Foreign-born population – 2025 | 3.6% of the population | Main countries of birth: Ukraine (26%), Moldova (18%), Italy (10%) |
Size: 0.7 million, 42% women | Evolution since 2015: +146% |
International Migration Outlook 2026
50th Edition
In 2025, 69 000 new immigrants obtained a residence permit longer than 12 months in Romania (excluding EU citizens), 34.9% more than in 2024. This figure comprises 84.3% labour migrants, 8.5% family members (including accompanying family), 5.3% who came for education reasons and 1.8% other migrants. Around 1 800 short-term permits were issued to international students and 2 200 to temporary and seasonal labour migrants (excluding intra-EU migration). In addition, 47 000 intra-EU postings were recorded in 2024, stable relative to 2023. These posted workers are generally on short-term contracts.
Ukraine, Nepal and Sri Lanka were the top three nationalities of newcomers in 2024. Among the top 15 countries of origin, Ukraine registered the largest decrease (‑10 000) in flows to Romania compared to the previous year.
In 2025, the number of first asylum applicants decreased by ‑49%, to reach around 1 100. The majority of applicants came from Syria (300), the West Bank and Gaza Strip (200) and Iraq (100). The largest decrease concerned nationals of Syria (-400). Of the 1 190 decisions taken in 2025, 53% were positive.
Emigration of Romanian citizens to OECD countries decreased by ‑13% in 2024, to 213 000. Approximately 36% of this group migrated to Germany, 18% to Spain and 11% to Italy.
In April 2026 Romania introduced a new legal framework (Government Emergency Ordinance 32/2026), replacing its old work permit system with a digital, centralised model. Full implementation is scheduled for August 2026 with the launch of an online platform, “WorkinRomania.gov.ro” which will serve as the single‑entry point for all employer registrations and visa applications.
Employers can operate either as registered employers, who recruit through authorised placement agencies, or, exceptionally, as authorised employers, who hire directly, under stricter conditions (minimum 24‑month activity, at least 50 employees, guarantee of EUR 1 000/per foreigner).
Foreigner placement agencies are subject to a new authorisation regime, with guarantees of EUR 75 000 for a number of up to 250 placed foreigners. For each additional 250 placed foreigners, the value of the financial guarantee increases by EUR 50 000. Foreigner placement agencies are prohibited from charging any fee from foreign workers.
The reform introduces two distinct long-stay visa categories for non-EU labour migration. The D/AM1 visa targets highly qualified workers and certain special categories and is not subject to quotas or shortage constraints. In contrast, the D/AM2 visa governs general labour migration and is regulated by an annual quota and a forthcoming Shortage Occupations List, which acts as a positive list.
Employment from third countries remains subject to the “List of Shortage Occupations” (289 occupations), approved by order of the Minister of Labour, Family, Youth and Social Solidarity. Procedures for the employment of permanent, seasonal and cross-border workers from third countries may be initiated, as a rule, only for the occupations included in this list. The list shall be drawn up and updated every six months or whenever necessary.
Stricter employer requirements brought by the reform include bilingual employment contracts, mandatory language training, stronger reporting requirements, financial guarantees and higher penalties for non-compliance.
Under the new provisions, direct posting of workers employed by companies from outside the EU, EEA or Switzerland is no longer permitted under the standard regime. Additionally, the requirement to obtain a work authorisation for posted workers has been eliminated, such workers now being able to apply directly for the long-stay posting visa.
The new system includes enhanced traceability mechanisms linking workers and employers directly through official identifiers. Visa documents will include the worker’s Romanian personal identification number (CNP), while residence permits will display the employer’s company identifier (CUI).
WorkinRomania.gov.ro will store detailed records linking workers and employers, while Entry Exist System will track cross-border movements for short stays. Together, these systems allow authorities to compare travel histories with employment records, making it harder to misuse short-stay visas for work.
In 2025, Romania extended accommodation support, access to employment and social assistance for beneficiaries of temporary protection from Ukraine.
In July 2025, Romania created a central migration governance body, the Committee for the Admission and Regulation of Foreigners’ Stay, bringing together relevant ministries to co‑ordinate migration policy, monitor inflows and regulate recruitment channels.
For further information: igi.mai.gov.ro/
