Comprehensive guide to visa requirements for professional drivers in major destination countries.
Work Visa Requirements for Drivers: Country by Country
Introduction
If you are a professional driver currently living and working in Dubai and you are exploring a move to Europe, Romania is one of the smartest gateways into the EU logistics market. Romania offers steady demand for drivers, straightforward employer-sponsored work permits, cost-effective living, and access to EU-wide transport routes once you are employed by a Romanian company. This guide breaks down work visa requirements for drivers country by country, with a strong focus on how to transition specifically from Dubai to Romania.
We will cover what documents you need, how the Romanian D-type work visa for employment is issued, how your commercial driving qualifications translate in Europe, and what to expect from Romanian transport employers, salary structures, and working conditions. We also include a broader European snapshot so you can compare Romania with other destinations such as Poland, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, and the UK. Finally, you will find practical checklists, best practices, and answers to frequently asked questions tailored to drivers relocating from Dubai to Romania.
Whether you are aiming to upgrade your career, enjoy a lower cost of living than Western Europe, or secure a position with EU-wide driving exposure, this guide will help you navigate the legal and compliance essentials with confidence.
How Work Visas for Drivers Generally Work in Europe
Before diving into Romania, it helps to understand the overall framework across Europe. For non-EU citizens, most European countries require:
- An employer sponsor that offers a job and applies for your work authorization.
- A national long-stay work visa (often called a D visa) issued by the consulate in your country of residence.
- Proof of professional driver qualifications: heavy vehicle license categories C and CE, plus the EU professional driver certificate known as Code 95 or Driver CPC.
- A clean criminal record, medical clearance, and proof of accommodation.
- After arrival, conversion to a local residence permit for work.
Note that Schengen tourist visas do not authorize you to work. Work authorization is country-specific. However, as a driver employed by a company in an EU country, you can legally carry out international trips that cross borders within the EU as part of your job for that employer. If you plan to change employers to another EU country, you typically need a fresh permit in that new country.
In trucking, EU rules known as the Mobility Package regulate rest times, tachograph data, cabotage limits, and return of vehicles or drivers to their base at regular intervals. These apply once you are driving within the EU. Your employer is responsible for vehicle compliance, but you must follow hours-of-service and rest rules.
Romania: Your EU Gateway for Professional Driving
Romania has become a top entry point for non-EU drivers into the European market. Local carriers operate both domestically and across the EU, offering long-haul routes to Germany, Italy, France, Benelux, Spain, and the Nordics. Costs of living are lower compared to Western Europe, and logistics employment is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the country.
Romanian Work Visa Overview for Drivers
- Visa type: Long-stay D visa for employment, commonly referred to as the D/AM employment visa. This is issued after your Romanian employer obtains a work permit for you.
- Authority: The Romanian General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) processes work permits and residence permits. Romanian embassies or consulates issue the D visa based on the work permit.
- Employer role: Your Romanian employer applies for the work permit on your behalf and must meet Romanian labor standards, including salary requirements and the annual quota for non-EU workers.
- After arrival: You apply for a temporary residence permit for work. This is your single permit that allows you to live and work for your sponsoring employer in Romania.
Step-by-Step: From Dubai to a Romanian Driving Job
- Secure a job offer from a Romanian transport or logistics company. Common employers include domestic and EU-operating carriers that run international routes. Examples of companies with operations in Romania include Dumagas Transport, Dolo Trans Olimp, International Alexander, Aquila, DB Schenker Romania, DSV Romania, Kuehne and Nagel Romania, FM Logistic, Raben Group Romania, Gopet Romania, and larger courier networks such as FAN Courier and Sameday for domestic operations.
- Employer applies for your work permit. They file your documents with IGI in Romania. This phase often takes several weeks.
- Prepare your personal documents in Dubai. Typical requirements include:
- Passport valid for at least 6-12 months beyond your planned entry.
- Police clearance certificate from the UAE (certificate of good conduct), legalized for use in Romania.
- Proof of qualifications: driving license categories C and CE, and any training records. If your current license is not EU-issued, you will still present it as proof of experience; full EU compliance may require additional steps once in Romania.
- Medical certificate (as required by Romanian authorities) and proof of accommodation if requested.
- Passport-sized photos meeting Romanian specs.
- Receive your Romanian work permit approval. Your employer will share the approval notice when issued.
- Apply for the D employment visa at the Romanian Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate General in Dubai, as instructed by the Romanian diplomatic mission. You will likely submit the work permit, your employment contract or firm job offer, travel insurance, accommodation proof, and other supporting documents.
- Enter Romania with the D visa. Upon arrival, complete your residence permit application with IGI. This must be done within the set timeframe on your visa. Your employer often assists with this step.
- Complete driver compliance onboarding in Romania. This will typically include:
- Medical and psychological assessments required for professional drivers.
- Driver CPC Code 95 periodic training if needed, with recognized Romanian training providers.
- Issuance of Romanian tachograph card from the Romanian Road Authority (ARR).
- License conversion or testing if your non-EU license cannot be exchanged directly.
- Safety and company-specific training such as ADR if required (for transporting dangerous goods).
Will Romania Exchange Your UAE Driving License?
Romania recognizes EU-issued licenses directly. For non-EU licenses, exchange depends on bilateral agreements. Many non-EU licenses cannot be exchanged and require you to pass the Romanian driving test for the appropriate categories. Expect to:
- Enroll with a Romanian driving school to sit theory and practical exams for C and CE, unless your case qualifies for a simplified process.
- Obtain initial qualification or periodic training to get the Driver CPC (Code 95) if you do not hold a recognized EU CPC card.
- Present a translated and legalized driving record to support your experience.
Check the latest rules with IGI, the Romanian Driving License Directorate, and your employer. Many carriers are experienced in onboarding non-EU drivers and can guide you through.
Documents and Compliance You Must Plan For
- Valid passport and D employment visa.
- Romanian residence permit for work (temporary, renewable as long as you remain employed).
- Employment contract under Romanian labor law.
- Romanian or recognized EU driving license for C and CE categories, plus CPC Code 95.
- Tachograph driver card issued by ARR.
- ADR certificate if transporting hazardous materials.
- Medical and psychological certificates as per Romanian standards for professional drivers.
- Mandatory vehicle and safety equipment at all times when driving in Romania, such as reflective vests, warning triangles, first-aid kit, and fire extinguisher.
Work Conditions and Pay Structures in Romania
Romanian transport companies commonly pay:
- A base salary under the Romanian employment contract.
- Daily allowances for international trips (per diem known locally as diurna), often tax-advantaged within legal limits.
- Overtime or night shift pay where applicable.
- Bonuses linked to performance, safety, and fuel efficiency.
Take-home pay varies widely by employer, route mix, and experience. International long-haul drivers generally earn more due to extensive EU travel and nights away from base. Ask employers to provide a clear breakdown of net pay, per diem policy, rest arrangements, and route rotations.
Living in Romania as a Driver
- Cost of living: Lower than Western Europe. Rents outside Bucharest are notably cheaper. Popular cities with logistics jobs include Bucharest, Timisoara, Cluj-Napoca, Brasov, Iasi, Arad, and Ploiesti.
- Language: Romanian is the official language; English is spoken in many offices, but less so in rural areas. Learning basic Romanian will help both at work and in daily life.
- Weather: Four distinct seasons. Winters can be cold with snow, so plan for winter tires and safe driving techniques. Summers are warm to hot.
- Transport infrastructure: Key corridors link Romania to Hungary, Bulgaria, and the Black Sea port of Constanta. Important border points include Nadlac II and Bors to Hungary, and Giurgiu to Bulgaria.
- EU operations: Employed drivers of Romanian companies regularly drive throughout the EU. While your residence status stays Romanian, your daily work may involve cross-border delivery in multiple EU states.
Country-by-Country Snapshot: Work Visa Requirements for Drivers
This section provides a comparative overview of major European destinations for professional drivers. Requirements change often, so always verify the latest rules on government sites and with your employer.
Romania (priority destination for Dubai-based drivers)
- Visa type: Long-stay D employment visa (D/AM), followed by a temporary residence permit for work.
- Sponsorship: Required; a Romanian employer must secure your work permit first.
- Driver qualifications: C and CE categories, CPC Code 95. Non-EU licenses often need full testing in Romania if exchange is not possible. Tachograph driver card from ARR.
- Language: Romanian is used for administration; some CPC providers offer training with English support, but Romanian is advantageous.
- Notes: Strong growth in logistics, competitive net income once per diem is included, and cost-effective living. Good access to EU routes.
Poland
- Visa type: National D visa with an employer-sponsored work permit (Type A) or a temporary residence and work permit. Many carriers also use seasonal or simplified declarations.
- Sponsorship: Required; employer applies for a work permit or issues a declaration of intent to employ.
- Driver qualifications: EU-recognized C and CE, CPC Code 95. License exchange or testing may be required for non-EU licenses.
- Notes: Poland is a major EU trucking hub with large fleets. Pay competitiveness and extensive EU routes are attractive. Processing timelines vary by voivodeship.
Germany
- Visa type: Skilled worker routes under the Skilled Immigration Act. For truck drivers, approval from the Federal Employment Agency may be needed.
- Sponsorship: Employer sponsorship plus proof of qualification recognition. Basic German language may be required.
- Driver qualifications: C and CE with CPC; German recognition of qualifications and possible language requirements apply.
- Notes: Strong salaries and standards; however, entry requirements can be stricter and processing more complex than in Romania or Poland.
Netherlands
- Visa type: National work and residence permit via the single permit process (MVV plus residence permit) or highly skilled routes for some roles. For drivers, employer sponsorship is the norm.
- Sponsorship: Required; employer applies and must meet salary and compliance criteria.
- Driver qualifications: EU-recognized C and CE, Code 95. Strict compliance culture.
- Notes: High compliance standards, strong pay and benefits, but high cost of living. Dutch and English widely used.
Belgium
- Visa type: Single permit combining work and residence authorization; region-specific processing (Flanders, Wallonia, Brussels).
- Sponsorship: Required; employer sponsorship through regional authorities.
- Driver qualifications: C and CE with Code 95. Local recognition rules apply.
- Notes: Competitive wages, multilingual environment (Dutch, French, German). Complex but well-structured compliance.
France
- Visa type: Long-stay work visa with employer sponsorship; residence permit for work upon arrival.
- Sponsorship: Required; labor market tests may apply.
- Driver qualifications: C and CE plus FIMO/FCO (French CPC equivalents) recognition or conversion steps may be needed.
- Notes: Strong social protections, higher cost of living, and French language expectations.
Italy
- Visa type: National work visa under the annual quotas (decreto flussi) or other channels; residence permit for work on arrival.
- Sponsorship: Employer sponsorship required.
- Driver qualifications: EU C and CE, Code 95. Recognition steps for non-EU licenses.
- Notes: Growing demand for drivers, varied pay scales by region, Italian language helpful.
Spain
- Visa type: National work visa with employer sponsorship; residence permit for work thereafter.
- Sponsorship: Required.
- Driver qualifications: EU C and CE, Code 95; license recognition for non-EU drivers may require testing.
- Notes: Active logistics market, Spanish language is a practical requirement in most roles.
Portugal
- Visa type: Work visa with employer sponsorship; temporary residence permit on arrival.
- Sponsorship: Required.
- Driver qualifications: EU C and CE, Code 95. Portuguese recognition of qualifications may be needed.
- Notes: Growing logistics sector; Portuguese language often required for local operations.
Czechia (Czech Republic)
- Visa type: Employee Card combining work and residence authorization.
- Sponsorship: Employer sponsorship required.
- Driver qualifications: EU C and CE, Code 95.
- Notes: Central location with strong international trucking; Czech language helpful but many companies operate in English or German with dispatchers.
Hungary
- Visa type: Single permit for employment; national D visa if required.
- Sponsorship: Required; employer applies for work authorization.
- Driver qualifications: EU C and CE, Code 95.
- Notes: Strategic location on east-west corridors; Hungarian language less commonly required for international fleets.
Slovakia
- Visa type: National work visa with temporary residence for employment.
- Sponsorship: Required.
- Driver qualifications: EU C and CE, Code 95.
- Notes: Stable demand for international truckers; proximity to key EU markets.
Slovenia
- Visa type: Single permit for work and residence.
- Sponsorship: Required.
- Driver qualifications: EU C and CE, Code 95.
- Notes: Alpine transit country with strong cross-border trucking.
Austria
- Visa type: Red-White-Red Card (points-based) or employer-sponsored permits; long-stay visa D if needed.
- Sponsorship: Often required, with points system considerations.
- Driver qualifications: EU C and CE, Code 95. German language is advantageous.
- Notes: High standards and salaries, stricter language expectations.
Greece
- Visa type: National work visa with employer sponsorship.
- Sponsorship: Required.
- Driver qualifications: EU C and CE, Code 95.
- Notes: Demand influenced by ports and regional trade; Greek language useful.
Bulgaria
- Visa type: National D visa for work; single permit after arrival.
- Sponsorship: Required.
- Driver qualifications: EU C and CE, Code 95.
- Notes: Cost-effective living, growing logistics links with Romania and Turkey.
Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia (Baltics)
- Visa type: National long-stay work visas with employer sponsorship; residence permits for work thereafter.
- Sponsorship: Required across the Baltics.
- Driver qualifications: EU C and CE, Code 95.
- Notes: Large international fleets operate from the Baltics; compliance in line with EU Mobility Package. English and Russian are commonly used in dispatch.
Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg (Benelux) summary
- Visa type: Employer-sponsored national permits; single permit systems in BE and NL.
- Sponsorship: Required.
- Driver qualifications: C and CE with Code 95.
- Notes: High compliance, dense road networks, strong pay; higher living costs.
United Kingdom
- Visa type: Skilled Worker visa. Eligibility depends on sponsorship by a licensed UK employer and salary thresholds.
- Sponsorship: Required; employers must be Home Office approved sponsors.
- Driver qualifications: UK recognition of C and CE, Driver CPC; English language proficiency required.
- Notes: Post-Brexit rules apply; salary and sponsorship requirements change periodically.
Ireland
- Visa type: General Employment Permit for eligible roles; separate residence permission after arrival.
- Sponsorship: Required; labor market needs test may apply.
- Driver qualifications: C and CE with Driver CPC; English language proficiency required.
- Notes: Strong demand but strict compliance; verify if your driver role is currently eligible.
Nordics (Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland)
- Visa type: National work and residence permits; sponsorship needed.
- Sponsorship: Required; salary thresholds and language expectations may be higher.
- Driver qualifications: EU C and CE with CPC, recognition process for non-EU licenses.
- Notes: High wages, strong safety culture, colder climates with winter-specific driving requirements.
Switzerland
- Visa type: Non-EU work permits are quota-based and competitive.
- Sponsorship: Required; strict eligibility criteria.
- Driver qualifications: EU C and CE with CPC; recognition steps apply.
- Notes: High salaries but entry is challenging; not an EU member, separate rules.
Choosing Romania vs Other EU Hubs: Why Romania Makes Sense
- Faster entry pathway: Romanian employers have extensive experience bringing in non-EU drivers and navigating work permit processes.
- Cost of living advantage: Your net spending power is typically higher in Romania than in Western Europe, especially if your job features EU long-haul per diem allowances.
- EU-wide driving exposure: Romanian carriers operate across the EU. With a Romanian work and residence permit, you can legally drive international routes for your employer.
- Strong growth in logistics: Romania is strategically positioned between Central Europe, the Balkans, and the Black Sea. The Port of Constanta and road connections to Hungary and Bulgaria drive consistent freight flows.
- Cultural familiarity: Many teams include drivers from multiple countries. Romanian workplaces are generally welcoming, and many managers speak English or are used to international onboarding.
Compliance Essentials for Drivers in Romania
Driver CPC Code 95
- Periodic training of 35 hours every 5 years is required to maintain your professional qualification. If you are new to the EU system, you might need initial qualification steps.
- Check with Romanian training providers authorized by ARR. Some offer English-language support, but Romanian is the default.
Tachograph and Hours of Service
- EU tachograph rules limit daily and weekly driving time, enforce breaks, and require weekly rest. The latest digital tachographs and the Mobility Package rules apply to international operations.
- You must keep your tachograph card updated and follow company procedures for downloading and archiving data.
Vehicle and Road Compliance
- Romania requires vignettes for road use by heavy vehicles and specific tolls on certain bridges and motorways.
- Carry mandatory safety equipment in the vehicle at all times.
- Winter equipment is essential during cold seasons, especially in mountainous regions.
Employment and Tax Compliance
- You will have a Romanian employment contract and be enrolled in the local social insurance system.
- Employers typically handle payroll taxes. Per diem allowances for international trips may be partially tax-advantaged within legal limits.
Border and Posting Rules
- When operating in other EU countries as a Romanian-employed driver, posting rules may apply based on the type of operation. Your company should guide you on paperwork like posting declarations.
Best Practices and Tips for Romania
- Choose an experienced employer: Prioritize companies with a clear track record of sponsoring non-EU drivers. Ask specifically about visa support, CPC training, and license conversion help.
- Prepare documents early: Get your UAE police clearance well in advance and complete legalization requirements for Romania.
- Budget for conversion and training: Set aside funds for driving school, Code 95 courses, medical and psychological exams, and the tachograph card.
- Learn basic Romanian: Key phrases for inspections, loading docks, fueling, and emergencies are extremely helpful.
- Understand pay components: Clarify base salary, per diem rates, weekend and night premiums, and bonus policies before signing.
- Plan for winter: Buy reliable winter clothing and learn Romania’s winter driving rules and best practices.
- Keep copies of everything: Maintain digital and hard copies of your contract, permit, license, CPC certificate, and tachograph card.
- Build a routine: European rest rules demand planning. Know where safe parking areas are on typical routes from Romania to Hungary, Austria, Germany, and Italy.
Common Challenges and Solutions When Relocating From Dubai to Romania
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License recognition and testing
- Challenge: Non-EU licenses often cannot be exchanged in Romania.
- Solution: Enroll with a reputable Romanian driving school immediately after arrival to secure C and CE categories and the necessary tests. Your employer may recommend trusted schools.
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Language barriers in early months
- Challenge: Romanian administration and training providers predominantly use Romanian.
- Solution: Use translation apps, request an English-speaking case manager from your employer, and commit to daily language learning. Many drivers achieve basic fluency within 3 to 6 months.
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Adapting to EU compliance rules
- Challenge: EU hours-of-service, tachograph management, and the Mobility Package can be stricter than what you are used to in Dubai.
- Solution: Attend company briefings and refresher courses. Keep a personal log of driving and rest to double-check your tachograph data.
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Cold weather and road conditions
- Challenge: Winter driving with snow and ice is common in Romania and across Europe.
- Solution: Practice winter driving techniques, ensure proper tires and chains where required, and plan routes with safe parking and service availability.
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Finding accommodation and settling paperwork
- Challenge: Navigating rentals, utilities, and registration requirements.
- Solution: Request relocation support from your employer. Many companies help with initial housing and local registration guidance.
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Cultural adjustment
- Challenge: New work culture with different communication styles and expectations.
- Solution: Be punctual, direct but polite, and open to feedback. Romanians appreciate diligence and practical problem-solving.
Industry Insights: Romania’s Trucking and Logistics Market
- Strategic location: Romania links Central Europe with the Balkans, Turkey, and the Black Sea. Key trade corridors pass through western border points like Nadlac II and Bors, enabling direct access to Hungary and the broader Schengen area.
- Port of Constanta: A major maritime gateway feeding road and intermodal freight to inland Europe.
- Growth drivers: Manufacturing expansion, e-commerce, and nearshoring have increased demand for road transport. Major retail and FMCG companies rely on robust logistics networks with Romanian hubs.
- Company landscape: Mix of Romanian carriers and multinational logistics groups. Many operate both domestic distribution and international long-haul services.
- Typical routes: Romania to Germany and Italy via Hungary and Austria; Romania to France or Benelux via Hungary, Austria, and Germany; Balkan routes to Bulgaria and Greece.
- Compliance shift: EU Mobility Package enforcement has pushed companies to modernize fleets, adopt smart tachographs, and implement stronger driver support policies.
- Career trajectory: Drivers can grow into roles such as driver-trainer, fleet coordinator, dispatcher, or ADR specialist. ADR certification adds value and pay potential.
Practical Action Steps for the Dubai-to-Romania Relocation
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Research and shortlist employers
- Target Romanian carriers with EU operations and a history of hiring non-EU drivers.
- Check employee reviews, route patterns, pay policies, and onboarding support.
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Prepare your document file in Dubai
- Passport, multiple passport photos.
- UAE police clearance certificate, fully legalized for Romania.
- Driving license copies, training records, employment references.
- Education and training certificates translated into Romanian or English as required.
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Secure a job offer
- Conduct interviews by video. Clarify base salary, per diem, rotation schedule, route mix, and training support.
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Employer files for your work permit in Romania
- Provide any additional documents promptly to avoid delays.
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Apply for the D employment visa
- Follow instructions from the Romanian mission in the UAE. Purchase travel insurance, show accommodation, and pay visa fees.
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Travel and register in Romania
- Arrive before your visa expires. Start residence permit procedures right away. Attend medical and psychological exams.
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Complete driver qualifications
- Arrange C and CE testing if required. Complete Code 95 periodic training and obtain your tachograph card from ARR.
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Start work with orientation
- Learn company-specific procedures: load securing, ADR protocols if needed, tachograph usage, HOS planning, and communications with dispatch.
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Settle your life logistics
- Rent long-term accommodation, set up mobile, bank account, and health insurance enrollment. Keep your residence permit and employer contact handy.
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Build your EU driving profile
- Keep clean safety and compliance records. Consider ADR certification, eco-driving courses, or languages to expand opportunities and income potential.
Best Practices and Tips Specific to Romania
- Understand rovinieta and tolls: Ensure your company handles vignettes and any bridge tolls (for example on A2). Know where toll stations and automatic systems are located.
- Know the main corridors: Familiarize yourself with A1 and A2 motorways, and border points toward Hungary and Bulgaria. This helps in planning rest stops and managing tachograph breaks.
- Keep winter gear in the cab: Gloves, thermal layers, snow brush, de-icer, and high-visibility clothing are essential from late autumn to early spring.
- Use recognized service areas: Plan stops at secure, well-lit parking areas where possible. In Western Europe, consult apps listing certified safe parking.
- Maintain your paperwork in Romanian and English: Some roadside inspections outside Romania may prefer documents in English, but Romanian authorities may request Romanian versions.
- Build relationships with dispatch: Good communication with dispatchers makes route planning and rest compliance smoother, especially across long cross-border runs.
Conclusion: Start Your European Driving Career in Romania
For professional drivers in Dubai, Romania offers one of the most balanced pathways into the European logistics market. You benefit from a well-trodden visa route with employer sponsorship, a cost-effective base for living, and frequent access to EU-wide trips. With the right preparation, you can convert your driving qualifications, meet Code 95 requirements, and quickly integrate into a Romanian fleet running international routes.
Your next steps are clear: shortlist reputable Romanian employers, prepare your Dubai documents, secure your work permit and D employment visa, and plan your qualification upgrades immediately upon arrival. Once onboard, focus on compliance, winter readiness, and clear communication with dispatch. That foundation will set you up for long-term success and career growth across the EU.
Ready to move from Dubai to Romania and start driving in Europe? Begin your employer search today and assemble your document pack. The Romanian logistics market is hiring, and your experience is in demand.
FAQ: Working and Living in Romania as a Professional Driver
1) What visa do I need to work as a driver in Romania?
You will typically need the Romanian long-stay D visa for employment (commonly referred to as the employment D visa). Your Romanian employer first secures a work permit from IGI in Romania. With that approval, you apply for the D visa at the Romanian Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate General in Dubai. After arriving in Romania, you convert to a temporary residence permit for work.
2) Can I exchange my UAE driving license for a Romanian one?
In many cases, non-EU licenses cannot be directly exchanged. You should expect to undergo Romanian testing for categories C and CE and complete EU professional qualification requirements such as Code 95. Your employer and a local driving school can guide you through the process. If you already hold an EU-issued license and CPC, recognition is straightforward.
3) How long does the Romanian work permit and visa process take?
Timelines vary based on employer readiness, document completeness, and immigration workloads. As a general guide, expect several weeks for the employer to secure the work permit and additional weeks for the D visa processing in the UAE. Starting early and providing complete documents can significantly reduce delays.
4) What are typical salaries for drivers in Romania?
Salaries vary by company, route mix, experience, and whether you drive domestically or internationally. Many Romanian carriers use a combination of base salary and diurna (per diem) for international trips. Always request a detailed pay breakdown, including base pay, per diem rates, overtime, night allowances, and bonus schemes. International long-haul drivers generally earn more than domestic-only drivers.
5) Do I need to speak Romanian to work as a driver?
It helps, especially for administrative processes and daily interactions. Some companies offer onboarding support in English and have dispatchers who communicate in English. However, basic Romanian will make inspections, loading docks, fueling, and service visits much easier. Begin learning before you arrive and continue once in Romania.
6) Can I drive across the EU once I work for a Romanian company?
Yes. As a Romanian-employed driver, you can carry out international operations across the EU for your employer, subject to EU road transport rules. Your work authorization is Romanian, so if you change employers to a company in another EU country, you would generally need a new permit in that country.
7) What should I expect from Romanian winters and road safety rules?
Winters can bring snow and ice, particularly in mountain areas. Winter tires are required when conditions demand, and carrying proper equipment is essential. You must follow EU hours-of-service rules, use your tachograph correctly, and maintain all required safety gear. Your company should provide winter readiness training and equipment guidelines.
Note: Immigration and transport regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with Romanian authorities, your employer, and the Romanian diplomatic missions in the UAE before applying.
