Growing demand for professional, premium driving services and how to position yourself for these opportunities.
The Rise of Premium Driver Services Globally
Introduction: From Dubai’s Fast Lanes to Romania’s European Gateway
Premium driver services are no longer a luxury reserved for a handful of VIPs. From executive chauffeuring to white-glove logistics, global demand is surging as corporations, high-net-worth clients, and time-sensitive industries expect safer, cleaner, and more reliable mobility. If you’re a professional driver in Dubai weighing a move to Europe, Romania should be high on your list. It offers a strategic location inside the EU, fast access to Western markets, a growing logistics sector centered around the Port of Constanța and the western border hubs, and a rapidly maturing premium passenger mobility scene in cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, and Iași.
This guide breaks down the latest industry trends and shows you exactly how to position yourself for top-tier roles—especially if you’re planning the Dubai-to-Romania transition. You’ll learn about Romanian regulations, employers, routes, pay structures, cultural expectations, timelines, and practical steps. The goal: to help you move with confidence and start earning in Romania’s premium driver market sooner.
Why Premium Driver Services Are Rising—And Why Romania Is Well-Positioned
Premium driver services are expanding worldwide due to a combination of tech, service expectations, and policy changes. Understanding these drivers helps you anticipate where the best opportunities will be in Romania.
Global Demand Drivers
- Corporate travel rebound: As business travel resumes, companies are prioritizing vetted, insured, and professionally trained drivers over generic ride-hailing options—especially for executives and visiting teams.
- Safety and compliance: Clients value drivers with verifiable compliance (CPC, ADR training, background checks) and vehicles with advanced safety features. This is particularly true in Europe, where regulation is strict.
- On-demand but premium: Enterprise mobility managers increasingly want the convenience of on-demand apps, combined with chauffeur-level service, quiet EVs, and multi-language support.
- White-glove logistics: High-value cargo, healthcare, and time-critical shipments (e.g., pharma, electronics) require professional drivers trained for documentation, temperature control, and tamper-proof delivery.
- Sustainability: More fleets are shifting to low-emission vehicles. Drivers who understand eco-driving, EV charging, and responsible idling can stand out.
Why Romania is Emerging as a Premium Driver Hub
- EU access and location: Romania sits at the crossroads of the EU and Black Sea region, making it a natural bridge to Central and Western Europe. For logistics drivers, quick access to Hungary, Austria, Germany, Italy, and the Balkans is a major plus.
- Growing logistics backbone: The Port of Constanța (Black Sea) is a key maritime entry point. Intermodal hubs like Curtici (Arad) and major road corridors connect east-west trade.
- Matured urban mobility: Cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, and Iași have growing corporate services, tech hubs, and international events—creating consistent premium passenger demand.
- Competitive cost base: Compared to Western Europe, Romanian living costs are lower, helping drivers save while earning EU-aligned incomes (especially for international trucking).
- Talent shortage: Europe has a chronic shortage of professional drivers. Romania’s fleets continue recruiting, including internationally, especially for long-haul and dedicated premium services.
Takeaway: If you bring Dubai-honed customer service, punctuality, and English proficiency—and pair that with Romanian/EU compliance—you can secure well-paying roles in both premium passenger and high-value logistics segments.
Romania’s Premium Driver Ecosystem: Where the Jobs Are
Romania offers diverse driving careers. Choosing the right pathway early will guide your licensing, certifications, and employer targeting.
1) Executive Chauffeur and VIP Transport
- Who hires: Chauffeur companies, luxury hotels, embassies, private aviation handlers, corporate travel managers, and premium ride-hailing categories.
- Typical vehicles: Mercedes E/S-Class, BMW 5/7 Series, Audi A6/A8, Mercedes V-Class, VW Multivan/Sprinter VIP conversion, and growing EVs (e.g., Mercedes EQE, BMW i7).
- Work style: Pre-booked transfers, airport meet-and-greet, multi-stop corporate itineraries, confidentiality, discretion, and language skills. Dress code and customer etiquette matter.
- Where: Strongest demand in Bucharest (Henri Coandă International Airport – OTP, and business districts), also in Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, and Iași.
- Example employers/services: Premium limo operators and corporate chauffeur firms (e.g., BlackCab in Bucharest, established limousine providers and hotel-affiliated fleets). Ride-hailing platforms offer premium categories in major cities (e.g., Uber Comfort/Green, Bolt Premium) alongside corporate partnership rides.
2) Corporate Shuttle and Event Transport
- Who hires: Multinationals, business parks, tech companies, event agencies, international fairs and conference organizers.
- Work style: Scheduled shuttle runs, reliable timetables, and customer care. Ideal for drivers who like structure and predictable hours.
- Where: Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara—cities with growing tech and industrial parks.
3) High-Value, Time-Critical, or Specialized Logistics (Category C/CE)
- Who hires: 3PLs, freight forwarders, and large carriers moving EU freight.
- Types of freight: Electronics, automotive, pharma, e-commerce, FMCG, and temperature-controlled goods.
- Routes: Romania to Hungary (Nădlac/Lakoš), Austria, Germany, Italy, Benelux, and to/from the Port of Constanța. Domestic routes link Bucharest, Pitești, Sibiu, Deva, Timișoara, Arad, Cluj, Brașov, Iași, and Constanța.
- Example companies active in Romania: DB Schenker Romania, DHL Freight Romania, Gebrüder Weiss, FM Logistic, DSV Solutions, Raben Logistics, H.Essers Romania, KLG Europe Romania, International Alexander (Arad), Dumagas Transport, Aquila, plus parcel networks like FAN Courier, Cargus, and Sameday for last-mile (category B vans and 3.5t LCVs).
4) Premium Last-Mile and B2B Delivery (Category B, Vans and 3.5t LCVs)
- Who hires: E-commerce and B2B delivery operators serving retail and corporate clients who expect punctual, careful handling and customer-friendly demeanor.
- Work style: Route optimization, careful documentation, handheld device proficiency, and brand presentation.
5) Security-Aware and Protocol Driving
- Who hires: Embassies, NGOs, corporate security teams. Prior advanced driving training, situational awareness, and confidentiality are essential.
- Where: Concentrated in Bucharest and diplomatic districts.
Choosing a lane early helps you allocate time and budget to the right credentials: CPC and ADR for trucks, chauffeur etiquette and language skills for VIP transport, and platform-specific onboarding for premium ride-hailing.
Licenses, Permits, and Compliance in Romania (What Dubai-Based Drivers Must Know)
Moving from the UAE to an EU member state changes the compliance landscape. Romania follows EU rules on professional driving. Here’s the practical breakdown.
Core Driver Licensing
- Category B: Passenger cars and light vans (up to 3.5t). Required for chauffeur services and ride-hailing. Some services also ask for a clean driving history and background checks.
- Category C and CE: Heavy goods vehicles; CE adds trailers. Essential for long-haul trucking and most high-value logistics.
EU Professional Competence
- CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) / Driver Qualification Card (DQC): Mandatory for professional bus/coach and truck driving in the EU. In Romania, you’ll complete initial or periodic training and carry proof (often a Driver Qualification Card or a code 95 annotation on your license).
- Periodic training: Typically 35 hours every 5 years. Romanian authorities recognize and issue CPC through accredited training centers.
Tachograph Card and Driving Time Rules
- Digital Tachograph Card: Issued by Autoritatea Rutieră Română (ARR). Apply once you have lawful residence and professional eligibility.
- EU driving/rest rules: Expect compliance with Regulation (EC) No 561/2006—e.g., 9 hours daily driving (extendable to 10 hours twice a week), 56 hours weekly max, 90 hours in two consecutive weeks, 45-minute break after 4.5 hours, and weekly rest periods. Many fleets audit tachograph data, so accuracy is critical.
ADR (Optional but Valuable)
- ADR Certificate for hazardous goods transport boosts employability in high-end logistics and raises pay potential. Obtained via authorized courses and exams.
Medical and Psychological Checks
- Professional driving in Romania requires medical and psychological evaluations at authorized centers, renewed periodically depending on license category and age.
Ride-Hailing and Chauffeur Compliance
- Ride-hailing (alternative transport) in Romania operates under specific regulations. You’ll typically need:
- Category B license with a minimum tenure (often at least 2 years; check current platform/city rules)
- Background check and clean criminal record
- Vehicle requirements (age, inspection, insurance), platform accreditation
- A professional attestation for alternative transport/taxi where required by local regulations
- Chauffeur companies and hotel fleets may set higher standards: advanced defensive driving, language tests, dress code, and protocol training.
Non-EU Nationals: Work and Residence
If you are a non-EU citizen currently working in Dubai:
- Work permit: Romanian employers typically initiate the work permit process via the Inspectoratul General pentru Imigrări (IGI). You’ll provide documents (passport, employment contract, criminal record certificate, qualifications) often translated and legalized.
- Long-stay visa for employment (D/AM): After work permit approval, apply for the visa at a Romanian consulate, then travel and finalize residence.
- Residence permit: Obtain a residence card after arrival. This allows you to apply for CPC, tachograph card, and other professional credentials.
- License conversion: If you hold a UAE or another non-EU license, check whether Romania recognizes exchange. In many cases, you’ll need to pass theory and/or practical exams in Romania to obtain a Romanian license, especially for professional categories. An International Driving Permit (IDP) may help for short periods but is not a substitute for EU professional credentials.
Always verify the latest requirements with ARR, the Romanian Driving Authority, and IGI, as regulations can change.
Road User Charges and Equipment
- Rovinietă (e-vignette): Mandatory for vehicles on national roads outside cities, including heavy vehicles and LCVs. Purchase online or at petrol stations; fines are steep for non-compliance.
- Danube bridge toll on A2 (Fetești-Cernavodă): Pay via SMS, online, or toll booths.
- Winter tires and chains: Winter tires are required when roads are covered with snow or ice. Chains may be mandatory on certain mountain roads when signed.
- Alcohol policy: Romania enforces strict zero-tolerance for drink-driving, especially for professional drivers.
Work and Life on the Road in Romania: What to Expect
Transitioning from Dubai to Romania brings practical changes—from weather to road types. Here’s the real-world picture so you can plan ahead.
Roads, Corridors, and Borders
- Motorways and expressways: Key routes include A1 (Bucharest–Pitești and western segments from Sibiu–Deva–Timișoara–Arad–Nădlac), A2 (Bucharest–Constanța), sections of A3 (Bucharest–Ploiești and Transylvania segments), and upgrades across the country.
- Congestion hotspots: DN1 (Prahova Valley) and DN7 (Valea Oltului) can be busy, especially weekends and holidays. Plan buffers.
- Border gates: Nădlac II (to Hungary) is a major westbound gateway; also Borș II and Petea (to Hungary), Giurgiu–Ruse (to Bulgaria), Albița (to Moldova), and Siret (to Ukraine). In peak times, allow extra for border queues.
- Intermodal: Curtici (Arad) is a major rail-road terminal; Bucharest, Ploiești, and Cluj areas also offer intermodal options.
- Port Constanța: Gateway for containerized and bulk cargo entering or leaving the EU via the Black Sea.
Weather and Seasonality
- Four seasons: Hot summers, colorful autumns, cold winters with snowfall (especially in mountains), and mild-to-wet springs.
- Winter driving: Expect ice and snow in higher elevations; equip winter tires, carry chains, de-icer, and warm gear. Plan for shorter daylight hours and lower speeds.
- Road closures: Scenic routes like Transfăgărășan (DN7C) typically close in winter. Follow road authority updates.
Vehicles and Technology
- Fleet modernization: Many Romanian fleets operate Euro 6 trucks and safety-equipped cars. EV adoption is growing in urban premium segments.
- Charging: The network is expanding in major cities and along main corridors (providers include Renovatio, Enel X Way, MOL Plugee). For premium chauffeur services with EVs, plan charging windows around client calendars.
- Telematics and apps: Expect dispatch apps, route optimization tools, ePOD (electronic proof of delivery), and tachograph data downloads.
Work Culture and Client Expectations
- Punctuality and communication: Clients value on-time arrivals, proactive updates, and clean, well-presented vehicles.
- Language: Romanian is the official language. English is widely used in business and hospitality in major cities. A few useful Romanian phrases make a strong impression.
- Etiquette: Professional dress code for chauffeurs; calm driving style; discreet conversation; and respect for hierarchy in corporate settings.
Cost of Living and Lifestyle
- Housing (approximate ranges for 1-bedroom): Bucharest €450–€800; Cluj-Napoca €400–€700; Timișoara €350–€600; Iași €300–€550. Prices vary by neighborhood and season.
- Utilities: €80–€150/month depending on apartment size and season.
- Groceries and meals: €200–€350/month for an individual; eating out is affordable compared with Western Europe.
- Mobile and internet: Competitive plans from Orange, Vodafone, and Digi. High-speed fiber is common in cities.
Pay, Contracts, and Benefits: How Romanian Compensation Works
Compensation varies by role, route, and seniority. Understanding salary components helps you negotiate and compare offers.
Chauffeur and Premium Passenger Roles (Category B)
- Salary ranges: Roughly €900–€1,600 gross monthly for standard chauffeur roles; premium or embassy drivers may earn more with overtime and tips. Freelance/contract models exist with variable income.
- Bonuses: Overtime, night/weekend rates, performance bonuses, and occasional tips from clients.
- Perks: Uniforms, language training, vehicle provided, and paid leave depending on contract type.
Van and LCV Delivery (Category B)
- Salary ranges: Similar base to chauffeurs, often €900–€1,500 gross, plus performance-based incentives tied to route completion and customer ratings.
International Trucking (Category C/CE)
- Structure: A mix of base salary and non-taxable daily allowances (diurnă) for international trips. Total net monthly earnings commonly range between approximately €1,800 and €3,200 for many drivers, with higher earnings possible for specialized routes, ADR, or long stints.
- Variables: Route complexity, nights out, fuel efficiency bonuses, and compliance record.
- Contracts: Reputable employers provide written contracts, social insurance contributions, and clear policies on expenses and rest periods.
Note: Ranges vary by company and market conditions. Always validate the full compensation package (base, diurnă, bonuses, benefits, rest policies) before signing.
Taxes and Social Contributions
- Romania applies income tax and social contributions withheld by the employer. International per diems for truck drivers are often non-taxable up to legal thresholds.
- Benefits: Contributions provide access to public healthcare and pension systems. Clarify private health insurance or additional allowances in your offer.
Industry Insights: Romania’s Trucking and Logistics Market in 2025
Romania’s logistics is in growth-and-modernize mode, offering both stability and upside for professional drivers.
Structural Advantages
- Geography: Romania acts as an eastern gateway to the EU. Goods flow between Central Europe and the Black Sea, with Romania facilitating cross-border trade to the Balkans, Turkey, and the Caucasus.
- Port of Constanța: Among the largest Black Sea ports, handling containers, oil, grains, and general cargo. This feeds domestic distribution and international trucking.
- Western border hubs: Arad and Timișoara regions link directly to Hungary and the wider EU motorway network; Curtici’s intermodal terminal is a cornerstone for road-rail efficiency.
Market Players and Sectors
- 3PLs and freight forwarders: DB Schenker, DHL Freight, DSV, FM Logistic, Raben Logistics, Gebrüder Weiss, and H.Essers maintain strong Romanian footprints.
- Domestic champions: International Alexander, Dumagas, Aquila, and others operate pan-European routes from Romanian bases.
- E-commerce and parcels: FAN Courier, Cargus, and Sameday drive premium last-mile standards and technology adoption.
Policy and Compliance Trends
- EU mobility package and enforcement: Continued focus on driver posting rules, rest period enforcement, and cabotage restrictions. Expect strict tachograph compliance and audits.
- Smart tachographs: New vehicles require next-gen smart tachographs; retrofit timelines apply for international fleets.
- Safety culture: Companies increasingly invest in advanced driver training, lane/driver monitoring systems, and near-miss reporting.
Technology and Sustainability
- Telematics: Real-time tracking, fuel analytics, and eco-driving feedback are mainstream. Drivers who use these tools effectively are valued.
- EV and alt-fuel: While heavy-duty electrification is gradual, light-commercial EVs and hybrid premium sedans are expanding in cities for chauffeur work.
- Paperless operations: ePOD, digital CMR pilots, and app-based dispatch cut delays and errors.
Outlook for Drivers
- Persistent driver shortage: Trained, compliant drivers get faster offers and better routes.
- Up-skilling pays: ADR certification, language proficiency, and excellent customer ratings lead to premium assignments.
- Romania as a springboard: Build EU experience in Romania and access routes into Germany, Italy, France, Benelux, and beyond.
Best Practices and Tips for Succeeding in Romania’s Premium Driver Market
- Master compliance early: Secure CPC/Code 95 and your digital tachograph card as soon as your residence status allows.
- Build a professional portfolio: Prepare a driver CV with route experience, languages, clean record, customer feedback, and any Dubai VIP clientele you’ve served (respecting confidentiality).
- Learn basic Romanian: Even 100–200 phrases for greetings, directions, and politeness can boost tips, ratings, and referrals.
- Dress and vehicle standards: For chauffeur roles, keep a dark suit, polished shoes, and a grooming kit; stock your car with water, phone chargers, tissues, and an umbrella.
- Winter readiness: Keep a winter kit—gloves, scraper, de-icer, warm blanket, flashlight, shovel, chains—and plan extra time for mountainous routes.
- Urban navigation: In Bucharest, check traffic peaks near Unirii, Victoriei, and Aurel Vlaicu/Floreasca business district. Use Waze or Google Maps with live traffic.
- Keep documents handy: ID, residence permit, license, CPC, tachograph card, vehicle insurance, and rovinietă proof. For international trips, align your documents with CMR requirements.
- Manage rest times: Use alarms and tachograph alerts to avoid infringements. Well-rested drivers keep clean compliance records and earn trust.
- Network locally: Attend job fairs, visit logistics parks in Arad/Timișoara, and connect with chauffeur firms near OTP airport. Referrals are powerful in Romania.
- Evaluate employers: Ask about equipment age, maintenance standards, pay structure, typical routes, and policies on breakdowns and returns from Western Europe.
Common Challenges and Practical Solutions for Dubai-to-Romania Moves
1) Weather Shock: From Desert Heat to European Winters
- Challenge: Snow, ice, fog, and lower visibility.
- Solution: Take a winter driving refresher. Equip proper tires, carry chains and winter supplies, and plan extra time. Practice gentle throttle and longer braking distances.
2) Language Barrier
- Challenge: Romanian language in customer interactions and official documents.
- Solution: Enroll in a beginner Romanian course. Use translation apps. Learn transport-specific vocabulary (pick-up, delivery, signature, lane, exit numbers). Many companies operate in English, but Romanian basics will separate you from the pack.
3) Licensing and Paperwork Maze
- Challenge: Converting licenses, obtaining CPC/Code 95, tachograph card, ADR.
- Solution: Map the sequence with your employer. Typically: residence permit → medical/psych tests → training and exams → ARR applications. Keep scanned copies and translations of all documents.
4) Different Pay Structures and Taxation
- Challenge: Adjusting from Dubai’s tax-free model to Romanian payroll and per diem structure.
- Solution: Request a full offer breakdown (base, diurnă, overtime, bonuses, benefits). Use a net pay calculator for Romania. Understand when per diem applies and how expenses are reimbursed.
5) Housing and City Choices
- Challenge: Deciding where to live: close to depots or city clients.
- Solution: For trucking, living near western corridors (Timișoara, Arad) can reduce deadhead. For premium chauffeur work, Bucharest offers the most demand. Use platforms and local Facebook groups to find rentals; consider short-term serviced apartments until you know the neighborhoods.
6) Cultural Nuances
- Challenge: New customs, business etiquette, and driving styles.
- Solution: Observe calmly, avoid aggressive maneuvers, maintain professional courtesy, and be punctual. In corporate settings, formal greetings and polite titles go far.
7) Mobile, Banking, and Admin Setup
- Challenge: Setting up a mobile plan, bank account, and healthcare.
- Solution: Start with a prepaid SIM (Orange, Vodafone, Digi). For banking, many employers help open accounts; have your residence card and address ready. Register with a family doctor for public healthcare access.
Practical Action Steps: Your Dubai-to-Romania Timeline
Use this staged plan to stay organized and reduce delays.
Stage 1: Decide Your Path (Weeks 1–2)
- Choose your target: Chauffeur/premium passenger, LCV last-mile, or C/CE international trucking.
- Audit your gaps: Do you need CPC/Code 95, ADR, or advanced chauffeur etiquette training?
- Update your CV: Highlight Dubai experience, languages, safety record, and customer feedback.
Stage 2: Employer Outreach and Documents (Weeks 3–6)
- Shortlist Romanian employers and agencies aligned to your path.
- Prepare documents: Passport, driver’s license(s), experience letters, criminal record certificate, education, and any professional certificates; arrange translations/legalizations as requested.
- Apply and interview: Ask detailed questions about routes, pay, vehicle age, and support for permits.
Stage 3: Work Permit and Visa (Weeks 6–12)
- Employer initiates work permit through IGI.
- After approval, apply for long-stay employment visa (D/AM) at the Romanian consulate.
- Plan travel and initial accommodation (book flexible stays of 2–4 weeks).
Stage 4: Arrival and Onboarding (Weeks 13–16)
- Residence permit: Finalize with IGI after entry.
- Medical and psychological checks at authorized centers.
- Training and exams: CPC/Code 95, ADR if needed, and defensive driving for chauffeur roles.
- Apply for tachograph driver card (ARR) for C/CE roles.
- Platform onboarding: For ride-hailing/premium categories, complete background checks and vehicle inspections.
Stage 5: Trial Period and Stabilization (Weeks 17–24)
- Start with domestic or close international routes or city transfers to gain local familiarity.
- Track expenses, learn fuel-efficient routes, and refine Romanian phrases.
- Request feedback from dispatchers and clients; correct issues quickly.
Stage 6: Optimize and Grow (Months 6–12)
- Add ADR, advanced customer service, or security/protocol courses.
- Target higher-paying routes or premium client lists.
- Explore EV competency for chauffeur roles; learn charging networks and etiquette.
- Build a portfolio of client testimonials and performance metrics.
Conclusion: Your Competitive Edge in Romania’s Premium Driver Boom
Premium driver services are expanding globally—and Romania is at the center of several growth currents: EU market access, a strong logistics backbone, rising corporate travel, and tech-driven urban mobility. As a Dubai-based professional, you already bring punctuality, service excellence, and international standards. Combine that with Romania-specific compliance (CPC, tachograph card), winter-readiness, basic Romanian language, and a tidy professional portfolio, and you’ll be ready for top-tier roles.
Start today: shortlist employers, prepare your documents, and plan your credential path. With the right steps, you can turn Romania into your European launchpad—and build a stable, rewarding career in premium transport.
FAQ: Working and Living in Romania as a Professional Driver
1) Do I need CPC/Code 95 to drive professionally in Romania?
Yes, for truck and bus/coach roles you must hold valid CPC/Code 95 in line with EU requirements. You’ll also need a digital tachograph driver card (issued by ARR) for vehicles equipped with tachographs. Chauffeur and taxi/ride-hailing roles under Category B typically require separate professional attestations and background checks as per local regulations.
2) How much can I earn as a driver in Romania?
It depends on the role and routes. Chauffeur and LCV roles commonly offer gross bases from about €900–€1,600 monthly, with overtime and tips potentially adding more. International trucking (C/CE) uses a base plus non-taxable per diem for foreign trips; net monthly totals often range around €1,800–€3,200, with higher earnings possible for specialized, long-haul, or ADR-certified roles. Always confirm the full package: base, per diem, overtime, bonuses, benefits, and equipment quality.
3) What are the key roads and border points I should know?
- A1: Connects Bucharest–Pitești and western segments toward Sibiu–Deva–Timișoara–Arad–Nădlac (Hungary). Some sections are still under development.
- A2: Bucharest–Constanța, linking to the Port of Constanța. Includes the Fetești-Cernavodă bridge toll.
- Major borders: Nădlac II, Borș II, and Petea (to Hungary); Giurgiu-Ruse (to Bulgaria); Albița (to Moldova); Siret (to Ukraine). For Western EU routes, Nădlac is a common gateway.
4) Is winter driving difficult in Romania?
It can be challenging, especially in mountain regions and during cold snaps. Equip winter tires, carry chains when required, plan extra time, and monitor forecasts and road authority updates. Many fleets provide winter training and strict policies for snow/ice conditions.
5) Do I need to speak Romanian?
English can get you far in corporate and premium environments in major cities, and many dispatchers speak English. However, basic Romanian phrases significantly improve customer satisfaction and daily logistics (shops, fuel stations, police checkpoints). For long-term success and better roles, invest in language learning.
6) What is the cost of living compared with Dubai?
Housing and daily expenses are generally lower than in Dubai. A one-bedroom apartment in Bucharest may cost €450–€800/month, with lower costs in other cities. Utilities and groceries are also more affordable. Budget according to your city and lifestyle; Bucharest and Cluj are pricier than mid-sized cities.
7) What about visas and permits for non-EU citizens?
Your Romanian employer typically initiates the work permit. Once approved, you apply for a long-stay employment visa (D/AM) and, after arrival, for a residence permit. With residence and employer support, you can pursue CPC, tachograph cards, and any additional credentials. Always verify the latest rules with the Inspectoratul General pentru Imigrări (IGI) and ARR.
Ready to make the move? Start your employer outreach, organize your documents, and plan your CPC/Code 95 path now. Romania’s premium driver market is growing—and with the right steps, you can be part of it, faster than you think.
