Skills Assessment Tests for Plumbers Moving Abroad

Introduction

Relocating from Global to Romania as a professional plumber is an exciting career move. Romania is modernizing fast, upgrading its housing stock, renovating historic buildings, and investing in energy-efficient heating systems across its cities. But before you pack your toolbag, there is a critical piece of the journey you should understand: skills assessment tests and credential recognition. These determine how your experience translates into the Romanian and wider EU context, what training you may need, and how quickly you can start earning.

This comprehensive guide explains the immigration, documentation, and practical steps for plumbers moving to Romania, with a special focus on trade assessments. You will learn how Romania recognizes foreign qualifications, which Romanian authorizations matter (including ISCIR for gas and pressure equipment), how to prepare for technical evaluations, and what documents you need for visas and work permits. We will also cover salaries, cost of living, and real opportunities in cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi.

Whether you are an experienced pipefitter, a sanitary installations specialist, or a heating systems expert, this guide gives you clear, actionable steps to make your move to Romania successful.

Why Romania?

Romania offers a compelling package for skilled tradespeople:

• EU membership: As an EU member state, Romania aligns with European standards and offers access to the broader EU market. Experience gained here can open doors across Europe.
• Cost of living advantage: Compared to many Western European countries, living costs in Romania are lower while wages for skilled trades are rising.
• High demand for plumbers: New construction, retrofits, and industrial projects are creating steady demand for qualified plumbers, gas technicians, and heating system installers.
• Quality of life: Vibrant cities, access to nature, modern amenities, and a growing expat community make integration easier.

Romania is channeling EU funds into infrastructure, housing rehabilitation, and energy efficiency. That means more work installing modern heating systems, replacing outdated piping, upgrading insulation and radiators, and integrating renewable technologies like heat pumps with hydronic systems. For plumbers with solid experience and the right certifications, Romania is a strong destination.

Job Market Overview

Romania's construction and building services sector has distinct segments where plumbers can find work:

1. Residential new-builds and apartments

   • Large apartment complexes in Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca need teams for potable water supply, drainage, and radiator circuits.
   • Typical tasks: PPR fusion welding for water lines, copper soldering for heating, installing manifolds, pressure testing.

2. Renovation and energy efficiency retrofits

   • A renovation boom is underway as owners upgrade old blocks and houses for efficiency.
   • Typical tasks: Replacing galvanized pipes with PEX/PPR, upgrading combi boilers, fitting thermostatic radiator valves, balancing systems.

3. Commercial and public buildings

   • Office buildings, malls, hospitals, and schools require complex sanitary and HVAC systems.
   • Typical tasks: Reading isometric drawings, installing stainless steel piping, drainage systems per EN 12056 principles, plant room assembly.

4. Industrial installations

   • Factories and logistics centers need process water, compressed air piping, and heat transfer systems.
   • Typical tasks: Steel pipe threading and welding, flanged connections, installing heat exchangers and pressure vessels (subject to ISCIR rules).

5. Heating system upgrades and district heating interfaces

   • Cities are improving district heating and building-level heat exchanger stations.
   • Typical tasks: Heat meter installation, pump stations, plate exchanger hookups, balancing and commissioning.

Key hiring cities and regions:

• Bucharest: Largest number of projects, higher salaries, highest cost of living.
• Cluj-Napoca: Strong tech and construction growth, many residential and commercial builds.
• Timisoara: Industrial and logistics projects, steady renovations.
• Iasi: Public buildings and residential growth, growing demand for service and maintenance teams.

Typical employers:

• Construction companies and contractors delivering residential and commercial projects.
• Building services subcontractors focused on sanitary and heating installations.
• Facilities management firms handling maintenance for office parks, hospitals, and malls.
• Utilities and municipal service providers, such as water companies and district heating operators.

Examples of employer categories:

• General contractors and MEP subcontractors servicing large projects in Bucharest or Cluj-Napoca.
• Facility management firms that staff plumbers on long-term maintenance contracts.
• Utilities such as water and heating providers in major cities.
• Energy and gas service companies handling boiler installation and maintenance.

Contract types vary: fixed-term project contracts, permanent roles with maintenance firms, or seasonal work spikes on large builds. Experienced plumbers with supervisory skills can step into chargehand or foreman roles, especially if they can read technical drawings and manage small crews.

Legal Requirements: Visas and Work Permits for Global Citizens

Your immigration path depends on whether you are an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen or a non-EU citizen.

For EU/EEA/Swiss citizens

• No visa or work permit required.
• Register your residence after arrival and request a registration certificate if you plan to stay longer than 3 months.
• Obtain a personal numeric code (CNP) for taxation and health contributions.

For non-EU citizens (Global)

Most non-EU plumbers will follow this sequence:

1. Employer obtains a work authorization (aviz de munca)

   • The Romanian employer applies to the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) for your work authorization.
   • They must prove the role, show they tried to recruit locally if required, and submit company documents, draft labor contract, and your qualifications.
   • Processing can take about 30 to 45 days in typical cases.

2. Apply for the long-stay employment visa (D/AM)

   • Once the work authorization is issued, you apply for the D/AM visa at a Romanian consulate.
   • Typical documents: passport, work authorization, employment contract or firm offer, accommodation proof, medical insurance, criminal record certificate, and visa forms.
   • Visa processing often takes 10 to 20 working days.

3. Enter Romania and apply for a residence permit

   • After entering Romania with the D/AM visa, apply for a Temporary Residence Permit for work at IGI.
   • Submit your employment contract, proof of accommodation, proof of health insurance contributions, and biometric data.
   • Processing commonly takes up to 30 days. The permit is typically valid for 1 year and renewable.

4. Family reunification (optional)

   • Spouses and children can usually join under family reunification rules once you hold a valid residence permit and meet income and accommodation requirements.

Practical notes:

• Your employer is a key partner: they initiate the work authorization and should guide you through documents.
• Keep original certificates and legalized translations ready. Many authorities require translations into Romanian.
• Your police clearance and medical certificate often must be recent (for example, issued within the last 6 months) and sometimes apostilled or legalized depending on your country.

Certification & License Recognition

Plumbing is a practical trade. Employers and authorities want to confirm you meet Romanian and EU standards for safety and quality. Your path to recognition will differ if your credentials are from the EU or from outside the EU.

If your qualifications are from the EU

• Professional qualifications from the EU are recognized based on EU rules for mutual recognition (Directive 2005/36/EC as implemented nationally).
• Employers often accept your EU vocational certificates and work experience, but may still test you practically for job placement.
• For gas and pressure equipment, you still need the specific Romanian authorizations where required.

If your qualifications are from outside the EU

You may need a combination of steps:

1. Academic or vocational recognition

   • Where relevant, the National Center for Recognition and Equivalence of Diplomas (CNRED) handles academic recognition. For trades, focus often shifts to vocational qualification recognition.

2. Romanian trade certification (calificare)

   • The National Authority for Qualifications (ANC) oversees occupational standards. You can obtain a Romanian Certificate of Qualification aligned with the national framework (linked to the European Qualifications Framework levels).
   • Many ANC-accredited training centers and assessment bodies offer Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). This allows experienced plumbers to prove competence without repeating full training programs.

3. Safety and authorization courses

   • Safety and health at work (SSM) and fire prevention (PSI) induction are standard for all site workers.
   • ISCIR-related authorization: Activities that involve pressure equipment such as boilers, certain heating equipment, or pressure vessels require ISCIR-compliant certification. Practitioners working on these systems must hold the appropriate authorization as required for the specific role.
   • Gas-related authorization: Work on gas installations and certain gas-fired equipment can require specific authorization. Employers will specify whether they need personnel with such authorizations and will often sponsor training if needed.

4. Employer trade tests

   • Even with recognition, most companies in Romania use a practical skills test during hiring. See the next section for what to expect.

What does a Romanian plumber's certificate look like?

• Title: Certificate of Qualification for the occupation Plumber (Calificare instalator).
• Issued by: An ANC-accredited center.
• Contents: Identifies the occupational standard units you passed (e.g., sanitary installations, heating systems, pipe work and fittings, reading drawings, testing and commissioning).
• Use: Helps meet employer and site requirements for a qualified worker classification and may be requested for certain authorization applications.

Which standards will employers expect you to know?

• Romanian building norms and SR EN standards that align with EU standards.
• Potable water installations: Expect principles similar to EN 806.
• Gravity drainage and venting: Expect principles similar to EN 12056.
• Industrial piping: Employers may request familiarity with applicable EN or ISO standards depending on the project spec.
• Workplace safety laws and site rules.

Even when companies are flexible, you will be expected to work fully in metric units and to follow project-specific specifications set by the design engineer.

Skills Assessment Tests: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Skills assessment tests verify your ability to complete tasks to Romanian site standards. They are common during recruitment and, in some cases, required for qualifying certificates or authorizations.

Who conducts the tests?

• Employers and MEP contractors: Most run their own practical trades tests at a workshop or on a controlled part of a site.
• ANC-accredited centers: Provide Recognition of Prior Learning assessments leading to a Romanian Certificate of Qualification.
• Authorization bodies or partner trainers: For gas and pressure equipment related authorizations, providers deliver both theoretical and practical examinations.

Typical structure of a practical trade test

1. Safety briefing

   • PPE check: hard hat, safety boots, gloves, eye protection.
   • Work area orientation and tool allocation.

2. Drawing interpretation

   • Read a simple isometric or plan view of a sanitary or heating circuit.
   • Identify pipe sizes, routes, fittings, and expansion considerations.

3. Pipework tasks (examples)

   • Copper: Measure, cut, clean, flux, and solder or braze joints; bend copper to a specified offset using a bending tool; produce leak-free joints.
   • PPR: Socket fusion of PPR PN20 or PN25; respect heating and insertion times; ensure alignment and no voids.
   • Steel: Cut and thread steel pipe; assemble with malleable iron fittings; correctly use PTFE tape or thread paste; torque to specification.
   • Press fittings: Use a pressing tool on multilayer or stainless systems; select correct jaws and sleeves; mark insertion depth.

4. Fixture and equipment installation

   • Mount a small sanitary fixture (e.g., sink and trap) to spec; install isolation valves; level and secure supports.
   • Assemble a small radiator loop with valves and air vents; bleed and balance a small circuit.

5. Testing and commissioning

   • Conduct a pressure test using a test pump to project-specified test pressure.
   • Document results and identify leak points if any.

6. Theory component

   • Short quiz on safety (lock-out for boilers, confined space awareness, hot works), materials selection, thermal expansion, corrosion control, and basic standards.

How trade tests are graded

• Accuracy: Measurements, alignment, levelling, and adherence to drawing.
• Quality: Quality of joints, absence of leaks, clean work practices.
• Time management: Completing within the allotted time while maintaining safety.
• Safety compliance: PPE use, tidy work area, correct use of tools.

How to prepare effectively

• Refresh metric conversions: inches to millimeters, nominal sizes to outer diameters, and common BSP thread sizes (G1/2, G3/4, G1) as used in Romania.
• Practice with local materials: PPR fusion times, European copper fittings, and common press systems used on Romanian sites.
• Study basic EU-aligned installation principles: potable water hygiene, drainage gradients, and heating system balancing.
• Learn technical Romanian terms you will hear on site:
  • Teu (tee), cot (elbow), nipluri (nipples), robinet (valve), piulita (nut), garnitura (gasket), pompa (pump), distribuitor (manifold), clapet (check valve), vas de expansiune (expansion vessel), sifon (trap), aerisitor (air vent).
• Prepare a portfolio: Photos of past work, references, and any test certificates.
• Get your tools in order: While employers provide main tools, bringing a reliable hand toolkit and PPE can help you perform confidently in tests.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in practice

• Initial interview: Assessors review your experience and documents.
• Practical demonstration: You complete predefined tasks per occupational standards.
• Theory assessment: Oral or written questions about safety and installations.
• Outcome: If successful, you receive a Romanian Certificate of Qualification. If gaps appear, the assessor recommends specific modules to complete.

For gas and pressure equipment work

• Expect separate theory and practical checks around combustion safety, flue gas measures, leak detection, regulator sizing, ventilations, and compliance with equipment requirements.
• If your job involves boilers or other pressure equipment, plan time to obtain the necessary authorization. Employers frequently support training and scheduling.

Salary & Benefits

Romanian pay scales for plumbers depend on location, skill depth, authorizations, and project type. The following figures are indicative ranges. Conversion used for context: 1 EUR approx. 5 RON.

• Entry-level or helper plumber:

  • Gross: 4,500 - 6,500 RON per month (approx. 900 - 1,300 EUR gross)
  • Net: 2,800 - 4,000 RON per month (approx. 560 - 800 EUR net)

• Experienced plumber (sanitary and heating installations):

  • Gross: 7,000 - 12,000 RON per month (approx. 1,400 - 2,400 EUR gross)
  • Net: 4,200 - 7,200 RON per month (approx. 840 - 1,440 EUR net)

• Plumber with supervisory duties or specialized skills (industrial piping, advanced diagnostics, authorizations):

  • Gross: 10,000 - 16,000 RON per month (approx. 2,000 - 3,200 EUR gross)
  • Net: 6,000 - 9,600 RON per month (approx. 1,200 - 1,920 EUR net)

• Daily rates for short-term projects: 200 - 450 RON per day depending on task and location.

• Overtime: Romanian law requires a premium for overtime work or compensatory time off. Commonly, overtime pay is at least a 75% premium, but confirm the policy in your contract.

• Allowances and benefits:

  • Meal vouchers (tichete de masa): Many employers offer vouchers worth roughly 30 - 40 RON per worked day.
  • Per diem (diurna) for travel: Paid when working away from your base location; amounts vary by company and destination.
  • Paid leave: Minimum 20 working days per year plus public holidays.
  • Safety gear and medical checks: Provided or reimbursed by employers.
  • Health insurance: Employee contributions provide state coverage; some employers add private medical subscriptions.

Note on taxes and contributions:

• Employee deductions typically include pension and health contributions plus income tax. Net salary depends on these deductions and any tax reliefs. Always confirm your net figure.

How this compares to Global:

• While net monthly pay in Romania may be lower than in some Western EU states, the lower cost of living often improves your balance between expenses and savings, especially outside Bucharest. Also, experience and Romanian certifications can be a springboard to higher-paid roles within Romania or elsewhere in the EU.

Cost of Living

Your net income goes further in Romania than in many Western countries. Here is a practical monthly budget snapshot by city for a single professional.

Assumptions:

• Modest one-bedroom rental, normal utilities, public transport, and average groceries. All figures are approximate and vary by neighborhood and season.

Bucharest:

• Rent (1-bedroom): 2,000 - 3,500 RON (approx. 400 - 700 EUR)
• Utilities (electricity, gas, water, internet): 400 - 700 RON (approx. 80 - 140 EUR)
• Public transport pass: 70 - 100 RON (approx. 14 - 20 EUR)
• Groceries and household: 900 - 1,300 RON (approx. 180 - 260 EUR)
• Mobile phone: 30 - 60 RON (approx. 6 - 12 EUR)
• Total monthly baseline: 3,400 - 5,690 RON (approx. 680 - 1,140 EUR)

Cluj-Napoca:

• Rent (1-bedroom): 1,800 - 3,000 RON (approx. 360 - 600 EUR)
• Utilities: 350 - 650 RON (approx. 70 - 130 EUR)
• Transport pass: 60 - 90 RON (approx. 12 - 18 EUR)
• Groceries: 850 - 1,200 RON (approx. 170 - 240 EUR)
• Mobile phone: 30 - 60 RON (approx. 6 - 12 EUR)
• Total monthly baseline: 3,090 - 5,000 RON (approx. 620 - 1,000 EUR)

Timisoara:

• Rent (1-bedroom): 1,500 - 2,500 RON (approx. 300 - 500 EUR)
• Utilities: 350 - 600 RON (approx. 70 - 120 EUR)
• Transport pass: 50 - 80 RON (approx. 10 - 16 EUR)
• Groceries: 800 - 1,100 RON (approx. 160 - 220 EUR)
• Mobile phone: 30 - 60 RON (approx. 6 - 12 EUR)
• Total monthly baseline: 2,730 - 4,340 RON (approx. 550 - 870 EUR)

Iasi:

• Rent (1-bedroom): 1,500 - 2,250 RON (approx. 300 - 450 EUR)
• Utilities: 320 - 580 RON (approx. 64 - 116 EUR)
• Transport pass: 50 - 80 RON (approx. 10 - 16 EUR)
• Groceries: 750 - 1,050 RON (approx. 150 - 210 EUR)
• Mobile phone: 30 - 60 RON (approx. 6 - 12 EUR)
• Total monthly baseline: 2,650 - 4,020 RON (approx. 530 - 800 EUR)

Tips to manage costs:

• House-share during your first months, then move to a solo rental once settled.
• Choose locations near transport lines to reduce commute costs.
• Use employer-provided meal vouchers to cut food costs.

Cultural Integration

Language basics

Romanian is the working language on most sites. In major cities, some supervisors speak English, but learning basic Romanian speeds up your integration and boosts your prospects.

Key phrases for plumbers:

• Buna ziua - Good day
• Poti sa imi aduci teul de 3/4? - Can you bring me the 3/4 tee?
• Unde este distribuitorul? - Where is the manifold?
• Opreste apa/gazul, te rog - Please shut off the water/gas
• Verificam pierderile - We are checking for leaks
• Scule si materiale - Tools and materials

Technical vocabulary matters. Build a personal glossary with translations you hear on site.

Workplace culture

• Punctuality: Arrive on time for the morning briefing. Many teams start early.
• Hierarchy: Site supervisors expect clear reporting. Respect chain of command.
• Safety-first: Hot works permits, lock-out for boilers, and PPE policies are enforced.
• Documentation: Sign-in procedures, toolbox talks, and site induction are routine.
• Teamwork: Courteous communication and helping other trades win you allies.

Everyday life tips

• Payments: Many expenses are card-friendly; keep some cash for small shops.
• Transport: City transit is affordable; for work across different sites, a driving license is helpful.
• Community: Look for expat groups and local skill forums for networking and job leads.

Practical Steps to Relocate

Follow this step-by-step plan to move smoothly from Global to Romania.

1. Research your target city and role

   • Compare opportunities in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi.
   • Decide between construction projects, maintenance roles, or industrial installations.

2. Build a Romania-ready CV

   • Use a clear skills section: pipe fitting, copper soldering/brazing, PPR fusion, heating systems, sanitary installations, leak detection, pump and manifold setups.
   • List certifications: trade qualifications, safety training, and any gas or pressure authorizations.
   • Include project examples: size, systems installed, and responsibilities.

3. Prepare your document pack

   • Passport valid for at least 6-12 months beyond your planned arrival.
   • Trade certificates and transcripts with legalized translations into Romanian.
   • Employment references and contactable referees.
   • Police clearance certificate and medical certificate.
   • Portfolio photos of your work.

4. Apply for jobs and expect a skills test

   • Engage with construction contractors, MEP subcontractors, utilities, and facility management companies.
   • Be ready for a practical trade test. Ask in advance which materials and tools will be used.

5. Arrange your immigration steps

   • Non-EU citizens: Ensure your employer initiates the work authorization (aviz de munca).
   • Apply for the D/AM long-stay employment visa with all required documents.
   • Plan for visa and work authorization processing times.

6. Plan finances and housing

   • Budget for the first 2-3 months including deposit and initial setup costs.
   • Consider temporary accommodation or company-provided housing if offered.

7. On arrival

   • Complete residence permit formalities with IGI.
   • Register for tax and obtain your personal numeric code if needed.
   • Open a bank account for salary payments.
   • Attend site safety inductions (SSM and PSI) and any employer onboarding.

8. Obtain or update required authorizations

   • Confirm with your employer whether you need specific authorizations related to gas or pressure equipment.
   • Enroll in ANC or authorization courses as needed to formalize your skill set.

9. Build your network and upgrade Romanian language skills

   • Take evening language classes.
   • Join professional groups and online communities.

10. Set long-term goals

• Target supervisor roles by improving drawing reading, scheduling, and crew management skills.
• Gather Romanian project experience for future EU opportunities.

Success Tips From Other Expats

• Embrace the metric system: Practice using millimeters and meters exclusively. Create a personal reference chart for common conversions.
• Learn site documents: Get comfortable with isometric drawings, legends, and Romanian abbreviations.
• Keep a tidy work area: Site managers value clean, organized work; it impacts how they rate your professionalism.
• Ask for standards: Request the project specification and follow it strictly. This shows you understand EU-style compliance.
• Invest in core tools: Most employers provide heavy tools, but having a reliable hand toolkit can help you pass trade tests smoothly.
• Take safety seriously: Consistent PPE use and respect for lock-out procedures make you a trusted team member.
• Be patient with administration: Immigration and recognition steps take time. Keep copies of everything and track deadlines.
• Use meal vouchers wisely: They can cover a significant portion of your food budget.
• Build rapport: A positive attitude and basic Romanian phrases go a long way with colleagues and supervisors.

Legal and Technical Compliance Snapshot

• Work authorization and visa: Employer-initiated work authorization followed by the D/AM visa for non-EU citizens, then residence permit after arrival.
• Trade recognition: ANC pathways and RPL for Romanian qualification certificates; EU credentials accepted under EU rules.
• Safety training: SSM and PSI are standard; site induction mandatory.
• Gas and pressure-related work: Obtain required authorizations for roles involving gas-related installations or pressure equipment, as specified by Romanian regulations.
• Standards and codes: Romanian norms aligned with EU standards; follow project specifications and site rules.

Conclusion: Your Next Steps

Romania offers a solid career runway for plumbers: a growing market, EU-aligned standards, and a cost of living that lets you save. Your success hinges on two things: proving your skills through practical trade assessments and converting or complementing your existing qualifications into the Romanian system. With a clear plan, the right documents, and a readiness to learn local standards and terminology, you can settle into rewarding work in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, Iasi, and beyond.

Call to action:

• Start by compiling your document pack and updating your CV for the Romanian market.
• Reach out to employers and be proactive about scheduling your trade test.
• Ask your future employer which authorizations they require and plan your courses early.

Your skills are in demand. Make Romania the next chapter in your professional story.

FAQ

1) Do I need to speak Romanian to work as a plumber?

Not strictly, but it helps a lot. Many foremen and site engineers in big cities speak some English, but Romanian is the standard language on site. Learn basic phrases and technical terms. It will speed up onboarding, reduce mistakes, and position you for promotions.

2) How long does the visa and work authorization process take for non-EU citizens?

Timelines vary, but a typical sequence is:

• Work authorization: about 30 - 45 days from submission by your employer.
• Long-stay employment visa (D/AM): about 10 - 20 working days.
• Residence permit after arrival: up to 30 days for processing. Start early and ensure documents are complete to avoid delays.

3) Will my foreign plumbing certificate be recognized?

EU-issued qualifications are generally recognized under EU rules. Non-EU qualifications can be validated through ANC-recognized assessment centers, often via Recognition of Prior Learning. In all cases, employers may require a practical trade test and proof of safety training. Where work involves gas or pressure equipment, obtain the specific Romanian authorization required for the role.

4) What does a typical skills assessment test include?

Expect a safety check, drawing interpretation, practical tasks (copper soldering, PPR fusion, steel threading), fixture installation, and a pressure test. A short theory quiz on safety and materials is common. You will be graded on accuracy, quality, timing, and safety compliance.

5) What salary can I realistically expect in Bucharest versus other cities?

In Bucharest, experienced plumbers often earn at the upper end of the national range due to higher demand and living costs. Expect net monthly pay around 5,000 - 7,000 RON for experienced roles, more for specialists or supervisors. In Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi, ranges are slightly lower but living costs are also lower. Confirm net pay in your offer and consider any allowances.

6) Do I need specific authorization for gas work?

Work on gas installations and certain gas-fired or pressure-related equipment requires specific authorization. Employers will specify the exact authorization needed and whether they support your training. If your role involves boilers or pressure equipment, factor authorization courses into your onboarding plan.

7) Can I work as an independent contractor or must I be employed?

Both exist, but most foreign plumbers start as employees due to immigration rules, onboarding, and access to large sites. Once settled and familiar with the system, you can explore independent contracting options in consultation with a tax advisor and in compliance with local regulations.

8) What safety training is mandatory?

You will undergo occupational health and safety training (SSM) and fire prevention training (PSI). Site-specific inductions are mandatory. Additional modules may be required for hot works, working at height, or confined spaces depending on the project.

9) What tools should I bring to Romania?

Bring a compact set: tape measure in metric, adjustable wrenches, pipe cutters for copper and PPR, deburring tool, level, pliers, screwdrivers, PTFE tape, and basic PPE. Employers provide heavy tools and press machines, but having your own essentials helps with trade tests and daily efficiency.

10) How do taxes and social contributions work?

Your employer withholds income tax and social contributions from your salary. Contributions provide access to state healthcare. Ask for a payslip explanation so you understand gross-to-net. If you have tax ties in your home country, consult a tax professional about double taxation rules.

11) Can my family join me in Romania?

Yes. After you obtain your residence permit for work, your spouse and dependent children can generally apply for family reunification, provided you meet income and accommodation requirements. Processing times vary, so plan ahead.