Data Center Electrical Work: Growing Global Demand

Introduction

If you are a professional electrician in Global wondering where your skills will be in highest demand over the next decade, Romania deserves a serious look. The country is in the middle of a major infrastructure upgrade that includes data centers, industrial facilities, smart buildings, and renewable energy projects. As data traffic explodes and companies race to deploy resilient digital infrastructure across Europe, data center electrical work has become one of the most attractive, stable, and well-paid specialties. Combine this with Romania's EU membership, competitive salaries relative to cost of living, and proximity to the wider European market, and the opportunity is clear.

This guide is tailored to experienced electricians exploring relocation to Romania. It explains how the market works, the standards and certifications you will need, how to convert your credentials, the legal steps to live and work in Romania, where the best jobs are, and what everyday life costs in cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi. It includes specific guidance for data center projects, from low voltage distribution and UPS systems to commissioning and standards such as EN 50600 and EU safety directives. Whether you plan to join a major contractor as an employee or operate as a specialized independent contractor, you will find actionable steps to get established quickly and safely.

Why Romania?

Romania offers a strong combination of EU access, growing demand for electrical skills, and a lower cost of living compared to many Western European markets.

EU membership and market access: Romania is part of the European Union and the Schengen Area for air and sea entry, with ongoing integration across land borders. Working in Romania gives you proximity to projects across the EU and exposure to European standards. Once you hold a Romanian residence and work permit, short business travel within the EU is simple.
Cost of living advantage: Salaries in Romania's electrical and construction sectors are increasingly competitive, while daily costs for housing, utilities, food, and transportation remain significantly lower than in Western Europe. Your net disposable income can stretch further, especially outside the capital.
Strong demand for electricians: Ongoing investment in data centers, logistics hubs, automotive and electronics manufacturing, renewable energy parks, and residential construction has created consistent demand for licensed electricians, supervisors, commissioning engineers, and project managers.
Quality of life: Romania offers a good balance of urban amenities and outdoor lifestyle. Cities like Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca have vibrant tech and engineering communities, while Timisoara and Iasi provide a quieter pace with strong cultural scenes. Healthcare access, education options, and travel links are solid.
Language accessibility: English is widely used in engineering, construction, and tech. Romanian is not difficult to pick up for daily life, and learning basics quickly accelerates your integration on site.

Job Market Overview

Romania's electrical job market spans multiple sectors. For electricians targeting data center work, the broader ecosystem provides year-round employment and pathways to specialize.

Key sectors hiring electricians

Data centers and digital infrastructure
- New builds and fit-outs for colocation providers and enterprise facilities
- Upgrades and expansions of existing facilities in and near Bucharest, with regional activity around Cluj-Napoca and Timisoara
- Power systems: MV to LV distribution, UPS systems, battery storage, standby generators, busway, bonding and earthing, surge protection, and commissioning
Industrial facilities and automation
- Automotive suppliers, electronics manufacturing, food processing, pharma
- Control panels, MCCs, PLC wiring, machine safety integration, VFDs, industrial Ethernet
Renewable energy systems
- Utility-scale solar PV arrays in southern and western regions; wind in Dobrogea
- Inverter stations, string combiner wiring, MV connections, grounding, SCADA integration
Commercial and residential construction
- Office towers, hospitals, retail, logistics parks, and apartment developments
- Smart building systems, KNX, lighting controls, fire detection and voice alarm

Typical employers

Major electrical contractors and MEP integrators delivering turnkey systems
Specialized data center installers focused on UPS, battery, and critical power
Industrial facility owners and EPCs for large plants
Renewable energy developers and O&M providers
Facilities management firms handling operations and maintenance of large sites

In Bucharest, the largest volume of data center work tends to cluster around established commercial zones with high connectivity. Cluj-Napoca's tech ecosystem provides steady commercial and light industrial jobs. Timisoara and Iasi are strong for manufacturing and university-linked research facilities, as well as commercial builds that include smart building systems.

In-demand roles and skills for data centers

LV distribution electricians familiar with 230/400 V three-phase systems
Technicians with UPS install, battery handling, and STS experience
Generator electricians and MV jointers for feeder and switchgear works
Busway installers, bonding and earthing specialists
BMS and DCIM integration support with low-voltage controls wiring
Commissioning electricians with field testing, load bank operation, and onsite IST
QA/QC technicians experienced with inspections, documentation, and punch-list clearance

If you have background with EN 50600, TIA-942 requirements, or Uptime Institute Tier practices, you will be especially valuable. Experience with SR HD 60364-compliant installations, structured cabling (EN 50173 and EN 50174), and fire detection in line with local norms is a plus on mixed-scope projects.

Legal Requirements

Your path depends on your nationality and your planned mode of work.

If you are an EU or EEA citizen

No work visa is required. You can enter Romania freely.
Within 90 days of arrival, register with the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) to obtain a Registration Certificate for employment. This provides a personal identification number and legal residency for work.
Sign an Individual Employment Contract with your Romanian employer or set up as self-employed or incorporate a company if you plan to contract directly.

If you are a non-EU citizen (Global)

Romania operates a single permit system that combines work and residence authorization.

Employer secures a work authorization

Your Romanian employer applies to the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) for a work permit. Types include permanent worker, posted worker, highly skilled worker, and seasonal worker, among others.
Documents typically needed: your passport, proof of qualifications, criminal record certificate from your home country, medical certificate, CV, and proof of the employer's compliance. Documents usually require legalized translations into Romanian and may need apostille depending on origin.
Processing time: commonly 30 days, sometimes longer in peak periods.

Apply for the long-stay work visa

Once the work authorization is issued, apply for the D/AM long-stay work visa at a Romanian consulate in your home country. Appointment slots should be booked early.
Required documents: work authorization, proof of accommodation in Romania, proof of means, health insurance valid until your residence permit is issued, and a valid passport.
Visa processing varies but often takes 10 to 20 business days after submission.

Enter Romania and obtain the residence permit

After arrival with the D/AM visa, apply for the residence permit at the local IGI office within the validity of your visa.
The residence permit confirms your right to live and work in Romania for the period stated in your work contract and can be renewed.

Family members

Family reunification is possible. Your spouse and dependent children can apply for residence permits, with documentation proving family ties, accommodation, and means. If your spouse plans to work, their own work authorization may be required unless they qualify for an exemption.

Compliance and onsite requirements

Regardless of nationality:

You must have an employment contract or a legally compliant contractor arrangement.
You must complete local safety training: SSM (Occupational Health and Safety) and PSI (Fire Prevention and Extinction) induction.
Pre-employment medical check via occupational medicine is typically mandatory.

Consult the IGI website or a qualified immigration lawyer for updates, as rules evolve and processing times vary by region and season.

Certification and License Recognition

Romania regulates electricians through ANRE, the National Energy Regulatory Authority. To perform electrical works legally, many roles require ANRE authorization. Separately, compliance with EU directives and Romanian standards is enforced through inspections and project acceptance documentation.

ANRE electrician authorization

ANRE authorizes individuals by grade and scope. While naming conventions can vary across translations, the most common structure is:

Grade I A and I B: Low voltage installations up to 1 kV
- A indicates design and technical documentation competency
- B indicates execution and operation competency
Grade II A and II B: Medium voltage installations above 1 kV (for example, 6 kV, 10 kV, 20 kV)
Grade III A and III B: Leading roles, verification, and complex installations depending on experience
Grade IV A and IV B: Higher responsibility for design, verification, and oversight of complex installations

In practice, companies often require at least Grade I B for low voltage execution on commercial sites and data center projects. Supervisory or commissioning roles may require Grade II or III depending on scope. For work involving medium voltage switchgear or feeders, Grade II B is frequently requested.

Key notes:

ANRE cards are issued to individuals and tied to the scope for which they are examined and approved.
Foreign qualifications can support your application, but ANRE will still require proof of training, experience, and sometimes passing specific exams or courses.
Authorization must be renewed periodically, with CPD-like training.

EU directives and Romanian standards

You will encounter both EU and national technical frameworks on projects:

EU Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU: Applies to equipment operating within certain voltage limits. Ensures protection against hazards and that equipment placed on the market is safe and CE marked.
EMC Directive 2014/30/EU: Electromagnetic compatibility requirements for electrical equipment.
Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC: For machinery and safety components; relevant when integrating electrical systems into machines.
Construction Products Regulation and EN 50575: Reaction-to-fire for power, control, and communication cables used in construction.
Romanian standards and norms
- SR HD 60364 series: Harmonized with IEC 60364, core of electrical installation design and safety.
- I7 normative for low voltage installations: A key reference for design and execution inside buildings.
- Fire safety norms such as P118: Specify fire performance requirements in buildings.
- PRAM testing requirements: Periodic verification of earthing and protective devices.
- EN 50600: Comprehensive data center facilities and infrastructures standard, increasingly used on Romanian projects.
- TIA-942 or Uptime Institute Tier guidelines may also be referenced in employer specifications.

Converting and validating your credentials

Prepare documentation

Diplomas, certificates, and letters of experience. Include details of voltage levels, responsibilities, and projects.
Translate documents into Romanian by a certified translator. Obtain apostille or legalization if required by the origin country.

Skills evaluation with employers

Many employers will assess your practical skills during interviews or trial periods. Bring a portfolio of projects with photos, single-line diagrams, and references.

Apply for ANRE authorization

If you plan to take responsibility for design or execution, start the ANRE process early. You may initially work under supervision while your application is processed.
Training providers in Romania can help you prepare for the exam and navigate the application.

Site-specific authorizations

Some roles require additional permits, for example, access to MV switchgear rooms, confined space training, or hot works authorization. Employers will organize these once you are onboard.

Safety certifications and tool compliance

Safety training: SSM and PSI induction are mandatory. Additional site trainings may include LOTO, working at height, and arc flash awareness.
PPE: Expect CE-compliant PPE. For live work risk categories, arc-rated garments aligned with IEC 61482-2 may be required. Insulated gloves per EN 60903, dielectric footwear, and tested insulated tools are standard.
Tool certification: Use CE-marked power tools. Insulated hand tools should be rated to 1000 V and carry VDE or equivalent marks. Calibration certificates are needed for multimeters, insulation testers, earth resistance meters, and torque tools used for QA/QC.

Salary and Benefits

Salaries vary by city, sector, and experience. Data center projects usually command higher rates due to complexity, tight schedules, and commissioning requirements. The figures below reflect typical ranges in Romania as of recent market conditions; individual offers will differ.

Employees on payroll

Apprentice or junior electrician: 700 to 900 EUR net per month (approximately 3,500 to 4,500 RON)
Journeyman electrician, commercial or residential: 900 to 1,400 EUR net (4,500 to 7,000 RON)
Industrial electrician with PLC exposure: 1,200 to 1,800 EUR net (6,000 to 9,000 RON)
Data center installation or commissioning electrician: 1,600 to 2,500 EUR net (8,000 to 12,500 RON)
Site supervisor or foreman: 2,000 to 3,000 EUR net (10,000 to 15,000 RON)
Electrical project engineer or manager with strong English: 2,500 to 4,000 EUR net (12,500 to 20,000 RON)

Notes:

Net salary refers to take-home pay after income tax and employee social contributions. Romania applies a flat 10 percent income tax and standard social contributions withheld at source; exact net depends on gross salary and allowable deductions.
Meal vouchers: Many employers provide meal vouchers worth 30 to 40 RON per worked day, which significantly offsets lunch costs.
Private medical and accident insurance: Common in larger firms.
Overtime: Typically paid at a premium of 125 to 200 percent depending on weekday, night shift, weekend, or public holiday.
Travel per diem: For work outside your home city, per diem (diurna) of 20 to 35 EUR net per day is common, plus accommodation and transport.

Independent contractors

Day rates in Romania: 150 to 300 EUR per day for experienced electricians, higher for commissioning specialists.
Cross-border projects: If you are based in Romania and travel to support EU builds, 250 to 450 EUR per day is common, depending on specialization and language skills.
Contract structures: Many contractors operate as PFA (authorized individual) or through a micro-company SRL. Taxation rules change periodically; consult a local accountant to optimize compliance and net income.

Bonuses and progression

Annual performance bonuses of 5 to 15 percent are feasible in larger firms.
Training budgets often cover ANRE renewals, specialized vendor certifications (for UPS, BMS, or fire detection), and language lessons.
Progression to supervisor or commissioning lead can occur within 12 to 24 months for high performers.

Cost of Living

Romania's cost of living is favorable compared to Western Europe. Your net income can support comfortable housing and savings, particularly outside Bucharest.

Housing

Bucharest
- One-bedroom apartment in central or well-connected areas: 500 to 800 EUR per month
- Outside the center: 350 to 600 EUR
Cluj-Napoca
- One-bedroom central: 450 to 700 EUR
- Outside center: 350 to 550 EUR
Timisoara
- One-bedroom central: 400 to 600 EUR
- Outside center: 300 to 500 EUR
Iasi
- One-bedroom central: 350 to 550 EUR
- Outside center: 300 to 450 EUR

Tips:

New builds often include better insulation and efficient heating systems.
Check for air conditioning for summer months and good heating options for winter.

Utilities and communications

Electricity, gas, water, trash for a one-bedroom: 80 to 150 EUR per month, depending on season and insulation
High-speed internet: 7 to 10 EUR per month
Mobile phone plan with generous data: 5 to 10 EUR per month

Transportation

Monthly public transport pass: 10 to 20 EUR depending on the city
Ride-hailing: 3 to 6 EUR for short intra-city trips
Fuel: roughly 6.5 to 7.5 RON per liter

Food and daily expenses

Groceries for one person: 150 to 250 EUR per month
Lunch menu at local restaurant: 7 to 12 EUR
Coffee: 2 to 3 EUR

Family considerations

Public schools: Free to attend, Romanian language instruction
International schools in Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca: approximately 6,000 to 12,000 EUR per year per child
Private health insurance upgrades are common and affordable for families

Cultural Integration

Language basics

Romanian is a Romance language and relatively approachable if you speak English, Italian, French, or Spanish. English is widely used in the workplace, especially among younger colleagues and in tech-heavy or international projects. Still, learning basic Romanian for site interactions and daily life is a strong advantage.

Useful phrases:

Buna ziua - Hello
Multumesc - Thank you
Va rog - Please
Unde este santierul - Where is the job site
Pot intra in zona - May I enter the area
Sunt electrician - I am an electrician

Workplace culture

Punctuality matters: Arrive on time for inductions and toolbox talks.
Safety first: SSM and PSI rules are taken seriously, especially on high-profile data center sites.
Direct but polite: Expect straightforward feedback with a polite tone. Do the same in return.
Documentation and sign-offs: Permit-to-work, LOTO logs, QA checklists, and redline drawings must be accurate and timely.
Teamwork: Romanian crews are highly cooperative. Helping others during peak tasks builds goodwill quickly.

Building a network

Join professional groups on LinkedIn and Romanian job boards.
Attend trade fairs or local engineering events when available.
Ask colleagues for supplier recommendations, training options, and ANRE exam prep tips.

Practical Steps to Relocate

Map your target role and location

Decide between Bucharest for data center density and broader options in Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, or Iasi for balanced cost of living and steady projects.
Identify whether you prefer installation, commissioning, or supervisory tracks.

Prepare your credentials

Update your CV with project-based bullet points, voltage levels, standards used, and outcomes. Emphasize data center or critical power experience.
Assemble diplomas, certificates, and letters of reference. Prepare certified translations into Romanian.
Compile a portfolio: before-after photos, single-line diagrams, test reports you produced, and commissioning packs you completed.

Engage employers or agencies

Use platforms like LinkedIn, eJobs, BestJobs, and Hipo to find opportunities.
Directly approach MEP contractors, data center specialists, and industrial integrators. Ask about ANRE support and visa sponsorship if you are a non-EU citizen.

Start the legal process

EU citizens: plan arrival and schedule the Registration Certificate at IGI. Prepare contract and housing documents.
Non-EU citizens: coordinate with an employer to initiate the work authorization. Book your D/AM visa appointment once authorized. Prepare for residence permit application after arrival.

Plan your finances and housing

Budget for initial setup: 2 to 3 months of living expenses, rental deposit (usually one month's rent), and document translation fees.
Short-term rentals or serviced apartments ease your first 1 to 2 months while you search for a longer lease.

Prepare for ANRE and site inductions

Register for an ANRE prep course if your role requires authorization. Gather proof of experience.
Complete any online training modules provided by your employer before you arrive, such as safety or quality inductions.

Set up practical essentials

Tax and ID: You will receive a personal identification number when you register. Your employer and accountant will guide you through ANAF registration if needed.
Bank account: Open with your passport and proof of address; some banks may ask for a residence permit or employment contract.
Health coverage: Enroll through your employer or choose a private supplement.

Land, learn, and grow

Learn Romanian basics quickly and use them on site.
Seek mentoring from site supervisors or commissioning leads.
Document everything and maintain your calibration certificates and PPE records.

Data Center Electrical Work: Systems, Standards, and Daily Realities

Core systems you will handle

MV and LV distribution: From 20 kV feeders down to 230/400 V three-phase distribution boards
UPS and battery systems: VRLA or lithium battery cabinets, static transfer switches, parallel UPS configurations, and battery monitoring
Standby generators: Paralleling switchgear, fuel systems, and testing protocols
Busway and PDU deployment: High-capacity busway runs, tap-off boxes, and final distribution to rack PDUs
Earthing and bonding: Integrated bonding network, bonding of racks, cable trays, and sensitive equipment, earth pits, and periodic PRAM verification
Surge protection: SPD selection per EN 61643, correct installation at service entrance and downstream boards
Fire detection and suppression: Aspirating smoke detection, addressable panels, clean agent systems, and interlocks with power down sequences
Controls and monitoring: BMS, DCIM, and integration with electrical meters and alarm points
Structured cabling coexistence: Coordinating with fiber and copper teams, managing segregation and pathways

Standards in practice

EN 50600 applied by project specifications for capacity, redundancy, thermal considerations, and electrical resilience
SR HD 60364 for wiring rules and protection coordination
I7 normative for low voltage installation execution details
TIA-942 and Uptime Tier requirements where clients request specific certification

Commissioning and testing

Pre-functional checks: Visual inspections, torque verification, cable test certificates, IR thermography readiness
Functional tests: UPS transfer sequences, generator start and synchronization, STS failover, alarm integrations
Performance tests: Load bank steps, endurance runs, and integrated systems testing (IST)
Documentation: Test forms, as-builts, redlines, and snag lists are critical. Expect rigorous QA/QC tracking and client witness tests.

Health and safety on critical power sites

Permit-to-work and LOTO systems are non-negotiable. Expect strict supervision during energization or live testing.
Arc flash risk assessments and selection of appropriate PPE for switching operations are common.
Battery rooms demand ventilation, spill kits for electrolyte if VRLA, and restricted access procedures.
Housekeeping and cable management are closely inspected due to high equipment density and airflow requirements.

Common Challenges for Global Electricians

Voltage and frequency: Romania uses 230 V single phase, 400 V three phase, 50 Hz. Equipment selection and protection settings follow this standard.
Color codes and wiring practices: Brown live, blue neutral, green-yellow earth are standard in Romania. Ring circuits are uncommon; radial circuits dominate.
Local codes and paperwork: Get familiar with I7 specifics, PRAM schedules, and local fire safety requirements. Documentation in Romanian is often required.
Tool compliance: Ensure your power tools are CE marked. US-market-only devices may lack CE declarations; do not use them on regulated sites. Keep calibration certificates for test instruments.
Weather and site conditions: Romanian winters can be cold and wet, affecting outdoor works, curing times, and battery performance.
Supply chain: Some specialized parts have longer lead times. Coordinate early with procurement and be flexible with equivalent, CE-compliant brands.

Success Tips from Other Expats

Learn the standards early: Print key clauses from SR HD 60364, I7, and EN 50600. Build a quick-reference binder.
Over-communicate on commissioning: Confirm test sequences, roles, and abort criteria. Keep a shared test log that the client can see.
Respect the paper trail: Keep your ANRE card, medical check, SSM and PSI certificates, and tool calibration records accessible at all times.
Bond with the crew: Share knowledge, help with difficult lifts, and be generous with tips for measuring, marking, and torque verification. It pays back during crunch time.
Plan accommodation near transport: In Bucharest, proximity to metro lines saves hours. In regional cities, choose a place near the main site or ring road.
Build language momentum: Use five minutes daily to practice Romanian. Start with greetings and safety phrases.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Romania is one of the most promising European destinations for electricians aiming to specialize in data center and critical power work. With strong demand, EU-aligned standards, and a cost of living that lets you save while advancing your career, it is an excellent base for the next stage of your professional journey. Whether your strengths are in installation, testing and commissioning, or supervision, you will find a steady pipeline of projects and employers ready to support growth.

Next steps: map your target city, refresh your CV and portfolio, identify employers building data centers and industrial facilities, and start your ANRE authorization plan. If you are a non-EU professional, align early with a sponsor employer for the single permit process. Within a few months, you can be on site in Romania contributing to Europe's expanding data infrastructure.

FAQ

1) Do I need to speak Romanian to work on data center projects?

English is widely used in engineering and on international project sites, especially in Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca. You can start work in English, but learning basic Romanian accelerates your integration, helps with safety briefings, and improves day-to-day coordination with local crews. Employers appreciate visible effort to learn.

2) How do I get ANRE authorization as a foreign electrician?

Prepare your qualifications, experience letters, and translations into Romanian. Identify the grade you need, typically Grade I B for low voltage execution and possibly Grade II B for medium voltage involvement. Enroll in an ANRE prep course, submit your application with the required documents, and schedule the exam where applicable. Some employers allow you to start under supervision while your ANRE card is in progress.

3) Are my foreign certifications like OSHA 30, NEBOSH, or CompEx recognized?

They may not substitute for ANRE authorization, but they are valued by employers as proof of safety culture or hazardous area competence. Romanian law requires local compliance, so you will still need SSM and PSI inductions and, where needed, ANRE authorization. Include these certificates in your CV to strengthen your profile.

4) What is the timeline for a non-EU electrician to start working in Romania?

A realistic timeline is 2 to 3 months:

3 to 5 weeks for the employer to obtain the work authorization from IGI
2 to 3 weeks for the D/AM visa at your local Romanian consulate
1 to 2 weeks after arrival to attend medical checks, safety inductions, and lodge your residence permit application Start document translation and apostille early to avoid delays.

5) Can I work as an independent contractor in Romania?

Yes. Many specialists operate as PFA or through an SRL micro-company. You will handle your own invoicing and taxes and may secure higher day rates, especially for commissioning roles. However, you must still comply with Romanian safety training and, where applicable, ANRE authorization. Consult a local accountant for the optimal structure and to understand microenterprise tax rules.

6) Will my North American 120 V tools and testers work in Romania?

Romania is 230 V and 50 Hz. Corded tools and chargers designed only for 120 V 60 Hz are not suitable. Use CE-marked tools rated for 230 V and 50 Hz. For test instruments, ensure CE compliance and keep calibration certificates. Insulated tools should be rated to 1000 V and carry VDE or equivalent markings.

7) What salary can I expect as a data center commissioning electrician?

Typical net pay ranges from 1,600 to 2,500 EUR per month in Romania, plus overtime premiums and travel per diem when applicable. Highly experienced leads may earn more, especially in Bucharest or on fast-track projects. Independent contractors can often achieve 200 to 350 EUR per day depending on scope and responsibilities.

8) Are there unions in Romania for electricians?

Union presence varies by company and sector. Many private contractors operate without formal unions, focusing instead on company-level agreements. Regardless, labor protections apply through Romanian law, including minimum paid leave, overtime rules, and safety obligations.

9) What standards will I use on data center sites?

Expect EN 50600 as a facility framework, SR HD 60364 for wiring rules, I7 for low voltage installation details, and project-specific references to TIA-942 or Uptime Institute Tier criteria. Fire safety norms and PRAM testing requirements will also apply. Employers will provide the project-standard list during onboarding.

10) Can I travel within the EU on a Romanian residence and work permit?

Your Romanian residence permit allows you to live and work in Romania. For short tourist or business trips within the EU and Schengen Area, your nationality determines visa-free access. The Romanian permit does not automatically grant the right to work in other EU countries, but it makes short visits and collaboration easier. For temporary assignments abroad, your employer may handle posted worker notifications.