EU Work Permits for Drivers: Complete Guide 2025

Introduction: Your Road from Dubai to Romania Starts Here

If you are a professional driver in Dubai looking to break into the European market, Romania is one of the most practical—and underrated—gateways. With strong demand for international truck drivers, competitive take-home pay, strategic access to EU routes, and a rapidly developing logistics network, Romania offers a realistic pathway for non-EU drivers to enter and grow in the European transport industry.

This complete 2025 guide explains how EU work permissions for drivers really work, with a laser focus on Romania. You’ll learn the step-by-step process to secure Romanian work authorization, the realistic timelines to expect, the documents you’ll need from the UAE, how to get your EU Driver CPC (Code 95) and tachograph card in Romania, what salaries and working conditions look like, and how to handle the day-to-day realities—from winter driving and language to housing and cost of living.

Whether you’re an HGV driver with years in GCC long-haul or a bus driver ready for a switch to EU freight, use this guide as your blueprint for the Dubai-to-Romania transition.

Understanding EU Work Permits for Drivers: The Romanian Route

There’s no single “EU work permit”

For non-EU citizens, there isn’t one universal work permit that lets you work anywhere in the EU. Instead, you’ll apply for a national work authorization in a specific EU country. When you obtain Romania’s Single Permit (which combines the right to work and reside), you can be employed by a Romanian transport company and operate internationally across the EU as part of your job.

Key point: Your legal employer is in Romania. You can drive across EU borders on international trips for that employer, but you can’t freely switch to a German or Dutch employer without new authorization in that country.

Why Romania makes sense for drivers coming from Dubai

Strong driver demand: Romania faces a persistent driver shortage and employers actively recruit internationally.
Competitive take-home pay structures: Base salary plus tax-advantaged per diem (diurnă) on international routes.
Strategic location: Western border with Hungary (Nădlac) and access to Central/Western Europe; Black Sea port of Constanța for multimodal.
Familiarity with international drivers: Many fleets have experience hiring from Asia/Middle East.
EU entry pathway: A realistic first EU employer for your CV; later, you can grow within Romania or explore intra-company opportunities.

Work Authorization in Romania: Process, Documents, and Timelines

In most cases, a Romanian employer initiates the process. Here’s how it typically works for non-EU professional drivers relocating from the UAE.

Step 1: Secure a job offer from a Romanian transport company

Your employer is the sponsor. They must demonstrate they have a vacancy and meet the labor requirements. Employers often pre-screen drivers via online interviews and request copies of your driving credentials.

What employers usually look for:

Valid passport (at least 6–12 months remaining)
Heavy vehicle experience (international/gulf corridor experience is a plus)
Clean driving record and accident history
Willingness to obtain EU Driver CPC (Code 95) in Romania
Flexibility with international schedules and EU driving/rest rules

Step 2: Employer applies for your Romanian work authorization (Work Permit/Single Permit route)

Authority: The Romanian General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI)
Typical timeline: 30–45 working days for the permit decision (may vary by region and workload)
Employer’s dossier includes: proof of vacancy, company documents, your qualifications/experience, and that you’ll be paid at least the legal wage threshold.

Note: Romania sets annual quotas for non-EU workers. In recent years, quotas have been generous and transport has been a priority sector. Still, starting early is wise.

Step 3: Apply for your long-stay work visa at the Romanian Embassy/Consulate in the UAE

Once the work authorization is approved, you’ll apply for a long-stay visa for employment (national “D” visa) through the Romanian diplomatic mission. In the UAE, this is generally through:

Embassy of Romania in Abu Dhabi
Consulate General of Romania in Dubai (serving Dubai and Northern Emirates)

What to expect:

Typical processing: around 10–20 working days, though it can be longer in peak periods.
You may pre-register on Romania’s e-visa platform and then submit documents in person with an appointment.

Common visa document requirements include:

Passport and copies
Romanian work authorization approval
Employment contract or offer
Proof of accommodation in Romania (often provided by employer initially)
Medical insurance covering the initial stay
Clean criminal record certificate (Dubai Police) with apostille
Recent photos

Document legalizations/apostilles: As of 2025, the UAE issues apostilles under the Hague Convention. Obtain an apostille on key civil/penal documents (e.g., police clearance) for use in Romania. Your employer and the mission can confirm which documents need apostille and sworn Romanian translation.

Step 4: Travel to Romania and register for your Residence/Single Permit

After entering on the long-stay visa, you will finalize your residence rights in Romania with IGI:

You’ll apply for a residence permit (Single Permit) that confirms your right to live and work for the sponsoring employer for a defined period (commonly 1 year, renewable).
You’ll need to register your address, submit biometrics, and receive your residency card. This card is essential for many practical steps (banking, healthcare contributions, etc.).

Typical timeline: Residence card issuance can take several weeks. Your employer or a relocation partner may assist with scheduling and paperwork.

Step 5: Convert your professional qualifications for EU compliance

To legally drive Romanian/EU-registered heavy vehicles, non-EU drivers must meet EU professional driver requirements:

Obtain Code 95 (Driver Certificate of Professional Competence) issued in Romania
Secure an EU tachograph driver card
Ensure your license categories (C/CE for trucks; D/DE for buses/coaches) are valid in Romania

Note on license exchange: If you hold a UAE license, direct exchange may not be available. Many non-EU drivers will need to undergo Romanian testing/training to obtain Romanian license equivalents. Expect to work with a driving school and the relevant authorities for theory/practical exams. Training providers can advise if any recognition or shortened pathways apply based on your background.

Overall timeline from job offer to first EU drive: 2–4 months is common for permits and visa, plus additional weeks for licensing, Code 95, and tachograph card issuance. Plan financially for a staged start.

Romanian Driver Compliance: Code 95, Tachograph, and Safety

Code 95 (Driver CPC) in Romania

EU rules require professional drivers to hold a Driver CPC, endorsed as “Code 95” on the driving license or associated with a Driver Qualification Card. In Romania, this is overseen in part by the Autoritatea Rutieră Română (ARR) with approved training centers nationwide.

Initial Qualification vs. Periodic Training: Experienced non-EU drivers commonly undertake the periodic CPC training (35 hours) if an equivalence pathway exists; otherwise, an initial qualification route may be required. Your training provider will assess your profile.
Training language: Courses are widely delivered in Romanian; many centers offer support in English or with a translator. Confirm availability before enrolling.
Validity: Code 95 is valid for 5 years, with periodic training required to renew.

Tachograph driver card

Professional drivers must use a personal tachograph driver card in digital tachographs.

Issuing authority: In Romania, driver cards are issued under the road transport authority framework (consult ARR for current process and application points).
Requirements commonly include: proof of identity, residence in Romania, valid EU driving license category, and photos/fees.
Timeline: Allow 2–3 weeks after application for card issuance.

EU driving and rest time rules (quick refresher)

Daily driving: Up to 9 hours (twice per week you may extend to 10)
Weekly driving: Max 56 hours; 90 hours in any two consecutive weeks
Breaks: At least 45 minutes after 4.5 hours of driving (split breaks permitted)
Rest: Daily rest 11 hours (or reduced with compensations); weekly rest includes a regular 45-hour period that cannot be taken in the vehicle—accommodation must be provided

Romanian employers operating internationally are expected to comply with the EU Mobility Package, including posting declarations and minimum wage rules in host countries where applicable.

Safety, equipment, and inspections in Romania

Expect roadside checks by ISCTR (Inspectoratul de Stat pentru Controlul în Transportul Rutier) and police.
Always carry: license + Code 95 proof, tachograph card, vehicle documents, ADR certificate if relevant, proof of posting when applicable, reflective vest, warning triangles, fire extinguisher within validity.
Winter readiness: Romania has mountainous regions and heavy snow periods; carry snow chains when conditions require and ensure compliant winter tires. Winter tires are mandatory when roads are covered with snow/ice; many fleets set fixed seasonal policies (often November–March).

Salaries, Pay Structure, and Realistic Earnings in Romania

Romanian transport companies often structure driver pay with:

Base salary (taxed)
International per diem (diurnă) for days spent abroad (often tax-advantaged up to legal caps)
Performance bonuses (fuel efficiency, damage-free, on-time performance)
Overtime or special-route allowances (night, ADR, refrigerated cargo)

Typical take-home ranges for international HGV drivers (2025 estimates):

Base salary: approx. €800–€1,200 net
Per diem/allowances: €50–€85 per day abroad (varies by company, route, and legal caps)
Total monthly net: commonly €1,800–€2,800, with some months higher depending on days abroad and routes

Domestic-only roles usually pay less but offer more frequent home time. International long-haul (Western EU) typically maximizes diurnă and earnings.

Taxes and contributions:

Romania has a 10% flat income tax, and social contributions are split between employer and employee on the salaried portion.
Per diems are generally non-taxable within legal thresholds, which is a major component of net take-home pay for international drivers.

Always request a written pay breakdown before signing: base salary, per diem rates, expected days abroad, overtime policy, and payment schedule.

Where the Jobs Are: Romanian Logistics Hubs and Routes

Romania’s freight corridors and hubs align with major economic and border points:

Western Gateways: Arad, Timișoara, Oradea — primary access to Hungary (Nădlac) and Western/Central Europe
Central and Transylvania: Cluj-Napoca, Sibiu, Brașov — growing industrial bases and cross-country transit
South and Capital Region: Bucharest-Ilfov, Pitești, Ploiești — corporate HQs, FMCG, automotive (notably Dacia plant near Pitești)
Port Access: Constanța — Black Sea gateway, intermodal, grain and container traffic
Moldova/East: Iași, Bacău, Suceava — developing corridors and cross-border to Moldova/Ukraine (special rules may apply due to regional context)

Common EU international routes:

Romania–Hungary–Austria–Germany (general cargo, automotive, retail)
Romania–Hungary–Czech Republic/Poland (industrial, electronics)
Romania–Bulgaria–Greece (food and beverages, e-commerce)
Romania–Italy/France/Benelux (long-haul rotations via Hungary/Austria)

Employers and logistics players to research:

International Alexander (Arad)
DB Schenker Romania (global network)
DSV Solutions/Transport Romania
DHL and other 3PLs with Romanian operations
Domestic parcel/freight leaders (e.g., FAN Courier, Cargus) for last-mile and regional roles

Note: Company needs and routes change frequently; always verify current vacancies and fleet types (standard curtainsiders, reefers, containers, car carriers, ADR) to match your experience and career goals.

Living in Romania: Cost of Living, Housing, and Daily Life

Cost of living snapshot (single driver)

Rent (one-bedroom):
- Bucharest: €500–€800/month
- Cluj-Napoca/Timișoara/Sibiu: €400–€650/month
- Arad/Pitești/Ploiești/Iași: €300–€500/month
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, internet): €100–€160/month (varies by season and building)
Groceries and eating out: €200–€350/month for basic home cooking; restaurant meals €6–€15
Mobile/SIM: €5–€15/month for generous data plans (Digi, Orange, Vodafone)
Public transport (in city): €12–€20/month for a pass

Many international drivers spend significant time on the road and may share accommodation to reduce cost. Some employers offer temporary housing or assistance finding rentals near depots.

Banking, SIM, and paperwork

Banking: Popular banks include Banca Transilvania, BCR, BRD, ING. Opening an account typically requires your residence permit, passport, and proof of address.
CNP (Personal Numeric Code): Issued during immigration/residence procedures; used for many administrative tasks.
Healthcare: You’ll contribute to Romania’s public health insurance (CNAS) via payroll. Initial private medical insurance is usually required for the visa stage.

Language and culture

Language: Romanian is a Romance language; many dispatchers and managers in international fleets speak English. Basic Romanian helps with roadside interactions, fueling, and deliveries.
Culture: Romanians value punctuality, straightforwardness, and courtesy. Respect local driving etiquette and be professional at loading bays and customer sites.
Food and lifestyle: Hearty cuisine, many halal and international options in major cities, and growing expat communities.

Weather and driving conditions

Winters can be cold, especially in Transylvania and mountain passes. Expect snow/ice driving and occasional road restrictions.
Summers are warm to hot; ensure vehicle cooling systems are in top condition.
Carry season-appropriate clothing and always follow fleet winter protocols (chains, tires, fluids).

Best Practices and Tips for Drivers Targeting Romania

Choose the right hub for your goals
- If your aim is frequent Western EU runs, look at employers near Arad/Timișoara for swift access to Hungary.
- For port and intermodal exposure, consider Constanța-based roles.
- For access to major 3PLs and national fleets, Bucharest-Ilfov and Pitești/Ploiești are strong.
Verify the employment package in writing
- Base salary, per diem rate, expected days abroad per month
- Hotel policy for regular weekly rest (it cannot be in the cab)
- Reimbursement policy (fuel card rules, parking, tolls, showers)
- Training and licensing support (Code 95, license conversion, tachograph card)
- Contract length and notice periods
Prepare your UAE documents early
- Dubai Police criminal record certificate with apostille
- Employment references and experience letters
- Medical checkups and driving history if available
- Professional course certificates (ADR, reefer handling) if you have them
Plan for the Code 95 and licensing timeline
- Ask the employer whether they schedule you for training immediately after arrival
- Confirm language support and exam preparation options
- Budget for 3–8 weeks depending on testing slots and paperwork
Learn the essentials of Romanian quickly
- Numbers, directions, basic phrases, and transport vocabulary
- Many fleets pair newcomers with mentors—use that time to practice
Respect EU compliance from day one
- Familiarize yourself with the EU Mobility Package, posting rules, and wage requirements
- Keep tachograph records clean; take rest properly; never risk fines that could jeopardize your status
Winter-readiness saves time and money
- Don’t wait for the first snow—stock chains, check fluids, and follow tire policies
- Ask dispatch about mountain alternatives when conditions deteriorate

Common Challenges and Solutions (Dubai-to-Romania)

Licensing conversion uncertainty
- Challenge: UAE licenses usually aren’t directly exchangeable for EU professional categories.
- Solution: Enroll with a reputable driving school in Romania experienced with foreign drivers. Confirm exam language support and a realistic timeline to obtain C/CE with Code 95.
Language barrier
- Challenge: Training and admin are often in Romanian.
- Solution: Choose employers/training centers that offer English support; use translation apps; build a mini glossary of transport terms. Take short Romanian lessons focused on work scenarios.
Winter driving for the first time
- Challenge: Drivers from GCC may have limited snow/ice experience.
- Solution: Ask for winter driving induction. Practice chain fitting, braking techniques, and understanding of traction controls. Avoid risky mountain passes when storms are forecast.
Bureaucracy and timelines
- Challenge: Work permits, visas, residence, and card issuance can take longer than expected.
- Solution: Start early, keep digital copies of all documents, and maintain frequent contact with HR. Budget 2–4 months for permits/visa and additional time for training and cards.
Pay structure confusion (base vs. per diem)
- Challenge: New drivers may misjudge net earnings due to variable diurnă.
- Solution: Request a monthly example showing typical days abroad and weekend rest policy. Confirm payment dates and how diurnă is calculated and capped.
Accommodation and settling-in
- Challenge: Finding rentals without local credit history.
- Solution: Use employer recommendations; consider short-term serviced apartments; share with colleagues near the depot initially.
Cultural integration on the road
- Challenge: Adapting to customer expectations, border checks, and EU documentation routines.
- Solution: Keep a tidy folder with your work documents; arrive early to loading slots; communicate proactively with dispatch.

Industry Insights: Romania’s Trucking and Logistics Market in 2025

Sustained driver demand: Romania consistently faces shortages, pushing fleets to recruit internationally—especially for international long-haul.
EU Mobility Package maturity: Romanian firms have adapted to posting requirements and minimum wage obligations in destination countries, which influences route planning and pay structures.
Infrastructure upgrades: Motorway construction continues (e.g., A7 projects to link Moldova region), improving domestic transit times. Western exits (Nădlac) remain the primary EU gate.
Port of Constanța growth: Intermodal and container throughput position Romania as a Black Sea logistics hub, expanding jobs in container haulage.
Digital tachographs (second generation) and compliance tools: Newer fleets invest in telematics and driver apps, easing document management and cut fines.
Wage pressure: Competition for drivers nudges compensation up, especially for proven international drivers with clean compliance records and ADR.

What this means for you: With experience from the UAE and a safety-first approach, you can position yourself for premium routes, faster progression to lead-driver roles, and training add-ons (ADR, refrigerated cargo) that lift your value.

Practical Action Steps: Your Dubai-to-Romania Checklist

Clarify your target role and routes
- Decide between international long-haul (higher diurnă, longer rotations) or domestic/regional (more home time).
- Identify preferred hubs (Arad/Timișoara for West, Bucharest/Pitești for central operations, Constanța for port).
Prepare documents in the UAE
- Passport valid 12+ months
- Dubai Police criminal record certificate with apostille
- Employment references and experience letters
- Driver training records (if any), including ADR
- Medical reports if required by employer
Shortlist employers and apply
- Target companies with a track record of hiring international drivers.
- Ask direct questions about Code 95 support, license pathways, and route mix.
Evaluate offers and sign the contract
- Confirm base salary, per diem, rotation schedule, and hotel policy for weekly rest.
- Check who pays for training, exams, and tachograph card—and whether costs are reimbursed or bonded.
Employer files for your Romanian work authorization
- Provide all requested scans promptly (passport, photos, letters, etc.).
- Track timeline (30–45 working days typical) and keep your availability flexible.
Apply for the long-stay work visa in the UAE
- Book your Embassy/Consulate appointment early.
- Organize sworn translations into Romanian as instructed.
- Maintain valid medical insurance for the visa stage.
Travel to Romania and register residence
- Attend your IGI appointment with the employer/relocation partner.
- Submit biometrics and receive your residence/Single Permit card.
Begin licensing and Code 95 process
- Enroll in a driving school and a CPC center as arranged.
- Schedule medical and psychological evaluations (required for professional categories).
- Book theory/practical tests and complete CPC training.
Apply for the tachograph card
- Prepare identity, residence, and license documents.
- Plan 2–3 weeks for card issuance.
Start accompanied routes and ramp up

Many fleets start you with a mentor on EU lanes to learn company procedures.
Keep immaculate tachograph discipline and communication with dispatch.

Optimize your living setup

Open a bank account; set up a local SIM; settle housing near the depot or along your route.
Budget realistically for initial months until pay stabilizes.

Romania-Specific Best Practices for Professional Drivers

Pay attention to border planning: Nădlac and other crossings can experience congestion—coordinate rest breaks to avoid peak delays.
Respect hotel policies for weekly rest: EU law prohibits regular weekly rest in the cab; confirm that your company books and pays hotels when needed.
Keep receipts: Parking, hotels, and tolls may be reimbursed; follow the company’s evidence policy.
Understand rovinietă and bridge tolls: Romania uses a vignette/toll system for national roads and separate bridge tolls (e.g., Danube crossings). Company fuel/toll cards usually cover these; verify before each trip.
Use secure parking: Especially when stopping near EU borders or in high-traffic zones; ask dispatch for company-approved parking lists.
Learn customer site rules: Each factory/DC can have unique safety policy (PPE, check-in times, documentation). Arrive early and comply fully.

Sample Monthly Budget for a New Driver in Romania (Single, International Routes)

Rent (shared room near depot): €200–€350
Utilities + internet share: €50–€80
Food (partly on the road, partly at home): €250–€350
Mobile plan: €8–€12
Local transport (when at home): €15
Miscellaneous (laundry, clothing, personal): €100–€150
Total typical living costs: €623–€957/month

With net earnings of €1,800–€2,800 for international routes, many drivers comfortably cover living costs and send remittances, especially when on long rotations with fewer home expenses.

Your First 90 Days in Romania: What Good Looks Like

Days 1–7: Residence registration, medical/psych, open bank account, local SIM, housing setup. Intro to depot, safety induction.
Days 8–30: Driving school enrollment, CPC training, theory prep, accompanied depot runs, paperwork for tachograph card.
Days 31–60: Theory/practical exams; receive license categories if required; complete Code 95; receive tachograph card; start international runs with mentor.
Days 61–90: Independent runs on assigned corridor; maintain compliant tachograph records; get familiar with customer sites; review first pay cycles and clarify any discrepancies in per diem calculations.

Success indicators:

No fines or compliance issues
On-time deliveries and positive customer feedback
Clean tachograph data and proactive communication
Clear understanding of pay structure and monthly budgeting

Conclusion: Make Romania Your EU Launchpad

For professional drivers in Dubai, Romania offers a clear, achievable pathway into Europe’s transport market. With company sponsorship, a structured permit and visa process, and practical training for Code 95 and tachographs, you can transition into EU-compliant driving within a few months. The rewards—steady international work, competitive net pay through per diem structures, and access to some of Europe’s busiest corridors—make Romania an excellent first step.

If you’re ready to move, start now: prepare your UAE documents, target reputable Romanian employers, and map out your timeline for permits, training, and relocation. Your next chapter on Europe’s highways can begin from Romania—confidently, professionally, and with a plan built for success.

FAQs: Working and Living in Romania as a Professional Driver (2025)

1) Is there an “EU work permit” that lets me work anywhere in Europe as a driver?

Not for non-EU citizens. You must obtain national authorization in a specific country. Romania’s Single Permit allows you to work for your Romanian employer and drive internationally across the EU as part of your job, but it doesn’t let you switch employers in another EU country without new authorization there.

2) How long does the Romanian work permit and visa process take from Dubai?

Typical timelines:

Work authorization (employer stage): 30–45 working days
Long-stay work visa in the UAE: 10–20 working days (varies by mission and season)
Residence card after arrival: several weeks

Overall, plan 2–4 months for permits/visa plus additional time for licensing, Code 95, and the tachograph card. Start early and keep documents ready.

3) Can I use my UAE heavy vehicle license in Romania?

Direct exchange is usually not available for UAE professional categories. Most drivers need to obtain Romanian equivalents (C/CE or D/DE) through theory and practical exams. Training centers can provide exam preparation and may offer English support. You will also need Code 95 and a tachograph driver card to work legally in the EU.

4) What are the typical earnings for international truck drivers in Romania?

A common structure is a base salary plus per diem for international days. Total take-home often ranges from €1,800 to €2,800 per month, depending on days abroad, routes, company policy, and bonuses. Confirm the breakdown in writing with your employer.

5) How difficult is winter driving in Romania?

Winters can be harsh, especially in mountainous regions. If you’re coming from the GCC, request winter-driving induction and practice chain fitting. Follow company policies for winter tires and route planning. Avoid risky passes during storms and use secure parking.

6) Do I need to learn Romanian to work as a driver?

It’s possible to work with basic Romanian and English, especially in international fleets. However, learning essential Romanian phrases for deliveries, fueling, and roadside checks will make your work smoother and help you integrate.

7) Can I bring my family to Romania?

Family reunification is possible after you hold a valid residence permit and meet income/housing conditions. The process involves separate applications and timelines, and you should plan this after your employment and housing are stable.

Ready to take the next step? Start by compiling your UAE documents (with apostille), shortlist Romanian employers that sponsor international drivers, and map out your training path for Code 95 and tachograph compliance. With a clear plan, Romania can be your most practical route into the European driving market in 2025.