Immigration lawyer in Romania: residence, visas and work permits
Whether you are a non-EU national or an employer, we assist you in every procedure before the Romanian General Inspectorate for Immigration: from the work permit and visa to long-term residence.
Nationals of countries outside the European Union who wish to work, study, run a business or live with their family in Romania need a long-stay visa and then a residence permit. The legal framework is set mainly by Government Emergency Ordinance no. 194/2002 on the status of foreigners in Romania, and the competent authority is the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI).
The procedures are formal and run in stages: the work authorisation obtained by the employer, the visa applied for at the Romanian embassy or consulate, then the residence permit and its renewals. A defective document, an employment contract that does not match the work authorisation or a late application can lead to refusal, loss of the right of residence or even an obligation to leave the country.
We work with foreign nationals already in Romania, with those preparing to come, and with companies and recruitment agencies hiring staff from outside the EU. We communicate in English, prepare the files, represent you before IGI and, where a decision goes against you, challenge it through the remedies provided by law, including in court.
Immigration procedures we handle
- Work authorisations for permanent, seasonal, posted or highly qualified workers
- Long-stay visas for employment, studies, family reunification or business activities
- Single residence and work permit and renewal of temporary residence
- EU Blue Card for highly qualified professionals
- Family reunification: spouse and children of a foreign resident
- Changing employer or position and updating residence documents
- Long-term residence for foreigners with extended lawful residence
- Residence for studies, scientific research, volunteering or religious activities
- Residence for family members of Romanian citizens
- Appeals against refusal, revocation or non-renewal of residence rights
- Appeals against return decisions and entry bans to Romania
- Advice for employers and recruitment agencies hiring non-EU staff
- Review of employment contracts and supporting documents in immigration files
Common situations in immigration cases
- Your company wants to hire workers from Asia and does not know where to start with work authorisations.
- Your residence permit expires soon and your current employer has closed down.
- IGI has refused your renewal application and you have received a return decision.
- You want to bring your spouse and children to Romania and are unsure which documents are required.
- You have a well-paid job offer and want to know whether you qualify for an EU Blue Card.
- You were stopped at the border or given an entry ban that you believe is unjustified.
How we work
Assessment
We establish the purpose of your stay, the documents you have, the deadlines running and the conditions you must meet.
File preparation
We tell you exactly which documents, translations and legalisations are needed and check the file before submission.
Filing and follow-up
We file the application with IGI as your representative, answer requests for additional documents and follow the case.
Appeal, if needed
If a decision goes against you, we challenge it through the remedy and within the deadline set by law, including in court.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a long-stay visa and a residence permit?
The long-stay visa is issued by a Romanian embassy or consulate abroad and allows you to enter Romania for a specific purpose, such as work or studies. Once in Romania, you apply to IGI for a residence permit, which proves your right of temporary residence and is renewed periodically as long as the conditions are still met.
When should I apply to renew my residence permit?
The renewal application must be filed with IGI before your right of residence expires, within the deadline set by Emergency Ordinance no. 194/2002. Missing it can lead to the application being refused and to unlawful residence. We recommend starting to prepare the file at least two months before the permit expires, especially if your employer or family situation has changed.
Can I change employer while holding a work-based residence permit?
Changing employer is possible, but it must follow IGI procedures: as a rule, the new employer needs its own documents and your residence must be aligned with the new contract. The conditions differ depending on the type of permit and the length of your stay. We review the situation before you sign the new contract, so your lawful residence is not put at risk.
What can I do if IGI refuses my application?
IGI decisions refusing, revoking or ending residence, and return decisions, can be challenged under the conditions and deadlines set by law, usually before the administrative courts. Some deadlines are very short, only a few days. Send us the decision as soon as you receive it; we review the reasons, gather evidence and file the challenge, asking for the measure to be suspended where appropriate.
Other practice areas
Do you need a lawyer?
Tell us briefly about your situation. We will tell you honestly what can be done and what the next steps are, anywhere in Romania.
