Living and working in Romania
Romania is especially known for its beautiful landscapes, charming big cities, and Dracula. But what else is worth knowing and what would it be like moving to Romania?
We will provide you with a clear picture of what your life can look like in this cool country.
Work in Romania: Everything you need to know
Working in Romania may seem a bit difficult because of the competitive market, but with its growing economy there are always open offers, especially for skilled expats. Besides this, there are many languages based jobs. The main industries offering job positions are the energy, resources, and tourism industry. The work culture in Romania is based on respect hierarchy, where new associates don’t intervene in the decision-making. However, they are open to different points of view. If you express honesty with direct eye contact, this means respect for them so you will be taken seriously.
Taxes in Romania
When you decide to move to Romania, it’s important to visit the fiscal office (ANAF) in order to obtain your NIF. This is the number you’ll be identified by at the fiscal authorities in Romania. You can check which documents you need HERE. After this, you’re ready to start making contributions and taxes are at a flat rate of 10%.
What you need to fix when you start living and working in Romania
There are a couple of important things you need to fix if you decide to start living and working in Romani:
- Register you residence; register your stay if you’re staying longer than 90 days
- Personal Identification Number; needed for work contracts, taxes, healthcare, banking
- Healthcare registration; Romania has public healthcare
- Open up a Romanian bank account; needed for salary payments
- Get a local SIM card
Popular cities in Romania
Speak to one of our recruiters
Life in Romania
Romania offers everything from amazing architecture and fun nightlife in Bucharest, narrow cobbled alleys of Brasov, the Bran Castle (Dracula’s castle) to the peaks of the Carpathian Mountains to the beauty of the Danube Delta, you will find endless opportunities for hiking, skiing, and wildlife spotting. Romania is for example known to be home to Europe’s largest population of brown bears. Romanian cuisine is also a true feast. Try sarmale (cabbage rolls), mămăligă (polenta), and cozonac (sweet bread) during holidays. And remember the wines, particularly those from the historical region of Transylvania.
5 fun facts about Romania
- In 2013 they made the world’s largest flag! It was over 5 tons of thread that measured 349 metres by 227 metres
- You can meet Europe’s largest mammal there. Bison can weigh around 630kg. They also have the largest population of brown bears.
- Bucharest’s Palace of the Parliament is the heaviest building in the world. This impressive building has an area of 365 000 m2. Inside you can find over 700 000 tons of steel and bronze used for doors and windows.
- Romania also has the world’s record for the biggest bowl of goulash. It was 7 200 litres and it was listed in the Guinness World Records book in 2007.
- Bucharest is often called little Paris, they even have their own “Arcul de Triumf”
Culture in Romania
Romania’s culture is a result of the very mixed and difficult history. Due to the occupation Romania is divided into three districts: east, west and south. Each of them has a unique cultural history. Nowadays over half of the population lives in urban areas. Even though modern life influenced the country a lot, there are regions still taking special care of folklore and you can even feel a light-hearted competition between them.
Generations may have different attitudes. Of course, it’s not a rule, but older members of the society, raised in times of communism, tend to be sentimental about past times and sceptical about the current. Meanwhile, younger generations are looking towards Western European countries, focusing on this lifestyle. In the beginning Romanians may seem guarded towards foreigners, but after some time they become warm and hospitable. Personal relationships are important in Romanian society. Similarly, with hierarchy, society has become more status-conscious after the end of communism. Moving to Romania might be a little culture shock, but diversity is what makes our world so fascinating, isn’t it?
Cuisine in Romania
Romanian cuisine is a mixture of cultures between the Turkish, Hungarian, and western and central Europe. The food is generally heavy and pork centred. For example all kinds of soup, the Romanian national dish Sarmale (cabbage rolls stuffed with pork meat). Some say it has Turkish origins but the flavour has a Romanian touch.
Besides Sarmale there are many famous dishes in Romania like:
- Mici (Grilled Minced Meat Rolls): These can be smelled from miles away, it’s very common to see them in cottage parties, barbecues, street food and birthday celebrations.
- Ciorbă de burtă (Beef Tripe Soup): One of the most famous soups in Romania, with its bold flavour it’s the perfect hangover remedy, it’s made of a mixture between tripe, garlic, chilli peppers and soured with vinegar.
- Pomana Porcului (Honoring The Pig): This Christmas tradition is fresh meat cut from a recently slaughtered pig and then fried in its own fat. It’s traditionally served with mămăligă a type of cornmeal porridge.
Accommodation in Romania
There are many choices when it comes to accommodation in Romania. Options range from apartments in Soviet-era buildings to newly renovated flats. Apart from websites you can also join Facebook groups for people looking for a place to stay in the city you are heading to. Prices are often better on social media groups since no agency is involved.
Costs for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre is €350 – €610, and outside the city centre around €210 – €370. A room in a shared apartment will cost you €150-€300 a month.
Cost of living in Romania
Despite the salaries being one of the lowest compared to other European countries, the costs of living are proportional. In cities like Bucharest or Timișoara, everyday expenses are higher than in the suburbs or countryside. Check examples of expenses below to get an idea of how you can organise your budget:
- Groceries: 180-€300 a month
- Meal in an inexpensive restaurant: €5-€10
- Coffee in a café: €1,50-€3
- 0.5L Beer in a bar: €1,50-4
- Gym membership: €20-€40 a month
- Cinema ticket: €5-€8
Expats in Romania
Romanian people can seem slightly harsh at first, but once you get to know them you will realise they are actually very warm and welcoming towards expats. The vast majority of Romanians speak English fluently and are willing to help foreigners. The primary barrier for expats in Romania can be the language at work. In Romanian workplaces it’s necessary to manage at least a basic level of Romanian. But if you work in an international company you will not face these issues. Romania is well-connected to the rest of Europe, which makes it a perfect place for travellers to settle for a while to make savings, due to the low costs of living, and then be able to travel around again.
Still not convinced about Romania?
Living in Romania means immersing yourself in a land of legends, and it’s a place where old-world charm meets modern innovation, and where every day brings new discoveries and unforgettable experiences.
Romanians are known for their warmth and hospitality. Embrace the sense of community, take part in traditional celebrations like Mărțișor or the colourful Easter customs, and you will quickly feel at home.
In Romania, you can explore the stunning landscapes of Transylvania. Take a trip to the capital city Bucharest, where you can visit the impressive Palace of the Parliament and wander through the charming Old Town. Also, you definitely have to visit the picturesque villages of Maramureș, with their traditional wooden churches and unique rural way of life.
FAQ
No, if you are an EU citizen you do not need to apply for a work permit before moving to Romania. You can read more about it here.
The national language is Romanian, and most of the society speaks English as well. In a professional environment it can be a big advantage to have at least basic knowledge of Romanian. You can take a course both on-site or online. In the first case, after arrival, you can sign up for a free Romanian course, where you will learn not only language but also the basics of culture. Find offers like this at rolang.ro and sign up. Another available option is language courses online. You can easily find both free and paid ones, e.g. loecsen or learnro and start even before departure.
And last but not least, when you arrive, don’t be afraid to speak Romanian on a daily basis, in a grocery store or at work. Nationals will be so happy to hear you trying, and it will help you make local friends easier.
Romania lies within a temperate-continental climate. Summers are generally warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C. Winters can be cold, with temperatures dropping to -10°C to -15°C, especially in mountainous areas. Spring and autumn are mild. Romania also experiences a fair amount of rain throughout the year, with snowfall in winter. The country’s diverse topography, including the Carpathian Mountains and the Danube Delta, contributes to variations in climate across different regions.
The cost of living in Romania is generally lower compared to many other European countries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant may cost around 10 to 15 euros per person, and a monthly transportation pass can be approximately 20 euros. However, prices can vary depending on the city or region within Romania.
If you’re just moving around the city or in nearby areas most people people use bikes, buses and in some cities metro and tram. For longer distances train is recommended.
Romania has a universal healthcare system that provides healthcare services to its citizens and legal residents. The system is funded through mandatory contributions from employees and employers, as well as through government allocations. Healthcare services are provided through a combination of public and private hospitals and clinics. While the quality of healthcare in Romania has improved in recent years, there can still be variations in service quality and infrastructure between urban and rural areas. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses when visiting Romania.
