How I Doubled My Income by Driving Internationally

Introduction

Eighteen months ago, I was hauling construction materials in Dubai, watching my take-home pay stall while my hours got longer. Today, I’m based in western Romania, driving international routes across the European Union, and I’ve more than doubled my monthly income. The difference wasn’t luck; it was a strategic move—leveraging Romania’s growing logistics sector, EU market access, and driver-friendly pay structures to build a sustainable career.

If you’re a professional driver in Dubai considering a move to Europe, Romania is one of the most practical launchpads. With strong demand for C+E drivers, a lower cost of living compared to Western Europe, and companies that regularly operate cross-border into Germany, Italy, France, Benelux, and Poland, Romania offers a realistic path to higher earnings and long-term growth.

In this real-world account, I’ll walk through the full Dubai-to-Romania journey: paperwork and permits, Romanian license and Code 95 (CPC), landing the right company, adapting to European rules, surviving winter, and making the finances work. I’ll also share Romania-specific best practices, common pitfalls, and the exact steps I took to shift from a regional driver in the Gulf to an international EU professional with a stable schedule and solid pay.

Whether you want to upgrade from local deliveries in Dubai or you’re aiming for pan-European long-haul work, consider this your roadmap.

Why I Left Dubai for Romania—and What I Found

The ceiling I hit in Dubai

Dubai trained me well: punctuality, customer service, multi-lingual yards, and tough heat. But there were limits I couldn’t break:

Limited international routes and lower long-haul premiums
High living costs that ate into my savings
Complex visa renewal cycles and fewer clear pathways to formal professional certifications equivalent to Europe’s Code 95

I knew I wanted international exposure, better pay for time away from home, and a place where the cost of living made saving realistic. I researched Eastern European gateways into the EU market: Poland, Lithuania, and Romania. Romania stood out because of language accessibility (many dispatchers speak English), competitive salaries with per diems, shorter path to EU routes through Romanian companies, and a more affordable lifestyle if I wanted to base my family in the country.

Why Romania made sense for international trucking

Romania’s logistics ecosystem has been quietly leveling up:

Strategic geography: Connects the Black Sea (Constanța) to Central Europe via the A1 corridor to Hungary (Nădlac/Borș), plus improving highway projects (A3, A7 under construction).
EU market access: Romanian carriers frequently run to Germany, Italy, Austria, France, Belgium, Netherlands, and Poland.
Growing demand for drivers: Many companies are open to hiring non-EU nationals and help with paperwork.
Pay structure: International drivers are typically paid a base salary plus daily per diems for days abroad, which are often tax-advantaged under Romanian law when structured correctly.
Cost of living: Outside Bucharest, living expenses in cities like Timișoara, Cluj-Napoca, Arad, and Iași are significantly lower than Dubai.

I also found that Romania offers an on-ramp for third-country nationals via the Driver Attestation (for non-EU drivers operating EU international routes) issued to employers, and clear steps to obtain the C/CE categories and Code 95 (CPC) certification.

Paperwork, Permits, and Licenses: The Realistic Roadmap

Before touching a Romanian truck professionally, I had to understand the regulatory landscape. Here’s the exact sequence that worked for me.

Step 1: Immigration and work authorization

As a non-EU citizen coming from Dubai, I needed a Romanian work permit followed by a long-stay visa and a residence permit. In practice, most reputable Romanian carriers handle or guide this process for you.

Work Permit (Aviz de muncă): Typically initiated by the employer through the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI).
Long-Stay Visa for employment (D/AM): Issued by a Romanian consulate/embassy after the work permit is approved.
Residence Permit (Permis de ședere): Finalized in Romania after arrival; required to legally live and work.

Tip: Ask potential employers upfront about their experience sponsoring non-EU drivers and obtaining Driver Attestations for EU operations.

Step 2: Driver Attestation for EU cross-border work

For third-country nationals (non-EU citizens) employed by an EU carrier, the company needs to obtain a Driver Attestation under Regulation (EC) No 1072/2009. This card allows you to operate international routes within the EU legally while employed by the Romanian transport company. Without it, your cross-border operations in the EU can be restricted.

Ask potential employers:

Do you routinely obtain Driver Attestations for non-EU drivers?
What timeline should I expect?

Step 3: Professional licensing—Romanian/EU standards

To drive heavy vehicles professionally in Romania/EU, you’ll need:

C (rigid trucks) and CE (articulated trucks) categories
Code 95 (CPC—Certificate of Professional Competence) added to your license record
Digital tachograph driver card (smart tachograph Gen2 for international work)

If you hold a UAE heavy license, check whether it can be exchanged. Romania can exchange licenses from certain countries, but not all; UAE exchanges are often not available, meaning you may need to retrain and pass Romanian tests. Confirm with DRPCIV (Direcția Regim Permise de Conducere și Înm. Vehicule), the Romanian licensing authority.

My path looked like this:

Enroll in a certified driving school (școală auto) for C and CE categories.
Undergo mandatory medical and psychological evaluations (aviz medical and aviz psihologic).
Complete Code 95 initial/periodic training through an ARR-accredited center (Autoritatea Rutieră Română).
Pass the theory and practical exams with DRPCIV.
Apply for the digital tachograph driver card from ARR.

Optional but valuable:

ADR certificate for transporting dangerous goods (boosts job options)
Load securing courses and eco-driving modules (some employers pay bonuses)

Timeline: With full focus, motivated students can complete C+CE + Code 95 in 2–4 months, depending on exam slots and personal progress.

Step 4: Settling documentation and tax basics

Social insurance registration and payroll onboarding through your employer.
Bank account in Romania (Banca Transilvania, ING, BRD, or others) for salary and per diems.
Understanding per diem rules: Employers often structure a base salary plus daily allowances while abroad; many drivers appreciate the tax efficiency (within legal limits). Always ensure your contract is compliant.

Note: I am sharing my experience, not legal advice. Always verify requirements with official bodies: DRPCIV (licensing), ARR (CPC/tachograph), IGI (immigration), and ANAF (tax).

Training, Testing, and Getting Road-Ready in Romania

What the EU expects from professional drivers

Driving standards in the EU center on safety, rest, and documentation. Master these early:

EU drivers’ hours and rest rules (Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 and related Mobility Package updates):
- Daily driving: typically up to 9 hours (twice a week up to 10)
- Weekly driving: up to 56 hours; two-week total up to 90 hours
- Breaks: 45 minutes after 4.5 hours (can be split 15+30)
- Weekly rest: Regular 45 hours or reduced with compensation
Smart tachograph Gen2: Mandatory for international transport in the EU on new vehicles; retrofit deadlines apply for older trucks. Learn card use, manual entries, and border crossing records.
Cabotage and posting rules: Limits on domestic deliveries inside other EU states; companies brief you on compliance.

The Romanian driving school experience

My school in Timișoara covered:

Theory: EU safety standards, hazard perception, cargo securing, eco-driving, vehicle checks, emergency procedures.
Practical: Urban and national roads, highway merges (A1), border approaches (Nădlac), mountain driving basics (if available), and night drives.
CPC (Code 95): 35 hours of periodic training modules or an initial qualification pathway for new professional drivers.

What helped me pass fast:

Simulate theory tests daily in Romanian and English (many centers offer bilingual materials).
Practice reversing with a spotter and cones; focus on mirror discipline.
Learn basic Romanian driving terms to understand examiners and signage quickly:
- "Viteză" (speed), "coboară viteza" (reduce speed), "ocolire" (bypass), "depășire interzisă" (no overtaking), "atenție la gabarit" (mind the clearance), "zăpadă" (snow).

Winter readiness: your new professional edge

Moving from Dubai’s heat to Romania’s winters is a serious shift. I prepared for:

Winter tires (M+S) mandatory when roads are covered with snow/ice; chains recommended in mountainous areas.
Anti-freeze, de-icing sprays, and proper washer fluid.
Cold-start techniques and pre-trip checks in sub-zero temperatures.
Choosing routes with better winter maintenance (A1 corridor is typically prioritized, but always check road reports).

I learned to monitor Romanian road authority updates (CNAIR) and weather apps. Dispatchers usually help reroute around closures.

Landing the Right Job: Companies, Routes, and Pay Structures

Romanian logistics landscape and who I spoke to

Romania’s market includes both local and multinational carriers. Examples of companies that operate in or from Romania include:

Dumagas Transport (international road transport)
International Alexander (Arad/Western Romania logistics and cross-border operations)
Aquila (regional distribution and international presence)
H.Essers (international logistics with Romanian operations)
DB Schenker, DHL, Kuehne+Nagel (multinational logistics present in Romania)
Major courier/3PL networks like FAN Courier for domestic work (useful if you consider local driving before moving international)

I applied to companies with proven international lanes and non-EU driver experience. My key screening questions:

What are the main routes? (e.g., Romania–Hungary–Austria–Germany–Benelux; Romania–Italy; Romania–Poland)
How do you structure pay? Base salary + per diem? What’s the per diem rate per day abroad?
Do you obtain Driver Attestations for non-EU drivers?
What’s the rotation schedule? (e.g., 4 weeks on/1 off, or 6/2)
What truck models and tachographs do you use? (I preferred Euro 6 trucks with Gen2 tachographs)
Is training provided on border processes and paperwork (CMR, customs where needed)?

Typical routes and hubs I now run

Western Corridor: Timișoara/Arad to Nădlac II border (RO-HU) → Budapest ring → Vienna → Munich → Ruhr area.
Southern Corridor: Bucharest/Ilfov → Arad → Italy via Slovenia (Trieste) or Austria (Brenner) depending on load.
Northern/Polish Corridor: Oradea/Borș border → Slovakia/Czech → Poland.
Black Sea Logistics: Constanța port connections heading west via A2/A1 (containers or project cargo).

Primary Romanian cross-border points for EU trucking include Nădlac (A1), Borș (A3), and Petea (Satu Mare). E-ways are improving, but slow segments still exist—plan rest to avoid penalties.

Pay and schedules: how the money actually works

My pay moved from a fixed salary in Dubai to a hybrid model in Romania:

Base salary (on-contract): A Romania-based amount that secures benefits and insurance.
Per diems for international days: A daily allowance for days spent outside Romania, often structured tax-efficiently within legal limits.
Performance extras: Night work, waiting time allowances, fuel-saving bonuses (eco-driving), ADR bonus, weekend work.

Example ranges I encountered (purely illustrative; verify current offers):

International Romania-based C+E drivers: net totals often between €2,000–€3,500/month depending on days out, routes, and company policies. Stable 4/1 rotations typically lead to consistent per diem accruals.
Domestic-only roles: Lower totals but more home time; good for family settling-in period.

What clinched my decision was the per diem model plus consistent EU miles. Even after factoring my rent and living costs, I was saving more than twice what I managed in Dubai.

Life in Romania: Cost of Living, Culture, and Daily Reality

Choosing a base city

I evaluated:

Timișoara/Arad: Closer to Hungary/Austria; ideal for Western EU routes. Good expat presence.
Cluj-Napoca: Tech and university hub; quality of life is high, but rents can be higher.
Bucharest/Ilfov: Capital with most services and schools; traffic heavy; higher costs.
Iași/Bacău: Growing cities in the east with lower costs; farther from EU western borders.

My pick: Timișoara for cross-border convenience and lower housing costs compared to Bucharest or Cluj.

Realistic monthly living costs for a driver

These are ballpark figures to help plan (actual costs vary by city and lifestyle):

Rent (1-bedroom): €350–€650 in regional cities; €500–€900 in Bucharest/Cluj central areas
Utilities + internet + mobile: €100–€160
Groceries for one: €180–€300
Transport (when off-duty): €20–€60 for public transport; €80–€150 fuel if you keep a personal car
Health insurance: Typically handled via employer contributions; check coverage

If you’re on the road much of the month, your local expenses are lower, but plan for family costs if relocating with dependents.

Language and cultural integration

I got by with English at work—dispatchers and many border officials manage. Still, basic Romanian goes a long way:

Greetings: "Bună ziua" (good day), "Mulțumesc" (thank you), "Vă rog" (please)
Practical: "Factură" (invoice), "Parcare" (parking), "Chitanță" (receipt), "Descărcare" (unloading), "Încărcare" (loading)

Culturally, Romanians value politeness, punctuality, and straightforward communication. Shared meals matter; don’t be surprised if colleagues recommend local dishes: sarmale (cabbage rolls), ciorbă (sour soups), mici (grilled minced meat), and papanași (dessert).

Weather and driving conditions

Winters (Dec–Feb): Snow/ice in Transylvania and the Carpathians; wind on the plains. Prepare with winter kit and plan rest during storms.
Summers: Warm-to-hot; hydration and AC maintenance matter.
Spring/Autumn: Rain and fog; watch for slick roads in mountain passes and valleys.

Safety and parking

Secure parking is improving, but plan ahead in Western Europe where spots fill early. In Romania, fuel stations like OMV/Petrom and larger rest areas on A1 often have facilities. Use trucker apps to find rated parking and hygiene facilities.

The Financial Outcome: How I Actually Doubled My Income

I was earning a steady income in Dubai but struggled to save due to housing and daily costs. In Romania, the formula that changed my finances was simple:

Higher net pay in months with 20–24 international days thanks to per diems
Lower base living costs in a regional Romanian city
Fewer hidden expenses (many companies reimburse tolls, road vignettes, and parking)

A realistic month for me now looks like:

22 days out internationally (across RO–HU–AT–DE–BE–NL)
Base net salary paid in Romania
Daily per diems accrued for each international day
Fuel-saving bonus when I keep within consumption targets
Occasional waiting time/misdirection compensation when delays happen beyond my control

Result: My monthly net (base + per diems + bonuses) exceeds double what I routinely made in Dubai, and my savings rate is substantially higher. Just as important, I’m building recognized European credentials (C+E, Code 95, ADR) that travel with me across the EU job market.

Best Practices and Tips for Romania-Based International Drivers

Documentation and legal compliance

Secure the Driver Attestation if you’re a non-EU citizen—make sure your employer handles this early.
Keep hard copies and digital scans of documents: passport, residence permit, employment contract, CPC/Code 95, tachograph card, ADR (if applicable), insurance, and truck papers.
Track tachograph data daily. Learn manual entries (start/end country) and avoid infringements to protect your earnings and license.

Professional growth

Add ADR certification to increase demand and pay flexibility.
Develop a clean record: no infringements, no cargo damage, proactive communication with dispatch.
Learn basic Romanian terms related to logistics; it accelerates trust at loading bays and with authorities.

Operational habits

Plan borders at off-peak times: Nădlac II can be busy; a night crossing saves hours.
Pre-check parking availability along the A1 and in Austria/Germany, especially near major hubs (Munich, Ruhr, Benelux).
Maintain a personal winter kit: gloves, headlamp, high-visibility vest, thermal layers, spare food, water, power bank.
Keep expense records for reimbursements: parking, ferries, and any unexpected fees.

Financial and lifestyle

Use a Romanian bank with low foreign transfer fees if sending money home.
Consider insurance add-ons for family members if relocating (private clinics are common in cities).
Choose housing near major arteries if you’ll be rotating frequently (e.g., Timișoara–A1 access).

Common Challenges and Solutions When Relocating from Dubai to Romania

1) License conversion uncertainties

Challenge: UAE licenses may not be directly exchangeable for Romanian C/CE categories.
Solution: Plan to enroll in a Romanian driving school for C+E and Code 95. Ask employers if they co-fund training or advance costs against your first months’ pay.

2) Cold weather shock

Challenge: Sub-zero temperatures, snow, and ice are new for Gulf-region drivers.
Solution: Complete winter driving modules, keep a winter kit, and practice gentle acceleration/braking. Monitor forecasts and coordinate with dispatch to avoid storm peaks.

3) Language and paperwork

Challenge: Romanian paperwork can be intimidating at first; dispatches come fast.
Solution: Use translation apps for invoices and CMR notes. Learn key Romanian terms. Many dispatch teams will communicate in English; clarify this during interviews.

4) Tachograph and EU hours compliance

Challenge: Strict enforcement and fines for infringements.
Solution: Get hands-on training with Gen2 tachographs, keep logs tidy, and schedule breaks proactively. Ask your company for a compliance briefing before your first international run.

5) Finding trustworthy employers

Challenge: Not all offers are equal; some advertise high numbers without clarity on per diems, rest schedules, or accommodation.
Solution: Verify pay structure in writing. Ask for a sample monthly breakdown and rotation details. Talk to current drivers (many share honest feedback in online groups).

6) Family relocation logistics

Challenge: Schooling, healthcare, and housing for dependents.
Solution: Shortlist cities with international or bilingual schools (Bucharest, Cluj, Timișoara). Confirm spouse/child residence permits with IGI. Budget for initial setup costs and consider furnished rentals.

7) Managing expectations about EU travel liberties

Challenge: Confusion about Schengen and movement rights.
Solution: As a non-EU citizen employed in Romania, you need to follow visa/residence rules. For work-related driving across the EU, the Driver Attestation covers you. For personal travel, check Schengen entry rules applicable to your nationality and Romanian residence status.

Industry Insights: Romania’s Trucking and Logistics Market

Romania as a gateway: The country links the Black Sea (Port of Constanța) to Central Europe via the A2–A1 corridors. Western hubs around Arad/Timișoara connect to Hungary, Austria, and Germany within a day’s drive.
Infrastructure upgrades: Ongoing expansion of the highway network (A1 completed in key sections, A3/A7 progressing) and logistics parks around Bucharest, Ploiești, Cluj, and Timișoara.
Demand drivers: Automotive supply chains, FMCG distribution, e-commerce growth, and container flows from Constanța.
Regulatory evolution: EU Mobility Package adjustments continue to shape rest rules, posting of drivers, and tachograph upgrades—Romanian carriers are adapting, increasing the need for trained drivers.
Workforce trends: Many Romanian companies hire third-country nationals, support CPC training, and manage Driver Attestations—opening doors for experienced drivers from the Gulf and Asia.

Bottom line: Romania’s position in the EU logistics grid is strengthening, and skilled drivers who understand EU compliance and winter operations are highly valued.

Practical Action Steps for the Dubai-to-Romania Move

Clarify your objective
- Do you want international long-haul with higher per diems, or domestic routes to settle first? Decide your target schedule (e.g., 4/1 rotation).
Build a short list of employers
- Target companies operating RO–EU international lanes and experienced with non-EU hires. Prepare a CV highlighting your heavy-vehicle hours, safe record, and any ADR or reefer experience.
Confirm sponsorship and paperwork
- Ask if they handle work permits, long-stay visas, residence permits, and Driver Attestations. Get an estimated timeline and checklist.
Plan your licensing path
- Verify if your UAE license can be exchanged; if not, budget time/money for Romanian C+E and Code 95. Choose an ARR-accredited school with English-friendly materials.
Prepare documents
- Passport validity (12+ months recommended), police clearance if requested, medical records, translated certificates (where needed), driving experience letters.
Budget the transition
- Training fees, initial rent deposit, local transport, food, and emergency fund. Consider that first full pay with per diems may arrive after your first international rotation.
Learn essentials early
- Basic Romanian phrases for work, EU drivers’ hours, smart tachograph operations, and winter safety protocols.
Choose a base city and accommodation
- If you’ll run Western EU routes, consider Timișoara/Arad to cut dead mileage. Look for short-term furnished rentals to stay flexible early on.
Secure banking and SIM
- Open a Romanian bank account for payroll; get a local SIM with generous data for maps, dispatch, and translation apps.
Start with a mentored route
- Request an initial buddy run or extra dispatcher support for your first EU trips, especially during winter.
Track your metrics
- Keep a personal log of per diem days, consumption, rest times, and parking costs. It helps optimize earnings and negotiate future terms.

Conclusion: Your Romania-Based Gateway to the EU Driving Career

Transitioning from Dubai to Romania turned my driving job into a European career. I moved from hot yards and flat salaries to international routes, professional credentials, and a pay structure that finally rewards time away from home. The steps are clear—secure a sponsoring employer, align your permits, earn C+E plus Code 95, and master EU compliance. The payoff: higher earnings, a lower cost of living, and a platform for long-term growth across the EU.

If you’re ready to make the move, start today: shortlist Romanian carriers, ask the right questions about Driver Attestations and per diems, and book your C+E training. Your next loaded trailer could be your ticket to a better income and a European future.

FAQ: Working and Living in Romania as a Professional Driver

1) Can I use my Dubai (UAE) truck license in Romania?

For private driving, your UAE license plus an International Driving Permit may help temporarily, but for professional heavy-vehicle work (C/CE), Romania typically requires a Romanian/EU license with Code 95 (CPC). Direct exchange from UAE to Romanian C/CE is often not available. Most drivers complete Romanian C+E training and testing with DRPCIV and obtain Code 95 via an ARR-accredited center.

2) How long does it take to get Romanian C+E and Code 95?

If you focus full-time, plan roughly 2–4 months for schooling, exams, and paperwork, depending on test availability and your study pace. The tachograph driver card from ARR can add a few weeks. Ask your employer about scheduling support.

3) What’s the typical salary for international drivers based in Romania?

International C+E drivers commonly earn a base salary plus daily per diems for days abroad. Monthly net totals often range from about €2,000 to €3,500, depending on rotation, routes, and company policy. Bonuses (fuel efficiency, ADR, waiting time) can add more. Always confirm the structure in your written contract.

4) Do I need to speak Romanian to get hired?

It helps, but many carriers dispatch in English, especially on international lanes. Learn basic Romanian for loading bays and authorities—it makes day-to-day smoother and builds rapport. Some companies provide language support during onboarding.

5) Can I drive across the EU as a non-EU citizen employed in Romania?

Yes—if your employer obtains the EU Driver Attestation for you (Regulation (EC) No 1072/2009). This document authorizes non-EU drivers employed by EU carriers to perform international operations. You also need valid C/CE, Code 95, a tachograph card, and to follow EU drivers’ hours and rest rules.

6) How different is the weather, and what gear do I need?

Romanian winters can be below zero with snow and ice—very different from Dubai. You’ll need winter tires (M+S) when roads are snow/ice covered, chains or textile socks where appropriate, thermal clothing, insulated gloves, a headlamp, de-icer, and winterized washer fluid. Plan routes and rest around storms.

7) Is Romania affordable compared to Dubai?

Generally, yes—housing, groceries, and daily expenses are lower, especially outside Bucharest and Cluj. Many international drivers base themselves in Timișoara or Arad for quick access to the A1 and western borders, balancing rent with route convenience.

8) What are the main Romanian routes and borders for EU trips?

Common corridors include A1 west to Nădlac (Hungary), A3 to Borș (Hungary), and routes north via Satu Mare (Petea). From there, you’ll connect to Austria, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Benelux depending on the load. Constanța port feeds container traffic into A2 → A1.

9) Do I need ADR to earn well?

ADR isn’t mandatory, but it opens more lanes and sometimes better pay. If you can manage the coursework, it’s a strong investment. Many Romanian carriers run ADR loads across the EU.

10) What about Schengen and personal travel?

For work-related driving, your company’s EU transport rights and your Driver Attestation cover international operations. For personal travel, your rights depend on your nationality, Romanian residence permit, and Schengen policies at the time. Check current rules before private trips.

If you’re a driver in Dubai dreaming of European horizons, Romania is a realistic, rewarding start. Take the steps, shake hands with the right company, and put your experience to work on Europe’s most important routes. Your income—and your future—can change faster than you think.