Schengen Area Rules for International Drivers

Navigate European travel freedoms and restrictions while working as a driver in EU countries.

Introduction: Your Road from Dubai to Romania—and into Europe

If you are a professional driver in Dubai considering a long-term move to Europe, Romania is one of the smartest launchpads for your career. It offers solid hiring demand for truck and coach drivers, competitive per diems on international routes, lower living costs than Western Europe, and direct access to the EU market. But to make your transition smooth and compliant, you need to understand the Schengen Area rules for international drivers, and how those rules interact with Romania’s national immigration processes and professional driving regulations.

This guide explains the Schengen 90/180-day rule, visa categories, Romanian work authorization, right-to-work documentation, professional driver qualifications (C, CE, Code 95/CPC, ADR), tachograph and posting rules, and what you should carry when you cross borders. We’ll also cover real-world Romania-specific insights: major routes and borders (Nădlac II, Borș, Petea, Giurgiu–Ruse), key logistics hubs (Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, Constanța), company examples hiring international drivers, cost of living, winter driving realities, and how to integrate culturally and professionally.

Whether you’re a UAE national or an expatriate currently based in Dubai (Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, Bangladeshi, Nepalese, Sri Lankan, etc.), this article gives you a practical roadmap from your first visa application to your first EU cross-border haul.

Schengen Basics for Professional Drivers: What You Must Know

What is the Schengen Area?

The Schengen Area is a group of European countries that have eliminated internal border checks between them. For non-EU citizens, Schengen rules primarily affect how long you can stay as a visitor in these countries, how you transit, and what documents you need for short stays versus work.

Short-stay rule: Up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period across the Schengen Area (the “90/180 rule”).
Purpose: Tourism, business meetings, short training—NOT employment. Working usually requires a national long-stay visa and residence permit from the country where you will be employed.

Romania’s Schengen Status (What It Means for Drivers)

Air and sea Schengen: As of 2024, Romania joined the Schengen Area for air and maritime borders. This means smoother air and sea movements to/from other Schengen states.
Land borders: As of 2025, checks at Romania’s land borders may still apply until a final EU Council decision fully integrates land borders. In practice, truck drivers still pass through border control when entering/leaving Romania by road.
Practical implication: Your immigration status for work in Romania is governed by Romanian national law. For trips into other Schengen countries, the 90/180 rule and each country’s carrier checks still apply, even if your employer is Romanian.

Always confirm current status with the Romanian General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) before travel, as rules can evolve.

The 90/180 Rule—Applied to Drivers

If you hold only a short-stay Schengen visa (Type C) or are visa-exempt for Schengen, you can spend a total of 90 days in Schengen within any 180-day period for non-work purposes.
If you are employed in Romania, you typically enter with a Romanian long-stay visa (Type D) and then obtain a Romanian residence permit. Your right to work is tied to Romania.
Time spent in Romania under its national visa/residence framework does not count as Schengen short-stay time. Time spent in other Schengen states does count toward the 90/180 limit.
If your nationality usually requires a Schengen visa, verify whether your Romanian residence permit allows short visa-free travel to other Schengen states for up to 90/180 (rules and carrier practices can vary). When in doubt, get a Schengen visa for specific trips.

ETIAS and Transit Notes

ETIAS: When ETIAS goes live, travelers from visa-exempt countries (for example, UAE nationals) will need electronic travel authorization for short Schengen visits. ETIAS is not a work permit.
Airside transit: If you transit via a Schengen airport en route to Romania, check your nationality’s air transit visa requirements. Some nationalities need an airport transit visa even if not entering Schengen.

Visas and Work Authorization: The Romania Pathway from Dubai

Step 1: Secure a Bona Fide Romanian Employer and Job Offer

Romanian companies must sponsor non-EU drivers for work authorization. You should:

Target employers with international routes and experience hiring non-EU drivers (more on companies below).
Ensure the company can show a genuine need and meet salary/per diem standards.
Request a clear job offer with gross salary, per diem, route type (domestic vs. international), base city, and rotation.

Step 2: Employer Applies for Work Authorization (Aviz de angajare)

Your Romanian employer applies to the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) for a work authorization. Core requirements typically include:

Proof of no suitable EU/EEA candidate (labor market test) unless exemptions apply.
Job offer and company documents.
Your passport copy and qualifications (driving categories, experience letters).
Criminal record certificate and medical certificates (where required), translated and legalized/apostilled.
Quota: Romania sets annual quotas for non-EU workers. Apply early.

When approved, IGI issues the work authorization (aviz de angajare). It’s valid for a limited time window for you to apply for a visa.

Step 3: Apply for a Romanian Long-Stay Employment Visa (Type D/AM)

Apply at the Romanian Embassy/Consulate (for Dubai residents, typically the Embassy in Abu Dhabi or Consulate in Dubai, subject to jurisdiction). Documents often include:

Valid passport + copies
Work authorization (aviz)
Employment contract/offer
Accommodation proof in Romania (rental agreement or employer-provided)
Travel health insurance for initial entry period
Proof of means (if requested)
Criminal record certificate (from UAE and, if applicable, home country)
Recent photos and visa fee

Processing times vary. Once approved, you’ll get a multiple-entry D visa to enter Romania for the purpose of work.

Step 4: Enter Romania and Obtain Your Residence Permit

Within the legal timeframe after entry (often within 30 days), apply for your Residence Permit (permis de ședere) at IGI in the county where you live. Bring:

Passport and D visa
Work contract registered with authorities
Accommodation contract (rental or employer-provided)
Medical insurance (you’ll be enrolled in CNAS when employed)
Fees and biometric data

You will receive a plastic residence card. Keep it with you—border police and labor inspectors may ask for it during checks.

Family Reunification

Once you hold a valid residence permit and meet income/housing conditions, you can sponsor your spouse and dependent children for family reunification visas. Timelines and evidence requirements apply.

Romanian Professional Licensing and Compliance for Drivers

To operate legally in Romania and across EU routes, you need the proper driving categories and professional certificates.

Driving License Categories and Conversion

Heavy vehicles: Category C (rigid) and C+E (articulated). Many international hauls require C+E.
UAE license conversion: Romania exchanges licenses from specific countries with bilateral agreements. The UAE may not be eligible for direct exchange. Plan for testing if your license cannot be exchanged.

Typical steps if testing is required:

Medical and psychological evaluation for drivers (fișă medicală and psihologică).
Enroll with a licensed driving school for category C/C+E.
Theoretical exam (traffic rules, professional modules) and practical exam (vehicle control, maneuvers, road test).

Confirm current exchange eligibility with the Romanian Driving License and Vehicle Registration Authority (DRPCIV).

CPC/Code 95 (EU Driver Qualification)

Mandatory for professional truck and bus drivers under EU Directive 2003/59/EC.
In Romania, the professional certificate (Code 95) is managed via training providers authorized by Autoritatea Rutieră Română (ARR).
If you already hold CPC from another EU state, it may be recognized; otherwise, you’ll complete initial qualification or periodic training (35 hours every 5 years).

Carry proof of Code 95 on your license or separate driver qualification card.

ADR Certificate (Optional but Valuable)

Required to transport dangerous goods. Training and exam are offered in Romania via ADR-accredited providers. Valid typically 5 years.
ADR can significantly increase employability and pay.

Tachograph Driver Card and Compliance

Apply for a Romanian digital tachograph driver card through ARR.
Know EU Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 and AETR rules on driving/rest times:
- Daily driving: 9 hours (up to 10 hours twice per week)
- Weekly driving: max 56 hours
- Two-week limit: max 90 hours
- Breaks: 45 minutes after 4.5 hours (can split 15 + 30)
- Daily rest: 11 hours (reducible to 9 under conditions)
- Weekly rest: 45 hours regular (reductions allowed with compensation)
Keep printouts/records if the tachograph or card malfunctions and report defects promptly.

Posting and Cabotage (EU Mobility Package)

Romanian trucking companies operate across the EU. If you work for a Romanian employer and drive in other EU countries:

Posting of drivers: The company must issue IMI declarations for posting. You may need to carry or be able to show an electronic copy during roadside checks.
Minimum wage: Host-country wage rules may apply during posting. Romania-based drivers often receive a base Romanian salary plus per diem (diurnă). Ensure it meets EU rules.
Cabotage: After an international delivery, EU carriers can do up to 3 cabotage operations within 7 days in the host country, followed by a 4-day cooling-off period in that country.
Vehicle return and driver return: Mobility Package rules include vehicle return-to-base requirements and driver right to return home periodically (e.g., at least every 4 weeks).

Vehicle and Transport Documents You’ll Encounter

Passport + Romanian residence permit
Work contract and employer’s Community License (EU operator’s license)
Driver’s license with Code 95, tachograph card, ADR certificate (if applicable)
CMR consignment notes
Vehicle insurance (Green Card), registration, periodic inspections
A1 certificate for social security in posting scenarios (where applicable)
IMI posting declaration evidence

Crossing Borders and Working EU Routes from Romania

Romania’s location lets you run efficient east–west and north–south corridors.

Strategic Freight Corridors and Borders

West to EU heartland: A1 (București–Pitești–Sibiu), A10 (Sebeș–Turda), A3 segments toward Oradea/Cluj, and DN roads connecting to Hungary.
Main road borders to Hungary: Nădlac II (A1–M43), Borș I/II (near Oradea), Petea (towards Satu Mare). Expect queues at peak times.
South to Bulgaria: Giurgiu–Ruse bridge; Calafat–Vidin bridge. Bridge tolls apply.
East to Black Sea: A2 motorway to Port of Constanța—Romania’s largest seaport and a major logistics hub for container and bulk cargo.
North/East non-EU borders: With Ukraine and Moldova, controls are stricter; plan paperwork and timings accordingly.

Realistic Route Examples

Romania–Hungary–Austria–Germany: Typical export lanes for automotive parts, furniture, FMCG. Start near Arad/Oradea, cross at Nădlac II/Borș, proceed via Budapest to Vienna and onward to Munich/Nuremberg.
Romania–Italy: Via Hungary and Slovenia or via ferry options when viable. High volume of fashion and perishables.
Romania–Bulgaria–Greece: Seasonal agricultural exports/imports and retail goods.
Domestic: Bucharest–Cluj–Timișoara triangle, and Constanța–Bucharest for port-related freight.

Practical Border Tips

Land checks: Even with Schengen air/sea integration, road border checks with Hungary/Bulgaria can still occur. Keep documents ready and in a single folder.
Time buffers: Add buffer time for Nădlac II or Borș crossings during weekends/holidays.
Winter crossings: Equip chains if heading through mountain passes in Romania or neighboring countries; winter tires are mandatory when roads are snowy/icy.

Life and Work Conditions in Romania for Drivers

Pay Structure and Benefits

Base salary: Romanian truck drivers often receive a Romanian base salary plus per diem (diurnă) for days spent abroad, which can be partly tax-free under Romanian law.
Typical ranges (illustrative, vary by firm/route):
- Domestic-only: Net monthly salary might range around 3,000–5,000 RON.
- International: Net salary plus per diem may range higher, with per diems often quoted between 60–90 EUR/day depending on route, compliance structure, and experience.
Bonuses: On-time delivery, fuel-saving, ADR, night/holiday runs.

Always confirm gross-to-net and per diem policies in your contract. Ask how the company complies with Mobility Package and host-country wage rules during posting.

Cost of Living Snapshot

Rent (1-bedroom):
- Bucharest: ~450–800 EUR depending on area and quality
- Cluj-Napoca/Timișoara/Iași/Brașov: ~350–700 EUR
- Smaller cities (Arad, Oradea, Pitești): ~250–500 EUR
Utilities (electricity, gas, water, internet): ~100–180 EUR/month depending on season and apartment size
Groceries: Affordable compared to Western EU; budget ~150–300 EUR/month for a single person depending on lifestyle
Mobile plans: Competitive prepaid and postpaid offers; major operators include Orange, Vodafone, DIGI

Weather and Road Conditions

Four seasons: Hot summers, cold winters.
Winter readiness: Winter tires are mandatory when roads are covered with snow/ice/frost. Three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) tires are recommended; carry chains in mountainous regions.
Fog and black ice: Common in late autumn/winter mornings—reduce speed and build in extra time.

Language and Culture

Language: Romanian is the official language. English is widely used in logistics, especially with international carriers and dispatchers. Basic Romanian helps at petrol stations, garages, and during inspections.
Work culture: Professional, schedule-driven. Punctuality, respectful communication, and accurate paperwork are essential.
Food: Hearty cuisine; you’ll find Middle Eastern, South Asian, and international options in major cities.

Housing and Banking Setup

Housing: Many employers assist with initial accommodation or provide parking and showers at depots. Consider living near major logistics hubs (Bucharest, Cluj, Timișoara, Arad, Oradea, Pitești).
Banking: Open an account with major banks (Banca Transilvania, ING, BRD, Raiffeisen). You’ll typically need a passport, residence permit, and sometimes a work contract/residence proof.
Healthcare: With employment, you contribute to CNAS (public health insurance). Private clinics are also widely available.

Best Practices and Tips (Specific to Romania)

Keep originals and copies: Passport, residence card, driver’s license with Code 95, tachograph card, IMI posting proof, A1 (if applicable), CMRs, and employer contact.
Get Code 95 and tachograph card early: Book training and card application slots soon after arrival to avoid assignment delays.
Join a reputable Romanian employer: Prefer companies with established EU operations and multilingual dispatch. Check for timely payments and clear per diem policies.
Plan for winter: Switch to winter tires on time, carry chains, keep de-icer and warm gear, and check mountain pass advisories.
Rovinietă and tolls: Ensure valid road tax (rovinietă) and bridge tolls (Giurgiu–Ruse) are arranged. For vehicles >3.5t, your company typically handles toll systems.
Fuel cards and parking: Use company-approved fuel stations and identify safe overnight TIR parks (e.g., around Arad/Nădlac for westbound trips, near Pitești/Sibiu for A1).
Border strategy: Prefer Nădlac II for motorway continuity to Hungary; monitor waiting times via company dispatch or traffic apps.
Record-keeping: Avoid tachograph infringements; never exceed driving times because “everyone does.” Fines and license risks are real.
Learn essential Romanian phrases: Greetings, thank you, basic directions, and common roadside terms can speed up inspections and help with locals.

Common Challenges and Solutions (Dubai-to-Romania Relocation)

1) Work Authorization Delays

Challenge: Annual quotas, incomplete files, and peak seasons can slow approvals.
Solution: Submit complete, legalized documents early. Work with employers who have a dedicated immigration specialist. Track application milestones.

2) License Conversion and Code 95 Timing

Challenge: If you cannot exchange a UAE license, testing for C/C+E plus CPC initial/periodic training takes time.
Solution: Start theory prep from Dubai. Gather experience letters and training certificates. Schedule medical/psychological assessments immediately after arrival.

3) Border Queues and Tight Delivery Windows

Challenge: Nădlac II/Borș congestion can cause delays.
Solution: Dispatch should add buffers; you keep real-time communication. Use alternative crossings (Petea) when suitable. Avoid predictable peak times if possible.

4) Winter Driving and Vehicle Readiness

Challenge: Snow, black ice, mountain routes.
Solution: Pre-winter maintenance checks, carry chains, increase following distance, use engine braking downhill, and avoid sudden maneuvers.

5) Language and Integration

Challenge: Communicating with local mechanics, police, and border guards.
Solution: Learn basic Romanian phrases, keep a translation app offline, and save employer’s Romanian-speaking contact for emergencies.

6) Understanding EU Mobility Package Rules

Challenge: Posting wages, cabotage limits, rest rules.
Solution: Ask your employer for written guidance. Keep IMI documents accessible. Plan rests in secure parking with proper accommodation as required by law.

7) Financial Planning

Challenge: New banking, cost-of-living surprises.
Solution: Build a 3–4 month buffer, understand payroll dates and per diem cycles, and avoid long-term leases until your route and base stabilize.

Industry Insights: Romania’s Trucking and Logistics Market

Why Romania Is a Strong Base for EU Drivers

EU membership and maturing infrastructure
Competitive staffing costs for companies, which translates into abundant hiring
Strategic position on Pan-European Corridors IV and IX
Port of Constanța connecting Europe to the Caucasus, Central Asia, and the Middle East
Growing automotive and electronics supply chains (Argeș, Timiș, Cluj, Arad)

Companies and Sectors to Watch

International carriers with Romanian operations: DB Schenker Romania, Kuehne+Nagel, DSV, DHL Supply Chain
Romanian logistics groups: Dumagas, International Alexander, Aquila, Blue River, Carrion Expedition (operates in Romania), Marvicon (part of Ewals)
Parcel and domestic networks: FAN Courier, Cargus, Sameday (for smaller vehicles, last-mile, and linehaul)
Sectors: Automotive, FMCG, e-commerce, agriculture, chemicals (ADR opportunities)

Research each employer’s fleet, routes, rotation (e.g., 4–6 weeks on/2 weeks off), pay structure, and training support.

Infrastructure and Policy Trends

Motorway expansion continues (A1/A3/A7 corridors). The A7 (Moldova region) is a key project improving north–south flow.
Mobility Package enforcement intensifying: Expect more roadside checks for posting and rest compliance.
Digitalization: Smart tachographs, e-CMR adoption, and telematics driving efficiency and compliance.

Pay and Conditions Outlook

Tight labor market supports stable demand for experienced C+E drivers.
Companies increasingly invest in driver amenities (secure parking, better rotation schedules, higher-quality tractors) to retain talent.

Practical Action Steps: From Dubai to a Romanian Driver’s Seat

Clarify your profile and target role.
- Categories needed: C, C+E; consider ADR.
- International vs domestic routes? Night driving? Temperature-controlled?
Prepare documents in Dubai.
- Passport validity (12+ months recommended)
- Criminal record certificate(s) from UAE and home country
- Experience letters from previous employers (English or Romanian translation)
- Driving license copies, training certificates
- Marriage/birth certificates for family (legalized/apostilled)
Engage Romanian employers.
- Apply to companies hiring non-EU drivers with EU routes.
- Ask for a written offer including salary, per diem, route plan, rotation, accommodation assistance, and onboarding timeline.
Employer applies for work authorization (aviz de angajare).
- Respond quickly to any additional documentation requests.
Apply for Romanian long-stay employment visa (Type D/AM).
- Book consular appointment early; prepare translations and legalizations.
Plan first 60–90 days in Romania.
- Temporary accommodation near your employer’s base
- Medical/psychological assessments, CPC/Code 95 training, tachograph card application
- Bank account opening; local SIM; public transport card if needed
Residence permit application at IGI.
- Keep receipts and track card issuance; note expiration dates for renewals.
Professional readiness.
- Vehicle-specific training (EU equipment, curtainsider, reefer, container)
- Safety briefings (load securing, ADR basics)
- Learn essentials of EU driving/rest rules; ask for a compliance handbook from HR
Start with mentored routes if available.
- First week ride-along helps with border routines and loading sites.
Maintain records and compliance.

Save payslips, per diem breakdowns, and IMI postings
Track your 90/180 Schengen days if you make short stays beyond Romania

How Schengen Rules Interact with Your Romanian Job

Working Legally in Romania vs. Short Stays in Schengen

Employment rights come from your Romanian visa/residence permit—not from Schengen short-stay rights.
If your job involves deliveries in other EU countries, you’re covered through your Romanian employer’s EU transport license and posting framework, not a separate personal work permit in each state.
For private visits or training in Schengen countries outside your assignments, mind the 90/180-day limit.

Airline and Border Practicalities

Air travel within Schengen has no routine border checks, but carriers may verify your right to enter/return to Romania. Carry your Romanian residence permit and work contract.
Land borders to/from Romania can still involve checks. Keep all documents accessible.

Renewal and Travel Timing

Plan residence permit renewals 45–60 days before expiry.
Avoid international trips if your permit is close to expiration and you don’t yet have the renewal receipt.

Documentation Checklists You’ll Actually Use

On Your Person During EU Hauls

Passport and Romanian residence permit
Romanian driver’s license with Code 95 or equivalent proof
Tachograph driver card
IMI posting declaration (if posted), A1 certificate (if required)
CMRs, load documents, and delivery addresses
Employer’s contact and insurance details

Vehicle Folder

Registration, insurance (Green Card), technical inspection
Copy of Community License (operator’s license)
ADR vehicle documents if transporting dangerous goods
Emergency equipment: warning vest, triangles, fire extinguisher, first-aid kit, spare bulbs (country-specific rules may vary)

Personal Setup

Bank card and some cash in local currencies (RON, HUF, EUR)
Power adapters, hands-free kit, phone data plan covering EU
Winter kit: gloves, blanket, shovel, scraper, de-icer

Case Study Scenarios (Romania-Focused)

Scenario 1: UAE National Hired by a Romanian Carrier for EU Routes

Visa: Romanian Type D/AM, then residence permit.
Schengen: As a UAE citizen, you are typically visa-exempt for short Schengen visits but may need ETIAS when implemented. Employment is based on Romanian permit, not Schengen status.
Practice: Carry residence permit for returns and checks; respect 90/180 if making non-work short visits.

Scenario 2: Indian Citizen Based in Dubai Hired by a Romanian Company

Visa: Romanian Type D/AM, then residence permit.
Schengen: For personal short stays in other Schengen countries, you may need a Schengen visa unless your Romanian residence permit is accepted for visa-free short visits by the specific country/carrier at the time. Confirm before travel.
Practice: Keep IMI postings for work trips; get a Schengen visa if planning tourism in another Schengen state to avoid boarding issues.

Conclusion: Romania Is Your High-Value Entry to EU Driving—Master the Rules, Enjoy the Freedom

Choosing Romania as your base gives you a cost-effective, opportunity-rich gateway into the EU logistics market. Secure your Romanian work authorization and residence permit, get your Code 95 and tachograph driver card, and work with a reputable Romanian carrier that understands EU posting, cabotage, and compliance under the Mobility Package. Learn the Schengen 90/180 rule, prepare for land border checks, and keep your paperwork tight—then enjoy the professional growth, stable earnings, and European routes that come with a Romania-based driving career.

Ready to start your Dubai-to-Romania journey? Shortlist employers, assemble your documents, and book your visa appointment. The sooner you begin, the sooner you’ll be driving European corridors from a Romanian home base.

FAQs: Working and Living in Romania as an International Driver

1) Can I work in Romania with a Schengen tourist visa?

No. A Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa allows up to 90 days for non-work purposes. To work in Romania, you need a Romanian long-stay employment visa (Type D/AM) and a Romanian residence permit tied to your employer. Your right to work is based on Romanian national law, not Schengen tourist rules.

2) I have a UAE driving license. Can I convert it directly in Romania?

Romania exchanges licenses from certain countries with bilateral agreements. The UAE may not be eligible for direct exchange. If conversion is not available, you must complete medical/psychological checks, enroll in a Romanian driving school, and pass the theory and practical exams for C/C+E. Confirm current exchange policies with DRPCIV.

3) Will my Romanian residence permit let me travel in other Schengen countries without a visa?

It depends on your nationality and evolving Schengen practices. Some non-EU nationals can make short visits in Schengen on the basis of a Romanian residence permit, but airline and border practices vary. If your nationality normally needs a Schengen visa, verify acceptance before travel or obtain a Schengen visa to avoid boarding issues. Work operations in other EU countries occur under your employer’s EU transport license and posting rules, not your personal visa status.

4) What salaries can I expect as a Romania-based international driver?

Pay varies by experience, route, and employer. A common structure is a Romanian base salary plus per diem (diurnă) for days spent abroad. International drivers often see per diems in the 60–90 EUR/day range, with base salaries that meet Romanian and EU posting rules. Confirm gross-to-net, payment frequency, and per diem terms in your contract.

5) How tough are winters in Romania for drivers?

Winters can be challenging with snow and ice, particularly in mountain regions. Winter tires are mandatory when conditions require, and chains are recommended for certain routes. Plan extra time, carry winter gear, and use engine braking and smooth inputs to avoid skids. Your company should have a winter readiness policy—ask for it in writing.

6) Do Romanian companies help with accommodation and onboarding?

Many do. Common support includes temporary accommodation near the depot, assistance with residence permit appointments, medical/psychological checks, Code 95/CPC enrollment, and help opening a bank account. Ask for a written onboarding plan and what’s covered (and for how long).

7) Which Romanian regions are best for a driver to live in?

Consider living near major logistics corridors and depots: Bucharest (A1/A2, hub for many fleets), Arad/Oradea (near Hungary borders Nădlac II and Borș), Cluj-Napoca and Timișoara (strong industrial bases), Pitești (automotive hub), and Constanța (port). Choose based on your employer’s base, route patterns, and rental budgets.

Disclaimer: Regulations and practices (Schengen access, land border checks, visa and residence processes, license exchange, and Mobility Package enforcement) evolve. Always verify current requirements with Romania’s IGI, MAE, DRPCIV, ARR, and your employer’s compliance team before making travel or employment decisions.