Student work rights in Romania
Rules for working while studying in Romania, including work limits, internships, tax steps and post-study routes where covered by the guide.
Read the complete Romania study abroad guide.
Part-time Jobs
Foreigners holding temporary residence for studies may work in Romania without an employment authorisation when employed under a part-time individual employment contract with working time of no more than six hours per day. This is the current IGI rule; older guides that still say four hours/day are stale. Employers handle the employment formalities, while your residence and study status must remain valid. Future wages cannot replace the funds you must prove for the visa or residence file before those earnings exist.
Source: https://igi.mai.gov.ro/obtinerea-permisului-de-sedere-in-scop-de-studii-pentru-cetatenii-din-afara-uniunii-europene-sau-a-spatiului-economic-european/
Post-study Work
After graduation, the temporary study residence right can be extended for nine months to search for employment, complete employment formalities or open a business, with proof of completed studies. A separate six-month extension can apply for finalising the academic situation/authentication of study documents in the circumstances described by IGI. For long-term residence planning, time spent under a study residence right counts at half weight, and long-term residence is not granted while the applicant is still residing solely under the study category. Move onto the appropriate work/business residence basis once the post-study transition is complete.
Source: https://igi.mai.gov.ro/obtinerea-permisului-de-sedere-in-scop-de-studii-pentru-cetatenii-din-afara-uniunii-europene-sau-a-spatiului-economic-european/
Common questions
What should international students know about work in Romania?
Students with temporary study residence may work part-time up to 6 hours/day without an employment permit.
What should international students know about post study in Romania?
Graduates can extend study residence for nine months to look for work or start a business.