Starting Your Own Electrical Business Overseas

Introduction

If you are a professional electrician in Global thinking about a fresh start in Europe, Romania should be on your shortlist. The country combines EU market access, robust demand for skilled trades, a cost structure that lets you stretch your capital, and a location that puts you within a few hours of most major European hubs. Whether your goal is to work for a while to understand the local market or to launch your own electrical contracting business from day one, Romania is a practical, high-upside destination.

This guide is written specifically for electricians relocating to Romania to start or scale an electrical services business. It covers the legal requirements, market entry options, ANRE authorization (mandatory for most professional work), Romanian electrical standards, EU directives that apply, and concrete steps to set up a company, invoice clients, and build a sustainable pipeline. It also includes realistic salary and rate benchmarks, cost-of-living estimates for Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi, and field-tested tips from expats who have done it.

The goal is simple: give you an actionable roadmap from Global to Romania with as few surprises as possible.

Why Romania?

EU membership and market access

Romania is a member of the European Union. That status matters for several reasons:

EU directives and standards: As an electrician, you will work under EU frameworks like the Low Voltage Directive and the EMC Directive. This creates predictable compliance and opens up sourcing and subcontracting across the EU.
Cross-border clients: Once established, you can bid or subcontract on projects tied to EU funding or private investments in neighboring EU countries.
Stability and growth: Romania has seen steady infrastructure investment in transport, energy, industrial facilities, and residential construction.

Cost of living and operating

Romania offers competitive EU salaries but a lower cost base than many Western EU countries. This helps you:

Retain more profit when you price projects in EUR.
Hire staff at competitive wages compared with Western Europe.
Afford warehouse or workshop space without crushing overhead.

Quality of life

Vibrant urban centers: Bucharest is dynamic and fast-paced, with a large construction pipeline. Cluj-Napoca is a tech hub with strong residential and commercial demand. Timisoara and Iasi blend university talent, industrial growth, and livable neighborhoods.
Nature and leisure: Mountains, the Black Sea, and historic towns are within reach for weekend trips.
Culture: English is widely understood in major cities, especially in technical and business contexts.

Strong and diverse demand for electricians

Ongoing demand drivers include:

Renewable energy installations: Rooftop solar, small commercial PV, and utility-scale PV and wind integration.
Industrial automation and manufacturing upgrades: Automotive, electronics, and FMCG plants expanding in western and central Romania.
Residential construction: New apartment blocks and suburban housing; retrofits for older buildings.
Smart buildings and BMS: Office towers and retail centers focusing on energy efficiency and automation.
E-mobility: EV charging infrastructure in urban areas and along highways.

For independent contractors and small firms, Romania is the right size to build a reputation quickly while large enough to support sustained growth.

Job Market Overview

Even if your plan is entrepreneurship, knowing the employment landscape helps you assess demand, set rates, and identify potential partners or clients.

High-opportunity sectors

Renewable energy: Residential and commercial PV installations, inverter commissioning, energy storage integration, and grid interconnection work. EPCs and developers often subcontract electrical installation and O&M.
Industrial automation: PLC wiring, control panels, conveyor systems, variable frequency drives, and instrument calibration in factories. Many plants rely on a mix of internal maintenance teams and specialized subcontractors.
Residential and commercial fit-outs: New builds and renovations require compliant wiring, panel upgrades, and smart home integrations.
Smart building systems: BMS, access control, CCTV, fire detection systems integration with electrical installations.
Data centers and telecom: Structured cabling, grounding, power distribution units, and generator-synchronization work.
E-mobility: AC and DC charging station installations for commercial fleets and public sites.

City-by-city highlights

Bucharest: The largest market with high-rise developments, complex commercial projects, and plentiful renewable retrofits. Payment cycles can be longer but project volume is strong.
Cluj-Napoca: Growth from IT, education, and residential demand. Clients expect quality finishes and documentation.
Timisoara: Manufacturing presence and cross-border links to western EU markets make it ideal for industrial electrical contractors.
Iasi: Public projects, healthcare facilities, universities, and steady residential expansion.

Typical employers and partners

Electrical contractors and EPC companies handling large projects.
Construction firms seeking electrical subcontractors for fit-out and MEP packages.
Industrial facilities requiring specialized vendors for shutdowns, expansions, and maintenance.
Renewable energy companies needing certified installers for PV, wind interconnects, and O&M.

For a new business owner, these organizations can be your first clients, especially if you bring niche skills like industrial automation, solar commissioning, or complex diagnostics.

Legal Requirements

Moving to Romania from Global involves both immigration and professional compliance steps. Plan ahead to align your visa status, company setup, and professional authorization.

Immigration and work authorization for Global citizens

Romania issues long-stay visas and residence permits for several purposes relevant to electricians:

Employment: For those taking a job with a Romanian employer. Typically, the employer applies for a work permit through the General Inspectorate for Immigration, then you apply for a long-stay visa at a Romanian consulate, and after arrival, you convert it to a residence permit.
Highly qualified employment (EU Blue Card): For eligible candidates with higher education and a contract meeting the salary threshold. Useful if you are entering a senior engineering or management role.
Business and self-employment: For individuals who plan to perform economic activities or manage a company in Romania. This can support entrepreneurs launching an electrical contracting business.

General process overview (timelines vary):

Confirm eligibility: Choose the correct visa category based on employment, entrepreneurship, or highly qualified work.
Gather documentation: Passport, proof of qualifications, criminal record certificate, health insurance, proof of funds, and in business cases, a business plan and company documents or plan to register.
Apply for a long-stay visa at a Romanian consulate: Processing usually takes several weeks.
Enter Romania and apply for a residence permit: Typically within 90 days of entry at the General Inspectorate for Immigration. Provide rental contract, health insurance, and updated company or employment documents.
Renew as required: Residence permits are granted for a fixed term and must be renewed before expiry.

Tip: If your primary goal is entrepreneurship, consider consulting an immigration lawyer familiar with self-employment and company director residence options. The exact documents and thresholds can change, and professional guidance will save time.

Business formation and registration

Most foreign electricians set up one of the following legal forms:

SRL (limited liability company): The most common structure for small to medium electrical contractors. You can have single or multiple shareholders. Minimum share capital is very low (often 1 RON). Limits personal liability to share capital when managed properly.
PFA (authorized natural person): Suitable for solo professionals. Simpler admin but personal liability is unlimited. Some larger clients prefer contracting with SRLs.

Key steps to open an SRL:

Choose a company name and check availability with the National Trade Register Office (ONRC).
Select your main NACE code: For electrical installation works, use 4321. Add other relevant secondary codes for related services.
Registered office: Provide a lease, ownership document, or hosting agreement for your business address.
Draft constitutive act: Outline shareholders, administrators, and scope.
Deposit share capital: Open a bank account and deposit the minimal share capital.
Submit incorporation dossier to ONRC: Include identification, articles, proof of registered office, bank certificate, and statements on beneficial ownership as required.
Receive company registration certificate and unique identification code (CUI): This is your tax ID.
Tax registrations with ANAF: Register for corporate tax and, if applicable, VAT. VAT registration is optional until you exceed the legal threshold; many contractors register for VAT immediately to reclaim input VAT on tools and materials. Seek current guidance on thresholds.
Set up e-invoicing: Romania has rolled out RO e-Factura. As of 2024, domestic B2B e-invoicing is broadly mandatory. Work with your accountant to register and integrate your invoicing system.
Open operational bank accounts: Consider multi-currency accounts (RON and EUR).
Occupational safety and fire prevention compliance: If you hire staff or operate a workshop, you must implement occupational health and safety (SSM) and fire safety (PSI) procedures, training, and documentation.

For a PFA, the process is streamlined through ONRC, but consider liability exposure and client expectations before choosing this route.

ANRE authorization for electricians

ANRE (Autoritatea Nationala de Reglementare in domeniul Energiei) authorizes electricians and companies to design, execute, and verify electrical installations connected to public networks. If you intend to offer professional electrical services, ANRE authorization is usually mandatory.

Key points:

Grades and specializations: ANRE uses grades (commonly I to IV) aligned with voltage levels and complexity, and types such as A (design), B (execution), and sometimes C (verification/technical checks). Lower grades typically cover low voltage up to 1 kV; higher grades cover medium and high voltage works.
Individual vs company authorization: Individual electricians obtain ANRE authorization to perform specific tasks. Companies can also be authorized if they employ ANRE-authorized staff and meet equipment and procedural requirements.
Eligibility: You must prove education (trade school, vocational or higher), relevant experience, and pass an exam. The exam and documentation are usually in Romanian.
Renewal: Authorizations are granted for a limited term (often 4 years) and require renewal with proof of continuing professional development and activity.

If you arrive with strong experience but no Romanian authorization, plan a timeline to sit the ANRE exam. In the interim, you can subcontract under a Romanian ANRE-authorized partner while you complete your paperwork.

Romanian electrical standards and EU directives

Your work must comply with both EU and Romanian frameworks.

EU Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU): Safety requirements for equipment operating between 50 and 1000 V AC.
EMC Directive (2014/30/EU): Ensures electrical equipment does not generate or is not affected by electromagnetic disturbance.
Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC), ATEX (2014/34/EU): Relevant when integrating machinery or working in explosive atmospheres.
CE marking and Declaration of Conformity: Equipment you install should be CE-marked. Retain declarations, datasheets, and installation manuals.
Romanian standards and norms: Romania implements the SR EN 60364 series for low-voltage installations and maintains national technical regulations commonly referenced as Normativ I7 for low voltage and other specialized norms for lightning protection and verification. Project documentation and as-built files typically cite these norms.
Tool compliance: Ensure that your tools and test instruments are CE-compliant and calibrated. PAT testing concepts vary by country; in Romania, focus on equipment conformity, calibration certificates for testers, and proper PPE.

Site safety and labor compliance

Occupational safety (SSM) and fire prevention (PSI): Mandatory trainings, risk assessments, and site-specific briefings are standard. Keep attendance sheets and records.
Electrical safety roles: Define responsible persons for lockout-tagout, live work restrictions, and periodic checks.
Contracts and labor: If you hire staff, you must register employment contracts with the labor authorities, respect minimum wage and overtime rules, and maintain timekeeping and payroll records. Many employers provide meal vouchers (tichete de masa) as a fringe benefit.

Certification and License Recognition

Your existing qualifications matter, but you will need to map them to Romanian requirements.

Academic and vocational diplomas: Use official translations into Romanian by a certified translator. The National Center for Recognition and Equivalence of Diplomas (CNRED) can recognize certain foreign diplomas. Recognition helps when applying for ANRE exams or when tendering.
Professional experience: Collect references, detailed CVs, project lists, and letters from clients. These documents strengthen your ANRE application and credibility with Romanian partners.
ANRE grades I-IV: There is no automatic conversion from foreign licenses. Expect to sit ANRE exams for the grade and type you require. Bring proof of education and experience to qualify. Plan extra time if your documentation needs recognition or authentication.
Safety certifications: First aid, working at height, electrical safety awareness, and hot work permits are common. Romanian providers offer these in Romanian; some may offer English sessions in larger cities.
Equipment operator tickets: If you operate platforms or lifting equipment, ensure you have locally recognized training. Coordinate with site HSE and the client to confirm accepted credentials.
Driving license: Most foreign driving licenses are valid for a period after arrival, but for long-term residence, you may need to exchange for a Romanian license depending on your country of origin. Confirm reciprocity rules for Global.

Salary and Benefits

Knowing both employment and self-employed rates helps you price your services.

Employment salaries (gross and net)

Note: Net pay matters most to workers in Romania, but clients and tenders often discuss gross values. A rough exchange rate for reference is 1 EUR = 5 RON. Contributions and taxes may reduce gross to net by roughly 35-45% depending on specifics.

Skilled electrician (low-voltage, residential/commercial):
- Net: 4,500 - 8,000 RON per month (approximately 900 - 1,600 EUR)
- Gross: 7,500 - 13,500 RON
Industrial electrician/automation technician:
- Net: 7,000 - 12,000 RON (approximately 1,400 - 2,400 EUR)
- Gross: 11,500 - 20,000 RON
Site supervisor/foreman:
- Net: 9,000 - 14,000 RON (approximately 1,800 - 2,800 EUR)
- Gross: 15,000 - 24,000 RON

Benefits may include meal vouchers, transport allowances, private health insurance, paid leave, and occasional per diem for projects outside your home city.

Self-employed and company owner rates

Day rates for independent electricians:
- 400 - 800 RON per day for standard residential/commercial work
- 800 - 1,500 RON per day for specialized works (industrial automation, commissioning, BMS)
Small project pricing:
- Apartment rewires: 4,000 - 12,000 RON depending on size and finishes
- Office fit-out (small): 15,000 - 50,000 RON depending on scope and material quality
Maintenance contracts:
- Monthly retainer for a small commercial site: 1,000 - 3,000 RON, plus call-out fees

Payment terms vary. B2B clients often use 30 to 60 days after invoice. For materials-heavy work, request mobilization payments and milestone billing. Retention of 5-10% until project completion is common in construction.

Cost of Living

Romania is affordable relative to Western Europe, but costs vary by city and neighborhood.

Typical monthly costs for a single professional (estimates):

Rent (1-bedroom near center):
- Bucharest: 450 - 700 EUR (2,250 - 3,500 RON)
- Cluj-Napoca: 400 - 600 EUR (2,000 - 3,000 RON)
- Timisoara: 350 - 550 EUR (1,750 - 2,750 RON)
- Iasi: 300 - 500 EUR (1,500 - 2,500 RON)
Utilities (electricity, water, gas, internet): 70 - 120 EUR (350 - 600 RON) depending on season
Mobile and internet: 7 - 15 EUR (35 - 75 RON)
Groceries and dining: 250 - 350 EUR (1,250 - 1,750 RON)
Local transport pass: 15 - 25 EUR (75 - 125 RON)
Fuel (if driving): Prices vary, but budget similar to other EU countries per liter
Coworking or small workshop space: From 150 EUR per month for basic coworking desks; small storage/workshop units vary widely by city

For a small company, common monthly overheads include accounting (100 - 300 EUR), software and cloud tools (20 - 100 EUR), insurance (variable), and vehicle costs.

Cultural Integration

You can thrive in Romania by embracing local communication styles and a few practical habits.

Language: Romanian is a Romance language. In technical and business circles in major cities, many people speak English. Learn basic Romanian phrases for greetings, directions, and common job-site terms. Technical documentation is often in Romanian.
Workplace culture: Punctuality is appreciated. Job sites are hierarchical, with clear roles for site managers and engineers. Provide documentation on time and communicate delays promptly.
Negotiation and trust: Relationships matter. Deliver on small jobs quickly to build trust that leads to larger contracts. Be transparent about imported materials and lead times.
Documentation: Romanian clients value clear offers, bills of quantities, and as-built documentation. Organize your files and label panels, circuits, and conduits in a way that aligns with local norms.
Holidays and scheduling: Account for public holidays and August vacations when planning manpower and delivery timelines.

Practical Steps to Relocate

Here is a step-by-step path from research to your first invoice.

6-12 months before moving
- Research your niche: Residential smart systems, industrial automation, or renewable installations.
- Contact potential partners: Electrical contractors, EPCs, and facility managers in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi.
- Validate your credentials: Translate diplomas and certificates. Start CNRED recognition if applicable.
- Learn about ANRE: Choose your target grade and type. Review exam topics.
- Budget and funding: Estimate 6-9 months of runway including living costs, tools, and company setup.
3-6 months before moving
- Immigration planning: Decide if you will enter as an employee first, as a business founder, or via the EU Blue Card if eligible. Start your visa application process.
- Business plan: Draft a plan focusing on NACE 4321 services, target clients, pricing, and marketing.
- Gather documents: Police clearance, health insurance, bank statements, translations of qualifications.
- Networking: Join Romanian industry groups and online communities. Schedule exploratory calls.
Arrive in Romania
- Address and residence: Secure a rental so you can register for residence. Apply for your residence permit within the required timeframe.
- Company registration: Register an SRL or PFA at ONRC. Pick NACE codes relevant to electrical installations.
- Bank and accounting: Open RON and EUR accounts. Hire an accountant who understands RO e-Factura and VAT.
- Insurance: Obtain public liability and professional indemnity where appropriate. Insure vehicles and tools.
- Tools and calibration: Check voltage compatibility (Romania is 230 V, 50 Hz, Type F sockets). Ensure your tools, testers, and PPE meet EU standards and have CE marking. Arrange calibration certificates where needed.
Regulatory and professional steps
- ANRE authorization: Submit your application for the appropriate grade and type. Prepare for the exam, typically in Romanian.
- Safety compliance: Implement SSM and PSI procedures, and train staff or subcontractors.
- Contracts and templates: Prepare service agreements, quotations, and invoices with clear terms, warranty clauses, and payment schedules.
Market entry and first clients
- Target quick wins: Offer inspections, panel upgrades, or EV charger installations to build references.
- Partnering strategy: Subcontract for larger contractors while you build your brand and finish ANRE authorization.
- Online presence: Launch a simple website in Romanian and English. Highlight ANRE authorization status and specialties.
- Tendering: Register on the public procurement portal (often referred to as SEAP or e-licitatie). Start with smaller tenders to learn the process.
Scale operations
- Hire selectively: Recruit technicians and apprentices. Provide training on Romanian standards and documentation.
- Invest in software: Use job management tools, estimating software, and a CRM to track leads and quotes.
- Expand services: Add BMS integration, thermal imaging inspections, or energy audits once you are established.

Success Tips From Other Expats

Learn enough Romanian to navigate job sites and forms. It pays off during inspections and handovers.
Deliver immaculate documentation. Annotated drawings, test results, and photos reduce disputes and speed up payments.
Price for sustainability. Factor travel, parking, permit time, calibration, and waste disposal into your rates.
Establish payment discipline. Ask for deposits on materials-heavy jobs, and define late fees in contracts.
Build redundancy. Keep a backup meter, spare battery packs, and a second ladder in your van. Small delays cost reputation.
Leverage local suppliers. Build relationships with Romanian wholesalers for better lead times and better support on warranty claims.
Respect Romanian standards. Even if your home-country methods work, align with SR EN 60364 and national norms cited by designers and inspectors.
Share risk with partners. For complex industrial automation projects, partner with a local controls integrator while you learn local PLC brands and standards.

Common Technical Differences To Expect

Voltage and frequency: Romania uses 230 V, 50 Hz. If you come from a 110 V, 60 Hz environment, check your tools, chargers, and testers.
Plugs and sockets: Type F (Schuko) is standard. Use appropriate adapters and ensure grounded connections.
Cable types and colors: Expect European harmonized colors (brown, blue, green-yellow). Verify local marking conventions in project documentation.
Conduits and panels: Metric sizes and DIN-rail standards are standard. Sourcing DIN breakers and accessories is straightforward.
Documentation: As-built documentation with circuit schedules, protection device settings, and test sheets is a must for handover.

Example Business Model For Year One

Services: Residential rewires, small commercial fit-outs, EV charger installation, and periodic testing.
Pricing strategy: Competitive rates for labor, transparent markup on materials, and service bundles for homeowners (inspection + minor fixes + panel labeling).
Marketing: Google Business Profile, localized website, listings on Romanian directories, collaboration with architects and general contractors, and presence in expat and local Facebook groups.
Cash flow: 30% mobilization, 40% mid-way, 30% at completion for project work. For small jobs, collect full payment on completion.
KPIs: Monthly pipeline value, quote hit rate, days sales outstanding, and rework rate below 2%.

Compliance Checklist Before Your First Project

Company registered at ONRC with NACE 4321.
Tax and, if applicable, VAT registration completed at ANAF.
RO e-Factura set up and tested.
Business bank accounts active (RON and EUR).
Public liability insurance in force; vehicle and tool insurance confirmed.
SSM and PSI documentation prepared; first aid and safety trainings scheduled.
ANRE application submitted; exam date planned. If not yet authorized, a partnering plan with an ANRE-authorized entity is in place.
Tool calibration certificates current for testers and meters.
Standard contract and quotation templates ready in Romanian and English.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Romania offers the right environment to start an electrical business: EU-aligned standards, a growing construction and industrial base, and a cost structure that rewards disciplined operators. If you are a professional electrician from Global, you can build a profitable operation by aligning your credentials with ANRE authorization, learning Romanian standards, and executing reliably.

Your next steps:

Decide on your entry path: employment first, or direct entrepreneurship.
Prepare your documents for CNRED and ANRE.
Map your budget and timeline for visa, company setup, and first contracts.
Reach out to two potential partners in Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca this week.

Momentum matters. The best time to plan your move is now. The best time to start your Romanian electrical business is as soon as your paperwork and market research line up.

FAQ

1) Do I need ANRE authorization to do residential work in Romania?

Yes. Professional electrical work, including residential installations connected to the public network, generally requires ANRE authorization. You can operate under the authorization of a partner company while you complete your own ANRE process, but direct execution without proper authorization can lead to penalties and liability exposure.

2) How different are Romanian electrical standards from what I use now?

Romania follows the SR EN 60364 series (aligned with IEC standards) and national technical norms such as Normativ I7 for low-voltage installations. If you are used to EU standards, the differences are manageable. If you come from a 110 V/60 Hz environment, expect changes in voltage, frequency, cable colors, conduit types, and documentation requirements. Learning the local norms and documentation practices is essential.

3) What visa do I need if I want to start my own electrical company?

If you are a Global citizen, you will typically apply for a long-stay visa and a residence permit suitable for business or self-employment purposes. Romania also offers work visas and an EU Blue Card for highly qualified employment. Requirements and categories can change, so consult a Romanian immigration specialist to select the correct pathway based on whether you will be employed by your company, act as an administrator, or work as a self-employed professional.

4) How long does it take to register a company?

If your documents are in order, registering an SRL with ONRC can take from a few days to two weeks. Add time for opening bank accounts, obtaining tax registrations, setting up RO e-Factura, and arranging insurance. Plan two to four weeks from submission to readiness to issue invoices.

5) What are realistic electrician rates in Bucharest versus Cluj-Napoca?

Rates are similar, with Bucharest often slightly higher. Day rates for experienced independent electricians range from 400 to 800 RON for standard work and 800 to 1,500 RON for specialized tasks. In Cluj-Napoca, competition is strong but clients value quality and timeliness, so well-documented work commands fair prices.

6) Can I bring my tools from Global?

Yes, but confirm compatibility. Romania is 230 V, 50 Hz, and uses Type F sockets. Many modern tools are dual-voltage or compatible with 230 V. Ensure CE marking and keep manuals and conformity declarations. For battery tools, mains chargers must accept 230 V. Calibrate testers and meters and keep certificates accessible for site inspections.

7) How do I find my first clients?

Start with subcontracting for established contractors, EPCs, and facility managers. Create a concise website and Google Business Profile, list on Romanian directories, and join local professional groups. Offer fast-turnaround services like inspections, small upgrades, and EV charger installs to build references.

8) Will clients accept English documentation?

Some will, but project files, test sheets, and as-built documentation are commonly expected in Romanian. Provide bilingual labels and documentation when possible. Your accountant and a technical translator can help you align forms with local expectations.

9) What about taxes and invoicing?

Register your company with ANAF for corporate tax and, if beneficial, VAT. Romania has introduced mandatory e-invoicing (RO e-Factura) for most B2B transactions. Work with an accountant to set up compliant invoicing and to manage VAT on materials and cross-border purchases.

10) Is it better to start as a PFA or an SRL?

A PFA is simpler for a solo operator with low risk, but personal liability is unlimited and some larger clients prefer SRLs. An SRL offers limited liability, easier scaling with employees, and broader client acceptance. Many foreign electricians start as an SRL to build credibility and manage risk.