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If you are planning to work in Romania as a non-EU national, you may wonder whether employers must prove that no local worker is available before hiring you.
The short answer is: Romania applies a form of labour market verification, meaning employers must demonstrate the need to hire a foreign worker before work authorization is granted.
At WorkPermitCheck, many applicants assume that a job offer alone guarantees approval. In practice, authorities assess whether recruitment rules have been followed.
Does Romania Have a Labour Market Test?
Romania does not always use the exact term “labour market test,” but the work permit process includes a similar requirement.
Employers typically must show that:
• The position could not be filled by Romanian or EU candidates
• Recruitment efforts were conducted
• Employment conditions meet legal standards
• Hiring a foreign worker is justified
Authorities review this before issuing a work permit.
Who Is Affected?
Labour market verification mainly affects:
• Non-EU/EEA nationals
• Employer-sponsored work permits
• First-time work authorization applicants
• Standard employment permits
EU citizens generally do not face this requirement.
What Employers Must Do
Employers may be required to:
• Advertise the job locally
• Conduct recruitment efforts
• Document candidate search results
• Explain why local applicants were unsuitable
• Provide job description and salary details
These steps support the work permit application.
When Is the Requirement Less Strict?
In some cases, labour market verification may be easier or faster, such as:
• Highly skilled roles
• Shortage occupations
• Certain permit categories
• Repeat sponsorship scenarios
However, authorities still review compliance.
How This Affects Applicants
For foreign workers:
• A job offer does not guarantee approval
• Processing time may depend on recruitment evidence
• Job classification matters
• Employer compliance is critical
Starting work before authorization is illegal.
Common Reasons for Refusal
Work permits may be refused due to:
• Availability of local candidates
• Insufficient recruitment documentation
• Salary below legal threshold
• Incorrect job classification
• Employer non-compliance
Accurate documentation is essential.
How WorkPermitCheck Helps
WorkPermitCheck provides independent verification support to help:
• Confirm employer legitimacy
• Review job classification alignment
• Identify labour market risks
• Check documentation completeness
• Reduce refusal risks
We do not issue permits. We verify authenticity and compliance indicators.
Key Takeaway
Romania applies a labour market verification step similar to a labour market test. Employers must justify hiring a foreign worker before work authorization is approved.
Understanding this requirement helps applicants set realistic expectations and prepare documentation properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Romania require a labour market test?
Yes, employers generally must demonstrate the need to hire a foreign worker.
Do EU citizens need this step?
No. EU/EEA citizens have simplified access to the labour market.
Can a work permit be refused due to local candidates?
Yes. Availability of suitable local applicants may affect approval.
Is the employer responsible for this step?
Yes. The employer must provide recruitment evidence.
Can highly skilled jobs bypass the test?
Some roles may face fewer restrictions, but review still occurs.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Romania work permit rules may vary depending on permit type and individual circumstances. Always confirm official requirements with Romanian authorities. WorkPermitCheck provides independent verification support and does not issue work permits or visas.
February 21, 2026
