Bringing Family Abroad: Driver's Relocation Guide

Introduction: From Dubai’s Highways to Romania’s European Routes

If you’re a professional driver in Dubai thinking about a long-term future in Europe, Romania is one of the most practical gateways to make it happen. It offers solid employment opportunities in trucking and logistics, a lower cost of living compared with Western Europe, access to EU transport markets, and a family-friendly lifestyle that makes settling in easier. For many drivers, the biggest question isn’t just about a job—it’s about bringing your spouse and children with you, finding the right schools, and understanding visas, benefits, and day-to-day life.

This comprehensive guide walks you through living abroad as a driver in Romania—tailored specifically to professionals moving from Dubai. You’ll learn about Romania’s driver labor market, step-by-step immigration paths, family reunification processes, licensing and qualifications, schooling and healthcare for your kids, budgeting and housing, and how to navigate work and life on European routes.

Whether you’re looking to advance your career with international routes through Central and Western Europe or to secure a balanced family life with reliable public services, this guide gives you the practical, Romania-specific detail you need to plan with confidence.

Why Romania? Strong Driver Demand, European Reach, and Family-Friendly Living

A growing hub for EU road transport

Romania has become a key player in European trucking. Its strategic location connects Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe, with fast links to Hungary and the Schengen area by road and to the Black Sea via the Port of Constanța. The country’s logistics and warehousing sectors continue to expand around major hubs like Bucharest-Ilfov, Ploiești, Brașov, Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, and Arad.

Many Romanian carriers hire experienced non-EU drivers, including professionals relocating from the Gulf. Driver shortages across Europe mean your skills are valued and transferable. Once you’re based in Romania with a compliant employer, international runs across the EU become feasible, often with competitive per diem allowances.

The Dubai-to-Romania advantage

Employer-sponsored work permits: Romanian transport companies regularly sponsor non-EU drivers, guiding them through the legal process.
Cost of living: Compared to Dubai, rent, groceries, and services are significantly more affordable, especially outside Bucharest.
Family lifestyle: Public healthcare (CNAS) and schooling are accessible once your family secures residence, and child allowances may be available subject to eligibility.
EU market access: While Romania’s full Schengen status is evolving, being employed in an EU country positions you for broader European routes and experience.

Realistic earnings and conditions

Domestic (Romania-only) routes: Many drivers report net salaries roughly in the range of 3,500–6,000 RON per month depending on experience, company, and route type.
International routes: Packages often combine a base salary with diurnă (daily allowances) for trips abroad; monthly take-home can reach the equivalent of 1,200–2,000+ EUR depending on company policy, mileage, and destinations.
Working time compliance: EU rules on driving and rest (tachograph) apply, which is a major plus for safety and predictability.

Note: Always confirm figures with your prospective employer—pay structures and allowances vary widely and can change.

Visa and Immigration for Drivers and Families: The Romania Pathway

Relocating from Dubai to Romania typically involves two stages:

You secure a Romanian employer and your own work-based residence.
You reunite your family through a spouse/child visa and residence permits.

Below is the typical sequence. Legal frameworks change, so always check the latest requirements with the Romanian General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) and the Romanian consular posts in the UAE.

Step 1: Employer work authorization (Aviz de angajare)

Your Romanian employer applies for a work authorization on your behalf with IGI (Inspectoratul General pentru Imigrări).
They must demonstrate a vacancy and compliance with wage and labor standards.
Once issued, this authorization allows you to apply for the long-stay work visa.

Step 2: Long-stay work visa (Visa D/AM)

Once your work authorization is granted, you apply for the Romanian long-stay work visa (D/AM) at the Romanian Consulate General in Dubai or the Romanian Embassy in Abu Dhabi. Some locations use VFS Global for submissions.
Typical documents include: passport, work authorization, employment contract or job offer, proof of accommodation (if available), health insurance, and clean criminal record certificate. Documents from abroad often require legalization/apostille and certified translations into Romanian.
Visa processing timelines vary; plan for several weeks.

Step 3: Arrival in Romania and residence permit (Permis de ședere pentru muncă)

After entering Romania with your D visa, register your residence and apply for the residence permit at IGI. This card allows you to live and work legally in Romania for the period granted (often one year initially, renewable).
Book an appointment via the IGI online portal; prepare your lease contract or accommodation proof, employment docs, medical insurance, and photographs.

Step 4: Family reunification (Spouse and children)

Romania allows family reunification for spouses and minor children of a legally resident foreign worker who meets certain conditions (valid residence, sufficient income, and accommodation). In practice, many companies encourage reunification after your status stabilizes—commonly after 6–12 months of employment—though the exact legal timing and conditions can vary.

Typical approach:

Sponsor’s status: You hold a valid Romanian residence permit for work and can show adequate accommodation and income to support your family.
Family visa application: Your spouse and children apply for a long-stay visa for family reunification (commonly D/VF) at the Romanian consulate. Documents usually include marriage certificate, children’s birth certificates, proof of relationship, proof of accommodation in Romania, sponsor’s income/residence documents, medical insurance, and criminal record certificates for adult applicants. Expect translations and legalization.
Entry and residence permits: After receiving the D/VF visas and traveling to Romania, your family must apply for residence permits (permis de ședere pentru reîntregirea familiei) within the validity window. Once issued, they can live in Romania and access services.

Important notes:

Document verification is strict: Ensure marriage and birth certificates are legalized/apostilled and translated as required.
Police clearance: For the UAE, obtain a Police Clearance Certificate; if you are not a UAE national, you may also need a clearance from your home country.
Income requirement: Romania expects the sponsor to demonstrate means of support at least at or above nationally defined thresholds. Ask IGI or your company’s HR for the current benchmarks.
Accommodation proof: A registered rental contract or notarized accommodation declaration is necessary for residence permits.

Schengen travel considerations

Romania has joined Schengen for air and sea border control removal, with land borders transitioning in phases. A Romanian long-stay visa or residence permit does not automatically grant unrestricted Schengen mobility for non-EU nationals—always verify current rules before planning family trips to neighboring EU states. Your employer may brief you on travel specifics if your job involves cross-border operations.

Professional Requirements: Licenses, CPC, Tachograph Cards, and Driver Attestation

As a professional driver working in Romania and across the EU, you must comply with EU and Romanian rules.

Licenses and categories

Categories: Truck drivers generally need C and CE categories; bus/coach drivers need D/DE.
License exchange: Depending on your current license country, you may be able to exchange it for a Romanian one without retesting, or you might need additional exams. Employers usually guide you through this, especially if you’re hired for international freight operations.
Medical and psychological checks: Periodic medical and psychotechnical evaluations are mandatory; Romanian clinics authorized for professional drivers conduct these.

CPC (Code 95) and professional certificates

EU professional competence: You will need CPC (Code 95) recognized in the EU. In Romania, the Autoritatea Rutieră Română (ARR) oversees training and certification, including periodic training for drivers.
Third-country drivers: If your CPC is from outside the EU, your employer will advise whether you need Romanian/EU-compliant training modules to obtain Code 95 on your license.

Digital tachograph cards

Romania issues digital tachograph driver cards via ARR. Apply promptly after arrival. These cards are essential for legal driving across EU routes governed by Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 and Regulation (EU) No 165/2014.

EU Driver Attestation (for third-country nationals employed by EU hauliers)

For non-EU drivers employed by a Romanian transport company, an EU driver attestation may be required for cross-border operations (under Regulation (EC) No 1072/2009). Your employer applies for this document; it proves you are lawfully employed and can drive in international carriage within the EU.

Company-sponsored compliance

Credible Romanian carriers help new hires secure any missing modules, schedule medical checks, and apply for CPC, tachograph cards, and driver attestations. Confirm all compliance steps in your contract and onboarding plan.

Setting Up Family Life: Housing, Schools, Healthcare, Banking, and Everyday Living

Relocation success is about more than permits. Your family’s comfort depends on where you live, how you manage budgets, and which schools and doctors you can access.

Housing and neighborhoods

Popular bases for drivers:

Bucharest-Ilfov: Near the biggest logistics parks (CTPark, P3, WDP), and easy access to A1 (west) and A2 (east) motorways. Districts on the city’s outskirts offer better parking and access.
Ploiești and Prahova: A hub for FMCG distribution and quick access to Bucharest and A3.
Brașov: Central location in Transylvania, with growing logistics and manufacturing.
Cluj-Napoca: Tech and logistics growth; strong services and schools.
Timișoara and Arad: Near Hungary’s border; ideal for international lanes to Central Europe.

Typical rents (approximate, can vary by area and season):

Bucharest: One-bedroom 400–700 EUR/month; two-bedroom 600–1,000 EUR/month.
Cluj-Napoca, Brașov, Timișoara: One-bedroom 300–600 EUR; two-bedroom 500–900 EUR.
Smaller cities: Often 20–30% lower.

What landlords may ask:

1–2 months deposit and first month’s rent upfront.
Proof of employment and ID/residence documents.
A registered rental contract. Keep a copy—IGI may require it for residence permits.

Tip: For IGI, if the contract isn’t in your name (e.g., company accommodation), get a notarized accommodation declaration from the property holder.

Healthcare: From coverage to family doctors

CNAS coverage: Employees contribute to public health insurance through payroll. After your family obtains residence and is registered, your spouse and children can access the public system.
Family doctor (medic de familie): Register your household with a GP; they coordinate referrals and routine care. Bring residence permits and IDs.
Private clinics: Widely available in cities (Regina Maria, MedLife, Sanador, Medicover). Many families mix public and private providers for convenience.
Emergencies: Dial 112 nationwide.

Children’s education: Romanian public schools vs. international options

School system highlights:

Ages: Kindergarten (grădiniță) 3–6; preparatory class (clasa pregătitoare) at age 6; primary grades 1–4; gymnasium grades 5–8; high school grades 9–12.
Language: Public schools teach primarily in Romanian. Larger cities offer bilingual programs and language support for foreign students, but availability varies.
Enrollment: Bring passports, birth certificates, legalized/translated transcripts, vaccination records, and residence documents. Local school inspectorates can place your child according to age and prior studies.
International schools: Bucharest hosts several (e.g., British, American, and IB curricula). Cluj, Timișoara, and Brașov also offer international or bilingual options. These carry tuition fees; contact schools for current rates and admission timelines.
School calendar: Runs roughly from September to June, structured in modules with breaks. Plan arrivals before or shortly after the school year starts if possible.

Language support strategies:

Enroll your child in Romanian language courses or online tutoring.
Choose schools known for integrating foreign students.
Use language apps and bilingual materials at home.

Banking and mobile

Banks: Banca Transilvania, BCR, BRD, ING, Raiffeisen are widely used. Open an account with your passport and residence permit; some banks accept a work contract plus local address. Your salary is usually paid in RON; some employers offer EUR accounts for allowances.
Payments: Card payments are common. Digital bills can be paid via banking apps.
Mobile/internet: Major providers include Orange and Vodafone; Digi offers competitive rates for home internet. Prepaid SIMs are easy to buy with ID.

Daily life and culture

Language: Romanian is a Romance language. Basic conversational Romanian greatly helps with administration and daily interactions. English is common in cities and among younger people.
Weather: Four distinct seasons. Winters can be cold, especially in Transylvania and the mountains. Ensure your car has winter tires when conditions require and carry chains if driving in mountain areas.
Food and markets: Fresh produce is abundant; traditional markets and supermarkets (Mega Image, Carrefour, Kaufland, Lidl, Profi) are everywhere.
Safety: Romania is generally safe; as with anywhere, take standard precautions.

Budgeting and cost of living

Groceries: Cheaper than Dubai; a family of four can stay comfortable on a moderate monthly grocery budget compared with Gulf prices.
Utilities: Expect roughly 80–200 EUR/month depending on apartment size, season, and consumption.
Transport: Fuel prices fluctuate; highways are expanding. Trucks need rovinietă; your employer manages commercial tolls.
Child benefits: The state child allowance (alocația de stat pentru copii) is available to resident children who meet eligibility rules. Amounts are adjusted periodically; check current figures after registering your child’s residence.

Tip: Keep emergency savings for 3–6 months of rent and essentials as you transition.

Work Life in Romania: Routes, Rules, and Realities

Core motorways and logistics corridors

Westward to EU: A1 (București–Pitești–Sibiu–Deva–Timișoara–Arad) connects to Hungary. Key crossings: Nădlac II, Borș II.
Towards the Black Sea: A2 links Bucharest to Constanța Port (major container and bulk hub).
Transylvania routes: A3/A10 link Cluj-Napoca and Alba Iulia to other regions, with sections under development.
Southward: Crossings to Bulgaria via Giurgiu–Ruse and Calafat–Vidin.

Cities with heavy logistics activity include Bucharest-Ilfov, Ploiești, Brașov, Cluj, Timișoara, Arad, Sibiu, and Iași.

Typical employers and sectors

Carriers and logistics: Dumagas, Aquila, International Alexander, DHL, DB Schenker, Kuehne+Nagel, FM Logistic, and many mid-sized Romanian hauliers.
Sectors: FMCG distribution, automotive parts, e-commerce, retail, industrial goods, and agricultural commodities.

Always vet employers for compliance, stable contracts, and clear pay structures.

Driving regulations and tolls to know

Tachograph and rest rules: EU standards apply—e.g., 9–10 hours daily driving (with limits), weekly rest requirements, and digital tachograph use.
Rovinietă: Mandatory national road vignette for vehicles using national roads (employer typically handles for commercial fleets). Additional bridge toll applies at Fetești–Cernavodă on A2.
Seasonal restrictions: Expect occasional summer weekend restrictions for heavy vehicles on the A2 corridor and holiday-specific limits. Employers keep calendars.
Winter equipment: Winter tires required when roads are covered with snow/ice; chains recommended in mountainous areas.

Pay, allowances, and contracts

Structure: Base salary plus daily allowances for international trips is common. Some companies also offer performance bonuses and safe-driving incentives.
Paid leave: Romanian employment contracts include annual leave (minimum statutory days) and public holidays. Transport operations may require working on holidays, with compensatory pay.
Taxes and social contributions: Withheld by the employer under Romanian law. Diurnă may be non-taxable up to legal thresholds. Ask for a clear payslip breakdown.

Work-life balance for families

Rotation patterns: Many international drivers work 3–6 weeks on, followed by home time. Discuss rotations that match your family’s needs.
Weekend returns: Domestic or regional routes may allow you to be home on weekends.
Support networks: Romania’s expat communities and local neighbors are often welcoming; parent groups and language classes help with integration.

Best Practices and Tips for Romania

Choose an employer with family support: Ask if they have experience with family reunification, help with accommodation letters, and school guidance.
Prepare document sets early: Legalize/apostille and translate marriage and birth certificates, police clearances, and educational records before you start the visa process.
Budget for setup costs: First rents, deposits, visa fees, translations, medical checks, and school materials can add up.
Learn practical Romanian: Focus on transport terms, household words, and school/healthcare vocabulary. It speeds up every part of life.
Drive defensively: Winter roads, mountain passes, and abrupt weather changes are common in Romania. Take extra care November–March.
Keep copies of all permits: Work authorization, residence permits, CPC documents, tachograph card, and driver attestation—store digital and paper copies.
Build relationships with dispatch: Clear communication with planners helps you get rotations that respect both legal rest and family time.
Confirm schooling timelines: Contact schools ahead of arrival; international schools fill up quickly in big cities.
Register correctly: Make sure your rental contract or accommodation declaration is in order—IGI checks this when issuing residence permits for the whole family.

Common Challenges and Practical Solutions

1) Visa timing and family separation

Challenge: Work visa processing and residence formalities can delay family reunification.
Solution: Start gathering family documents while your employer processes your work authorization. Target a clear timeline: you arrive first, stabilize accommodation and employment, then submit family applications with complete documentation.

2) Language barrier in schools and healthcare

Challenge: Children and spouses may initially struggle with Romanian.
Solution: Enroll in Romanian language classes, use translation apps, and choose schools with integration programs. Many clinics in major cities have English-speaking staff; private clinics may offer more language support.

3) Housing proof for IGI

Challenge: Incomplete or informal rental deals can cause residence permit delays.
Solution: Insist on a proper, registered rental contract. If living with relatives/friends, obtain a notarized accommodation declaration. Keep utility bills and landlord contact handy.

4) Adapting to EU driving/rest rules

Challenge: Strict tachograph rules can feel rigid initially.
Solution: Refresh EU rules during onboarding. Plan breaks early, communicate with dispatch, and carry spare printouts in case your tachograph malfunctions.

5) Winter driving and vehicle prep

Challenge: Snow and icy roads, especially in mountain areas.
Solution: Winter tires, chains, and emergency kits are essential. Check weather forecasts and road authority updates. Leave extra time on routes like the DN1 through the Carpathians.

6) Banking and payments setup

Challenge: Delays opening a bank account can affect salary payments.
Solution: Book a bank appointment shortly after arrival; bring your contract, residence, and local address. Ask payroll about interim solutions.

7) Understanding pay slips and allowances

Challenge: Differentiating taxable salary and non-taxable diurnă.
Solution: Request a sample payslip and a written explanation of per diems, bonuses, and taxes. Keep your own log of trips and allowances to verify amounts.

Industry Insights: Romania’s Trucking and Logistics Landscape

Demand drivers

Manufacturing and automotive: Western OEMs and suppliers rely on Romanian plants and cross-border flows.
Retail and e-commerce: Rapid fulfillment demands robust domestic and regional distribution networks.
Port of Constanța: A major Black Sea gateway for containerized and bulk cargo.

Where the jobs are

International LTL/FTL: Many carriers run regular lanes to Germany, Italy, France, Czechia, Poland, and the Benelux.
Domestic distribution: FMCG and retail hubs around Bucharest, Ploiești, and Brașov keep fleets busy.
Specialized transport: Refrigerated, ADR (dangerous goods), oversized loads—these niches pay extra with the right certifications.

What good employers offer

Clear contracts with transparent base salary and diurnă policies.
Support obtaining CPC (Code 95), tachograph cards, driver attestations, and ADR certificates if needed.
Safe vehicles, planned maintenance, and compliance culture.
Realistic rotations and paid leave honoring legal rest.

The road network outlook

Ongoing motorway expansions aim to better connect regions and speed cross-border freight.
Digitization: eCMR adoption is advancing; Romania has taken steps toward electronic consignment practices. Companies increasingly invest in telematics and route optimization.

Practical Action Steps: Your Dubai-to-Romania Relocation Checklist

Research and shortlist employers
- Focus on Romanian carriers with international routes and proven experience hiring non-EU drivers.
- Ask about family support, accommodation help, rotations, and pay structure.
Prepare your professional documents
- Passport valid 2+ years, current driver’s license (C/CE or D/DE), professional certificates, employment letters.
- Obtain a UAE Police Clearance Certificate (and from your home country if required). Legalize/apostille as needed and translate into Romanian.
Secure the job offer and work authorization
- Sign a conditional contract subject to work authorization.
- Your employer files for the aviz de angajare; track timelines and any additional requests.
Apply for the Romanian long-stay work visa (D/AM)
- Submit your file at the Romanian consulate in Dubai or the embassy in Abu Dhabi (check VFS procedures).
- Pay fees and attend any requested interview. Keep copies of all documents.
Arrive in Romania and apply for the residence permit
- Finalize and register your rental contract.
- Book IGI appointment for your permis de ședere. Bring work contract, health insurance proof, and accommodation documents.
Start onboarding and compliance
- Apply for CPC (Code 95) updates if needed, tachograph driver card, and EU driver attestation.
- Complete medical and psychological checks.
Prepare family reunification
- Gather marriage and birth certificates; legalize/apostille and translate.
- Collect proof of your income, accommodation, and residence permit.
- Your spouse and children apply for the D/VF family reunification visa at the Romanian consulate.
Enroll children in school and register with a family doctor
- Contact local school inspectorate or international schools in advance.
- Register your family with a GP after their residence permits are issued.
Set up daily life
- Open bank accounts, get SIM cards, register for utilities.
- Explore nearby supermarkets, markets, and transit routes.
Drive safely and plan rotations

Review EU driving/rest rules and Romanian route specifics.
Work with dispatch to balance earnings and family time.

Conclusion: Make Romania Your Family’s European Launchpad

Relocating from Dubai to Romania as a professional driver is more than a job move—it’s an opportunity to anchor your family in a growing EU transport market with lower living costs, access to public services, and realistic pathways to bring your spouse and children legally and safely.

With a reputable Romanian employer, clear documents, and a step-by-step plan for visas, residence permits, schooling, and healthcare, you can set up a stable home base while building international experience across Europe.

Take the first step today: shortlist compliant carriers, prepare your documents, and line up a realistic arrival timeline. Your family’s European chapter can begin in Romania—on familiar wheels, with new horizons.

FAQs: Working and Living in Romania for Drivers and Families

1) How long does it take to bring my family to Romania after I start work?

Timelines vary. Many drivers aim for 6–12 months: you first secure your residence and accommodation, then your spouse and children apply for the D/VF family reunification visa. The exact timing depends on your status, documentation readiness, consular processing, and IGI appointments. Start collecting legalized and translated family documents early to minimize delays.

2) Will my children get a place in public school if they don’t speak Romanian?

Yes, Romania’s public schools can enroll foreign children. Language integration support exists but differs by school and city. In Bucharest, Cluj, Timișoara, and Brașov, schools more frequently handle international students. Consider Romanian language tutoring and, if budget allows, bilingual or international schools that offer English-medium curricula.

3) What are typical driver salaries in Romania, and are per diems common?

A broad range is normal. Domestic routes might net around 3,500–6,000 RON monthly, while international packages often combine a base salary with diurnă (per diems), bringing total take-home to roughly 1,200–2,000+ EUR depending on company, route, and time away. Always request a written breakdown of salary, per diems, taxes, and bonuses.

4) Do I need a CPC (Code 95) even if I have years of experience in Dubai?

Yes, for EU operations you must have EU-recognized CPC with Code 95 on your license. Your Romanian employer and the ARR will guide you through any required training or recognition steps. You’ll also need a digital tachograph driver card and, if you’re a third-country national employed by an EU haulier, an EU driver attestation.

5) Is Romanian healthcare accessible for my family?

Once your spouse and children hold Romanian residence permits and are registered, they can access the public healthcare system (CNAS). You’ll select a family doctor for routine care and referrals. Many families also use private clinics for convenience, especially during the first year while learning the language and navigating the system.

6) What about Schengen travel once we are in Romania?

Romania’s integration into Schengen is progressing, with air and sea border checks lifted and land borders transitioning in phases. However, a Romanian residence permit does not automatically grant unrestricted Schengen travel for non-EU nationals. Always check current entry rules before planning trips. Your employer will clarify travel for work-related EU operations.

7) Are there child benefits in Romania for non-EU residents?

Resident children may be eligible for the state child allowance (alocația de stat) if they meet legal criteria, including residence status. Benefit amounts and eligibility change over time; register your child’s residence and consult your local town hall (primărie) or social services for current rules and application steps.

Ready to map your route? With the right employer, a documented plan, and a family-focused checklist, Romania can be the stable, affordable, and opportunity-rich base that launches your European driving career—and welcomes your family home.