The Rise of Food Delivery: Opportunities for Drivers

Introduction

If you are a professional driver in Global looking for a new base in the European Union, Romania deserves your attention. From the bustling streets of Bucharest to the tech-forward vibe of Cluj-Napoca and the industrial corridors of Timisoara and Iasi, Romania has become a practical launchpad for drivers who want steady income, lower living costs, and access to the wider EU market. One segment in particular is growing fast: food delivery and last-mile logistics. Whether you drive a car, van, scooter, or ride an e-bike, the rise of on-demand deliveries has opened flexible, high-frequency earning opportunities that can help you get established quickly while you work toward longer-term goals such as an HGV position, international trucking routes, or a passenger transport job.

This guide explains how the food delivery boom in Romania works, what platforms operate in major Romanian cities, how much you can realistically earn, and how this gig can fit into a broader logistics career. We will cover the legal and regulatory basics (work permits, CPC, tachograph, ADR), salary expectations, cost of living, and practical steps to relocate. If you are moving from Global to Romania, you will also find tips on cultural integration, winter driving, toll systems, and official processes that can otherwise slow you down.

Why Romania?

Romania sits at the crossroads of Eastern and Central Europe, combining EU membership with an attractive cost-to-income ratio. For drivers, that means a strong demand for transport and delivery professionals in a market where day-to-day expenses are relatively manageable.

Key reasons to choose Romania:

EU membership and market access: Romania is an EU member state. While land border Schengen rules continue to evolve, EU membership already provides regulatory alignment and access to European logistics corridors. Romania has partial Schengen entry for air and sea. For international trucking, traffic to Hungary, Bulgaria, and further west is routine, with Romanian trucking firms serving routes across the EU.
Lower cost of living: Compared with many Western EU countries, housing and everyday expenses in Romania are significantly lower. This allows drivers to keep more of what they earn, especially if they leverage per diem allowances (diurna) in international trucking or steady order volumes in city deliveries.
Growing demand for drivers: E-commerce, quick-commerce, and food delivery are expanding in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, Iasi, Brasov, Constanta, and other cities. Logistics companies are hiring for van routes, couriers, and warehouse positions, while bus operators and taxi/ride-hailing companies recruit experienced drivers regularly.
Quality of life: Romania blends modern urban centers with nature access, historic towns, and the Carpathian Mountains. With good internet, modern shopping, and an increasingly international culture, it is a comfortable base for families and solo professionals. English is widely spoken among younger people in cities.

Job Market Overview

The food delivery boom is part of a wider logistics surge. If you plan to arrive and start earning quickly, delivery gigs are among the fastest ways to plug into the market. Long-term, Romania also offers pathways into higher-paying professional roles.

Fast-entry delivery opportunities

Food delivery platforms: The leading apps in Romania include Glovo, Tazz (by eMAG), and Bolt Food. These platforms operate in major cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, Iasi, Brasov, and Constanta. Demand spikes during lunch (11:30-14:00), dinner (18:00-21:30), weekends, and during poor weather.
Grocery delivery: Platforms and partnerships with supermarkets and hypermarkets (for example, Bringo operates with major chains) create steady volumes of grocery orders. These can be heavier than typical restaurant orders but often offer higher payouts per trip.
Parcel and last-mile delivery: Courier firms such as FAN Courier, Sameday, Urgent Cargus, DPD Romania, GLS Romania, DHL, UPS, and TNT offer van and car routes in and around cities. These roles can be full-time with contracts and benefits, or semi-flexible for peak seasons.

Professional logistics and transport roles

International trucking: Romanian trucking firms run routes throughout the EU. Drivers with CE category, CPC, and ADR have strong earning potential, especially when paid with a base salary plus daily allowances.
Domestic HGV and regional distribution: Local and regional distribution in Romania keeps you closer to home. Fewer days on the road compared with international long-haul, but lower overall pay.
Bus and coach driving: City transport operators (public and private) hire D-category drivers for urban routes, while private companies run intercity and international coaches.
Ride-hailing and taxi: Uber and Bolt operate in large cities. For some drivers, ride-hailing complements delivery work to fill gaps between peak hours.

Legal Requirements (Work Permits and Visas)

Your legal path depends on whether you are an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen or a non-EU citizen.

EU/EEA/Swiss citizens

No visa needed: You can enter and work in Romania without a visa.
Registration: If you stay more than 90 days, register your residence with the Romanian General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI). You will receive a registration certificate.
Tax and social security: Once you are employed or registered as self-employed, you will be assigned or confirm a personal numeric code (CNP) for taxes and social contributions.

Non-EU citizens (Global)

Most non-EU drivers will need a work permit and a long-stay visa for employment. The general sequence is as follows:

Employer work permit application: A Romanian employer applies for a work permit at IGI. Categories include permanent worker, seasonal worker, seconded worker, etc. For drivers, the permanent worker category is typical. Quotas may apply annually.
Required documents: Expect to provide a passport, proof of qualifications (license categories), criminal record certificate, medical certificate, and CV. Employers must prove they advertised the job and could not find local candidates, unless you meet exceptions.
Long-stay D/AM visa (employment): With the approved work permit, apply for the D/AM visa at a Romanian consulate. Visa issuance times vary, often several weeks.
Enter Romania and obtain residence: Within 30 days of arrival, apply for a residence permit (Single Permit) at IGI. This card authorizes work and stay for the permit duration.
Renewals and family: Residence and work permits can be renewed. Family reunification is possible after you meet specific conditions.

Notes for drivers:

Driver attestation: For non-EU drivers employed by EU road haulage companies, a Driver Attestation may be required under EU rules. Romanian authorities issue this for international transport operations involving third-country nationals.
Self-employment and platforms: Some food delivery platforms engage couriers via partners who employ you or contract you as a freelancer. If you aim to freelance directly, you generally need residency and the legal right to work before registering a PFA (sole trader) or SRL (limited company). Many newcomers start by working with a partner company that sponsors the work permit and arranges payments and taxes.

Always verify current requirements with IGI or a licensed immigration advisor; rules and quotas can change.

Certification & License Recognition

Driver license categories and recognition

EU/EEA licenses: Recognized in Romania. You can drive in accordance with your categories. For professional use (C, CE, D), ensure your CPC is valid and that you comply with Romanian and EU requirements.
Non-EU licenses: You may be able to drive temporarily (for personal use) with your national license plus an International Driving Permit (IDP), but for professional driving and long-term residence, you will likely need to exchange or obtain a Romanian license. Exchange depends on bilateral agreements. If no exchange is possible, you may need to take theory and practical exams in Romania.
Medical and psychological checks: Professional drivers in Romania must pass periodic medical and psychological evaluations. Authorized clinics provide the required certificates.

CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence)

Initial qualification and periodic training: In the EU, professional drivers of goods (C, CE) and passengers (D) need CPC. If you hold an EU CPC, it should be recognized; you will still need to complete periodic training every 5 years (35 hours).
Training providers: Look for ARR (Autoritatea Rutiera Romana) authorized centers in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, Iasi, Brasov, and other cities. Some centers offer training in English, but Romanian is more common. Plan time for language support if needed.

Digital tachograph driver card

Who needs it: Required for drivers of vehicles fitted with tachographs (generally above 3.5t for domestic and international operations, with EU Mobility Package extending some rules to light commercial vehicles above 2.5t in international transport).
Application: Apply for the driver card at ARR. You will need an EU-recognized license, ID/residence documents, a photo, and a fee. Processing can take around 1-2 weeks.
Compliance: Familiarize yourself with EU Regulations (EC) No 561/2006 on driving times and rest, and Regulation (EU) No 165/2014 on tachographs.

ADR certification (hazardous goods)

Value: ADR significantly boosts earning potential for HGV drivers and certain last-mile roles that handle hazardous or sensitive goods.
Training and exam: Conducted by ARR-authorized centers. If you hold an ADR certificate from another EU country, it may be recognized. Non-EU certificates may require retraining and examination in Romania.

Food delivery and light vehicles

Licensing: For food delivery by car, scooter, or bike, CPC and tachograph are typically not required for domestic deliveries under 3.5t. However, you must have a valid driving license for the vehicle type and comply with road traffic laws.
Safety courses: Consider optional road safety or defensive driving courses. Some platforms provide onboarding modules covering local rules, app use, and customer service.

Salary & Benefits

Earnings in Romania vary widely by role, hours, and qualifications. Below are realistic ranges as of the current market. Currency conversions use approximately 1 EUR = 4.95 RON for illustration. Actual rates change.

Food delivery couriers (Glovo, Tazz, Bolt Food, and others)

Typical earnings: 3,000 - 6,000 RON net per month (about 600 - 1,200 EUR) for full-time hours, depending on city, peak-hour availability, weather surges, and platform bonuses. In high-demand periods or with exceptional efficiency, some couriers report higher totals.
Per-order and per-hour: Many platforms pay per order plus distance and wait-time components. In busy zones, average per-hour effective earnings can range 20 - 35 RON, with bonus multipliers during peak times, rain/snow, or late weekends. Tips can add 5 - 20% on good days.
Expenses to consider: Fuel or charging (if e-bike or e-scooter, electricity is minimal), vehicle maintenance, taxes (if self-employed), phone data, thermal bags, parking tickets risk, and platform fees if working through a partner company.
Payout frequency: Often weekly or bi-weekly. Some partners offer instant payout for a small fee.

Courier van drivers (employed by parcel companies)

Net monthly pay: Around 3,500 - 5,000 RON (700 - 1,000 EUR) plus meal tickets, performance bonuses, and occasional overtime. Schedules can be intensive during peak seasons.

Domestic HGV drivers

Net monthly pay: Around 4,000 - 7,000 RON (800 - 1,400 EUR) depending on routes, night shifts, and extras. Fewer nights away than international.

International HGV drivers (working for Romanian companies)

Total take-home: Commonly 2,000 - 3,000+ EUR per month, combining a base salary (taxed) with non-taxable daily allowances (diurna). ADR, stable EU routes, and reliability can push earnings higher. Time away from home is significant.

Bus and coach drivers

City transport: Roughly 3,500 - 5,500 RON net per month, with shift allowances and overtime.
Intercity/international coach: Around 1,500 - 2,500 EUR total monthly package depending on routes and per diems.

Common benefits in Romania

Meal vouchers (tichete de masa): Popular employer benefit, often 30 - 40 RON per working day.
Per diem (diurna): For international drivers, significant non-taxable allowance per day abroad.
Health insurance: Employees contribute to the public health system (CASS). Private health subscriptions may be offered by larger employers.
Accommodation or parking: Some companies provide parking, depot access, or accommodation when on assignment.

Cost of Living in Romanian Cities

Your budget depends on lifestyle and city. Here are typical monthly costs for a single person living modestly:

Rent (1-bedroom apartment):
- Bucharest: 350 - 700 EUR
- Cluj-Napoca: 350 - 650 EUR
- Timisoara: 300 - 550 EUR
- Iasi: 300 - 500 EUR
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, internet): 80 - 150 EUR (higher in winter for gas heating)
Groceries: 150 - 250 EUR
Eating out: 6 - 10 EUR for a casual restaurant meal; coffee 2 - 3 EUR
Public transport monthly pass: 15 - 20 EUR in Bucharest; similar or slightly lower in other cities
Fuel: About 6.5 - 7.5 RON per liter (around 1.3 - 1.5 EUR); subject to market changes
Mobile plan: 5 - 12 EUR for generous data packages

Tolls and road use:

Rovinieta (national road vignette): Required for using national roads outside city limits. For cars, approximate prices: 7 days ~3 EUR, 30 days ~7 EUR, 90 days ~13 EUR, yearly ~28 EUR. Heavier vehicles pay more.
Bridges and special tolls: Certain bridges and border crossings have additional tolls, such as the Fetesti-Cernavoda on A2. Pay via SMS, online, or designated points.
City parking: Paid parking is common in central areas. Each city has its own system and apps (e.g., Tpark, Flowbird, Parking Bucuresti, TimPark). Parking enforcement is active in central zones.

Savings potential:

With food delivery earnings around 600 - 1,200 EUR per month, you can cover basic costs in cities like Timisoara or Iasi more comfortably than in Bucharest or Cluj. International HGV drivers can save substantially more, even with family expenses, due to diurna. Many drivers start with food delivery to establish residency, then transition into higher-paying roles after obtaining certifications.

Cultural Integration

Romania is friendly and increasingly international, especially in major cities. A few basics will accelerate your integration.

Language tips:

Hello: Buna or Buna ziua (formal daytime)
Thank you: Multumesc
Please: Va rog
Yes/No: Da / Nu
Do you speak English?: Vorbiti engleza?
Card or cash?: Card sau cash?

Workplace culture:

Punctuality matters: Be on time for shifts, warehouse check-ins, and handovers.
Direct communication: Clear, polite communication is appreciated. If you do not understand, say so and ask for clarification.
Documentation culture: Romania loves paperwork. Keep digital and paper copies of your permits, contracts, and certificates.
Tipping: In food delivery, tips are common but not guaranteed. Good service and timely deliveries increase tip chances.

Road culture and safety:

Driving side: Romania drives on the right. If you are used to left-side driving (e.g., UK, some Asian and African countries), practice before riding a scooter or driving in dense traffic.
Speed limits: 50 km/h in cities (check posted variations), 90 km/h on non-urban roads, 100 km/h on expressways where applicable, 130 km/h on motorways.
Zero alcohol for professional drivers: Strict enforcement and heavy penalties.
Winter readiness: Use winter tires when roads are covered with snow or ice. Snow chains are required in mountainous conditions for heavy vehicles. Carry de-icer, scraper, and a warm kit.

Practical Steps to Relocate

Use this step-by-step roadmap to move from Global to Romania with minimal friction.

Research your target city:
- Bucharest for the highest delivery order volumes and diverse logistics roles.
- Cluj-Napoca for tech-driven demand and strong courier networks.
- Timisoara and Iasi for balanced costs and solid gig volumes.
- Consider Brasov or Constanta for seasonal peaks and lifestyle preferences.
Decide your first role:
- Food delivery to start fast and learn the city.
- Parcel courier or warehouse role for stable hours and benefits.
- If you already hold CE and CPC, explore international trucking firms immediately.
Check your legal path:
- EU/EEA: Plan your arrival and residence registration.
- Non-EU: Find an employer or platform partner willing to sponsor a work permit. Verify quotas and processing times with IGI.
Secure documents:
- Passport valid for at least 6-12 months beyond your intended stay.
- Criminal record certificate from your home country.
- Medical certificate and, if applicable, psychological assessment.
- Driver license, CPC, ADR certificates, and training records.
- International Driving Permit if needed for initial period.
Employer work permit (non-EU):
- Your Romanian employer applies to IGI. Provide all requested documents promptly.
- Once approved, apply for the D/AM employment visa at a Romanian consulate.
Plan your arrival:
- Book short-term housing (Airbnb or serviced apartment) for the first 2-4 weeks.
- Bring your original certificates and multiple copies.
- Pre-install navigation and delivery apps; buy a local SIM on arrival.
Register and open accounts:
- Residence registration at IGI (EU/EEA) or residence permit application (non-EU) after arrival.
- Obtain your CNP (if not assigned automatically) for taxes and services.
- Open a bank account; Revolut and local banks (BCR, BT, BRD, ING) are common. Some platforms pay to IBAN or partner wallets.
Choose your business setup for food delivery:
- Partner company employment: Easiest start for non-EU newcomers; the partner handles invoices and taxes.
- PFA (sole trader): Requires residency and right to work; simple structure for freelancers.
- SRL (limited company): Good for scaling or multiple income streams; more admin.
Equip for delivery work:
- Vehicle: Car, scooter, motorcycle, or e-bike. Ensure insurance (RCA is mandatory) and maintenance are up to date.
- Gear: Insulated thermal bag, phone mount, power bank, rain gear, reflective vest.
- Cash float: 100 - 300 RON for cash-on-delivery scenarios.
Apply to platforms and set your schedule:
- Glovo, Tazz, Bolt Food: Complete online onboarding, upload documents, collect or buy branded gear if required.
- Learn hotspot zones and peak times; set ambitious but realistic weekly goals.
Track finances and taxes:
- Keep a mileage and expense log.
- If self-employed, estimate income tax (10% in Romania) and health contributions (CASS), subject to thresholds.
- If employed by a partner, confirm net pay, benefits, and deductions.
Upskill for long-term growth:
- Enroll in CPC periodic training and ADR modules if targeting HGV roles.
- Apply for the digital tachograph card (ARR) when stepping into regulated vehicles.
- Improve Romanian language skills to access more employers and better routes.

The Food Delivery Advantage: How to Maximize Earnings

Food delivery is a powerful bridge job for relocating drivers. It provides flexibility, immediate cash flow, and local knowledge of traffic patterns and neighborhoods.

Strategies to earn more:

Work the peaks: Focus on lunch (11:30-14:00), dinner (18:00-21:30), weekend evenings, and rainy or snowy days when surge multipliers often apply.
Positioning: Wait near dense restaurant clusters and malls in Bucharest (Old Town perimeter, Dorobanti, Pipera business area), Cluj-Napoca (Central, Marasti, Zorilor), Timisoara (Unirii, Iosefin, complex student areas), and Iasi (Copou, Palas Mall area).
Order stacking: Accept compatible multi-orders when distance and prep times align. Do not over-stack if it risks late deliveries and ratings.
Ratings and acceptance: Maintain a high completion rate; some apps reward reliability with priority orders or bonuses.
Cash management: Keep change for cash-on-delivery. Verify cash orders before leaving the restaurant.
Parking strategy: Use short-term legal spots and avoid fines. In high-pressure areas, loops around the block can be cheaper than a ticket.
Vehicle choice: For dense urban cores, scooters or e-bikes can beat cars during rush hour, reduce parking stress, and cut fuel costs.
Safety first: Use a quality helmet (for two-wheelers), high-visibility gear, and winter tires. In snow, consider switching to a car if you usually ride two wheels.

Transitioning from food delivery to higher-paying roles:

After 3-6 months: Use savings to fund CPC periodic training if needed and an ADR module to expand job options.
Apply to parcel and LCV fleet jobs: Your city knowledge and punctuality are valuable.
Target HGV roles: With CE, CPC, tachograph card, and ideally ADR, you can move into international trucking with 2,000 - 3,000+ EUR take-home potential.

Regulations Drivers Should Know

Even if you start in food delivery, understanding the wider rules will help you plan your career.

EU Driving Times and Rest (Reg. 561/2006):
- Max daily driving: 9 hours (twice a week up to 10 hours)
- Max weekly driving: 56 hours; 90 hours in two consecutive weeks
- Breaks: 45-minute break after 4.5 hours of driving (can be split into 15 + 30)
- Weekly rest: At least 45 hours regular rest; reduced rest allowed with compensation
- Applies mainly to holders of C/CE vehicles under tachograph rules
Tachograph (Reg. 165/2014): Governs tachograph installation, use, and driver card handling. Keep printouts and explain anomalies as required.
EU Working Time Directive (2002/15/EC): Caps average weekly working time, includes availability time, and sets limits for night work for mobile workers in road transport.
Romanian Road Transport Laws: Enforce speed limits, zero-tolerance for alcohol, seatbelt use, winter equipment, and legal parking. Expect police and local authority checks in urban centers.
Right-side driving: Romania drives on the right. If you are transitioning from a left-side country, practice with low-traffic routes first.
Winter driving: Mandatory winter tires when road conditions are snowy or icy. Chains required in certain conditions for heavy vehicles. Carry essentials and check weather for mountain passes.
Toll systems: Buy the rovinieta for national roads and settle bridge tolls where applicable. Keep proof of purchase available for checks.

Success Tips From Other Expats

Start flexible, then specialize: Many expat drivers begin with food delivery to stabilize income, then move into parcel or HGV roles.
Choose your city carefully: A smaller city like Iasi may offer better housing value, while Bucharest has higher order density and more logistics employers.
Build an emergency fund: Aim for at least 1,000 - 2,000 EUR before relocating to cover deposits, gear, and early hiccups.
Keep every document: Scan and store your permits, visas, certificates, and pay records. Romanian administration appreciates thoroughness.
Network locally: Join driver communities on Facebook and Telegram for city-specific tips, platform bonuses, and secondhand gear.
Invest in language: Even basic Romanian accelerates onboarding, avoids misunderstandings, and improves customer ratings.
Stay compliant: Keep your rovinieta valid, respect speed limits, and manage rest times. Fines and points can derail opportunities.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Food delivery in Romania is more than a side hustle. For professional drivers relocating from Global, it is often the fastest route to local income, city knowledge, and a foothold in the EU transport market. With realistic earnings, manageable living costs, and clear pathways to higher-paid logistics roles, Romania gives you options today and growth tomorrow.

If you are ready to move, pick your target city, clarify your visa or registration path, and plan your first 90 days: secure accommodation, choose a platform, and set weekly income goals. Then map your training and certification path toward vans, HGV, or passenger transport. The opportunity is real, the market is growing, and your driving skills are in demand.

FAQ

1) Which food delivery apps operate in Romania?

The most active platforms include Glovo, Tazz (by eMAG), and Bolt Food. Availability varies by city, but you will find them in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, Iasi, Brasov, and Constanta. Grocery-focused services like Bringo also operate in partnership with major retailers.

2) How much can I earn as a full-time food delivery courier in Bucharest?

A dedicated courier working peak hours can target 3,500 - 6,000 RON net per month (roughly 700 - 1,200 EUR), depending on order flow, bonuses, weather, and efficiency. Some weeks will be higher due to promotions or rain/snow surges; others may be slower.

3) I am from outside the EU. Can I start as a self-employed courier immediately?

Generally no. Non-EU citizens need a right to work in Romania before legally engaging in self-employment. The usual route is an employer or platform partner that sponsors a work permit, followed by a D/AM employment visa and a residence permit. Once you have residency and the right to work, you can consider registering a PFA or an SRL if it suits your situation.

4) Do I need CPC or a tachograph card for food delivery by car or scooter?

No. For domestic food delivery using vehicles under 3.5t, CPC and tachograph are typically not required. However, if you later move into HGV or regulated van operations, you will need CPC and a tachograph card in line with EU rules.

5) What are the main costs for a delivery driver in Romania?

Your core costs include vehicle fuel or charging, maintenance (tires, oil, brakes), insurance (RCA mandatory, CASCO optional), rovinieta if driving outside urban roads, parking fees or fines, mobile data, and taxes if you are self-employed. Many couriers report monthly operating expenses between 500 - 1,500 RON depending on vehicle type and mileage.

6) How does tax work for couriers?

Employees: Taxes and social contributions are withheld by your employer or partner company.
PFA/SRL: If you register as self-employed or open an SRL, you will file and pay your own taxes. Romania levies a 10% income tax and health contributions (CASS) subject to thresholds; micro-companies pay a small percentage on turnover plus any salary-related contributions. Engage a local accountant.

7) Can I convert my non-EU driver license to a Romanian one?

It depends on bilateral agreements between Romania and your home country. Some licenses are exchangeable without exams; others require theory and practical tests in Romania. For professional categories and EU CPC compliance, you may need additional training. Check with the Romanian driving authorities and ARR.

8) How do winter conditions affect delivery work?

Winter can reduce two-wheeler safety, slow traffic, and create parking challenges. However, bad weather also increases order volumes and bonuses. Use winter tires, consider switching to a car during heavy snow, and allocate extra time for each delivery. Dress warmly and protect your phone battery.

9) Are there growth opportunities beyond food delivery?

Yes. Many expat drivers move from food delivery to parcel courier roles, then into HGV driving once they hold CE, CPC, a tachograph card, and ideally ADR. International trucking roles based in Romania can take total monthly earnings to 2,000 - 3,000+ EUR.

10) How quickly can I get a work permit and start working?

Timelines vary. Work permits can take several weeks, followed by the D/AM visa issuance and then residence permits after arrival. In total, plan for 1-3 months depending on employer efficiency, document readiness, and seasonal backlogs. EU/EEA citizens can start faster, subject to residence registration after 90 days.

11) Can I use my own car registered in my home country?

If you are a resident in Romania, you will typically need to register your car locally within a set period and obtain Romanian insurance. As a visitor, you can use your foreign-registered vehicle temporarily, but once you settle and obtain residence, switching to Romanian plates and insurance is advisable and often required. Check customs and registration rules for your situation.

12) Is Romania safe for night deliveries?

In major cities, night deliveries are common and generally safe. Use standard precautions: park in well-lit areas, keep valuables out of sight, confirm building access, and follow platform safety guidelines. If a location feels unsafe, contact support and do not proceed.