There are a variety of things people should know about the job market in Romania before getting taking up employment in Romania. This includes the latest legal regulations, skills needed, and employment opportunities.
Legal Regulations
EU nationals have the right to live and work in Romania without a work permit as long as they have applied for a residence permit, which can be obtained after having a legal work contract in Romania. Work permits are issued by the Romanian Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, based on a working visa and a review of the necessary documents presented by the applicant. All employment related issues are governed by the Labor and Social Security Ministry.
For citizens of non-EU countries it is necessary to apply for a residence permit at the Romanian embassy or consulate in your home country before a work permit application is submitted. Once submitted, you are prohibited from traveling to any Schengen state until a decision is made regarding your application. Romanian work permits are employer-specific. The company must demonstrate that you have a certain set of skills necessary for the position. In addition, they need to show they were not able to fill the position with an EU/EEA candidate. If you wish to switch companies while in Romania, you will have to obtain a new work permit.
Education and Skills
If you want to find a job in Romania the minimum requirement is usually a high-school diploma. A university degree is a must for certain positions. Fluency in English or French is also highly valued, and German is currently in high demand. Many HR agencies are looking for native speakers for executive-level positions in multi-national companies. Computer literacy is becoming more and more of a basic requirement. An internationally-recognized IT certification will greatly improve your chances of finding a job in Romania.
Types of employment for expatriates
Foreign job-seekers traditionally found paid employment in Romania through charities and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Volunteer work usually involves teaching or working with children. Teaching English is another great employment opportunity for foreign job-seekers throughout Romania.
With the changing economy and the increase of multinational firms in Romania, more foreigners have come to work as expatriates. Demand for specific skills and profiles now means that foreigners are being recruited directly to fill positions.
Until very recently, Romania had comparatively few foreigners living in or traveling to the country. Romania's economic growth and the spread of the country's reputation as a beautiful tourist destination means this is changing rapidly. Still today, foreigners are few and far between.
In general, foreigners are seen as wealthy and worldly. If you work in Romania, it might be automatically assumed that you are a knowledgeable professional and able to provide leadership.