ROMANIA: Schengen visa holders can soon enter Romania visa-free

January 17, 2014


Those who hold a Schengen state”s residence permit or a Schengen visa, valid for double or multiple entry, will be able to enter Romania from 1st February 2014 and remain there for up to 90 days in any 180 day period.

This change was enacted by new Romanian legislation (Emergency Ordinance no.194/2013 completing the Government Emergency Ordinance no.194/2002) which specifies that during their visit to Romania, entrants can only undertake tourism or business related activities. Those taking advantage of the new legislation will not be able to use their Schengen visas to work in Romania.

Romanian president Traian Basescu is due to meet European Council President Herman van Rompuy in Brussels today to discuss Romania”s desire to join the Schengen area. The country can only be admitted by unanimous agreement by all EU member states – and there has been strong opposition in the past from Germany and France.

It remains to be seen whether Schengen members will look favourably upon Romania this year. In the meantime, Schengen visa holders will be able to take advantage of entering Romania for short business and tourism visits freely.

For those interested in working in Romania, the Romanian government recently issued its annual work permit quotas which run from 1st January every year. The total allocated number for 2014 is 5500, and is broken down into the following categories:

  • work authorisations for local hires: 3000

  • work authorisations for assignees: 900

  • work authorisations for highly skilled workers (Blue Cards): 800

  • work authorisations for seasonal workers: 100

  • nominal work authorisations: 100

  • work authorisations for interns: 200

  • work authorisations for athletes: 300

  • work authorisations for cross border workers: 100

If you are considering undertaking employment in Romania or wishing to transfer company assignees there, contact us for further information.