrification.
Renewable energy companies expanding PV, wind, and storage.
E-mobility operators and OEMs deploying AC and DC charging networks.
Distribution system operators (DSOs) responsible for grid connections and metering.

Major cities with active hiring:

Bucharest: The largest market, strong demand for EV, commercial, and industrial projects.
Cluj-Napoca: Tech and innovation hub with steady commercial and residential growth.
Timisoara: Industrial and manufacturing projects, strong cross-border logistics links.
Iasi: University city with growing IT, services, and new construction.

Where to Find Jobs

Online job boards: eJobs, BestJobs, Hipo, OLX Jobs, and LinkedIn.
Employer websites: Contractors, energy companies, and charge point operators.
Industry events and trade fairs: Great for networking with hiring managers.
Recruitment agencies specializing in engineering and construction.

Legal Requirements (Work Permits and Visa Process for Global Citizens)

The process differs depending on your citizenship. If you are a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen, you will generally follow the steps below. If you are an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen, you can skip visas and register your residence after arrival.

For Non-EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens

Employer sponsorship and work permit:
- Your Romanian employer applies for a work permit with the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI). This includes demonstrating the need to hire a non-EU worker and verifying your qualifications and experience.
- Processing typically takes around 30 days, sometimes up to 45 days depending on local workload.
Long-stay work visa (Type D/AM):
- Once the work permit is approved, you apply for a long-stay work visa (Type D/AM) at a Romanian consulate or embassy in your country of residence.
- You will submit your employment approval, labor contract or offer, proof of accommodation, medical insurance, proof of means, and clean criminal record, plus passport photos and application forms.
- Visa processing usually takes 10-15 business days after a complete submission.
Entry and residence permit (Single Permit):
- After entering Romania on your D/AM visa, apply for a residence permit (often called a Single Permit for work and stay) at IGI within the legal timeframe indicated on your visa. This card ties your right to stay with your employment.
- The residence permit is typically issued for up to one year initially and can be renewed with continued employment.
EU Blue Card (optional, for highly skilled workers):
- If your role and salary meet the EU Blue Card criteria in Romania (including a higher salary threshold), the EU Blue Card may be an option. For most electrician roles, the standard work permit is more common, but senior supervisory or engineering roles can sometimes meet the threshold.
Family reunification:
- Spouses and dependent children can apply for visas and residence permits to join you. Proof of relationship, accommodation, and means of support will be required.
Taxes and registration:
- You will need to register for social security and health insurance via your employer's payroll. Your personal numeric code (CNP) will be used for taxation and official records.

Documents you should prepare ahead of time:

Valid passport with sufficient validity.
Employment contract or job offer.
Work permit approval from IGI (obtained by your employer).
Proof of accommodation (rental agreement or employer-provided housing).
Medical insurance coverage until you are enrolled in the national system.
Clean criminal record certificate from your home country.
Diplomas, certificates, and evidence of work experience, translated into Romanian by a certified translator. Depending on the country, documents may require apostille or legalization.

For EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens

No visa or work permit required. You can enter and start employment, but you must register your residence with IGI and obtain a registration certificate if staying longer than 3 months. Your employer will enroll you in social contributions.

Certification & License Recognition

Romania regulates electrical work through ANRE (Autoritatea Nationala de Reglementare in domeniul Energiei). To perform design or execution work legally and independently, you need ANRE authorization appropriate to the voltage level and scope.

ANRE Electrician Authorization Overview

ANRE authorizes individuals at several grades, commonly referred to as Grades I to IV, typically with distinctions between design and execution scopes.

Grade I: Low-voltage installations (commonly up to 1 kV). Roles include residential and small commercial wiring, panel upgrades, and AC chargers up to 22 kW.
Grade II: Medium-voltage works (above 1 kV, typically up to 20-35 kV). Roles include transformer stations, MV connections for larger sites, and industrial facilities.
Grade III: High-voltage and complex systems. Involves substations, overhead lines, and large-scale infrastructure.
Grade IV: Advanced authorization for design, verification, and coordination across broader scopes.

Within each grade, authorizations often distinguish between:

A - Design
B - Execution

Note: The precise scope and conditions are defined by current ANRE regulations. Always consult the latest ANRE authorization rulebook and application guides before applying.

What ANRE Looks For

Technical qualifications: Vocational certificates, diplomas, or degrees in electrical fields.
Professional experience: Evidence of hands-on work at relevant voltage levels and installation types.
Safety training: Proof of occupational health and safety courses, first aid, and related certifications.
Exam or interview: ANRE typically requires passing an exam or assessment. The exam is usually in Romanian.

Converting and Validating Your Credentials

Document preparation:
- Gather diplomas, apprenticeship records, and certificates. Include detailed experience letters listing voltage levels, types of installations, and responsibilities.
- Have documents translated into Romanian by a certified translator. Depending on origin, documents may need apostille or legalization.
Academic/qualification recognition:
- For certain education credentials, you may need formal recognition from CNRED (National Center for Recognition and Equivalence of Diplomas) under the Ministry of Education.
- Vocational qualifications may be assessed through ANC (National Authority for Qualifications) pathways or accepted directly by ANRE with adequate evidence.
Apply to ANRE:
- Submit the authorization application with all supporting documents, proof of experience, and fees.
- Schedule and pass the authorization exam. Many candidates take a short Romanian technical language course beforehand.
Company authorizations (if applicable):
- If you plan to operate as a contractor, your company must obtain ANRE authorization for the intended scope. This involves demonstrating qualified staff, calibrated tools, and quality procedures.

Safety and Specialized Authorizations for EV Work

Low Voltage Directive (LVD) 2014/35/EU and EMC Directive 2014/30/EU compliance.
EV charging standards: IEC 61851 (electric vehicle conductive charging system), IEC 62196 (connectors, e.g., Type 2), ISO 15118 (Plug and Charge), and OCPP back-end protocols preferred by operators.
RCD requirements: Many EV chargers require Type B RCDs or built-in DC leakage detection (RDC-DD) with upstream Type A RCD. Always follow manufacturer instructions and local standards.
PRAM testing: Periodic testing of earthing and protective measures is mandatory in Romania. Keep calibrated instruments and documented test protocols.
Working at height, confined spaces, live working permits: Obtain recognized safety training certificates accepted by Romanian employers.

Tool and Instrument Certification

Use CE-marked tools and equipment compliant with EU directives.
Maintain calibration certificates for instruments like insulation testers, loop impedance testers, and clamp meters.
For temporary power and site equipment, ensure conformity with local regulations and that documentation is ready for inspections.

Timeline and Language Considerations

ANRE authorization can take 1-3 months depending on exam schedules and document verification.
Exams and most technical documentation are in Romanian. Aim for at least A2-B1 Romanian proficiency. A technical glossary and a preparatory course can substantially improve your pass rate.

Salary & Benefits

Salaries vary by city, scope, and your authorization level. Below are realistic ranges as of 2025-2026. Exchange rate reference: 1 EUR is roughly 5 RON.

Entry-level electrician (with some experience, supervised): 4,000-6,000 RON net per month (about 800-1,200 EUR).
Experienced electrician (ANRE Grade I or II, autonomous): 6,500-10,000 RON net (about 1,300-2,000 EUR).
Senior electrician/foreman (team lead, EV projects, travel): 10,000-15,000 RON net (about 2,000-3,000 EUR).
Commissioning engineer/specialist (EV DC fast charging, MV experience): 12,000-20,000 RON net (about 2,400-4,000 EUR), depending on overtime and allowances.
Project manager/site manager (multi-site EV rollouts): 14,000-25,000 RON net (about 2,800-5,000 EUR), depending on scope and language skills.

Common benefits:

Meal vouchers (tichete de masa): Often 20-35 RON per working day.
Transport or fuel allowance: For site-based roles, plus company vehicle options for leads.
Overtime pay and weekend rates: EV rollouts often schedule night or weekend work to avoid traffic disruptions.
Per diem (diurna) for travel: Daily allowances for out-of-town assignments.
Training and certifications: Employers may sponsor ANRE exam fees, OEM charger training, and safety courses.
Private health insurance: Supplementary coverage on top of national health insurance.

Tax snapshot for employees:

Employee social security (CAS): 25% of gross salary.
Employee health insurance (CASS): 10% of gross salary.
Income tax: Flat 10% on the taxable base (salary after social contributions).

Example net calculation (illustrative, not tax advice):

Gross 10,000 RON monthly.
Employee contributions: CAS 2,500 RON, CASS 1,000 RON.
Taxable base: 6,500 RON; income tax 650 RON.
Net pay: Approximately 5,850 RON, plus benefits and allowances.

Note: Actual net depends on deductions, benefits, and any special regimes. Employers will provide a payslip with detailed breakdowns.

Cost of Living

Romania's cost of living is favorable compared to many EU capitals. Your exact budget depends on lifestyle and city.

Housing (Monthly Rent)

Bucharest:
- 1-bedroom apartment, central: 500-800 EUR.
- 1-bedroom, outer districts: 350-550 EUR.
- 2-bedroom family apartment: 700-1,200 EUR.
Cluj-Napoca:
- 1-bedroom, central: 450-700 EUR.
- 1-bedroom, outer areas: 350-550 EUR.
Timisoara:
- 1-bedroom, central: 400-600 EUR.
- 1-bedroom, outer areas: 300-500 EUR.
Iasi:
- 1-bedroom, central: 350-550 EUR.
- 1-bedroom, outer areas: 300-450 EUR.

Tips:

Newer buildings often include better insulation, parking, and EV charging potential in garages.
Check building power capacity if you plan a home EV charger; you may need a load upgrade or dedicated circuit.

Utilities and Connectivity

Utilities for a 1-bedroom: 80-150 EUR/month (electricity, water, heating, depending on season).
Internet: 7-12 EUR/month for high-speed fiber in most cities.
Mobile phone plans: 5-15 EUR/month for generous data.

Transportation

Public transport monthly pass: 15-20 EUR in major cities.
Fuel: Approximately 7-8 RON per liter (about 1.4-1.6 EUR), fluctuates with market.
Parking: Paid parking in city centers; residential permits available in many districts.
Ride-hailing: Widely available in large cities.

Food and Daily Expenses

Groceries: 150-250 EUR per month for a single person with a mixed basket.
Eating out: 8-12 EUR for a mid-range meal; 2-4 EUR for coffee and a pastry.
Gyms and sports: 20-50 EUR/month depending on facilities.

Healthcare and Schooling

Public healthcare is covered by CASS contributions; private clinics offer faster access for 15-50 EUR per visit or via insurance packages.
International and private schools exist in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi; tuition varies widely.

Example Monthly Budgets

Single electrician in Bucharest:
- Rent (1-bedroom, good area): 600 EUR
- Utilities and internet: 130 EUR
- Transport: 40 EUR
- Food: 220 EUR
- Miscellaneous: 150 EUR
- Total: ~1,140 EUR
Single electrician in Timisoara:
- Rent (1-bedroom): 450 EUR
- Utilities and internet: 110 EUR
- Transport: 30 EUR
- Food: 200 EUR
- Miscellaneous: 140 EUR
- Total: ~930 EUR

Your actual costs will vary, but these benchmarks help compare net salary potential with living costs.

Cultural Integration

Language Basics

Romanian is a Romance language with similarities to Italian, Spanish, and French. In large cities, many people speak English, especially in tech and corporate environments. On construction sites and with inspectors, Romanian is often essential. Learn basic phrases:

Buna ziua - Good day
Multumesc - Thank you
Va rog - Please
Unde este tabloul electric - Where is the electrical panel
Opriti tensiunea - Switch off the power
Siguranta - Circuit breaker/fuse; also means safety

Technical Romanian vocabulary will help you pass ANRE exams and communicate with site supervisors and inspectors.

Workplace Culture

Punctuality: Arrive on time for site briefings and inspections.
Safety: Strict adherence to lockout/tagout, PPE, and documented procedures.
Documentation: Keep records of tests, cable tags, as-built drawings, and certificates.
Hierarchy: Site managers and engineers expect clear reporting and respect for chain of command.
Professionalism: Contractors value reliability, neat installation work, and standards compliance.

Living and Daily Life

Banking: Opening a bank account is straightforward with residence documentation and ID. Card payments are widely accepted.
Driving: Roads have improved significantly; winter tires are mandatory in snowy conditions. Defensive driving is recommended.
Community: Expat groups, language exchange meetups, and trade associations offer networking opportunities.

Practical Steps to Relocate

Follow this sequence to minimize downtime and speed up your first paycheck.

Research the market and identify your niche:
- EV charging installation and commissioning are in high demand. Highlight experience with IEC 61851, Type B RCDs, and OCPP configurations.
- Consider complementary niches: rooftop PV, BMS, and industrial automation.
Prepare your documents:
- Passport, CV, portfolio of projects with photos and references.
- Diplomas, certificates, electrician licenses from your home country.
- Experience letters detailing voltage levels and responsibilities.
- Arrange certified Romanian translations and obtain apostille/legalization if required.
Start applications and interviews:
- Apply to contractors, e-mobility operators, and EPCs in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi.
- Emphasize experience with EV chargers: AC 7-22 kW and DC 50-350 kW, cable sizing, earthing tests, and commissioning workflows.
Secure a job offer with sponsorship (for non-EU citizens):
- Ensure the employer commits to supporting your work permit, D/AM visa, and residence permit processes.
Initiate the work permit and visa process:
- Employer files for the work permit at IGI.
- After approval, apply for the D/AM visa at a Romanian consulate.
Plan your arrival:
- Book temporary accommodation for 2-4 weeks while you search for a long-term rental.
- Gather tools and safety gear; ensure everything is CE-marked and tested.
Register and set up locally:
- Obtain your residence permit from IGI.
- Open a bank account, obtain a SIM card, and register your address.
- Start the ANRE authorization application and enroll for the next exam session.
Begin work under supervision if needed:
- While awaiting ANRE, many employers can assign you tasks under the supervision of an authorized electrician. Confirm the legalities with your employer.
Pass ANRE and expand your scope:
- After authorization, take on autonomous roles, including leading installations, signing off tests, and commissioning.
Build your professional network:

Join local trade associations, attend energy fairs, and connect with DSOs, inspectors, and suppliers.

Timeline estimate:

Job search and interviews: 2-8 weeks.
Work permit: 30-45 days.
D/AM visa: 10-15 days after approval.
Residence permit and onboarding: 2-4 weeks.
ANRE authorization: 1-3 months depending on exam dates.

Success Tips (from Other Expats)

Learn Romanian technical terms early. It will pay off during ANRE exams and site briefings.
Bring a strong safety mindset and show it. Proper lockout/tagout and documentation build trust with site leads.
Keep a portfolio of neat, standards-compliant installations and commissioning reports. Clients and employers appreciate proof.
Specialize in EV chargers but remain flexible. Knowing PV inverters, battery management, and BMS gives you year-round work.
Understand the DSO connection process. Metering upgrades and load increases often drive timelines; coordinate early.
Maintain calibration logs and test sheets. Inspectors will ask.
Respect local codes and inspectors. Good relationships can speed approvals and repeat business.

Legal and Technical Standards Snapshot for EV Work

EU directives: LVD 2014/35/EU, EMC 2014/30/EU; where relevant, Machinery 2006/42/EC.
EV standards: IEC 61851, IEC 62196 (Type 2 and CCS), ISO 15118 for Plug and Charge.
Local standards: ASRO-adopted SR EN standards and Romanian normative documents for low-voltage installations. Always check the latest editions and ANRE orders.
Protection and earthing: RCD selection (Type A vs Type B vs RDC-DD), prospective fault current checks, loop impedance, and PRAM testing intervals.
Fire safety and siting: Clearance to exits, signage, bollard protection, and coordination with fire prevention requirements.
Back-end integration: OCPP setup, RFID readers, payment integration, and remote diagnostics.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Romania's EV charging infrastructure is scaling fast. From residential AC chargers to highway DC hubs, the market needs qualified electricians who can deliver safe, standards-compliant installations and dependable maintenance. As a professional electrician from Global, you can step into this growth with a clear plan: secure a sponsoring employer, obtain your D/AM visa and residence permit, pass your ANRE authorization, and position yourself as an EV specialist with complementary skills in PV, storage, and smart buildings.

Your next move is simple: update your CV to spotlight EV experience, apply to Romanian employers in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi, and begin your authorization journey. The opportunity is real, the demand is here, and the timing is excellent. Take the first step now and build a future-proof career in Romania's green energy transition.

FAQ

1) Do I need to speak Romanian to work as an electrician in Romania?

While you can secure a job with English in international companies, day-to-day site work, safety briefings, and interactions with inspectors are primarily in Romanian. ANRE exams are typically in Romanian. Aim for at least A2-B1 proficiency. Start with technical vocabulary lists and short courses; your employer may help.

2) How long does it take to get ANRE authorization?

Plan for 1-3 months after you submit your application, depending on exam dates and document verification. If your paperwork requires diploma recognition through CNRED or additional proof of experience, the process can take longer. Many electricians begin working under supervision while awaiting authorization.

3) Can I work before obtaining ANRE?

You may work under the supervision of an ANRE-authorized electrician, depending on your employer's policies and project scope. However, autonomous work and sign-off responsibilities generally require your own ANRE authorization. Always verify compliance with your employer and the latest ANRE rules.

4) What are the main differences in Romanian electrical standards compared to other countries?

Romania uses 230 V, 50 Hz with TN-S or TN-C-S systems in many buildings and 400 V three-phase for larger loads. Conductor color codes follow EU norms: green-yellow for PE, blue for N, brown/black/gray for phases. Mandatory PRAM testing, specific RCD requirements for EV chargers, and inspector approvals may differ from your home country. Always consult SR EN standards adopted by ASRO and current ANRE orders.

5) What RCD type do I need for EV chargers?

Most EV chargers require either a Type B RCD or a charger with built-in DC leakage detection (RDC-DD) combined with an upstream Type A RCD. Follow the charger manufacturer's guidance and ensure selectivity with upstream protection. For DC fast chargers, verify earthing, bonding, and fault levels carefully.

6) Are my tools acceptable in Romania?

Yes, provided they are CE-marked and compliant with EU directives. Keep calibration certificates for test instruments. If you bring battery-powered tools, ensure chargers are rated for 230 V, 50 Hz. Some employers will inspect your tools and may provide approved equipment for site use.

7) How do taxes work for foreign employees?

Employees typically pay 25% social security, 10% health insurance, and 10% income tax on the taxable base. Employers handle withholdings through payroll. If you have income outside Romania or special circumstances, consult a local tax advisor. Keep all payslips and residency documents for annual compliance.

8) Can I bring my family, and what about schooling?

Yes. Spouses and dependent children can apply for visas and residence permits. Major cities have international and private schools with various curricula. Plan ahead for admissions and tuition budgets. Healthcare access begins once you are enrolled in the national system; private insurance can provide faster access.

9) How do I get my driver's license recognized?

EU licenses are recognized. Non-EU licenses may be valid for a limited period, after which you may need to exchange them if an agreement exists or take local tests. Check the Romanian traffic authority's latest requirements and consider international driving permits for the interim.

10) Where are the best opportunities for EV infrastructure work?

Bucharest offers the largest volume of projects and fastest growth, especially for public and commercial sites. Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi continue to expand in residential and commercial charging. Highway corridors and logistics hubs are hot spots for DC fast charging. Operators are also scaling fleet depots for buses and delivery vehicles.

11) What are common on-site challenges for EV installations?

Insufficient grid capacity or delays in DSO approvals.
Civil works coordination, including trenching and protection bollards.
Grounding upgrades and achieving required earth resistance values.
RCD selectivity and nuisance tripping due to harmonics or DC leakage.
Back-end connectivity for OCPP and network reliability.

Prepare by conducting thorough site surveys, engaging early with DSOs, and maintaining clear documentation.

12) Which certifications beyond ANRE help my profile?

OEM training on specific EV chargers and DC fast charging systems.
Working at height, first aid, and fire safety courses.
PV installer certifications and battery storage training.
Automation and PLC basics for smart energy projects.
Quality management awareness (documentation, testing, commissioning protocols).

With the right combination, you will be employable across EV, PV, and smart building projects in Romania.