Work After Graduation in Romania: What International Students Can Do in 2026
- Thinking about the next step after you study in Romania? The short answer is right below.
Quick answer
- Yes, you can work in Romania after graduating. EU/EEA graduates can start right away, with no work permit.
- Non-EU graduates get up to 9 months after graduation to extend their student residence permit for job search, employment formalities or opening a business.
- Your employer starts the work visa process on the WorkinRomania.gov.ro platform, fully live since 8 August 2026.
- Skilled graduate roles usually fall under the D/AM1 route (no quota, no shortage list). Other roles need to be on the shortage-occupations list (D/AM2).
- Apply for the extension at least 30 days before your student permit expires.
9 monthsextra stay after graduation for non-EU students
4 hdaily work limit on a student permit
2work visa routes: D/AM1 and D/AM2
8 Aug2026: the new digital work-visa system went live
Find your route in 10 seconds
EU/EEA graduates
- You do not need a work permit or a work visa.
- You have the same labour rights as Romanian citizens.
- Register your stay with the immigration authority if you stay longer than 3 months.
Non-EU graduates in a highly qualified role
- Your employer registers on WorkinRomania.gov.ro and files your D/AM1 application.
- D/AM1 is not subject to the annual quota or the shortage-occupations list.
- Your job and salary must qualify as highly qualified work. A higher-education degree is the usual starting point.
- The EU Blue Card is a parallel option for the same profile.
Non-EU graduates in other roles
- Your job must appear on Romania's official List of Shortage Occupations.
- The employer or an authorised placement agency files a single application for the D/AM2 visa.
- The employer must declare the vacancy to the National Employment Agency.
- If your role is not on the list, look for a D/AM1-eligible position instead.
Graduates who want to open a company
- The 9-month extension also covers the formalities for opening a business.
- Prepare your business plan and company registration before the extension ends.
- Ask the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) which residence permit applies to your company and what it requires.
Your timeline after graduation
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Before you graduate
- Start your job search in your final semester, not after the diploma.
- Ask every employer one question early: "Have you hired non-EU graduates before?"
- Prepare your documents: passport, diploma and transcripts, health insurance, proof of accommodation and a police clearance.
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Extend your residence permit
- Your Romania student visa and student residence permit are the base for this extension.
- Submit your graduation documents to IGI to extend your stay by up to 9 months.
- File at least 30 days before your current permit expires.
- Use this window for job search, employment formalities or opening a business.
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Find an employer who can sponsor you
- Target companies that already employ international staff.
- Check that your role fits D/AM1 (highly qualified) or the shortage-occupations list (D/AM2).
- Never pay anyone for a "guaranteed" job offer.
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Your employer files the application
- The employer registers on WorkinRomania.gov.ro and submits the single application.
- The employment contract must be bilingual.
- Ask your employer or IGI whether your case is processed inside Romania or through a consulate. The system is new, so confirm the exact procedure.
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Start work and plan long term
- Begin full-time work only after your visa or permit is approved.
- Track your permit expiry date and renewal window from day one.
- Keep your records clean, because legal residence years build toward long-term residence.
Can you work while you study?
What you are allowed to do
- Non-EU students can work part-time on their student residence permit, up to 4 hours per day (about 20 hours per week).
- Internships and student jobs are allowed within the same limit.
- Full-time work is not allowed until you switch to a work permit or visa.
Why it matters after graduation
- Local work experience makes your CV stronger when you apply to sponsoring employers.
- Your first employer is often your best sponsor.
- Every workplace conversation improves your Romanian, which is a real advantage in hiring.
Work visa and permit types explained
D/AM1 visa
Best for
- Highly qualified workers, teaching and scientific staff, and other special categories.
What to know
- No annual quota.
- No shortage-list restriction.
- Filed by a registered employer.
D/AM2 visa
Best for
- Permanent, seasonal and cross-border workers outside the D/AM1 categories.
What to know
- The role must be on the shortage-occupations list.
- Annual quota applies.
- Filed by an authorised employer or placement agency.
EU Blue Card
Best for
- Graduates with a university degree and a qualified job offer.
What to know
- Requires a salary at or above the threshold Romania sets.
- Requires a binding job offer or contract.
- Compare it with D/AM1 before choosing.
Which sectors hire international graduates?
- Explore our guide to in-demand jobs in Romania to match your degree with real openings.
- Always check your target role against the current shortage-occupations list before you apply.
IT and engineering
- Many companies hire in English.
- Skilled roles often fit the D/AM1 route.
- Portfolio projects and internships count heavily.
Healthcare
- Regulated professions usually need diploma recognition.
- Expect to prove Romanian language skills for patient-facing work.
- Start the recognition paperwork before graduation.
Business, tourism and services
- Shared-service and customer-support centres often need multilingual staff.
- Hospitality and tourism roles may depend on the shortage list.
- Language skills are your strongest asset.
How to find a job in Romania
Where to look
- Romanian job portals such as eJobs and BestJobs.
- LinkedIn, with your location set to Romania and your work status stated clearly.
- Your university career centre and alumni network.
How to stand out
- Use a one-page CV in Europass or a clean European format.
- Add a line about your permit status and the 9-month extension so employers see the timeline.
- Learn basic Romanian. Even A2 level shows commitment.
Staying long term
- Long-term residence generally requires several years of legal residence, commonly 5.
- Student years count only partly toward that requirement, so employment years matter.
- Ask IGI to confirm how your own years are counted before you plan around a date.
Mistakes to avoid
- Arriving as a tourist to look for work. The process is employer-driven and a status switch can be refused.
- Missing the 30-day filing window for your extension.
- Working more than 4 hours a day on a student permit.
- Paying unauthorised agencies. Placement agencies must now be authorised under the new rules.
- Using old advice. Romania replaced the old work-permit procedure in 2026, so check dates on any guide you read.
Frequently asked questions
Can I work full-time right after graduating in Romania?
- EU/EEA graduates can start immediately.
- Non-EU graduates use the 9-month extension to find a job and complete formalities.
- Start full-time work only after your employer's application is approved.
Do I have to leave Romania to switch from student to work status?
- Earlier practice allowed graduates to switch inside Romania.
- The 2026 system is new, so confirm the procedure with IGI or your employer's immigration adviser.
Is Romania a good place to start a career?
- Living costs are lower than in most Western European countries.
- Romania is an EU member with a growing economy.
- English-speaking roles are common in IT and business services.
Can I get permanent residence after studying in Romania?
- Long-term residence generally needs about 5 years of legal stay.
- Study years count only partly, so plan on additional years of employment.
The bottom line
- Romania gives non-EU graduates a 9-month bridge from student life to a career.
- Your degree, your role and your employer decide which visa route you get.
- Start early, file on time and use only authorised channels.
Sources
- Student residence permit extension: Arad University, residence permit guide
- Working as a student: Study in Romania (official portal)
