Working at Heights: Safety Requirements for Electricians

Introduction

Relocating from Global to Romania as a professional electrician can be a career-defining move. Romania offers a compelling blend of European Union market access, growing investment in infrastructure and renewable energy, and a lower cost of living that stretches your paycheck further. If your specialty includes electrical installations at elevation - rooftops, industrial mezzanines, wind turbines, photovoltaic arrays, scaffolds, or aerial lifts - you will find plenty of demand across construction, industrial maintenance, and clean energy projects.

This guide focuses on one vital theme you cannot afford to overlook: working at heights safety and compliance in Romania. Whether you will be installing busbars in a warehouse, commissioning solar inverters on a rooftop, running cable trays in a logistics hub, or servicing turbines in the Dobrogea wind corridor, you must understand the legal framework, fall protection requirements, certifications, local standards, and employer expectations that shape safe elevated work.

You will also find a comprehensive overview of the Romanian job market for electricians, how to convert your credentials to local authorizations (especially ANRE), the visa and work permit path if you are a Global citizen, realistic salaries and benefits, cost of living in cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi, and a step-by-step relocation plan with proven success tips from expats.

Why Romania?

Romania has transformed into a dynamic EU economy with strong demand for skilled trades. For electricians, several advantages stand out:

• EU membership and market access: Romania has been in the European Union since 2007, with EU safety and product directives in force. For you, that means familiar standards, CE-marked tools and PPE, and smoother movement of goods and services across the bloc.
• Competitive salaries with lower cost of living: While salaries for electricians are lower than in Western Europe, the cost of housing, transport, and daily expenses is significantly lower, yielding a comfortable standard of living and the ability to save.
• Robust construction and industrial pipeline: Logistics parks, manufacturing, data centers, commercial buildings, and residential developments are expanding, especially around Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, Brasov, and Iasi.
• Renewable energy growth: Romania is scaling solar and onshore wind, with service and operations roles that heavily involve elevated work on rooftops and turbines. Large utility-scale solar parks and repowering of older wind assets are creating new opportunities.
• Quality of life: Urban centers offer good healthcare, education options, and outdoor recreation. Romania's mix of mountains, coastline, and historic cities makes for rewarding off-hours life.

From an electrician's perspective, this all translates into sustained demand for skills across low voltage, medium voltage, industrial automation, smart building systems, and renewable installations - many of which require rigorous working at height controls.

Job Market Overview

Romania's electrical and construction services market is broad and varied. Here is where elevated work is particularly common and where your skills are most in demand:

Key sectors

• Renewable energy installations
  • Rooftop and ground-mount photovoltaic systems: module mounting, combiner boxes, cable management on racking, inverters on platforms, and periodic O&M at height.
  • Onshore wind turbines: turbine tower access, nacelle work, hub and blade inspections, and rescue drills.
• Industrial facilities and automation
  • Cable trays, lighting, and busbar installation at mezzanines and high-bay areas.
  • Overhead crane electrification and maintenance (with strict lockout and fall protection).
• Commercial and logistics construction
  • High shelving electrical, fire alarms, emergency lighting, and BMS at elevation.
  • Facade lighting, signage power, and rooftop HVAC power connections.
• Residential and mixed-use developments
  • Rooftop antennae, PV arrays, lightning protection systems, and elevator machine rooms.
• Utilities and grid distribution
  • Overhead lines, substation equipment access, and pole-mounted transformers (with distribution operator procedures).

Typical employers in Romania

• Electrical contractors and EPCs specializing in commercial and industrial projects.
• Renewable energy companies managing solar and wind assets and their O&M.
• Construction firms with in-house electrical teams.
• Industrial manufacturers requiring plant expansions and automation upgrades.
• Utilities and distribution operators via subcontractors for network works.

Prominent hubs include:

• Bucharest: data centers, commercial towers, logistics parks, metro expansions, and rooftop solar.
• Cluj-Napoca: industrial automation, factories, tech campuses, and distribution centers.
• Timisoara: manufacturing, automotive suppliers, and large logistics facilities.
• Iasi: growing IT parks, hospitals, and university facilities.
• Brasov: machinery manufacturing, aerospace suppliers, and industrial parks.
• Constanta: port facilities, energy infrastructure, and proximity to wind farms in Dobrogea.

Roles aligned with working at heights

• PV installer-electrician for commercial rooftops.
• Wind turbine service technician or electrical commissioning engineer.
• Industrial electrician for high-bay lighting and crane systems.
• Site supervisor ensuring safe temporary works, scaffolds, and MEWP operations.
• HV/MV technician for substation equipment with platform access.

Legal Requirements (Work Authorization and Visas)

Your right to live and work in Romania depends on your citizenship and employment arrangement. Here is a practical overview for Global citizens (non-EU/EEA/Swiss), and a note for EU/EEA/Swiss nationals.

For Global citizens

1. Employer obtains work permit (employment authorization)

   • Before you apply for a visa, your Romanian employer typically applies for a work permit (sometimes called a work authorization) from the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI). Categories include permanent worker, highly qualified worker, seasonal worker, and others.
   • Documents usually include your employment contract/offer, proof of qualifications, criminal record certificate, medical certificate, and evidence that the employer attempted to recruit locally if required.

2. Long-stay work visa application (symbol D/AM)

   • After the work permit is approved, you apply for a long-stay employment visa (D/AM) at a Romanian consulate in your country of residence. You will submit your passport, the work permit, proof of accommodation, health insurance, and fees.

3. Residence permit after arrival

   • Upon entering Romania with the D/AM visa, you must apply for a residence permit (permit de sedere) at IGI within the specified timeframe (typically within 90 days). This card confirms your right to reside and work for the sponsoring employer.

4. Family members

   • Spouses and dependent children can generally apply for family reunification residence after you secure your work-based residence. They may have the right to work after obtaining their own permits.

5. Freelancing and contracting

   • If you plan to operate as an independent contractor, consult an immigration and tax specialist. Self-employment routes exist but have different permit categories and tax profiles. Many foreign electricians start as employees and later transition to contracting via a Romanian limited company (SRL) if appropriate.

Important: Processing times vary by consulate and the IGI workload. Build a 8-12 week buffer from employer permit initiation to visa issuance when planning your move.

For EU/EEA/Swiss citizens

• You do not need a work permit to be employed in Romania.
• You should register your residence if staying longer than 3 months. Employers will enroll you in social security and health insurance.

Certification & License Recognition (ANRE and Beyond)

Romania regulates electrical work through the Romanian Energy Regulatory Authority (ANRE). To perform or sign off many categories of electrical installations, you or your employer's designated personnel must hold ANRE authorization. Additionally, safety and equipment standards follow EU directives and European standards adopted nationally.

ANRE authorization overview

ANRE authorization for electricians is commonly structured by grade and scope. A practical way to understand it:

• Grades I through IV indicate increasing voltage scope and complexity.
  • Grade I: typically low voltage up to 1 kV (residential and commercial consumers).
  • Grade II: generally medium voltage (distribution-level) work.
  • Grade III: high voltage work up to around 110 kV.
  • Grade IV: extra-high voltage and complex installations above 110 kV.
• Two broad authorization directions often apply:
  • A - design (project) activities.
  • B - execution (installation) activities.

Note: The exact scope definitions, prerequisites, and exam schedules are set by ANRE regulations and may be updated. Always verify the current rulebook and application criteria on the ANRE website or through your employer.

Converting or validating foreign credentials

• What counts: ANRE focuses on your training, experience, and exam results under Romanian regulations. If you hold foreign licenses or qualifications, you will typically present translated and legalized copies, along with your CV and evidence of projects.
• Steps to obtain ANRE authorization:
  1. Choose the appropriate grade and direction (A or B) based on your role and the employer's needs.
  2. Submit the application dossier: identity documents, education certificates, proof of experience, medical certificate for fitness to work, and fee payment. Certified translations into Romanian are usually required.
  3. Sit the ANRE examination for your chosen grade. Exams cover Romanian standards, safety rules, and practical scenarios.
  4. Upon passing, receive your authorization. Renewals require CPD and may involve refresher courses.
• Recognition of training: Employers often sponsor preparatory courses for ANRE exams. Your prior experience can shorten the path, but the exam is the decisive step.

Related safety certifications for working at heights

• GWO courses for wind energy: Work at Height, First Aid, Manual Handling, Fire Awareness, and if applicable, Sea Survival. Widely required for turbine work in Dobrogea and other wind regions.
• MEWP operator training: Training on mobile elevating work platforms is expected. Look for IPAF-style content or Romanian-accredited MEWP courses recognized by employers and insurers.
• Ladders, scaffolds, and temporary works: Site supervisors and installers should have formal training in ladder safety, scaffold assembly/use, and inspection. Many general contractors require certified training aligned with EU directives.
• Electrical safety standards: Familiarity with SR EN 50110 (Operation of electrical installations), lockout-tagout procedures, arc flash risk assessment, and rescue from height.
• First aid and rescue: Elevated work requires a documented rescue plan. Training in casualty handling while suspended, use of rescue kits, and basic first aid is often mandatory.

Product and PPE compliance

• CE marking and EU declarations of conformity apply to tools, equipment, and PPE used in Romania.
• Examples of relevant standards (check your gear against the latest versions):
  • Fall protection harness: EN 361; fall arrest system: EN 363; energy absorber: EN 355; lanyards: EN 354; guided type fall arresters: EN 353; anchors: EN 795; connectors: EN 362; equipment inspection: EN 365.
  • Electrical insulating gloves: EN 60903; insulating mats: EN 61111; arc flash protective clothing: IEC 61482-2.
  • Ladders: EN 131; scaffold systems: EN 12810/12811; MEWPs: EN 280.

Safety Requirements for Working at Heights in Romania

Elevated work is strictly controlled under Romanian and EU safety law. As an electrician, you are expected to follow a structured approach to eliminate or control fall risks and electrical hazards.

Legal framework to know

• Law 319/2006 on health and safety at work: Sets the general obligations for employers and workers.
• Government Decision 300/2006: Implements minimum safety requirements for temporary or mobile construction sites (transposes EU Directive 92/57/EEC).
• Government Decision 1051/2006 and related decisions: On the use of work equipment, including rules relevant to ladders and platforms.
• Government Decision 1146/2006: On personal protective equipment use.
• SR EN 50110: Operation of electrical installations (adopted European standard).
• Romanian electrical normative documents (for example, I7 for low-voltage consumers) and distribution operator technical conditions for works near energized equipment.

Always follow the most stringent requirement applicable: law, client specification, or employer policy.

The hierarchy of controls for fall protection

1. Avoid work at height: Prefabricate on the ground, use extendable tools, and reroute cabling to minimize elevated tasks.
2. Collective protection: Use guardrails, scaffolds with toe boards, and netting.
3. Work platforms: Choose the right MEWP or scaffold system rather than ladders for prolonged tasks.
4. Personal fall protection: Harnesses, fall arrest lanyards, and vertical lifelines when collective measures are not feasible.
5. Administrative controls: Permit to work systems, method statements, scheduling to avoid adverse weather, and exclusion zones.

Core rules for electricians working at heights

• Risk assessment and method statement (RAMS): Every elevated task should have a documented RAMS addressing fall risks, electrical hazards, weather, dropped objects, and rescue procedures.
• Permit to work: For rooftops, turbine towers, substations, or near live parts, work under a formal permit system.
• Edge protection: Install and inspect guardrails or temporary barriers at roof edges and mezzanines.
• Ladders: Use ladders only for short-duration, low-risk tasks. Secure the ladder at top and bottom, maintain a 1:4 angle, 3-point contact, and never carry heavy tools up a ladder.
• MEWPs: Select the correct platform (scissor vs boom). Ensure operator training, pre-use checks, ground condition assessment, and use of fall restraint in boom lifts as required by the manufacturer and site rules.
• Scaffolds: Use only competent scaffold erectors. Verify handover certificates, weekly inspections, and tag systems. No unauthorized alterations.
• Roof work: Confirm roof integrity, use walkway systems, and fall arrest anchors. Beware of fragile surfaces and skylights.
• Proximity to live equipment: Observe safe approach distances per SR EN 50110 and the distribution operator's instructions. De-energize and lock out where possible. If not, implement barriers, insulation, and a dedicated safety observer.
• Weather: Stop work at height during high winds, rain, ice, or storms. Wind thresholds are particularly strict for MEWPs and turbine access.
• Dropped objects: Use tool lanyards, toe boards, debris nets, and exclusion zones below. Account for small parts.
• Rescue plan: For any fall arrest system, a site-specific rescue plan is mandatory. Practice drills and ensure rescue kits are on hand and operable.

Documentation and inspections

• Pre-use inspections: Harness, lanyards, connectors, and lifelines inspected before each use. Scaffold and MEWP daily checks logged.
• Periodic inspections: Fall protection PPE to be inspected by a competent person at intervals specified by EN 365 and manufacturer guidance (often every 6 or 12 months). Records must be maintained.
• Electrical test equipment: Calibrated and suitable for the environment. Insulated tools rated for the voltage class.
• Anchors: Use certified anchors with documented load ratings. Temporary anchors must be installed per manufacturer instructions.

Special scenarios

• Wind turbines: GWO certification, vertical ladder systems with fall arrest, confined space considerations in nacelles, and controlled descent devices. Strict weather cutoffs.
• Large commercial rooftops with PV: Fall restraint lines around inverters and combiner boxes, fire pathways on arrays, coordination with roofing contractors to protect membranes.
• Substations and overhead lines: Strict permits, isolation procedures, and approach distances. Elevated work often happens near energized parts - treat as live unless proven otherwise.
• Warehouses and logistics centers: High-bay LED retrofits and cable trays require MEWPs; monitor traffic routes and floor loading. Night shifts demand extra vigilance.

Compliance with EU Directives and Romanian Standards

As a Global electrician relocating to Romania, align your work with these core EU and national frameworks:

• Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU): Electrical equipment within certain voltage limits must meet safety requirements and carry CE marking.
• EMC Directive (2014/30/EU): Electromagnetic compatibility compliance for equipment you install or commission.
• Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC) and transition to Machinery Regulation: Ensures machinery used (including lifts and platforms) meets safety standards.
• PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425: PPE must meet conformity criteria and be used per its intended purpose.
• Framework Directive 89/391/EEC and Construction Sites Directive 92/57/EEC: The bedrock for occupational health and safety and construction site coordination, transposed into Romanian law.

For installation standards, Romanian practice follows European norms adopted by ASRO (Romanian Standards Association) and specific national normatives such as I7 for low-voltage installations at consumers. Distribution operators publish technical connection conditions you must follow for grid-tied projects.

Salary & Benefits

Salary ranges vary by city, sector, and your certifications. Below are realistic ballpark figures as a guide. Currency note: 1 EUR is roughly 4.9 - 5.0 RON in recent years. Employers often quote gross monthly salaries.

• Entry-level electrician (with basic experience):
  • Gross: 4,500 - 6,500 RON per month (about 900 - 1,300 EUR)
  • Net after typical deductions: roughly 2,800 - 4,000 RON
• Experienced industrial or construction electrician:
  • Gross: 6,500 - 10,000 RON (about 1,300 - 2,000 EUR)
  • Net: roughly 4,000 - 6,200 RON
• Senior electrician/foreman, specialized in MV, wind, or complex commissioning:
  • Gross: 10,000 - 15,000 RON (about 2,000 - 3,000 EUR)
  • Net: roughly 6,200 - 9,300 RON
• Day rates for contractors (varies widely by project, location, and risk):
  • 120 - 250 EUR per day, with higher rates for wind O&M, offshore-related tasks, or remote locations

Benefits commonly offered:

• Meal vouchers (tichete de masa) 20 - 40 RON per working day
• Overtime premiums for night or weekend work
• Transport or fuel allowances for site travel
• Private health insurance or clinic subscriptions
• Annual bonus or 13th month where policy allows
• Training sponsorship for ANRE, GWO, MEWP, and first aid

Tax snapshot for employees (subject to policy changes):

• Income tax: a flat 10% typically applied to the taxable base after social contributions
• Employee social contributions: pension (CAS) and health (CASS) withheld from gross salary
• Employer contributions: labor insurance contribution

Your payroll department will compute precise net pay. Note that construction sector tax incentives may apply or change; check your employment contract for specifics.

Cost of Living

Your purchasing power in Romania is one of the key attractions. Here are typical monthly costs in major cities:

Housing (1-bedroom apartment, long-term lease)

• Bucharest: 450 - 800 EUR (central areas on the higher end)
• Cluj-Napoca: 400 - 700 EUR
• Timisoara: 350 - 600 EUR
• Iasi: 300 - 550 EUR

Shared accommodation can reduce costs by 30-40%. Newer buildings with elevators and good insulation may save on heating and offer better rooftop access safety for PV work.

Utilities and internet

• Utilities (electricity, heating, water, trash): 80 - 150 EUR, seasonally higher in winter
• High-speed internet and mobile plan: 10 - 20 EUR combined

Transportation

• Public transport monthly pass: 12 - 20 EUR
• Fuel: 1.4 - 1.7 EUR per liter
• Intercity rail: cost-effective for weekends; overnight trains connect major cities

Food and daily expenses

• Groceries for one: 150 - 250 EUR per month
• Restaurant meal: 6 - 12 EUR
• Coffee: 2 - 3 EUR

Work-related costs to consider

• PPE replacement and inspections not covered by the employer
• Medical examinations for fitness to work at height (some employers cover annually)
• Training or exam fees for ANRE, GWO, or MEWP if not employer-sponsored

Cultural Integration

Romania is friendly and work-focused, with a growing safety culture on construction and industrial sites.

Language

• Romanian is the working language. In multinational firms and on wind or solar projects, English is common, but Romanian helps immensely for site coordination.
• Useful phrases for site work:
  • Buna ziua - Good day
  • Multumesc - Thank you
  • Atentie la margine - Watch the edge
  • Opreste alimentarea - Cut the power supply
  • Asigura hamul - Secure the harness
  • Ridicam platforma - We are raising the platform

Workplace culture

• Punctuality and preparedness are valued. Bring your RAMS, checklists, and inspection logs to toolbox talks.
• Hierarchy exists, but initiative is appreciated when coupled with safety.
• Documentation matters: photos of anchor points, MEWP pre-check sheets, and scaffold tags are routine.
• Expect a safety induction and site-specific rules. Do not bypass procedures; supervisors are accountable to the client and inspectorate.

Practical Steps to Relocate

Follow this step-by-step plan to move from interest to your first safe day at height in Romania.

1. Research target cities and sectors

   • Bucharest for large commercial, data center, and PV rooftops.
   • Cluj-Napoca and Timisoara for industrial automation and manufacturing plants.
   • Iasi and Brasov for mixed industrial and commercial growth.
   • Constanta and Dobrogea region for wind energy service roles.

2. Prepare your documentation

   • Passport with ample validity.
   • Diplomas, trade certificates, and references - all translated into Romanian by a certified translator and, if needed, legalized or apostilled.
   • CV tailored to elevated work, ANRE plans, and safety leadership.
   • Training records: GWO, MEWP, LOTO, first aid, and any OSHA/NEBOSH equivalents.

3. Engage with employers and recruiters

   • Focus on electrical contractors, EPCs, renewable energy companies, and industrial firms. Highlight your working at heights experience and any turbine or PV credentials.
   • Ask about sponsorship for ANRE exams and safety training.

4. Work permit and visa (Global citizens)

   • Employer initiates the work permit with IGI. Track timelines and provide documents promptly.
   • Apply for the D/AM visa at the Romanian consulate once the permit is issued.
   • Plan arrival after visa issuance; do not enter on a tourist visa expecting to work.

5. Accommodation and logistics

   • Book short-term housing in your target city for the first month.
   • Identify clinics for medical checks and occupational health exams required for height work.
   • Map your commute to likely sites and check public transport or parking options.

6. Safety and compliance onboarding

   • Schedule a Romanian language basics course if needed.
   • Enroll in ANRE prep courses aligned with your intended grade.
   • Refresh or obtain GWO, MEWP, ladder, scaffold, and rescue certifications.
   • Inspect your personal PPE; ensure CE compliance and valid inspections. Plan to purchase locally if needed.

7. First weeks on site

   • Attend site induction and read the construction phase plan.
   • Review RAMS for your tasks; if missing, work with your supervisor to produce them.
   • Verify anchor certifications, scaffold handover, and MEWP pre-use checks daily.
   • Document everything - photos, checklists, and inspection tags.

8. Build your professional network

   • Join local safety forums, electrician groups, and renewable energy associations.
   • Attend toolbox talks and volunteer to lead sessions on rescue plans or dropped object prevention.

Success Tips from Expats

• Learn the safety vocabulary in Romanian early. It speeds up toolbox talks and reduces misunderstandings when coordinating lifts or edge protection.
• Bring your best practices, but adapt to local normatives. Know your I7 low-voltage rules and the distribution operator conditions for grid-tied PV.
• Never assume anchors are certified. Ask for the documentation and check installation dates, load tests, and tags.
• Weather can be your biggest risk. Romania's wind in Dobrogea and sudden summer storms in the mountains can shut down elevated work. Plan alternative tasks for bad weather days.
• Win trust by being paperwork-ready: your ANRE application, GWO card, MEWP operator certificate, and PPE inspection records.
• For wind roles, maintain fitness. Tower climbs are demanding and rescue procedures require strength and calm under pressure.
• In logistics centers, coordinate with traffic marshals. MEWP and forklift interactions are a frequent hazard.
• Use tool tethering consistently. Dropped screwdrivers or sockets from height are a zero-tolerance issue on many sites.
• Respect lockout-tagout rigorously. Combining height and energized work multiplies consequences.

Job Opportunities Snapshot by City

• Bucharest: High-rise retrofits, data center electrical works, and large PV roofs on retail and logistics. Employers include large electrical contractors and international EPCs.
• Cluj-Napoca: Factory expansions, automation lines, and machine power in tech parks. Expect MEWP-heavy work in high-bay halls.
• Timisoara: Automotive supplier plants, conveyor systems, and cranes. Safety culture is mature with strict RAMS.
• Iasi: Hospitals and universities undergoing modernization. Rooftop AC and electrical tie-ins are common.
• Brasov: Aerospace and machinery production sites with structured safety programs and complex elevated work.
• Constanta and Dobrogea: Wind farm O&M hubs. GWO credentials are a must; rescue drills are routine.

Tools and Equipment: What to Bring and What to Source Locally

• Bring:
  • Personal harness sized to you if you prefer your own, with documentation and recent inspection.
  • Insulated hand tools rated to 1000 V, and your preferred multimeter with calibration certificate.
  • Helmet with chin strap suitable for work at height, safety glasses, and gloves.
• Source locally or via employer:
  • Anchors, lifelines, energy absorbers, and rescue kits matched to site engineering.
  • MEWPs and scaffolds from approved local suppliers.
  • Arc-rated clothing suited to local fault energy calculations.

Ensure all equipment carries CE marking and matches EN or IEC standards required by the site and employer.

How to Approach ANRE Authorization Strategically

• If your immediate role is site installation under a foreman with ANRE, you may start work while preparing for your exam, provided your duties fit within legal supervision.
• Target Grade I B for low-voltage execution if you work on commercial and residential installations. Progress to higher grades as your role expands.
• If you take on design responsibilities, pursue Grade I A and higher as needed.
• Keep a logbook of projects, voltages, systems, and your responsibilities. This experience record supports future grade upgrades.

Real-World Scenarios and Safe Solutions

• Scenario 1 - Rooftop PV on a warehouse in Bucharest:
  • Hazards: Unprotected edges, skylights, high winds, trip hazards from rails.
  • Controls: Temporary guardrails at access points, skylight covers, weather monitoring with a defined wind cutoff, fall restraint lines around inverter platforms, and tool tethering.
• Scenario 2 - LED retrofit in a high-bay logistics center in Timisoara:
  • Hazards: MEWP traffic interaction, unstable floor points, overhead sprinklers.
  • Controls: Traffic management plan, ground assessment for load-bearing, MEWP harness for booms, and strict proximity limits to sprinklers.
• Scenario 3 - Turbine service in Dobrogea:
  • Hazards: Vertical climbs, confined nacelle space, lightning, and sudden gusts.
  • Controls: GWO training, two-person rule, weather windows, lightning detection policy, rescue devices ready, and lockout of yaw/pitch systems.

Common Challenges for Global Electricians

• Romanian electrical standards: Expect differences from your home country. Study normatives (such as I7) and SR EN references used locally.
• Voltage and equipment: Romania uses 230/400 V at 50 Hz and Type F sockets. Tool chargers and testing equipment must match power and plug types.
• Local codes and permits: Municipal permitting and distribution operator approvals are specific; work closely with your design team and site manager.
• Tool certification: Non-CE tools may be rejected. Re-verify CE and EN conformity for harnesses, lanyards, and MEWP attachments.
• Documentation language: Many site documents are in Romanian. Ask for bilingual RAMS when possible; otherwise, get help from a colleague to ensure you understand.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Romania offers electricians a powerful combination of EU-grade projects, expanding renewable energy, and a cost-of-living advantage that can accelerate your savings and career. If you are experienced with elevated work - rooftops, turbines, MEWPs, scaffolds - you will find numerous opportunities, provided you commit to Romania's safety and compliance expectations.

Your next steps are clear: research your target city, secure a sponsoring employer, prepare your documents for the work permit and D/AM visa if you are a Global citizen, plan your ANRE authorization path, and refresh your working at heights credentials. Come prepared, and you will thrive.

Ready to explore roles in Romania? Shortlist three employers today, update your CV with your height work credentials, and book a consultation with an immigration or relocation specialist to map your timeline.

FAQ

1) Can I start working in Romania without ANRE authorization?

You can be employed and perform certain tasks under supervision, but many installation and sign-off responsibilities require an ANRE-authorized individual. Employers often hire experienced electricians and sponsor their ANRE exam within the first months. Do not represent yourself as authorized until ANRE issues your grade.

2) Which ANRE grade should I pursue first?

If you will install and commission low-voltage systems for commercial and residential consumers, start with Grade I B (execution). If you are involved in project design, aim for Grade I A. As you expand into medium and high voltage, pursue higher grades aligned with your duties.

3) Are GWO certificates mandatory for wind turbine work in Romania?

Yes, for reputable operators. GWO Work at Height, First Aid, Manual Handling, and Fire Awareness are standard. For certain roles, Sea Survival is required. Keep certificates current and carry your digital card.

4) Will my MEWP operator license from abroad be accepted?

Many employers accept international MEWP training if the content is equivalent and current. However, some sites require a Romanian-accredited course or a conversion. Expect a site induction and a practical assessment before you are allowed to operate.

5) What PPE is mandatory for working at heights?

At a minimum: a full-body harness (EN 361), energy-absorbing lanyard or fall arrest system (EN 355/EN 363), compatible connectors (EN 362), and appropriate anchors (EN 795). Add helmet with chin strap, safety footwear, gloves, and where needed, arc-rated clothing. Follow the RAMS for additional PPE.

6) How do taxes affect my net salary?

Romania typically applies a 10% income tax and employee social contributions withheld from gross pay. Your net will depend on your gross salary and any sector-specific reliefs. Ask HR for a net pay estimate that includes meal vouchers and allowances.

7) How long does it take to obtain the work visa (Global citizens)?

From employer work permit application to visa issuance, plan on 8-12 weeks, depending on document preparation, the IGI workload, and consular appointments. Start early, and keep digital copies of all translations and legalizations.

8) Can my spouse work in Romania?

Spouses who obtain residence via family reunification may work after securing the appropriate authorization. The process is simpler if your spouse finds an employer willing to support their permit, or if your spouse is an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen, in which case no work permit is required.

9) What are the safe approach distances near live parts?

Follow SR EN 50110 and any distribution operator rules. Distances vary by voltage level and site conditions. When in doubt, de-energize and lock out. If live work proximity is unavoidable, you must implement additional barriers, insulation, and a designated safety observer under a permit to work.

10) Can I work as a freelancer immediately?

You can, but immigration and tax compliance are more complex for Global citizens. Many electricians start as employees under a sponsored permit, then later set up a Romanian SRL for contracting work, with proper registrations for tax and social contributions. Get professional advice before choosing this route.