Family Reunification Visas for International Drivers

Bringing your family with you when you relocate for work isn’t just a dream—it’s a major factor in long-term success, stability, and happiness abroad. If you’re a professional driver in Dubai exploring a move to Romania, you’re likely asking one big question: how can I bring my spouse and children to live with me legally and comfortably?

This comprehensive guide explains how family reunification works in Romania for non-EU professional drivers, what documents you need, who qualifies as "family," processing timelines, costs, and practical life considerations once your loved ones arrive. We’ll focus on the Dubai-to-Romania journey—how to start from the UAE, navigate Romanian rules, and set your family up for a smooth transition into European life.

Introduction: Why Romania—and Why Bring Your Family?

Romania has emerged as a strategic entry point to the European logistics market. With major corridors into the EU (Hungary) and the Balkans (Bulgaria), a dynamic port in Constanța, and consistent demand for C/CE drivers in international transport, Romania offers strong career prospects and a pathway to Europe-wide operations.

For drivers based in Dubai, the appeal is clear:

Access to the European market and higher long-haul earnings
Work with Romanian or multinational logistics companies serving EU routes
Opportunity to eventually settle longer-term and build family stability in Europe

But career success is only half the story. Sustainable relocation often depends on family well-being. That’s where Romania’s family reunification framework comes in. If you’re moving on a Romanian work contract and residence permit, you can typically sponsor your spouse and minor children to join you—provided you meet certain eligibility requirements.

Understanding Family Reunification in Romania

Family reunification in Romania is a legal pathway that allows non-EU/EEA nationals (third-country nationals) legally living in Romania to bring close family members to join them. For truck drivers relocating from Dubai, it usually comes after you’ve secured your work authorization, long-stay visa for employment, and residence permit in Romania.

Key authorities and terminology

General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI): The Romanian authority handling immigration—including work authorizations, residence permits, and family reunification approvals.
Long-stay visa for employment (commonly referred to as D/AM): The visa you first use to enter Romania for work after your Romanian employer obtains a work authorization for you.
Long-stay visa for family reunification (often referred to as D/VF): The visa your spouse and children apply for once you’re eligible to sponsor them.
Residence permit (Permis de ședere): The physical card your family members receive after arrival and registration with IGI.

Note: Visa labels and codes can vary in how they’re displayed by consulates. Always follow the exact category shown in Romania’s official eViza system and the guidance of the Romanian Consulate in the UAE.

Who counts as “family” for reunification

Under Romanian rules, you can generally sponsor:

Your spouse (monogamous marriage recognized by Romanian law)
Your minor children (usually under 18), including those adopted
Your spouse’s minor children

Adult dependent children and other relatives may be possible in limited circumstances (e.g., severe dependency or humanitarian reasons), but the standard path focuses on spouse and minors.

Core eligibility for the sponsor (you)

To sponsor family reunification as a professional driver:

You must hold a valid right of residence in Romania—typically a temporary residence permit based on employment
You must show adequate accommodation (rental contract, ownership document, or hosting declaration)
You must show sufficient means of subsistence (steady income) at least at or above Romanian thresholds
You must have valid health insurance coverage (your employment-based contributions usually satisfy this for you; your family will need coverage at visa stage)

Timing matters. For most categories, Romania expects that you have already held a valid temporary residence right for at least 1 year and that your permit remains valid for at least one more year at the time of application. Certain categories—like EU Blue Card holders, researchers, or ICT transferees—may sponsor family immediately. Professional drivers generally fall under the standard employment category, so plan with that 1-year timeline in mind unless your employer is hiring you under a different, fast-track category.

The Dubai-to-Romania Route: Step-by-Step Overview

This is the typical journey for a driver in the UAE relocating to Romania with family reunification in mind.

Secure a Romanian job offer

Target reputable Romanian or multinational logistics companies with active international routes. Examples operating across Romania include: Dolo Trans Olimp (DTO), International Alexander (Arad), H.Essers Romania, Aquila, Duvenbeck Romania, DB Schenker Romania, DSV Solutions, Kuehne+Nagel Romania, and Carrion Expedition. Always verify current hiring status and driver programs.

Employer obtains your work authorization

Your Romanian employer applies to IGI for a work authorization (aviz de muncă). This is mandatory before you can apply for your work visa.

Apply in the UAE for your long-stay work visa

With the work authorization, apply for the long-stay visa for employment (commonly D/AM) at the Romanian Consulate (Abu Dhabi Embassy or Consulate General in Dubai). You’ll be guided through Romania’s eViza system.

Enter Romania and obtain your residence permit

After visa issuance and entry, register and submit your residence permit application at IGI within the required timeframe (usually within 90 days of entry). Once issued, your employment-based residence permit establishes your legal long-term stay.

Become eligible to sponsor family

After you’ve maintained your legal residence on employment grounds (commonly at least 1 year), you can prepare your family reunification case—unless you qualify for an immediate category.

Family applies for the long-stay family reunification visa

Your spouse and children apply from the UAE (or other country of legal residence) for the D/VF visa, attaching IGI’s approval for family reunification and all supporting documents. After arrival in Romania, they’ll apply for residence permits.

Throughout this process, documentation quality and timing are everything. That’s especially true if your family’s civil documents are issued in the UAE.

Eligibility and Readiness: Are You and Your Family Prepared?

Before you invest time and money, do a quick readiness audit.

Sponsor readiness checklist

You hold a valid Romanian residence permit for employment
You’ve completed at least 1 year of residence (unless you’re in a category that allows immediate family reunification)
Your residence permit will remain valid for at least 1 more year
You have a signed lease or housing arrangement sufficient for your family size
Your monthly income meets or exceeds minimum thresholds (aim above the Romanian minimum net wage, especially if sponsoring multiple dependents)
Your employer is stable and ready to issue employment confirmations or salary statements
You have a clean criminal record (Romanian authorities may ask for foreign criminal record certificates in some cases)

Family readiness checklist

Valid passports for all family members, with sufficient validity (ideally 18–24 months)
Marriage certificate and children’s birth certificates issued/recognized by UAE authorities
Apostille on all civil status documents issued in the UAE (the UAE is party to the Hague Apostille Convention), plus certified translations into Romanian
Evidence of health insurance for visa application coverage period
If children are school-age: prior school records and vaccination records ready for translation and school enrollment in Romania
Consent documents if only one legal parent is traveling with minors (Romanian authorities may require consent from the non-traveling parent)

Documents and Legalization: Getting UAE Papers Romania-Ready

Your family reunification visa hinges on document quality. The rule of thumb: Romanian authorities must be able to verify the authenticity and content of your civil status and identity documents.

What you’ll typically need

Sponsor’s documents:
- Romanian residence permit (copy)
- Employment contract and salary statements
- Proof of accommodation (lease/ownership or hosting declaration)
- Proof of means: bank statements and/or employer letter
- Health insurance confirmation (your employment-based coverage)
Family members’ documents:
- Valid passports
- Marriage certificate (for spouse) – UAE-issued or recognized
- Birth certificates for children
- Proof of legal custody/consent if applicable
- Health insurance valid for visa period
- Recent photos and application forms per consulate instructions
Supporting documents for the application:
- IGI family reunification approval (issued in Romania)
- Proof of relationship continuity (optional but helpful): family photos, shared address proofs, etc.

Apostille and translation from the UAE

Apostille: Since the UAE joined the Hague Apostille Convention, your UAE-issued civil documents should be apostilled by the competent UAE authority (instead of full embassy legalization). Ensure each document carries an apostille certificate.
Translation: After apostille, have documents translated into Romanian by a certified translator. Many drivers complete translations in Romania, but you can also use sworn translators recognized by the Romanian consulate.

Name matching and spelling

Ensure names match across passports, certificates, and your Romanian records. If there’s a spelling variation (common when transliterating Arabic names), prepare an affidavit or explanatory note and keep consistency in all submissions.

Marital status and recognition

Romania recognizes monogamous marriages performed legally abroad if properly documented and apostilled. Polygamous marriages are not recognized. If applicable, Romania will typically recognize only the first legal marriage.
Marriages under age 18 may raise recognition issues. If your marriage certificate shows a spouse married below Romania’s legal thresholds, seek guidance before applying.

How to Apply: The Family Reunification Process, Step by Step

This section breaks down the process from the perspective of a Dubai-based driver relocating to Romania.

Step 1: Your work and residence in Romania

Your Romanian employer secures a work authorization from IGI.
You apply at the Romanian consulate in the UAE for a long-stay visa for employment (commonly D/AM), enter Romania, and obtain your residence permit (Permis de ședere) for employment.
Keep your work contract, residence permit, and proof of accommodation up-to-date.

Step 2: Prepare the family reunification request in Romania

Once you meet the eligibility period (often after 1 year of residence), compile your sponsor file: accommodation proof, income proof, valid residence, and civil documents of your family (apostilled and translated).
Submit the family reunification request to IGI in Romania. Some regions allow online pre-submission, others schedule in-person.
IGI will assess your income sufficiency, housing space, and the genuineness of family ties.

Step 3: IGI decision and notification

IGI can take up to 90 days to decide, with possible extensions.
If approved, IGI issues a decision authorizing family reunification for the named family members.

Step 4: Family applies for long-stay visa at the Romanian consulate (UAE)

Your spouse and children submit visa applications (D/VF) at the Romanian Consulate in the UAE, attaching the IGI approval and their personal documents.
They must show health insurance for the visa period and proof of accommodation or sponsorship as required by the consulate.
Processing can take several weeks; plan for school terms and travel dates accordingly.

Step 5: Entry into Romania and residence permits for family

After visa issuance, your family enters Romania within the visa’s validity window.
Schedule appointments at the local IGI office for residence permit applications. Bring originals and copies.
Upon approval, each family member receives a residence permit card indicating “family member” status tied to your residence right.

Timelines, Fees, and Practical Planning

While fees change periodically, here’s what to expect:

Work authorization and your initial visa: Usually paid/handled with employer support. Confirm who covers government fees and medical checks.
Family reunification IGI approval: A fee applies for processing; budget for translations, apostilles, and courier costs.
Visa fees for each family member: Consular fees apply per person.
Residence permit fees in Romania: Payable upon application (per family member).

Processing times vary by season and region, but for planning:

IGI family reunification approval: Up to 90 days (sometimes faster)
Consular visa processing: Often 2–6 weeks after IGI approval
Residence permit issuance in Romania: Typically 2–4 weeks after biometrics, depending on local workload

Total end-to-end: 3–5 months after you submit a complete family file to IGI. Expect longer if documents need re-issuance or if additional checks occur.

Rights of Family Members After Arrival

Family members admitted under family reunification gain rights that make integration easier.

Right to live in Romania tied to your permit: Their residence validity typically mirrors yours.
Access to the labor market: In many cases, adult family members can work without a separate work authorization once they hold a residence permit for family reunification. Employers will still need to register the employment contract; your spouse should bring their residence card and tax registration.
Schooling for children: Public education is available; Romanian language support varies by school and locality.
Healthcare: Once registered and contributing (or as dependents through your contributions, depending on status), family members can access public healthcare. Private clinics are widely available in major cities (Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, Iași, Constanța).

Important: A Romanian residence permit does not grant visa-free travel across all Schengen/EU countries for UAE or other visa-required nationals. Romania joined Schengen for air and sea borders in 2024, but land border checks still apply, and your nationality’s Schengen visa rules still govern travel to other countries. Check your family’s nationality-specific rules before planning EU trips.

Best Practices and Tips (Romania-Specific)

Start your document prep early in Dubai: Apostille queues can take time. Get marriage and birth certificates reissued and apostilled while you’re still in the UAE.
Translate in Romania when possible: Certified Romanian translators are readily available and familiar with IGI requirements. Bring apostilled originals.
Choose family-friendly housing: IGI will expect proof of suitable accommodation. In Bucharest, a two-bedroom in a mid-range area can run EUR 500–900/month. In cities like Timișoara, Iași, or Oradea, expect EUR 400–700/month for similar quality.
Keep salary evidence clean and consistent: Ask your employer for an official salary confirmation letter and maintain Romanian bank statements showing regular payroll. This helps demonstrate means of subsistence.
Plan around school calendars: Romanian schools usually start in September. If your children arrive mid-year, request a placement and discuss language integration support with the school director.
Vaccination records: Bring your child’s vaccination card. Romanian schools and pediatricians often ask for immunization history; have it translated.
Health insurance bridge: For visa purposes, your family must show private medical insurance. After arrival and residence registration, switch to public coverage once eligible.
Keep copies of everything: Scan PDFs of passports, apostilles, translations, and applications. It speeds up appointments and avoids rework.
Language: Basic Romanian phrases go a long way. Enroll your spouse in local Romanian language courses—IGI or NGOs sometimes offer free integration programs for non-EU nationals.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Challenge: Timing the 1-year eligibility window
- Solution: If you must wait a year, use the time to apostille, translate, and pre-prepare your family documents. Secure a longer lease in Romania to demonstrate stable accommodation when you apply.
Challenge: Apostille or name mismatches on UAE documents
- Solution: Re-issue clean certificates from UAE authorities and ensure correct transliteration. Include a name consistency affidavit if necessary.
Challenge: Accommodation proof rejected
- Solution: Provide a formal rental contract showing sufficient space and legal residence address. A host declaration from a relative/friend in Romania must be notarized; leases are stronger.
Challenge: Delays at IGI during peak seasons
- Solution: Book IGI appointments well in advance and submit a complete file. Request your employer’s HR to provide any additional confirmations proactively.
Challenge: Children’s school integration and language barrier
- Solution: Choose schools with experience hosting international students. Consider Romanian tutoring and join parent groups. Many cities offer after-school Romanian language support.
Challenge: Weather and lifestyle shock (Dubai to Romania)
- Solution: Prepare for four seasons—warm summers, cold winters. Budget for winter clothing and consider winter tires and safe commute routes. Choose housing near schools and public transport to reduce stress.
Challenge: Spouse’s job search
- Solution: After your spouse obtains a family residence permit, they can pursue jobs (often without a separate work authorization). Target sectors with English options: customer service, retail, logistics support, shared service centers in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Timișoara.

Industry Insights: Romania’s Trucking and Logistics Market

Romania is a key logistics gateway for Central and Eastern Europe with heavy freight flows through:

Western corridor (Hungary): Nădlac-Arad-Timișoara-Lugoj-Deva-Sibiu (A1 motorway) connects to EU markets
Northern corridor: Oradea-Cluj-Napoca-Târgu Mureș-Bistrița, with cross-border links towards Hungary and Slovakia
Southern/Balkan corridor (Bulgaria): Giurgiu-Ruse bridge connecting to Greece and Turkey routes
Eastern flow: Constanța Port (Black Sea), critical for containerized and bulk cargo; links to Bucharest and national road/rail networks

Typical routes for international drivers based in Romania include Romania–Hungary–Austria–Germany–Benelux; Romania–Bulgaria–Greece; and Romania–Italy via ferry options. International assignments often pay day rates/per diems in addition to base salary, leading to competitive net pay compared to domestic-only roles.

Demand drivers:

Nearshoring and EU supply chain diversification
Growth of e-commerce and parcel networks (Fan Courier, Sameday, Cargus)
Automotive and electronics manufacturing clusters in the west and center (Arad, Timiș, Cluj)

Recruitment trends:

Romanian carriers actively hire non-EU drivers (from the Middle East and Asia), providing training for Romanian C/CE licenses and Code 95, or onboarding experienced drivers with existing EU qualifications.
Companies value clean safety records, international experience, and flexibility for long-haul schedules.

Compensation ranges (indicative as of 2025):

Domestic routes: often EUR 700–1,200 net/month depending on company and region
International routes: base plus per diems can reach EUR 1,500–2,500+ net/month depending on mileage, lanes, and rotations

These figures vary widely by employer, route, and compliance with EU rest-time regulations. Always review the contract, pay structure (fixed vs. per diem), and rest policies before committing.

Living in Romania: Housing, Cost of Living, and Culture

Romania offers a more moderate cost of living than Dubai, but the experience will vary by city and lifestyle.

Housing:
- Bucharest: Two-bedroom apartments in good neighborhoods commonly EUR 600–1,000; lower in peripheral areas
- Cluj-Napoca and Timișoara: EUR 500–900
- Iași, Oradea, Brașov: EUR 400–800
Utilities and internet: EUR 100–180/month depending on season and apartment size; high-speed internet is widely available at low cost.
Food and groceries: Romanian supermarkets (Mega Image, Carrefour, Kaufland, Lidl) offer affordable essentials. Halal shops and international markets exist in major cities.
Transport: Public transport is affordable in large cities; consider proximity to schools and IGI offices when choosing your area.
Weather: Romania has four seasons. Winters can bring snow and temperatures below 0°C, especially outside coastal areas. Plan for heating costs and winter clothing.
Language and integration: Romanian is the primary language. English is common among younger people and in corporate settings. In logistics depots and service areas, Romanian is useful—consider beginner courses for you and your spouse.

Cultural fit notes for families from Dubai:

Work-life balance: Weekends are valued family time. Many shops close earlier on Sundays outside malls.
Community: Expat communities are growing in Bucharest and major cities. Religious centers and cultural associations exist; do some local research based on your background.
Schooling: Public schools are free; private international schools exist but are more expensive (EUR 5,000–15,000+ per year). For newcomers, neighborhood public schools often work well, with extra Romanian tutoring.

Practical Action Steps for Dubai-to-Romania Family Reunification

Secure your Romanian driver job

Target companies with international routes and non-EU hiring experience. Ask about relocation support and family policies.

Plan your licensing path

If you don’t hold EU C/CE with Code 95, confirm whether the employer will sponsor Romanian licensing and CPC. Discuss training schedules so you can plan family timing.

Build a documentation calendar

Month 0–1: Collect UAE marriage/birth certificates; apply apostilles
Month 1–2: Translate documents into Romanian (or plan to translate after arrival)
Month 2–3: Employer secures your work authorization; you apply for the D/AM visa in UAE
Month 3–4: Enter Romania, start work, apply for your residence permit
Month 4–12: Maintain steady income and housing; prepare family file
Month 12+: Submit family reunification request to IGI; once approved, family applies for D/VF visas at the UAE consulate

Choose housing that fits IGI expectations

Aim for a formal lease showing adequate space. Ask your landlord to provide additional supporting documents if IGI requests them.

Budget for fees and living

Set aside funds for apostilles, translations, visa fees, residence permits, and initial setup costs in Romania (deposits, furniture, winter clothing).

Prepare your spouse for the job market

Update CVs in English and Romanian. Look at roles in retail, hospitality, customer service, or logistics admin, depending on language comfort.

School planning

Contact the local school inspectorate or your neighborhood school for enrollment requirements. Have translated previous school records and vaccination cards ready.

Healthcare onboarding

Arrange private insurance for your family’s visas. After arrival, register them with a family doctor and confirm public coverage status based on your contributions.

Expect the unexpected

Keep extra time in your plan for document re-issuance or IGI/consulate backlogs. A buffer of 1–2 months reduces stress.

Best Practices and Tips (Recap)

Keep everything consistent: Names, dates, and spellings across passports and certificates
Use the UAE apostille process: Faster than older legalization paths
Translate into Romanian: Consular acceptance improves with certified translations
Show stable income and housing: Strong evidence speeds approvals
Consider city choice: Bucharest for job variety; Cluj/Timișoara for a balance of opportunities and lifestyle; Constanța if you prefer coastal living and proximity to port operations
Build a family timeline: Align visa, school, and your work rotations

Conclusion: Bring Your Family with Confidence

A move from Dubai to Romania can transform your driving career—opening EU routes, raising earning potential, and positioning you for long-term growth in a dynamic market. Family reunification is your bridge from "working abroad" to truly building a life in Europe. With the right preparation—clean documents, realistic timelines, and a supportive employer—you can reunite with your spouse and children in Romania and set them up for success.

If you’re ready to map your path, start today: line up your job offer, secure your work authorization, and build your family documentation plan. The sooner you start, the smoother your reunification will be.

FAQ: Family Reunification for Drivers Moving to Romania

1) How long must I live in Romania before I can sponsor my family?

For standard employment-based residence, you typically need to have held a valid temporary residence right for at least 1 year and have at least 1 year remaining on your permit at the time you apply. Certain categories (EU Blue Card, researchers, ICT transferees) may sponsor family sooner. Always confirm the current rule with IGI.

2) Can my spouse work in Romania after arriving on a family reunification basis?

In many cases, yes. Once your spouse holds a residence permit issued for family reunification, they generally have access to the Romanian labor market without a separate work authorization. Employers still complete standard employment registrations. Check your spouse’s residence card category and consult IGI for any conditions.

3) Do my family members need Schengen visas to travel elsewhere in the EU?

A Romanian residence permit does not automatically allow visa-free travel to other Schengen countries for nationals who otherwise require visas. Your family members must follow the Schengen visa rules for their nationality. Romania’s air and sea Schengen entry simplifies certain travel routes, but non-EU nationals still need to check visa requirements for each destination country.

4) What documents from the UAE do I need, and how should they be legalized?

You will need passports, marriage certificate, birth certificates for children, and any custody/consent documents. Since the UAE is a party to the Hague Apostille Convention, you should obtain an apostille for each civil document. Then, have them translated into Romanian by a certified translator (in Romania or via the consulate).

5) How much should I budget for family reunification?

Budget for: apostilles (per document), certified translations (per page), IGI processing fees, consular visa fees per family member, and residence permit fees in Romania. Add travel costs and initial housing deposits. Total costs vary widely, but many families set aside EUR 800–1,500+ for documentation and fees, excluding travel and rent.

6) What happens if my lease is short-term or my income is near the minimum?

IGI expects proof of suitable accommodation and sufficient means of subsistence. Short-term or informal housing can trigger requests for more evidence. Aim for a formal multi-month lease and keep clean payroll records. If your income is borderline, supplement with bank statements, employer confirmations, and, if available, a longer-term contract.

7) Are polygamous marriages or under-18 marriages recognized?

Romania recognizes monogamous marriages. Polygamous marriages are not recognized; typically only the first legal marriage is considered. Marriages under the Romanian legal thresholds may face recognition challenges. Seek guidance before filing if your situation may fall outside standard recognition.

Final Call to Action

Thinking seriously about the Dubai-to-Romania move? Start with your job offer and a document game plan. Speak with your future employer’s HR about work authorization timelines and family support. Then assemble your family’s UAE documents for apostille and translation. The sooner you start, the sooner you can welcome your loved ones to Romania—and take your driving career to the next level across Europe.