Whether you already live in Romania or are considering moving there, you are entering one of Eastern Europe's most dynamic economies, now a major tech hub. Unemployment is low (around 6% by international measure, and far lower as a registered rate), and the country attracts companies for its talent and competitive costs. Here is how to find a job, an internship or an apprenticeship there.
Why work in Romania?
Because Romania has become a major digital destination in Europe, with a pool of more than 200,000 IT professionals, rising salaries and a low cost of living. It is also an EU member, so freely accessible to Europeans.
- A major IT hub with over 200,000 professionals.
- Rising salaries (notably +14% in IT recently).
- A low cost of living, preserving purchasing power.
- Free access for Europeans (EU member).
How does the Romanian labor market work?
The market is tight for senior and specialized profiles, but very competitive for juniors, especially in IT where a single role can attract hundreds of applications. Companies increasingly focus on retention and specialization.
- Strong demand for senior, specialized IT profiles.
- Intense competition for junior roles.
- Retention and upskilling strategies.
- An attractive market for European nearshoring.
Which sectors hire the most in Romania?
- IT and digital: the market's engine, strong demand for seniors.
- Business services and shared service centers.
- Construction, growing.
- Industry and automotive.
- Finance, support and administration.
Which cities should you target in Romania?
- Bucharest: the capital, IT, finance, services and headquarters.
- Cluj-Napoca: the major tech hub, the Romanian "Silicon Valley."
- Timișoara: industry, automotive and IT.
- Iași and Brașov: tech, services and industry.
Work permit: the steps for foreigners
As Romania is an EU member, EU/EEA nationals work freely. Nationals of other countries need a work permit, requested by the employer, and a long-stay visa.
- EU/EEA: free access to the labor market.
- Non-EU: work permit (employer-initiated) and long-stay visa.
- Annual quotas govern the employment of non-European workers.
Salaries and cost of living: what to expect
Salaries are 2-3 times lower than in Western Europe, but IT is the exception with attractive pay (average net salary around RON 13,000). The very low cost of living makes it an appealing destination.
- Attractive IT salaries relative to the local cost of living.
- A cost of living among the lowest in the EU.
- Good purchasing power for skilled profiles.
How to find a job, internship or apprenticeship in Romania?
- Targeted unsolicited applications (see below).
- Networking and professional platforms.
- IT fairs and university forums.
- Service centers and nearshoring companies.
The unsolicited application: the key to Romania's hidden job market
In a market where demand for senior profiles exceeds supply, contacting companies directly is very effective. The unsolicited application lets you target employers before they post a role and stand out for specialized positions.
- You reach companies seeking senior profiles.
- You avoid the heavy competition of junior ads.
- You start the direct relationship, valued locally.
- You get ahead of the competition.
Succeeding in your professional integration: our tips
- Leverage your technical skills, especially in IT.
- English is often enough in tech and service centers.
- Target Bucharest and Cluj, the most dynamic hubs.
- Activate your professional network.
Your next steps to work in Romania
Target a city and a sector (IT first), prepare a CV in English, then contact companies directly. The digital momentum rewards initiative and specialization.