Skill Assessments and Licensing for Electricians Abroad

Introduction

Relocating from Global to Romania as a professional electrician can open the door to stable EU jobs, modern projects across renewable energy and construction, and a cost of living that lets your salary go further. Whether you specialize in residential wiring, industrial power systems, automation, or solar PV installations, Romania offers a dynamic market that values certified skills and safe work practices. The key to a smooth move is understanding how your existing qualifications translate in Romania, how to obtain the right authorizations from ANRE, and which visas and documents you need to work legally.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about skill assessments, licensing, visas, and documentation. It covers the ANRE electrician authorization pathway, Romanian and EU standards you must follow on site, realistic salary ranges in both EUR and RON, and a step by step relocation plan tailored for electricians from Global. By the end, you will know the exact checkpoints to hit so you can land a job, get authorized, and start working safely and legally in Romania.

Why Romania

Romania is one of the EU markets where skilled trades like electrical installations are in high demand. It blends European market access with relatively low living costs and a growing pipeline of energy, industrial, logistics, and residential projects.

Key advantages for electricians

EU membership and market access: Romania is a member of the European Union, making it a gateway to EU-standard projects, supply chains, and employers. Once you have the right work authorization and ANRE credentials, you can position yourself for EU projects and regional mobility.
Strong demand for electricians: The construction boom, industrial expansions, and accelerated roll out of renewable energy have intensified demand for licensed electricians, supervisors, testers, and commissioning specialists.
Lower cost of living: Compared to many Western European capitals, Romanian cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi offer lower housing and daily costs. Your net pay stretches further, especially if you negotiate overtime or project allowances.
Renewable energy growth: Romania is scaling solar, wind, and grid modernization, creating consistent work for PV installers, medium voltage technicians, and SCADA or automation electricians.
Cultural fit and quality of life: You will find a friendly culture, good internet connectivity, efficient mobile banking, and a growing expat community in major cities. Romania offers plentiful outdoor activities and a mix of modern and historic cityscapes.

Job Market Overview

Romania's electrical job market spans residential and commercial construction, industrial facilities, utilities, and renewable energy. Demand is highest in urban hubs and industrial regions.

Where the jobs are

Bucharest: The largest market for commercial construction and building systems, including office towers, retail, hotels, data centers, and smart building retrofits. Also a headquarters hub for major contractors and engineering firms.
Cluj-Napoca: Strong in IT, automation, and industrial parks. Good opportunities in building management systems, factory maintenance, and integration of automation and low-voltage systems.
Timisoara: Manufacturing and automotive supply chain clusters create steady demand for industrial electricians, PLC technicians, and maintenance teams.
Iasi: Developing construction sector, university facilities, and growing tech presence. Residential and commercial wiring, telecoms, and facility management roles are common.
Renewable energy sites nationwide: Solar PV farms, distributed rooftop PV for prosumers, wind maintenance, and grid connection works.

Typical roles for experienced electricians

Residential and commercial installation electrician: Install and commission wiring, distribution boards, lighting, and protection devices in residential blocks and commercial sites.
Industrial electrician: Maintenance and installation of motors, drives, MCCs, PLCs, conveyors, and safety systems in factories and logistics centers.
Renewable energy electrician: DC and AC side of PV systems, string design, inverter commissioning, protection, and grid interconnection. Some roles include wind farm maintenance.
Testing and inspection technician: Verification and periodic testing of grounding, insulation resistance, RCDs, and system safety. PRAM testing and reporting are common in Romania.
BMS or automation technician: Install and commission building automation systems, access control, fire detection integration, KNX, and BACnet networks.
Medium or high voltage technician: Work on substations, underground cable routes, switchgear, and protection relays for industrial clients and utilities.

Typical employers

Electrical contractors: Local and national firms delivering residential, commercial, and industrial projects. Examples include Electromontaj and Energobit, alongside many medium sized contractors across regions.
Construction companies: General contractors like Bog'Art or international groups active in Romania often recruit electricians through subcontractors.
Industrial facilities: Automotive plants, food processing, logistics hubs, and electronics manufacturing. Employers include companies operating in Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Pitesti areas.
Renewable energy companies: EPC firms and O and M providers working on solar PV farms and rooftop installations, plus wind projects and grid integration.
Utilities and distribution operators: Grid distribution companies and their contractors handle maintenance and modernization of low and medium voltage networks.

Legal Requirements

If you are a citizen of Global (non EU, non EEA, non Swiss), you must secure the right to work in Romania before starting your job. This typically involves a work permit application by your Romanian employer and a long stay employment visa for you.

Key pathways for non EU citizens

Standard work permit and long stay employment visa
- Employer applies for a work permit known as aviz de munca at the General Inspectorate for Immigration, often referred to as IGI. The process commonly takes several weeks.
- Once the work permit is granted, you apply for a long stay visa for employment at a Romanian consulate. The visa code is typically D AM.
- After entering Romania on the D AM visa, you must apply for a residence permit within 90 days. This card allows you to reside and work legally for the sponsoring employer.
EU Blue Card (for highly skilled workers)
- For highly skilled roles that meet a salary threshold set by Romanian authorities, you may qualify for the EU Blue Card pathway.
- The Blue Card requires proof of higher education or equivalent qualifications and an employment contract with a salary above a threshold, generally around two times the national gross average wage. Check the current threshold before applying.
Seconded or posted workers
- Some technicians arrive as seconded staff to Romanian projects. In such cases, the sending employer outside Romania handles much of the paperwork. Ensure your status and right to work are clear and compliant.

General document checklist for work authorization

Valid passport with sufficient validity
Employment contract or firm job offer from a Romanian employer
Employer obtained work permit (aviz de munca) prior to your visa application
Proof of qualifications and experience (trade certificates, diplomas, references)
Criminal record certificate from your home country
Proof of accommodation in Romania for the visa and later for residence permit
Valid medical insurance for visa application if required
Passport photos that meet Romanian consular specifications
Official translations into Romanian of key documents prepared by a sworn translator

Timeline overview

Employer work permit application: around 30 days from submission, if complete
Long stay employment visa processing at consulate: typically 10 to 30 days
Residence permit application in Romania at IGI: submit within 90 days of entry; processing can take several weeks

Key tip: Begin assembling your documents early, especially criminal record certificates and diploma copies. Obtain apostille or consular legalization where required and prepare certified Romanian translations.

Note for EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens

Citizens of EU, EEA, or Switzerland do not need a work permit but must register their residence if staying longer than 3 months. They can work freely for Romanian employers subject to professional authorization rules such as ANRE where applicable.

Certification and License Recognition

The core professional licensing body for electricians in Romania is ANRE, short for Autoritatea Nationala de Reglementare in domeniul Energiei. ANRE authorizes electricians who design and or execute electrical works on installations. If you will work in roles that involve design, execution, testing, or operation of installations, you will very likely need ANRE authorization in addition to your visa and employment contract.

Understanding ANRE electrician authorizations

Grades: I, II, III, IV
Categories: A for design and B for execution
Scope by voltage: Broadly, Grade II covers low voltage up to 1 kV, Grade III covers medium voltage up to about 20 to 35 kV, and Grade IV covers high voltage levels above those thresholds. Grade I often covers testing, verification, or operation within limited scopes, typically at low voltage. Always verify the precise limits in the latest ANRE regulation, as technical scope and terminology are periodically updated.

What authorization do you need

Residential and small commercial works: Commonly Grade II B for execution up to 1 kV. Designers would look at Grade II A for design responsibilities.
Industrial LV and some MV work: Grade II B for LV and Grade III B for MV execution as needed. Supervisory or design engineers may require Grade III A.
Substations and high voltage networks: Grade IV levels for both A and B depending on responsibility.
Testing and verification roles: Some testing and PRAM work may be covered under Grade I or II scopes. Check current ANRE guidance and the nature of tests.

How your foreign credentials are recognized

Map your qualifications
- Gather diplomas, trade licenses, apprenticeship records, and detailed employment references. Include hour counts, voltage levels, and types of systems you worked on.
Translate and legalize
- Use certified Romanian translations for diplomas and certificates.
- Obtain apostille or consular legalization where applicable.
Determine the recognition route
- For higher education degrees (for example electrical engineering), Romania uses CNRED, the National Center for Recognition and Equivalence of Diplomas, to recognize academic qualifications. This recognition supports Category A design authorizations or engineering roles.
- For vocational and trade qualifications, the National Authority for Qualifications (ANC) framework and ANRE regulations are relevant. ANRE focuses on practical competence and documented experience for authorization.
Apply for ANRE authorization
- Choose the grade and category that match your intended scope of work and experience.
- Compile your dossier. Typical items include application form, identity document or residence proof, translated and legalized diplomas, evidence of professional experience with voltage levels and duties, references, and proof of relevant safety training.
- Pay applicable fees and register for the exam or evaluation session.
Prepare for the ANRE exam or evaluation
- Written and or oral components usually cover Romanian regulations, norms, and safety practices.
- Expect questions drawn from Romanian norms such as Normativ I7 for low voltage electrical installations, SR HD and SR EN series aligned with IEC 60364, and safety operation principles in EN 50110.
- Practical scenarios may involve sizing conductors, selecting protection devices, earthing and bonding, short circuit calculations, and interpreting schematic diagrams.
Receive authorization and maintain it
- Once granted, your authorization will be valid for a defined period and must be renewed. Renewal often requires proof of continued practice, possibly CPD or refresher training, and fee payment.

Important Romanian and EU standards for electricians

Romanian low voltage installations: Normativ I7 (latest revision) governs design and execution of LV installations in buildings. It aligns with IEC 60364 principles but uses Romanian specific requirements, symbols, and terminology.
EU Low Voltage Directive: LVD 2014 35 EU applies to equipment within 50 to 1000 V AC. Electricians using or installing equipment must ensure it bears the CE mark and is compliant.
EU EMC Directive: 2014 30 EU for electromagnetic compatibility of devices and systems.
Machinery safety: 2006 42 EC for machinery and EN 60204 1 for electrical equipment of machines.
Operation of electrical installations: EN 50110 series outlines safe operation practices.
Arc flash and PPE: European and IEC standards such as IEC 61482 for protective clothing. Some Romanian employers adopt internal procedures referencing these norms.
Testing and measurement: PRAM testing requirements for earthing and lightning protection must follow applicable Romanian norms. Measuring instruments require periodic calibration by accredited labs in Romania.

Specialized authorizations and safety certifications

ANRE electrician grades I to IV in categories A and or B are central for professional practice.
SSM training: Occupational health and safety training is mandatory for all employees. Expect induction SSM training when you start and periodic refreshers.
Work at height certification: Needed for rooftop PV or high cable run works.
First aid certification: Often required by contractors for site access.
Fire safety training: Required in certain facilities with ISU compliance procedures.
Vendor specific certifications: KNX Partner for building automation, inverter manufacturer training for PV commissioning, or PLC vendor training can be differentiators.

Tool and equipment compliance in Romania

Voltage and frequency: Romania operates at 230 400 V, 50 Hz, with Type F Schuko sockets.
CE conformity: Power tools, test instruments, and temporary site equipment must be CE compliant and suitable for 230 V operation.
Calibration: Insulation testers, loop testers, clamp meters, and multifunction testers should be calibrated by labs accredited in Romania under ISO IEC 17025. Keep calibration certificates current.
RCDs and site transformers: Expect strict site requirements for RCD protection, lockout tagout, and proper use of temporary power distribution boards.

Common challenges for Global electricians

Romanian norms and terminology: Even if you know IEC 60364, the Romanian Normativ I7 structure and local labeling conventions may feel different at first.
Voltage differences: Electricians arriving from 120 240 V countries must adjust to 230 400 V systems and three phase distribution as standard in commercial and industrial settings.
Documentation style: Test reports, commissioning logs, and PRAM documentation have Romanian formats that you will learn to complete accurately.
ANRE exam language: The exam and most site documentation are in Romanian, so language preparation is essential.

Salary and Benefits

Romanian electrician salaries vary by city, voltage level, authorization grade, and sector. The figures below are typical ranges as of recent market conditions. Use them as a benchmark when negotiating.

Note on currency: 1 EUR is roughly 5.0 RON for easy comparison. Salaries may be quoted gross or net. Confirm whether figures are gross before taxes or net take home.

Typical monthly net salary ranges for electricians

Junior residential electrician in cities like Iasi or Timisoara: 3,500 to 5,500 RON net per month (about 700 to 1,100 EUR)
Experienced residential or commercial electrician with ANRE Grade II B in Bucharest or Cluj-Napoca: 5,500 to 8,500 RON net (about 1,100 to 1,700 EUR)
Industrial electrician with MV exposure and strong troubleshooting skills: 6,500 to 10,000 RON net (about 1,300 to 2,000 EUR)
Site supervisor or foreman with ANRE Grade III or IV and team leadership: 9,000 to 14,000 RON net (about 1,800 to 2,800 EUR)
Specialized roles such as commissioning engineer, BMS specialist, or PV commissioning lead may attract higher day rates on projects, especially with overtime and travel allowances.

Benefits and allowances to negotiate

Overtime and weekend rates: Common on projects with tight schedules
Per diem for travel: For work away from your home city or at remote sites
Accommodation and transport: For project assignments or rotation roles
PPE and tool allowance: Employers must provide PPE; clarify tools provided versus your own
Training budget: Ask for support with ANRE exam fees, safety courses, and vendor certifications
Health insurance top up: Many employers offer private health insurance in addition to state coverage

Income taxes and social contributions

Romania uses flat income tax rates for salaries and mandatory social security contributions. Employers typically handle withholding.
If you freelance or set up a company, tax treatment differs. Many newcomers start with standard employment until they learn the local tax system.

Cost of Living

Your cost of living depends on city and lifestyle. Overall, Romania offers competitive costs relative to Western Europe, allowing a comfortable standard of living on an electrician salary.

Estimated monthly costs for a single professional

Bucharest

Rent 1 bedroom apartment
- City center: 500 to 800 EUR (2,500 to 4,000 RON)
- Outside center: 350 to 550 EUR (1,750 to 2,750 RON)
Utilities for one: 80 to 150 EUR (400 to 750 RON) depending on season
Internet and mobile: 15 to 25 EUR (75 to 125 RON)
Public transport pass: 15 to 20 EUR (75 to 100 RON)
Groceries: 200 to 300 EUR (1,000 to 1,500 RON)
Eating out and leisure: 150 to 250 EUR (750 to 1,250 RON)

Cluj-Napoca

Rent 1 bedroom
- Center: 450 to 700 EUR (2,250 to 3,500 RON)
- Outside center: 350 to 550 EUR (1,750 to 2,750 RON)
Other monthly costs are similar to Bucharest

Timisoara

Rent 1 bedroom
- Center: 350 to 600 EUR (1,750 to 3,000 RON)
- Outside center: 300 to 500 EUR (1,500 to 2,500 RON)

Iasi

Rent 1 bedroom
- Center: 300 to 500 EUR (1,500 to 2,500 RON)
- Outside center: 250 to 450 EUR (1,250 to 2,250 RON)

Saving strategies

Choose accommodation outside the city center and close to major transit lines
Use monthly public transport passes for predictable costs
Shop at supermarkets and local markets for fresh produce
Negotiate per diems or housing allowances when working away from your base city

Cultural Integration

Integrating into Romanian life and the workplace will accelerate your career progress and make daily life easier.

Language basics

Romanian is the official language. Many colleagues speak some English, especially in engineering and management. On site, however, Romanian is often preferred.
Focus on construction and electrical vocabulary such as conductor, breaker, earthing, cable tray, conduit, junction box, and test report equivalents in Romanian.
Take a beginner Romanian course early. Even basic greetings, numbers, and safety phrases help a lot on site.

Workplace culture

Professional and pragmatic: Employers value punctuality, safety compliance, and accurate documentation.
Hierarchical yet collaborative: Respect for supervisors and site leads is important. Decisions often flow from the site manager or project engineer.
Safety first: SSM training, toolbox talks, and lockout tagout are serious matters. Expect to wear PPE and follow site procedures strictly.
Documentation discipline: Test reports, commissioning checklists, PRAM certificates, and handover packs must be complete and in Romanian.

Networking

Join local professional groups, technical forums, and vendor training sessions to meet peers.
Major cities have active communities around renewable energy and building automation that host workshops.

Life tips

Banking: Most banks offer English interfaces. You will need identification and residence documentation to open an account.
Healthcare: With employment, you contribute to the state health system. Many employers provide private health insurance as well.
Transport: Ride hailing and public transport are reliable in major cities. Long distance trains connect regional hubs.

Practical Steps to Relocate

Follow this step by step plan to move from Global to Romania as a licensed electrician.

Assess your goals and target role
- Decide on your preferred sector: residential, commercial, industrial, or renewable energy.
- Identify the voltage levels you want to work with and whether you will need ANRE Grade II, III, or IV.
Prepare your professional dossier
- Update your CV with voltage levels, standards used, and project scope.
- Collect diplomas, trade certificates, apprenticeship records, and detailed employment references.
- Gather evidence of safety training such as first aid or work at height.
Translate and legalize documents
- Use sworn translators to translate diplomas and references into Romanian.
- Obtain apostille or consular legalization for certificates if required.
Start job search and employer engagement
- Target contractors and EPC firms in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi.
- Highlight your experience with IEC aligned standards, PV installations, BMS systems, or MV work as relevant.
- Clarify in interviews that you are willing to pursue ANRE authorization and ask if the employer supports it with time and fees.
Secure a job offer and employer work permit application
- The employer applies for the work permit at IGI. Provide all requested documents promptly.
Apply for the long stay employment visa D AM
- Submit your visa application at a Romanian consulate with the work permit, employment contract, medical insurance, and proof of accommodation.
Enter Romania and apply for residence permit
- Within 90 days of entry, submit your residence permit application at IGI. Provide biometrics and pay the fee.
Begin ANRE authorization process in parallel
- Determine the grade and category for your role. For example, Grade II B for LV execution.
- Prepare application forms, pay fees, and register for the examination session.
Study Romanian standards and safety rules
- Focus on Normativ I7 for LV installations, EN 50110 for operation, and PRAM testing practices.
- Practice reading Romanian technical terms related to wiring methods, protective devices, and earthing.
Take the ANRE exam or evaluation
- Arrive with your ID, proof of fee payment, and any required materials.
- If successful, you will receive your authorization card and documentation.
Complete employer onboarding
- Attend SSM safety induction and site specific training.
- Receive PPE, verify tool and tester calibration, and review lockout tagout procedures.
Set up practical life essentials
- Open a bank account, register with healthcare, and set up mobile service.
- Finalize accommodation, ideally with easy access to your work site.
Keep records organized
- Maintain a digital folder with your ANRE certificate, calibration certificates, test reports, and work logs.
Plan for renewal and advancement
- Track authorization expiry dates and plan CPD or vendor courses.
- Consider progressing from Grade II to Grade III if you aim to work at MV levels.
Explore project mobility
- Once settled, consider roles that include regional travel, higher day rates, or supervisory responsibilities.

Success Tips

Learn Romanian technical vocabulary early. It will help you pass ANRE exams and collaborate smoothly on site.
Prioritize safety certifications such as first aid, work at height, and SSM refreshers. Employers notice electricians who lead by example on safety.
Keep testing equipment calibrated and carry certificates. Compliance checks are common and professional documentation builds trust.
Build a portfolio. Keep photos of panels, layouts, and as built diagrams, plus redlined schematics where permitted. Remove any confidential client data and focus on your contribution.
Network with local suppliers and distributors. Knowing where to source compliant materials quickly saves time on projects.
Negotiate training support. Ask employers to sponsor ANRE exams or vendor courses such as KNX Partner or inverter commissioning.
Choose a city that matches your goals. Bucharest for commercial towers and data centers, Cluj-Napoca for automation and tech, Timisoara for manufacturing, Iasi for cost advantages and steady residential growth.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Romania is an excellent destination for electricians from Global who want to combine EU level projects with a cost of living that lets you get ahead. The path is clear. Secure a job offer, complete the work permit and D AM visa, and obtain the right ANRE authorization. Focus on Romanian standards like Normativ I7, align your tools and documentation with EU directives, and maintain a strong record of safety and testing.

If you are ready to move, start today by auditing your qualifications, lining up translations, and contacting employers in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi. Ask about support for ANRE authorization and training. With a structured plan, you can be on site, fully authorized, and earning competitively in just a few months.

FAQ

1. Do I need ANRE authorization to work as an electrician in Romania

In most professional roles involving design, execution, testing, or operation of electrical installations, yes. ANRE authorization is the recognized credential. Employers often require at least Grade II B for low voltage execution. Supervisory or MV roles may require Grade III or IV. Always confirm the exact scope with your employer and review current ANRE regulations.

2. How do I convert my foreign electrician license to ANRE authorization

You do not convert directly. You submit an ANRE application including translated and legalized diplomas, documented experience, and proof of safety training. Then you sit the ANRE exam or evaluation for the grade and category that match your scope. Prepare using Romanian norms such as Normativ I7 and EN 50110.

3. What visa do I need as a non EU electrician

Your Romanian employer applies for a work permit. After approval, you apply for a long stay employment visa D AM at a Romanian consulate. Once in Romania, you apply for a residence permit at IGI within 90 days. If you qualify as highly skilled with a salary above a threshold, you may consider the EU Blue Card route.

4. Are my tools and testers from abroad acceptable in Romania

Yes, if they are CE compliant and suitable for 230 400 V, 50 Hz. You must maintain valid calibration certificates from accredited labs. Many sites will check calibration dates for insulation testers, RCD testers, and clamp meters. Ensure leads, adapters, and fuses match Schuko Type F and local safety requirements.

5. What are typical salaries for electricians in Romania

Ranges vary by city and specialization. A junior electrician might earn 3,500 to 5,500 RON net monthly, while experienced commercial or industrial electricians often earn 5,500 to 10,000 RON net. Supervisors with ANRE Grade III or IV can reach 9,000 to 14,000 RON net. Overtime, per diems, and project allowances can increase overall income.

6. Which Romanian standards should I study for the ANRE exam

Study Normativ I7 for low voltage installations, EN 50110 for safe operation of electrical installations, and IEC aligned SR HD and SR EN standards used in Romania. Be ready for questions on conductor sizing, protection devices, earthing, RCD selection, short circuit calculations, and testing procedures including PRAM.

7. Can I work in Romania if I only speak English

It is possible to get hired by international contractors or on projects where English is used, but you will still need Romanian for ANRE exams and daily site documentation. Learning Romanian technical terms significantly improves your prospects and efficiency.

8. Is Romania a good base for renewable energy electricians

Yes. Romania is scaling solar PV across utility scale and rooftop segments and continues to develop wind and grid modernization. With ANRE authorization and vendor certifications for inverters or monitoring systems, you can join EPC or O and M teams and build a strong project portfolio.

9. How long does ANRE authorization take

Timeframes vary by the completeness of your dossier and exam scheduling. If your documents are ready and you pass the exam at the first opportunity, you could receive authorization within a few weeks to a few months. Plan ahead and coordinate with your employer for exam dates.

10. What are the main cultural differences on Romanian job sites

Romanian sites emphasize punctuality, safety, and clear chains of command. Documentation is important and typically in Romanian. You will find a professional yet approachable culture where technicians and engineers cooperate closely. Respect standard procedures, attend toolbox talks, and keep your reports accurate and timely.