Family Reunification Visas for International Drivers

Introduction

Relocating for a driving job can feel like stepping into a completely new lane: different road rules, a new market, and fresh opportunities. For many professional drivers from Global who are planning a move to Romania, one question rises above the rest: how can I bring my family with me safely and legally? Romania, a member of the European Union, is actively hiring qualified drivers across freight, passenger transport, and last-mile delivery. It offers competitive take-home pay for EU standards, a lower cost of living than Western Europe, and access to wider European routes. This guide focuses on exactly what you need to know as a driver moving to Romania and seeking family reunification visas for your spouse, children, or other dependents.

You will find a complete roadmap: why Romania stands out, which roles are in demand, work permit and visa steps for non-EU citizens, the long-stay visa for family reunification, timelines and documents, how to convert your professional credentials (C, CE, D licenses, CPC, ADR), salary ranges, cost of living by city, and practical day-to-day integration tips. The goal is to help you plan with confidence so you protect your career momentum while keeping your loved ones together.

Why Romania?

Romania does not just offer jobs; it offers a strategic base for international drivers who want EU experience, predictable income, and a family-friendly environment.

EU membership and market access: As an EU member, Romania gives you access to the broader European logistics network. Many Romanian fleets run international routes through Hungary, Austria, Germany, Italy, and Poland. You can build an EU driving portfolio without paying Western European rents.
Lower cost of living: Compared with Western Europe, Romania has significantly lower housing, groceries, and services costs. Your euros or RON (Romanian leu) go further, particularly outside the center of Bucharest.
Driver demand and career growth: Romanian logistics companies face driver shortages as many locals choose to work elsewhere in the EU. This has created steady hiring, structured training, and increasingly competitive packages to attract international talent.
Quality of life and family-friendly cities: Major hubs like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi combine modern amenities, schools, healthcare, and accessible transit. Parks, playgrounds, and family services are widely available, and safety levels in residential neighborhoods are generally good.

Job Market Overview

Romania's transport and logistics sector is diverse and growing, with opportunities for both long-haul and local drivers.

Core Driver Roles

International freight driver (C/CE): Long-haul cross-border routes serving Central and Western Europe. These roles often come with diurna (per diem) allowances and stable rotations.
Domestic freight driver (C/CE): Regional and national routes connecting industrial hubs like Timisoara, Arad, Cluj-Napoca, Brasov, and Bucharest.
ADR driver (C/CE + ADR): Transport of hazardous goods; typically higher pay and stricter compliance requirements.
Bus and coach driver (D): Urban and intercity passenger transport with operators in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi. International coach routes are also available.
Last-mile and delivery driver (B/C): Fast-growing e-commerce sector in major cities, with steady daytime schedules and home-every-night routines.
Specialized roles: Refrigerated transport, tanker, construction and tipper trucks, waste management vehicles, and intermodal (port and rail terminal) operations.

Key Employers and Hubs

Logistics and trucking firms: DB Schenker Romania, DSV, Gebruder Weiss, KLG Europe, Raben, International Alexander, Aquila, and numerous mid-sized fleets operating out of Arad, Oradea, Timisoara, Pitesti, and Bucharest.
Delivery and parcel networks: Fan Courier, Sameday, Cargus, DHL, UPS partners.
Retail distribution: Kaufland, Lidl, and major electronics and FMCG chains with national distribution centers.
Public and private bus operators: STB (Bucharest), CTP Cluj-Napoca, STPT Timisoara, Compania de Transport Public Iasi, and intercity coach companies (including FlixBus partner operators).

Regulations You Must Know

EU drivers' hours: Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 as updated by the EU Mobility Package (Regulation (EU) 2020/1054). Expect 9-hour daily driving time (extendable to 10 twice per week), 45-hour weekly rest (with rules for reduced weekly rest and compensation), and clear break requirements.
Tachograph rules: Regulation (EU) No 165/2014 and Mobility Package updates. More fleets use smart tachographs; compliance training is essential.
Working time for mobile workers: Directive 2002/15/EC. Weekly working time caps and night work limitations.
Romanian road transport law: Local enforcement by ISCTR and ARR; domestic rules complement EU standards.
CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence): Required for professional bus and truck drivers in the EU, with 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years.
ADR: Mandatory for hazardous goods. Romania recognizes ADR certificates from other EU states; non-EU certifications may require conversion or retraining.

Legal Requirements

If you are a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen moving from Global to Romania, the standard path is:

Get a job offer and employer work authorization (aviz de angajare) in Romania.
Apply for a Romanian long-stay employment visa (D/AM) at a Romanian consulate.
Enter Romania, sign your employment contract, and obtain a temporary residence permit for work.
Once you hold a valid Romanian residence permit, sponsor your family under the long-stay visa for family reunification (D/VF).

Step 1: Employer Work Authorization (Aviz de Angajare)

Who handles it: Your Romanian employer applies to the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI - Inspectoratul General pentru Imigrari).
What the employer proves: That the job could not be filled locally, your qualifications match the role, and the salary meets or exceeds Romanian minimums and any sector thresholds.
Timelines: Typically 30-45 days, though it can vary by region and workload.

Step 2: Long-Stay Employment Visa (D/AM)

Where to apply: Romanian consulate or embassy in your country of residence.
Core documents:
- Valid passport (ensure sufficient validity beyond planned stay)
- Work authorization (aviz de angajare) from IGI
- Employment contract or firm job offer
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or lease)
- Proof of means (salary level per contract)
- Health insurance for the visa period
- Criminal record certificate
- Visa fee (commonly around 120 EUR)
Processing time: Often 10-30 working days, depending on consulate and season.

Step 3: Temporary Residence Permit for Work

After you arrive: Register your address, sign the employment contract, and book an appointment with IGI in your county.
Documents usually requested:
- Application form
- Passport and D/AM visa
- Employment contract registered with the labor authorities
- Proof of accommodation (lease contract registered with ANAF is best practice)
- Proof of health insurance (you will be enrolled in the public system via your job)
- Tax identification number (usually generated when your employer declares your contract)
- Government fees (commonly a residence permit fee plus card issuance fee)
Validity: Generally 1 year initially, renewable.

Step 4: Family Reunification (D/VF) for Spouse and Children

Once your Romanian residence permit for work is issued, you may apply to bring family. Under Romanian law (Government Emergency Ordinance 194/2002 and updates), the typical eligible family members for third-country nationals are:

Spouse (both must be at least 18 years old)
Unmarried minor children of the sponsor or of the spouse, including adopted children
Adult children who are dependent due to medical conditions (proof required)
In limited situations, dependent parents may be eligible; check directly with IGI as criteria vary.

Romania does not perform new marriage recognition for same-sex couples under domestic law for third-country nationals. If this applies to you, consult an immigration lawyer about any potential alternatives.

Two-Stage Process for Family Reunification

Approval in Romania by IGI: You, the sponsor, file for family reunification approval at your local IGI office.
D/VF Visa at the consulate: After IGI approves, your family members apply for the long-stay family reunification visa at the Romanian consulate.

Documents for IGI Approval

Application form (sponsor submits in Romania)
Your passport and residence permit (original and copies)
Proof of adequate accommodation (lease registered with ANAF or property deed)
Proof of financial means (employment contract and recent payslips; some offices ask for bank statements)
Health insurance coverage details
Civil status documents:
- Marriage certificate for spouse
- Birth certificates for children
- Adoption or guardianship documents if applicable
Criminal record certificate for adult family members (varies; often requested at the consulate stage)
Translations and legalization: All civil documents must be translated into Romanian by a sworn translator and legalized or apostilled depending on your home country.

IGI typically issues a decision within up to 3 months. Once you receive the approval, the family members generally have 60 days to file for the D/VF visa at the consulate.

D/VF Visa Application at the Consulate

Who applies: Each family member applies individually.
Core documents:
- Valid passport
- IGI approval for family reunification
- Proof of relationship (marriage/birth certificates with apostille/legalization and Romanian translations)
- Proof of accommodation (often covered by sponsor; present lease and a notarized invitation or declaration)
- Proof of health insurance
- Criminal record certificate (for adults)
- Visa fee (typically around 120 EUR per person)
Processing time: Often 10-30 working days, but can be longer if further verification is required.

Residence Permit for Family Members

After entry into Romania: Family members must apply for their own residence permits at IGI before the D/VF visa expires (apply at least 30 days before expiry).
Validity: Typically matched to the sponsor's permit duration, renewable.
Access to work: Family members often have facilitated access to the labor market once they hold a valid residence permit for family. Some categories may work without a separate work authorization, but practices can vary by status and local IGI interpretation. Always confirm with IGI or legal counsel.

Practical Tips to Avoid Delays

Use consistent spellings of names across all documents.
Start collecting apostilles and translations early; processing in your home country can be slow.
Register your lease with ANAF; it is stronger evidence for IGI and useful for other procedures (banking, schools).
Keep copies of every document and receipt.
Book IGI appointments well in advance, especially in Bucharest and Cluj, where slots can fill quickly.

Certification & License Recognition

To work as a professional driver in Romania, align your licenses and certifications with EU and Romanian standards.

Driving License Conversion or Validation

Non-EU licenses: If your license is issued by a country party to the Geneva or Vienna Conventions on Road Traffic, you may drive as a visitor for a limited time. For employment, you will typically need to exchange your license for a Romanian one or obtain a new EU license.
Conversion: Romania exchanges some third-country licenses through DRPCIV (Directia Regim Permise de Conducere si Inmatriculare a Vehiculelor). Whether you can exchange without a new test depends on bilateral agreements and the license class.
If exchange is not possible: You may need a medical and psychological evaluation, theory and practical tests, and training at an accredited driving school. For C/CE/D categories, select a school experienced with professional drivers.

CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence)

EU requirement: Drivers of trucks and buses must hold initial qualification or periodic training (35 hours every 5 years) under Directive 2003/59/EC.
In Romania: CPC is recognized via the professional driver qualification card (often referred to as a Driver Qualification Card, DQC). You can complete the periodic training with accredited Romanian providers. Keep certificates and card readily available for inspections.

ADR Certification

ADR for hazardous goods: If you plan to carry dangerous goods, you need ADR certification recognized in the EU.
Non-EU ADR: May require conversion or new training in Romania. Accredited providers run courses in major cities. Specialized jobs often require ADR plus specific classes (e.g., tanks).

Digital Tachograph Training and Driver Cards

Tachograph driver card: Apply through Autoritatea Rutiera Romana (ARR). Bring your ID/residence documents, driver license, and photos as required.
Training: Even experienced drivers benefit from a refresher on EU 561/2006, smart tachograph usage, and Mobility Package updates. Romania enforces rest, border crossing event entry, and ferry/train procedures.

Medical and Psychotechnical Checks

Mandatory: Professional drivers must pass periodic medical and psychological evaluations at authorized clinics. Keep your certificates valid for license renewals and employer compliance audits.

Salary & Benefits

Compensation depends on role, route type, certifications, and employer size. Below are realistic 2025-style reference ranges; actual offers vary by company and region.

International Trucking (C/CE)

Base net salary: 900-1,400 EUR per month paid in RON equivalent.
Diurna (per diem): 35-70 EUR per day on international rotations, often tax-advantaged under Romanian rules within statutory caps.
Typical monthly total take-home: 1,800-2,800 EUR for active international rotations, depending on days on the road, destinations, and ADR.

Domestic Trucking (C/CE)

Net monthly salary: 4,500-7,500 RON (approx. 900-1,500 EUR), with some bonuses for night or weekend work.

Bus and Coach (D)

Urban bus driver net salary: 4,500-7,500 RON (approx. 900-1,500 EUR), plus overtime opportunities.
Intercity/international coach: Potentially higher with allowances, language skills, and seniority.

Delivery/Last Mile (B/C)

Net monthly salary: 3,500-6,000 RON (approx. 700-1,200 EUR), with performance bonuses.

Common Benefits

Paid leave: Usually 20-28 days per year depending on contract and seniority.
Meal vouchers: Many employers provide monthly meal tickets.
Health coverage: Public system via employer contributions; some companies add private medical packages.
Training support: CPC/ADR courses, tachograph training, and driver card renewal assistance.
Accommodation/transport: For long-haul rotations, employers provide truck accommodation and sometimes cover travel to base.

Note on taxes: Romania currently applies a 10% flat personal income tax, with social security contributions deducted as per law. Per diem allowances for international trips can be tax-advantaged if within legal limits. Always check current thresholds and request a clear net-pay simulation before signing.

Cost of Living

Romania's living costs vary by city. Housing is the largest expense; other costs are manageable.

Housing by City (Monthly Rent)

Bucharest:
- 1-bedroom: 500-900 EUR in central areas; 400-700 EUR in outer districts
- 2-bedroom: 700-1,200 EUR depending on neighborhood
Cluj-Napoca:
- 1-bedroom: 400-650 EUR
- 2-bedroom: 600-900 EUR
Timisoara:
- 1-bedroom: 350-550 EUR
- 2-bedroom: 500-800 EUR
Iasi:
- 1-bedroom: 300-500 EUR
- 2-bedroom: 450-750 EUR

Expect a 1-2 month deposit plus the first month's rent. Register the lease with ANAF for visa and banking procedures.

Utilities and Internet

Utilities (electricity, heating, water, garbage): 80-150 EUR/month for a small apartment, higher in winter.
Internet and mobile: 8-20 EUR/month each; Romania has fast, affordable fiber internet.

Food and Transport

Groceries: 150-250 EUR/month per adult for a balanced diet.
Eating out: 6-12 EUR per person for a casual meal; 20-35 EUR for a mid-range dinner for two.
Fuel: Approximately 7.0-7.5 RON per liter of petrol or diesel. Company fuel is covered on routes; private car costs are your own.
Public transport: 15-25 EUR/month for city passes. Bucharest and Cluj have integrated systems.

Family Expenses

Kindergarten: Public kindergartens exist; private options range 150-400 EUR/month.
School: Public schooling is free; supplies, uniforms (if required), and extracurriculars add moderate costs. International schools in major cities are available but expensive.
Healthcare: CNAS public coverage via your employment; private clinics charge per visit or via subscription packages.

A family of three can live modestly in Timisoara or Iasi on 1,200-1,800 EUR/month excluding savings. In Bucharest and Cluj, budget 1,600-2,300 EUR/month depending on neighborhood and schooling choices.

Cultural Integration

Language Basics

Romanian is a Romance language with Latin roots, sharing similarities with Italian, Spanish, and French. Many younger people and urban professionals speak English, especially in logistics. Still, learning basic Romanian accelerates integration and improves your family's experience.

Useful phrases:

Buna ziua = Good day
Multumesc = Thank you
Va rog = Please
Numele meu este... = My name is...
Unde este...? = Where is...?

Free or low-cost resources include community language meetups, online platforms, and city cultural centers.

Workplace Culture

Punctuality: Highly valued. Arrive early for dispatch, loading, and briefings.
Documentation: Paperwork accuracy matters. Keep tachograph records, CMRs, and delivery notes tidy.
Communication: Clear and respectful communication with dispatch and clients is standard. Honesty about delays is appreciated.
Hierarchy: Managers make final calls, but good companies value driver feedback on route safety and scheduling.

Driving Environment

Right-hand traffic: Romania drives on the right. Urban driving can be dense in Bucharest; regional roads range from new motorways to narrower mountain routes.
Winter conditions: Snow and ice are common in the Carpathians and northern regions. Use winter tires and carry chains where needed. Check weather apps and road authority updates.
Tolls: Romania uses an e-rovinieta for national roads and peaj tolls on certain bridges. International routes feature country-specific toll and vignette systems; employers typically provide instructions and accounts.

Practical Steps to Relocate

Here is a step-by-step playbook from job offer to your family's arrival and settlement.

0-1 Month: Secure Job and Prepare Documents

Target employers: Apply to Romanian logistics companies that sponsor work permits for international drivers. Confirm route types (domestic vs international), pay structure (base + diurna), and rotation patterns.
Employer work authorization: Your new employer requests the aviz de angajare from IGI. Provide scans of your passport, licenses, employment history, and criminal record certificate if requested.
Gather civil documents for family reunification early: Marriage and birth certificates, adoption documents, custody proof if applicable. Obtain apostilles or consular legalizations and certified Romanian translations.

1-2 Months: Apply for D/AM Employment Visa

Book a visa appointment: At a Romanian consulate. Prepare passport, aviz de angajare, employment contract, accommodation proof (hotel reservation is often acceptable at this stage), health insurance, and fee.
Plan arrival: Consider landing in Bucharest, Timisoara, Cluj-Napoca, or Iasi depending on your employer's base.

2-3 Months: Arrival and Work Start

Sign contract and register: Sign your employment contract, complete medicals if needed, and register with payroll.
Residence permit for work: Apply at IGI with your documents and proof of accommodation. Book the appointment early.
Driver essentials: Apply for a tachograph driver card via ARR, schedule CPC periodic training if needed, start ADR if your role requires it.

3-6 Months: Family Reunification Application

File family reunification with IGI: Submit the sponsor's application locally. Include proof of sufficient means, accommodation, and certified translations of family documents.
Await IGI decision: Standard window is up to 3 months. Respond quickly to any requests for additional information.
D/VF visa for family at consulate: After approval, your spouse and children have around 60 days to apply. Prepare passports, IGI approval, health insurance, criminal record certificates for adults, and fees.

After Family Arrival

Residence permits for family: File applications at IGI before their D/VF visas expire. Ensure all family members are registered at your address.
Schooling and childcare: Enroll children in local public schools or kindergartens; inquire about Romanian language support programs.
Healthcare: Add family members to the public system. Consider a private clinic subscription for faster appointments.
Banking and mobile: Open bank accounts with passports and residence permits. Get mobile phone plans and set up home internet.

Success Tips

Keep duplicates of everything: Paper and digital copies of visas, permits, leases, translations, and apostilles.
Clarify pay structure in writing: Net salary, per diem amounts, overtime rules, and average monthly total for your route type.
Stay compliant with EU rules: Use tachograph correctly, log border crossing entries on smart units, and manage breaks.
Choose housing near your base: Reduce commuting time to depots in Bucharest's outer sectors, Timisoara's industrial areas, or Cluj's logistics parks.
Network with other drivers: Ask about reputable clinics for medical checks, best CPC/ADR providers, and family-friendly neighborhoods.
Plan winter driving strategy: Equip your vehicle for cold weather and align vacations with school breaks.
Maintain open communication with dispatch: Realistic ETAs and early alerts about delays build trust.

Job-Specific Focus Areas

Regulations Recap

EU drivers' hours: 561/2006 and Mobility Package updates
Working time: Directive 2002/15/EC
Tachographs: 165/2014 with smart tachograph requirements
Romania: ARR and IGI oversight, local enforcement by ISCTR

Opportunities Snapshot

International routes: High demand from bases in Arad, Timisoara, Oradea, Pitesti, and Bucharest
Logistics hubs: Warehouse-to-warehouse shuttles near Bucharest ring road, Cluj's industrial parks, and Timisoara's western corridor
Delivery services: Fan Courier, Sameday, Cargus, and DHL opportunities in major cities
Passenger transport: STB, CTP, STPT, and intercity operators seeking D-category drivers

Certifications Checklist

License status: C/CE or D validity and exchange eligibility via DRPCIV
CPC: Periodic training (35 hours) and DQC
ADR: Base + specialization if needed (tanks, classes)
Tachograph card: ARR-issued; understand smart tachograph procedures

Common Challenges

Driving on the right: If you come from left-hand traffic countries, schedule practice sessions in low-traffic areas.
Winter conditions: Snow tires, chains, and defensive driving on mountain passes.
Toll systems: Learn Romania's rovinieta and bridge tolls; international trips add country-specific rules.
Working time directives: Coordinate with dispatch to respect rest and avoid infringements that can trigger fines.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Bringing your family to Romania while building a transport career is entirely achievable with planning and the right information. The core sequence is straightforward: secure a job and work authorization, enter with a D/AM employment visa, obtain your residence permit, and then sponsor your spouse and children for a D/VF family reunification visa. Prepare certified translations and apostilles ahead of time, keep your accommodation and financial documentation in order, and coordinate closely with IGI and the Romanian consulate.

Romania offers a rare combination of EU-level transport experience, competitive take-home pay thanks to diurna on international routes, and a lower cost of living that supports family life. If you are ready to move, start your documentation checklist today, reach out to reputable Romanian employers, and book consultations with immigration professionals where needed. Your next chapter on Europe's roads can also be a stable home base for your family.

FAQ

1) What is the correct visa type for bringing my family to Romania?

Family members of non-EU drivers typically use the long-stay visa for family reunification, coded D/VF. This follows your own residence permit for work. First, your employer gets your work authorization, then you enter Romania on a D/AM employment visa, obtain your residence permit, and then you sponsor your family for D/VF.

2) How long does family reunification take from start to finish?

Plan for 3-6 months. IGI approval in Romania can take up to 3 months. After approval, your family applies for the D/VF visa at the consulate, which often takes 2-4 weeks. Factor in time for obtaining apostilles, translations, and scheduling appointments.

3) Can my spouse work in Romania after arriving on a family reunification basis?

In many cases, spouses holding a valid residence permit for family can take up employment with a standard contract, and a separate work authorization may not be required. However, the exact conditions can depend on your status and local IGI practice. Ask IGI at the time of the residence application and have your spouse's employer confirm current requirements.

4) Do I need apostilles or legalizations for marriage and birth certificates?

Yes. Romanian authorities require civil status documents to be legalized or apostilled, depending on your country of issue, and translated into Romanian by a sworn translator. Start this step early in your home country; it is the most common source of delay.

5) What happens if I change employers during the process?

Your legal basis in Romania rests on your work-related residence permit. If you change employers, you may need a new work authorization and updated permit. Family members' permits are linked to yours, so notify IGI and follow their instructions. Do not resign until you confirm the transition steps, timelines, and any consequences for your family's status.

6) Are same-sex spouses recognized for family reunification in Romania?

Romanian domestic law does not recognize same-sex marriage for third-country nationals. If you are in this situation, consult an immigration lawyer about possible alternatives, as the legal landscape differs from EU-citizen family rules and may evolve.

7) Can my children attend public schools, and are there language support programs?

Yes. Children with valid residence permits can enroll in public schools. Many schools offer Romanian language support for non-native speakers, especially in larger cities. International schools are available in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Timisoara, but fees are significantly higher.

8) Can I drive on my foreign license while waiting to exchange it?

As a visitor, you may drive on a valid foreign license from certain countries for a limited time. For employment as a professional driver, you will typically need to exchange your license or obtain a Romanian/EU license through DRPCIV. Check whether your country qualifies for exchange without testing; if not, prepare for training and exams.

9) What are typical living costs for a family in Bucharest versus Timisoara?

In Bucharest, a 1-bedroom apartment can cost 500-900 EUR/month, with total family expenses often 1,600-2,300 EUR depending on lifestyle. In Timisoara, a 1-bedroom is around 350-550 EUR, with total monthly costs closer to 1,200-1,800 EUR. Utilities, groceries, and transport are noticeably cheaper outside Bucharest.

10) How do taxes and per diems work for international routes?

Romania applies a 10% flat income tax, with social contributions as per law. Per diem allowances for international trips are tax-advantaged within legal ceilings. Employers should calculate your net pay transparently and keep diurna within caps to avoid later assessments. Ask for a detailed net-pay illustration.

11) What driver certifications should I prioritize after arrival?

Confirm your EU CPC status, schedule periodic training if due, apply for the tachograph driver card via ARR, and plan ADR if your role demands it. Keep medical and psychological checks current. If your license is not exchangeable, enroll at an accredited school for EU-compliant C/CE or D.

12) How soon should my family apply for residence permits after arriving with D/VF?

As soon as possible. Applications must be lodged before the D/VF visa expires, typically no later than 30 days before expiry. Book IGI appointments early and bring all originals, translations, and proof of address.