Schengen Area Rules for International Drivers

Introduction

If you are a professional driver in Global and you are thinking about relocating to Romania, you are looking at one of the most practical gateways into the European logistics market. Romania is a member of the European Union, a fast-growing logistics hub for Central and Eastern Europe, and since 2024 it participates in the Schengen Area for air and sea borders, with land border integration expected in phases. For international drivers, this means real opportunities, but also a need to understand how Schengen travel rules, EU road transport regulations, and Romanian immigration procedures all connect in day-to-day work.

This guide explains Schengen rules for drivers, how to secure legal residence and the right to work in Romania, how to convert your licenses and obtain CPC and ADR certifications, how tachographs and working time directives affect your schedule, and what to expect from salaries, costs, and life on the road. It focuses on practical steps so you can plan your move, avoid compliance mistakes, and start earning quickly in an EU market that values experienced drivers.

Why Romania?

Romania offers a compelling package for international drivers relocating from Global:

EU membership and access to European routes: Once you hold a Romanian residence permit and work authorization, you can work for Romanian transport companies serving domestic and cross-border operations across the European Union.
Demand for drivers: Romania has a persistent driver shortage. Many Romanian drivers work in Western Europe, which keeps local demand strong for heavy goods vehicle (HGV) and bus drivers, including non-EU talent.
Cost of living advantage: Wages for international routes are competitive compared with many Global markets, and the cost of living in Romania remains lower than in Western EU hubs. This lets you save more while gaining EU experience.
Strategic location: With borders to Hungary and Bulgaria, near Serbia, Moldova, and close to Ukraine, Romania sits on major East-West and North-South corridors. The Port of Constanta on the Black Sea boosts container and bulk logistics. Cities like Bucharest, Timisoara, Cluj-Napoca, and Iasi are thriving transport nodes.
Quality of life: A mix of urban and countryside living, modern telecom infrastructure, reliable banking, and communities of international workers make settling in smoother than you might expect.

Job Market Overview

Romania's transport and logistics sectors are diverse, offering roles for a wide range of driver profiles:

Key driver roles

International HGV driver (C/CE): Long-haul and regional routes connecting Romania with Hungary, Austria, Germany, Italy, Poland, and beyond. Many companies run international rotations with per diem allowances.
Domestic HGV driver (C/CE): Regional distribution between Romanian cities and depots, including refrigerated cargo, FMCG, auto parts, and bulk materials.
ADR driver: Hazardous goods transport for chemicals, fuel, and industrial products. ADR certification typically increases pay and employability.
Bus and coach driver (D): Urban public transport in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi, intercity lines, and tourist coaches to regional destinations.
Medium vehicle and delivery driver (B/C1): Parcels, e-commerce, urban distribution, final-mile deliveries, and courier services.

Typical employers and operators

International logistics and freight: DB Schenker Romania, DSV, Kuehne+Nagel, DHL Freight, H. Essers Romania, Yusen Logistics.
Romanian trucking firms: International Alexander, Dumagas, Aquila, Edy Spedition, Unicom Group, and numerous SME fleets that contract for large shippers.
Courier and parcel: FAN Courier, Sameday, Cargus, DHL Express, DPD Romania, GLS Romania.
Passenger transport: STB (Bucharest), CTP Cluj-Napoca, STPT Timisoara, Compania de Transport Public Iasi, plus private coach companies.

Hiring trends

International long-haul remains the easiest entry point for experienced CE drivers, especially those with digital tachograph and ADR.
City bus operators and couriers are expanding fleets in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi as urban mobility and e-commerce grow.
Employers are familiar with sponsoring non-EU drivers and managing work permits; you will find English-speaking HR teams in larger companies.

Schengen essentials for drivers relocating to Romania

Romania is part of the EU and, from March 2024, joined Schengen for air and sea borders. Land border integration is being phased, with checks still possible at some land crossings until full implementation. As a driver, you should understand how Schengen status affects you.

Short-stay travel rule: The Schengen short-stay rule allows visa-exempt nationals or Schengen visa holders to stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen Area. This is useful for exploration trips or interviews. It is not a substitute for a work visa or Romanian residence permit.
Romanian work authorization: To live and work in Romania as a driver, you need a Romanian long-stay visa for employment and a residence permit. Romania issues national visas and residence permits; your legal work status will be Romanian, not Schengen-wide.
Cross-border driving: Once employed by a Romanian transport company, you may drive to other EU/Schengen countries on company routes. You rely on your Romanian residence permit, your employer's EU Community License, and (if you are non-EU) a Driver Attestation issued to the company for you. You do not need a separate work permit for each Schengen country when driving on international operations.
Border checks: While Schengen removes most routine checks at internal borders, random checks, road controls, and land border checks can occur depending on current implementation and security measures. Always carry your passport, Romanian residence permit, driver attestation (if non-EU), driver card, and company documents.

Legal Requirements

For citizens of Global countries who are not EU/EEA or Swiss nationals, the pathway to legal work in Romania involves several steps. The process is straightforward if you follow the sequence and choose a reputable employer.

1) Secure a job offer and employer sponsorship

You must first obtain a formal job offer. Romanian employers apply for your work authorization with the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) or through the competent authorities.
Employers must demonstrate compliance with Romanian labor rules, minimum salary, and annual non-EU worker quotas. Most established logistics companies already have processes to hire non-EU drivers.

2) Work authorization approval

The employer submits your documents: passport copy, proof of qualifications and driving categories, criminal record certificate, medical proof of fitness, and a signed employment contract or pre-contract.
Upon approval, the employer receives a work authorization decision. This is the basis for your visa application.

3) Apply for a long-stay visa for employment (type D)

You apply at a Romanian embassy or consulate in your country or region. Document sets typically include: approved work authorization, valid passport, recent photos, proof of accommodation (temporary booking is common), medical insurance for the visa period, criminal record certificate, and payment of fees.
The visa is typically issued for a limited period to enter Romania and finalize residence formalities. Processing times vary, usually a few weeks if the file is complete.

4) Enter Romania and obtain residence permit

After arrival, you must register with IGI to obtain a residence permit for employment. Deadlines are strict, so schedule your appointment early.
You will provide your employment contract, proof of accommodation, proof of medical insurance, and biometric data. The residence permit card confirms your legal right to live and work in Romania for the employer who sponsored you.

5) Driver attestation for non-EU drivers in international transport

If you will drive internationally for a Romanian haulier, the company must obtain a Driver Attestation for you. This is an EU document issued to non-EU drivers employed by EU carriers engaged in international transport.
You must carry the attestation along with your passport and residence card whenever you operate across EU borders.

6) Schengen and posted driver rules

EU Mobility Package rules govern posting of drivers, weekly rest, and return rules. Employers must lodge posting declarations via the IMI system when you operate cabotage or international operations in certain countries. As a driver, keep copies of IMI posting proofs if instructed by your company.
Vehicles operated internationally are subject to return-to-base rules, and employers must organize your return home for weekly rest at set intervals.

Note: Immigration rules evolve. Always confirm the latest requirements with the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and IGI before you apply.

Certification and License Recognition

Driving in the EU requires proper license categories and professional certifications that are recognized by Romanian authorities.

Driving license categories

Category C: Trucks over 3.5 tons.
Category CE: Trucks with trailers (articulated combinations). Most international HGV roles require CE.
Category D: Passenger buses and coaches.

CPC - Certificate of Professional Competence

CPC is mandatory across the EU for professional drivers. If your current CPC is from an EU country, Romanian employers can accept it subject to verification.
If your license and CPC are from non-EU countries, you will need to obtain Romanian CPC. There are two paths:
- Initial qualification (280 hours) or accelerated initial qualification (140 hours), followed by a written exam.
- Periodic training of 35 hours every 5 years to maintain validity.
CPC cards and codes are added to your driver record. Training is offered by accredited Romanian centers under the supervision of ARR (Autoritatea Rutiera Romana).

Digital tachograph card

EU trucks use digital tachographs. You must hold a Romanian-issued driver card to legally record your driving time if you work for a Romanian employer and reside in Romania.
Apply through ARR with your passport, Romanian residence permit, photos, and fee payment. Processing typically takes 1-2 weeks. Keep a printed receipt during the waiting period if allowed by your company's compliance policy.

ADR - Transport of dangerous goods

ADR certification is valuable and often raises pay. In Romania, you can obtain ADR Basic, ADR Packages, and ADR Tanker certifications via approved training followed by an exam.
Validity is 5 years, renewable with refresher training. Always carry your ADR certificate, safety equipment, and emergency instructions in the language required by the route countries.

License conversion or recognition

If your license is from an EU country, it is generally recognized. You may exchange to a Romanian license later if you prefer, but it is not mandatory while valid.
If your license is from outside the EU, you may need to exchange it for a Romanian license after obtaining residence. Requirements include a medical exam and, in some cases, theoretical and practical tests depending on bilateral agreements and your categories.
Start the exchange process early. Heavy vehicle categories may require additional checks. Ask your employer and the local driving authority (DRPCIV) about current rules for your country of origin.

Salary and Benefits

Salaries in Romania vary by route type, employer size, and your certifications. Exchange rate used for reference is roughly 1 EUR = 5 RON; actual rates fluctuate.

International HGV (CE) drivers

Net monthly income: 1,800 to 2,800 EUR equivalent, often structured as a base salary in RON plus tax-advantaged per diem allowances when on foreign routes.
With ADR, experienced drivers, or demanding rotations, total net can exceed 3,000 EUR in strong months.
Paid travel to depots, rotation schedules (e.g., 4 weeks on / 2 weeks off) vary by company.

Domestic HGV (C/CE) drivers

Net monthly income: 5,500 to 9,000 RON (about 1,100 to 1,800 EUR) depending on region, night work, and bonuses.
Fewer nights away from home compared to international runs.

Bus and coach drivers (D)

Net monthly income: 4,500 to 7,500 RON (about 900 to 1,500 EUR) for city operations; more for intercity and private coach work with overnight allowances.

Benefits and extras

Per diem allowances on international routes are partially tax-free up to legal thresholds, increasing take-home pay compared to the base salary.
Overtime and night shift premiums may apply. Holiday pay is common.
Health insurance and social security contributions are covered under Romanian law through employer payroll.
Some employers provide accommodation support for the first months, company uniforms, and assistance with immigration paperwork.

Tax note: Romania applies a 10 percent personal income tax on most earnings and social contributions withheld by employers. Per diem allowances enjoy favorable tax treatment up to caps. Always ask HR for a net pay illustration that shows base salary, allowances, and deductions.

Cost of Living

Romania's lower cost base helps international drivers save. Costs vary by city.

Housing (monthly rent)

Bucharest: 450 to 750 EUR for a 1-bedroom apartment in a decent area. Shared housing options can be 250 to 400 EUR per person.
Cluj-Napoca: 350 to 600 EUR for a 1-bedroom.
Timisoara: 300 to 500 EUR for a 1-bedroom.
Iasi: 280 to 450 EUR for a 1-bedroom.

Utilities and services

Utilities (electricity, heating, water, garbage): 80 to 150 EUR per month depending on season and apartment size.
Mobile phone plan with data: 6 to 12 EUR per month.
Home internet: 7 to 12 EUR per month for high-speed fiber.

Daily expenses

Groceries for one person: 200 to 300 EUR per month with home cooking.
Public transport monthly pass: 15 to 25 EUR depending on city.
Eating out at a mid-range restaurant: 8 to 15 EUR per person.

Saving potential

International CE drivers often save 800 to 1,800 EUR per month depending on rent, rotation schedule, and allowances. Romanian bank accounts make transfers easy, and there are many low-cost remittance services.

Cultural Integration

Romania is welcoming, and logistics teams are used to multicultural crews. A few basics will help you fit in.

Language

Romanian is a Romance language. English is common in larger companies and cities. Learning basic Romanian speeds up daily life and compliance tasks.
Useful phrases: Buna ziua (hello), Multumesc (thank you), Va rog (please), Unde este depozitul? (Where is the depot?), Programul? (Schedule?), Documente (documents).

Workplace culture

Punctuality matters. Arrive early for dispatch and briefings.
Safety and compliance first. Romanian inspectors from ISCTR and police conduct roadside checks. Keep documents tidy and available.
Direct communication: People appreciate clarity and respectful tone. If something is unclear in your route plan, ask immediately.

Driving culture and rules

Romania drives on the right. Seatbelts are mandatory.
Alcohol limit is effectively zero for drivers. Never drink and drive.
Speed limits vary by vehicle class and road type. Heavy vehicles often have lower limits than cars. Follow posted signs and company policies.
Winter conditions can be severe in mountain areas. Use winter tires when roads are covered with snow or ice. Carry chains where signposted or required by your company SOPs.

Practical Steps to Relocate

Follow this step-by-step plan to minimize delays and get on the road faster.

Build your driver profile

Prepare a driver CV in English with your categories (C, CE, D), years of experience, types of cargo, countries driven, accident record, and certifications (ADR, CPC, defensive driving, first aid).
Scan your passport, licenses, CPC or training records, and any employer references.

Target employers and recruiters in Romania

Apply directly to Romanian logistics companies with international routes. Shortlist employers with clear net pay packages and support for non-EU hires.
Use reputable recruiters who do not charge candidates illegal fees. Verify their registration and ask for references from other drivers.

Confirm sponsorship and obtain work authorization

Once you have a job offer, your employer will apply for your work authorization. Respond quickly to document requests.
Ask for an estimated timeline for visa approval and a written outline of costs covered by the employer (visa fees, travel, temporary housing).

Apply for a long-stay employment visa

Book a visa appointment at the Romanian consulate. Prepare documents: passport, photos, work authorization, proof of accommodation, medical insurance, criminal record certificate, and fee.
Keep copies of everything. Ask for a multilingual employment contract or an authorized translation if needed.

Plan your arrival logistics

Arrange temporary accommodation near your employer or training center. Cities like Bucharest, Timisoara, and Cluj-Napoca have good short-term rentals.
Bring international credit or debit cards and some cash in EUR and RON.

Residence permit and registrations

Attend your IGI appointment promptly upon arrival. Submit biometrics and documents to receive your residence card.
Obtain your personal numeric code (CNP) through the residence process. Your employer will register you for payroll and social contributions.

Driver compliance setup

Apply for your Romanian digital tachograph driver card with ARR.
Book CPC initial or periodic training if required. If you already hold EU CPC, provide proof for recognition.
Schedule ADR training if your role requires it. Coordinate with your employer on timing.

Company onboarding and route training

Complete medical checks, vehicle familiarization, and company SOPs. Learn the company's ELD or tachograph download procedures.
Study Schengen-specific route rules. Learn how your company handles IMI postings, border crossings, and rest planning in different countries.

Housing and life admin

Open a Romanian bank account to receive salary. You will need your passport, residence permit, and proof of address.
Get a local SIM card. Major operators offer inexpensive prepaid plans with strong coverage.
Explore neighborhoods and transport links near your depot or bus garage.

First rotations and probation

Keep perfect tachograph records from day one. Save printouts for the last 28 days and beyond as required.
Communicate early about any delay, incident, or rest issue. EU compliance expects precise logging and good-faith management of changes.

EU Regulations That Shape Your Workday

Professional driving in the EU is governed by strict rules designed for safety and fair competition. You will learn these in CPC, but here is a quick reference.

Driving time limits: Normally up to 9 hours per day, with two 10-hour extensions allowed per week. Weekly limit is 56 hours, and total for any two consecutive weeks is 90 hours.
Breaks: After 4 hours and 30 minutes of driving, take a break of at least 45 minutes (can be split into 15 + 30 minutes).
Daily rest: Regular daily rest is 11 hours, which can be reduced to 9 hours up to 3 times between weekly rests without compensation.
Weekly rest: Regular weekly rest is 45 hours. Reduced weekly rest of at least 24 hours is allowed with compensation added to another rest. Regular weekly rest cannot be taken in the vehicle.
Tachograph rules: Follow Regulation 165 and record all activities. Keep printouts and manual entries accurate. During checks, you must present the last 28 days of records.
Posting and cabotage: When doing domestic transport in another EU state or international legs, posting rules may apply and your company must file IMI postings. Cabotage is limited by country-specific rules.

ISCTR, ARR, and traffic police enforce these rules in Romania. Fines can be high, and non-compliance can affect your job. Most companies provide compliance support and route planning tools.

Road Tolls and Cross-Border Practicalities

Romania

Rovinieta: An electronic vignette required for using national roads. For heavy vehicles, fees depend on vehicle class and time period. Ensure your company pays and registers plates correctly.
Bridges and local tolls: Certain bridges or sections may have separate fees. Follow company guidance.

Neighboring corridors

Hungary: Distance-based HU-GO e-toll for heavy vehicles; onboard unit or route tickets.
Bulgaria: e-toll system for heavy vehicles; ensure correct axle class and weight.
Austria: GO toll with onboard unit. Germany: MAUT road toll for trucks. Czech Republic: electronic toll. Each country has its own system and enforcement.

Always check your OBU devices, route permits, and ADR tunnel codes if you carry dangerous goods.

Salary Scenarios by City and Role

Bucharest international CE driver: Base salary around 3,000 to 4,000 RON plus per diem that often brings net to 2,000 to 2,600 EUR. Housing is the most expensive here, but airport access and company headquarters are convenient.
Timisoara border corridor CE driver: Strong cross-border demand with Hungary and Serbia nearby. Net income is similar to Bucharest for international runs, with lower rents. Many automotive suppliers located here drive steady freight.
Cluj-Napoca domestic C/CE driver: Net 1,200 to 1,600 EUR common, with regular home time. Tech sector growth fuels local demand for courier and urban distribution jobs.
Iasi bus driver (D): Net 900 to 1,300 EUR with public operator benefits. Lower rent compared to Bucharest provides higher savings ratio.

Dealing With Weather and Terrain

Mountain roads: Carpathian passes can be steep and winding. Weather can change fast. Some scenic routes like Transfagarasan close seasonally.
Winter tires and chains: Romanian law requires winter tires when roads are covered with snow or ice. Heavy vehicles may be required to fit chains on signed sections. Your company should provide chains and training.
Breakdowns and assistance: Keep emergency contacts, reflective vests, warning triangles, and winter supplies like gloves and a shovel. Use safe lay-bys; avoid stopping on hard shoulders except in emergencies.

Success Tips From Other Expats

Choose the right employer: Ask for net pay breakdowns in writing, rotation schedules, training support, and whether they cover visa and residence costs.
Time your move: Start work authorization before resigning in your current job. Expect 6 to 12 weeks from offer to arrival if all goes smoothly.
Bring the right paperwork: Certified translations of your driving license, experience letters, and clean criminal record certificates reduce delays.
Get CPC and ADR early: The faster you secure CPC and ADR, the wider your job options and the higher your pay potential.
Keep flawless tachograph records: Compliance is everything. If you need to deviate, inform dispatch and document the reason.
Learn basic Romanian: Greetings, numbers, and common logistics terms help during inspections and at loading docks.
Network with drivers: Join Romania-based driver groups to learn real-time tips about routes, parking, and controls.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Relocating to Romania as a professional driver gives you access to Europe's vast transport market, with competitive pay, structured regulations, and the chance to build a long-term career. By understanding Schengen travel rules, Romanian immigration steps, and EU driving regulations like CPC and tachograph requirements, you can move smoothly from Global into an EU role with solid earnings and a lower cost of living.

Start now: prepare your driver CV, contact reputable Romanian logistics companies, confirm sponsorship, and begin your visa process. If you line up CPC, ADR, and tachograph card steps early, you could be on a European route in a matter of weeks.

FAQ

1) Do I need a Schengen visa to work in Romania as a driver?

Not for employment itself. To work in Romania, you need a Romanian long-stay visa for employment and then a Romanian residence permit, regardless of Schengen short-stay rules. A Schengen tourist or business visa does not grant the right to work in Romania. Your employer will sponsor your work authorization first, then you apply for the Romanian long-stay visa.

2) Once I have a Romanian residence permit, can I drive in other EU countries?

Yes, when you are working for a Romanian transport company on international operations. Your cross-border right to operate is covered by your employer's EU Community License and, if you are a non-EU national, a Driver Attestation issued for you. You must always carry your passport, residence permit, and the driver attestation when doing international legs.

3) How do I convert my non-EU driving license to a Romanian one?

After you become a resident, you apply to exchange at DRPCIV. Requirements depend on bilateral agreements and your categories. Expect a medical exam and, in some cases, theoretical and practical tests for heavy categories. Start the process early and ask your employer for guidance. If your license is from an EU country, exchange is typically optional while your license remains valid.

4) What is CPC, and do I need it before arriving?

CPC is the EU Certificate of Professional Competence for drivers. If you already hold EU-recognized CPC, Romanian employers can accept it. If your CPC is from outside the EU or you do not have CPC, you will need to take Romanian CPC training (initial or accelerated) and pass the exam. You can start the booking from abroad, but most drivers complete it shortly after arriving.

5) How long does it take to get a Romanian digital tachograph driver card?

After you apply with ARR using your residence permit and ID photos, it usually takes about 1 to 2 weeks to receive the card. Some companies allow limited work under specific conditions while waiting, but you must follow their compliance policy. Plan your start date to account for this timeline.

6) What are realistic earnings for an international CE driver in Romania?

Common net figures range from 1,800 to 2,800 EUR per month, with higher totals possible depending on ADR, rotation, and performance. Pay is typically a base salary plus per diem allowances for days spent abroad. Ask for a written simulation showing net pay after tax and social contributions.

7) Can I bring my family to Romania?

Yes, after you obtain your residence permit, family reunification is possible for spouses and dependent children, subject to conditions and documentation. Processing times vary. Secure stable housing and school options before initiating.

8) What documents must I carry when crossing EU borders?

Carry your passport, Romanian residence permit, driver license and CPC card, digital driver card, driver attestation if you are non-EU, vehicle registration, insurance Green Card, CMR waybills, ADR papers if applicable, and any IMI posting proof your company provides. Keep records for the last 28 days of driving in your tachograph or as printouts.

9) How do EU working time rules affect my schedule?

You are limited to 9 hours of driving per day with two 10-hour days allowed per week. Weekly driving is capped at 56 hours and 90 hours over any two consecutive weeks. After 4 hours and 30 minutes of driving, you must take at least a 45-minute break. Daily and weekly rest rules apply, including the ban on taking regular weekly rest in the vehicle.

10) Are winter tires mandatory in Romania?

Winter tires are mandatory when roads are covered with snow, ice, or slush. Heavy vehicles may also be required to use chains in certain mountain areas. Your employer will equip you and advise on routes. Always follow road signs and company SOPs.

11) What is the cost of living like in Bucharest versus Timisoara or Iasi?

Bucharest is the most expensive, with a 1-bedroom apartment at 450 to 750 EUR. Timisoara and Cluj-Napoca are slightly cheaper, and Iasi is usually the most affordable among the four. Groceries and services are broadly similar across cities.

12) Will my per diem allowances be taxed?

Per diem allowances for international trips are tax-advantaged up to legal thresholds. Amounts above caps can be taxed. Companies in Romania structure driver pay to maximize legal, compliant take-home pay. Ask HR for a breakdown of taxable and non-taxable components.