Australia and New Zealand: Opportunities for International Electricians

Introduction

If you are a professional electrician based anywhere in the world and exploring a strategic move to Europe, Romania deserves a top spot on your shortlist. While many electricians look to Australia and New Zealand for their robust construction pipelines and attractive wages, Romania offers a compelling alternative within the European Union: competitive earnings relative to cost of living, a rapidly modernizing electrical infrastructure, growing demand across residential, commercial, and industrial segments, and straightforward licensing under the ANRE framework.

This guide is designed to help Global electricians evaluate Romania as a destination for long-term career growth and improved work-life balance. We will cover job demand by city and sector, ANRE authorization and how to convert your existing credentials, compliance with Romanian standards and EU directives, salary and benefits, the visa and work permit process for non-EU citizens, and practical steps to make your move successful. Along the way, we will also provide brief comparisons to Australia and New Zealand to help you benchmark Romania against other international destinations.

Why Romania?

Romania offers a unique combination of EU access, accelerating infrastructure investment, and a lower cost of living than Western European markets. For international electricians, this combination can translate into a higher quality of life, faster career progression, and opportunities to work on modern renewable and industrial projects.

Key reasons Romania stands out:

EU membership and market access: As an EU member state, Romania follows EU safety directives and standards. Experience gained in Romania can help you qualify for roles across the European market and build a CV that resonates in the EU.
Strong demand for electricians: There is continued growth in residential construction, industrial automation, foreign direct investment in manufacturing, and large-scale renewable energy projects. Public and private sectors are both investing heavily in power infrastructure, retrofits, and energy efficiency.
Lower cost of living: Compared with Australia, New Zealand, or Western Europe, your housing, transport, and day-to-day costs are significantly lower in Romania, especially outside central Bucharest. That boosts your net quality of life even at salary levels below Oceania.
Strategic location: Romania provides access to Central and Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and the Black Sea region. If you want to work on cross-border projects or with multinational employers, Romania is a strong base.
Work-life balance: Standard working weeks are typically 40 hours, with 20 or more days of paid leave and numerous public holidays. Meal vouchers and private health insurance are common benefits.

Where Romania compares favorably with Australia and New Zealand:

Visa path predictability: For non-EU citizens, Romania offers clear work permit pathways via employer sponsorship and the EU Blue Card for highly qualified roles.
Faster credential alignment: ANRE authorization exams and training can be completed with targeted preparation. If you already work at 230/400 V and 50 Hz (as in Australia and New Zealand), you will find many technical aspects familiar.
Access to EU-grade projects: From utility-scale solar and wind to smart building systems, Romania is upgrading to the same directives and technologies you will find in Western Europe.

Job Market Overview

Romania's electrical job market spans residential, commercial, industrial, and energy projects, with multiple hot spots across the country.

High-demand regions and cities

Bucharest: The capital and largest labor market. Strong demand for commercial fit-outs, smart buildings, data center projects, EV charging networks, and ongoing residential development. Many national contractors, integrators, and foreign-owned companies operate here.
Cluj-Napoca: A technology and innovation hub with building automation, industrial installations, and infrastructure upgrades. Renewable integration projects and retrofits are common.
Timisoara: A manufacturing powerhouse near the western border, with automotive electronics, industrial automation, and logistics facilities in need of electrical specialists.
Iasi: Growing residential and commercial construction, along with industrial modernization and public infrastructure upgrades.
Brasov and Sibiu: Industrial and logistics centers with ongoing construction and retrofitting work.
Constanta and Dobrogea: Key renewable energy region with wind and solar plants, grid connection projects, and port-related electrical works.

Sectors with strong opportunities

Renewable energy installations: Utility-scale solar PV farms, onshore wind in Dobrogea, and rooftop PV for prosumers across major cities. Roles include installation, commissioning, O&M, and grid interconnection.
Industrial automation and controls: Automotive suppliers, electronics assembly, food processing, and logistics facilities in Timisoara, Cluj, and Brasov need electricians experienced in PLC wiring, instrumentation, and plant maintenance.
Residential and commercial construction: New-build apartments, office towers, malls, and hotels require installation crews, site foremen, and commissioning technicians.
Smart building systems: BMS integration, KNX/DALI lighting control, access control, and fire alarm systems in Class A offices and healthcare projects.
Power distribution upgrades: Medium-voltage substations, switchgear replacements, and cabling works for distribution operators and industrial clients.

Typical employers

Electrical contractors and integrators: EnergoBit (Cluj), Adrem, Elsaco (Iasi), Enevo Group, Electrica Serv, and many regional contractors handling design, execution, and maintenance.
Renewable energy developers and EPCs: Hidroelectrica (generation), major PV and wind developers, and EPC contractors working across Dobrogea and southern Romania.
Industrial facilities: Continental (Timisoara), Bosch (Cluj area), automotive component plants, FMCG factories, and logistics parks.
Construction firms: National and multinational contractors delivering large commercial and infrastructure projects in Bucharest, Cluj, Timisoara, and Iasi.
Utilities and distribution operators: Distribution companies responsible for MV/LV networks and substation upgrades.

Roles in demand

Licensed electricians (ANRE-authorized) for LV installations in residential and commercial projects
Industrial electricians with PLC panel wiring, instrumentation, and drives experience
Commissioning technicians for PV/wind and building systems (BMS, fire, security)
Maintenance electricians for factories and logistics centers
Site supervisors, foremen, and QA/QC technicians with standards and documentation expertise

Legal Requirements: Visas and Work Permits for Global Citizens

For non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, Romania uses an employer-driven work authorization process. The basic sequence is:

Secure a job offer in Romania

Most employers will initiate your work authorization after signing a pre-contract or employment contract.

Employer obtains a work permit (aviz de munca)

The employer applies to the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) with proof of a genuine role, recruitment efforts, and your qualifications.
Typical processing time: around 30 days, though this can vary by region and workload.
Required documents often include: copies of your passport, proof of qualifications and experience, medical certificate, criminal record certificate, proof of accommodation or employer guarantee, and translated/apostilled diplomas.

Apply for a long-stay employment visa (Type D)

Once the work permit is approved, you apply for the Romanian long-stay employment visa at the Romanian consulate or embassy in your country of residence.
You will need the work permit approval, proof of accommodation, medical insurance for the visa period, financial means (as required), and travel documents. All foreign documents should be translated into Romanian by a certified translator and apostilled or legalized as required.

Enter Romania and apply for a residence permit

After arrival, apply for a residence permit with IGI within the validity period of your visa (typically within 90 days).
The residence permit will confirm your right to live and work in Romania for the employer/role indicated. Renewals are typically annual or aligned with the employment contract.

EU Blue Card (optional, if eligible)

Highly qualified roles with higher salary thresholds may qualify for the EU Blue Card in Romania. While electricians sometimes do not meet the Blue Card criteria, supervisory or specialized technical positions might qualify if salary and education requirements are met.

Notes:

Processing times can vary. Start early, expect 1.5 to 3 months from offer to entry, sometimes longer.
Keep scanned copies of every document. Consistency of job title and duties across documents is essential.
Family members can apply for reunification after you have your residence permit. Spouses typically need their own work authorization to work unless they are EU citizens.

If you already hold EU citizenship or are from the EEA/Switzerland:

You do not need a work permit. You can work freely in Romania. Register your residence for stays beyond 3 months and obtain a registration certificate.

Certification & License Recognition: ANRE Authorization and Standards

Romania requires ANRE authorization for electricians who design or execute electrical installations. Even if you have strong experience abroad, you must align with Romania's ANRE system to legally sign off on works or to perform certain categories of electrical execution.

ANRE authorization structure

ANRE typically assigns grades from I to IV, each aligned to voltage levels and complexity. Within each grade, electricians may hold:

A: Design authorization
B: Execution authorization

A simplified view of the grades:

Grade I: Low voltage (LV) installations up to 1 kV in buildings and small commercial sites. Suitable for residential wiring, small commercial, and PV rooftop systems.
Grade II: Medium voltage (MV) up to around 20 kV, such as industrial facilities, small substations, and distribution networks.
Grade III: High voltage (HV) typically up to 110 kV, often applied in larger industrial or distribution environments.
Grade IV: Very high voltage and complex systems. Typically reserved for highly specialized professionals involved in complex substations or transmission works.

You may see subcategories indicating whether the authorization is for design (A) or execution (B). Many electricians pursue Grade I-B first to work on LV installations, then advance to higher grades.

How to obtain ANRE authorization as an international electrician

Map your existing qualifications to ANRE requirements

Gather diplomas, trade certificates, apprenticeship records, and employer references. If you have worked in Australia or New Zealand at 230/400 V, your experience will align well with Romania's LV systems.

Prepare documentation for Romania

Translate all diplomas and certificates into Romanian via a certified translator.
Obtain apostille/legalization as needed based on your country's requirements.
Prepare a CV in the Europass format with explicit descriptions of your duties and voltage levels handled.

Enroll in an ANRE exam preparation course

Many accredited training centers offer prep courses. These courses cover Romanian standards, Normativ I7 for building installations, and practical scenarios.
If you are aiming for design authorization, expect a stronger focus on calculations, standards, and documentation.

Sit the ANRE exam for your chosen grade

Exams test knowledge of safety, Romanian codes, standards alignment (SR HD 60364, equivalent to IEC 60364), and practical problem-solving.
If you pass, you will receive your authorization card specifying your grade and category.

Maintain and upgrade your authorization

ANRE requires periodic renewal and continuing professional development. You can upgrade to higher grades with documented experience and further exams.

Safety and specialized certifications

Electrical safety: Employers may require Romanian occupational safety and health training (SSM) and specific electrical safety authorizations per Romanian law.
PRAM testing: For earthing resistance, insulation, and protective measures, specialized authorization may be required to perform and sign off PRAM tests.
ATEX: For petrochemical or explosive atmospheres (e.g., around Ploiesti refineries), qualifications for working in ATEX zones may be necessary, aligned with EU Directive 2014/34/EU.

Romanian standards and EU directives you should know

Romanian LV installations: Governed by SR HD 60364 (harmonized with IEC 60364) and national Normativ I7 for design and execution in buildings.
EU Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU): Applies to equipment within certain voltage limits.
EMC Directive (2014/30/EU): Electromagnetic compatibility requirements.
Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC): For electrical machinery interfaces.
Construction Products Regulation and relevant fire safety norms: For cabling, penetrations, and fire-stopping.

Because Romania uses 230/400 V, 50 Hz systems, electricians from Australia and New Zealand will find voltage and frequency familiar. However, color codes, cable types, and local documentation can differ, so ANRE exam preparation is valuable even for experienced tradespeople.

Salary & Benefits

Romania's electrician salaries have climbed alongside the construction and industrial boom. While nominal wages are usually lower than Australia and New Zealand, they must be viewed relative to Romania's significantly lower living costs.

Approximate monthly net salary ranges for electricians in Romania (EUR and RON; 1 EUR ~ 5 RON):

Entry-level LV electrician (Grade I-B or supervised): 900 - 1,200 EUR net (4,500 - 6,000 RON)
Mid-level electrician with 3-7 years experience: 1,300 - 1,800 EUR net (6,500 - 9,000 RON)
Senior/industrial electrician or site foreman: 1,900 - 2,500 EUR net (9,500 - 12,500 RON)
Specialist roles (commissioning for PV/wind, BMS integrator, MV/HV experience): 2,200 - 3,000+ EUR net (11,000 - 15,000+ RON), often including travel per diems

Overtime and allowances:

Overtime is commonly paid at premium rates. Verify overtime policy in your contract.
Per diems (diurna) for out-of-town projects typically range 20 - 50 EUR/day.
Night shift or on-call allowances may apply in industrial maintenance roles.

Common benefits:

Meal vouchers (tichete de masa): Often 35 - 40 RON per working day
Private health insurance: Frequently offered by mid-to-large employers
Transport allowance: Fuel card, company shuttle, or public transit reimbursement
Accommodation: Provided or subsidized for remote site assignments
Annual bonuses: Linked to performance or project milestones

Tax note:

Romania generally applies a flat 10% income tax. Employees also contribute to social security and health insurance, which are reflected in net salaries presented above. Employer-side contributions also apply. Individual tax positions vary; seek professional advice for your situation.

Comparison with Australia and New Zealand:

AU/NZ can offer higher nominal wages, but high living costs and housing prices reduce disposable income. In Romania, lower rent, utilities, and services mean your euros go further, especially for families or those saving to invest.

Cost of Living

Romania's cost of living is one of its strongest advantages. Budgets vary by city and lifestyle, but here is a realistic snapshot for major hubs.

Housing (monthly rent):

Bucharest: 1-bedroom apartment 400 - 700 EUR; 2-bedroom 600 - 1,000 EUR
Cluj-Napoca: 1-bedroom 350 - 650 EUR; 2-bedroom 550 - 900 EUR
Timisoara: 1-bedroom 300 - 550 EUR; 2-bedroom 500 - 800 EUR
Iasi: 1-bedroom 300 - 500 EUR; 2-bedroom 450 - 750 EUR

Utilities and services:

Utilities for a 1-bedroom: 80 - 150 EUR/month (electricity varies by usage; winter gas heating increases costs)
High-speed internet: 7 - 12 EUR/month
Mobile plan: 5 - 12 EUR/month (generous data packages)

Transport:

Monthly public transport pass: 16 - 30 EUR equivalent (80 - 150 RON), depending on city and coverage
Fuel: Generally cheaper than in Western Europe
Ride-hailing: Available in major cities, typically affordable

Food and daily expenses:

Groceries per person: 150 - 250 EUR/month for a balanced diet
Eating out: 7 - 10 EUR for a simple lunch; 12 - 20 EUR for a nicer dinner
Coffee: 2 - 3 EUR; Gym memberships: 25 - 45 EUR/month

Family costs:

Private kindergartens/schools vary widely by city; international schools exist in Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca
Medical and dental services are affordable by EU standards; private clinics are widely available

Overall, an electrician's net salary in Romania typically covers rent, utilities, transport, and moderate leisure comfortably, with potential for savings, especially outside Bucharest.

Cultural Integration

Romania blends a hospitable culture with a practical, can-do mindset on job sites. Understanding a few basics will smooth your transition.

Language:

Romanian is the official language. English is common among younger colleagues, engineers, and managers in major cities, but less so on traditional job sites.
Learn essential job-site vocabulary: conductor, breaker, earthing, circuit, voltage, PPE, permit-to-work.
Consider a short Romanian course or language app to manage daily tasks and safety communication.

Workplace culture:

Punctuality and reliability are valued. Arrive early, respect deadlines, and keep site documentation organized.
Hierarchies exist, but collaboration is welcome. Speak up on safety, and provide solutions, not just problems.
Documentation matters. Redlines, test reports, and as-builts are important, especially for inspections.

Safety practices:

PPE is enforced on most sites: helmet, safety boots, gloves, eye and hearing protection as required.
Lockout-tagout (LOTO) and permit-to-work systems are common in industrial settings.
Inspections by site managers, clients, and authorities require consistent compliance.

Living in Romanian cities:

Public transit works well in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi. Parking can be tight in central areas.
Romanian cuisine is hearty and affordable. International foods are widely available in major cities.
Outdoor life is excellent: Carpathian hikes, ski resorts near Brasov, and Black Sea beaches near Constanta.

Practical Steps to Relocate

Follow this step-by-step plan to minimize delays and hit the ground running.

Research the market and target cities

Match your strengths to local demand. For PV and wind, look at Dobrogea and southern counties. For industrial automation, review jobs in Timisoara and Cluj-Napoca. For commercial projects, consider Bucharest.
Identify potential employers and recruiters. Look at major contractors, EPCs, and facility operators.

Prepare your CV and portfolio

Use Europass format. List voltage levels, equipment types, codes you have worked with, and responsibilities (e.g., MV switchgear installation, PLC wiring, BMS commissioning).
Include photos of projects, test reports, and references where possible.

Gather documentation

Passports with sufficient validity
Diplomas, trade certificates, and apprenticeships, translated to Romanian and apostilled/legalized
Employment references describing duties and voltage levels
Clean criminal record certificate (police clearance)
Medical certificate (your employer may assist)

Apply for jobs and secure a signed offer

Expect interviews to focus on safety, standards familiarity, and problem-solving. Be ready to discuss Romanian standards at a high level and how you will prepare for ANRE exams.

Employer obtains your work permit (aviz de munca)

Provide all requested documents quickly. Keep scanned copies handy. Verify job title and duties match across documents.

Apply for the long-stay employment visa (Type D)

At the Romanian consulate in your country or the country where you legally reside. Include work permit approval, insurance, accommodation proof, and translations.

Arrive in Romania and apply for your residence permit

Start your ANRE authorization process

Enroll in a prep course tailored to your target grade (often Grade I-B to begin). Schedule the exam. Coordinate with your employer for study time.

Sort your essentials

Accommodation (long-term lease once you are settled)
Bank account (most banks will open an account once you have a residence permit)
Tax number and registration (your employer and the residence process typically cover this)
Health insurance enrollment (public CNAS and any private plan offered)

Build your network and grow

Join local electrician forums or groups, attend trainings, and consider specialized certificates (BMS, EV charging, ATEX) to boost your market value.

Success Tips From Other Expats

Prepare for ANRE early: Even if you join as a supervised electrician, plan your exam timeline within the first 3 to 6 months.
Learn the key Romanian terms: Knowing the Romanian names for breaker types, cable sizes, and documentation saves time on site.
Bring the right tools: Ensure your tools are CE-marked and suitable for 230/400 V, 50 Hz. If you are coming from Australia or New Zealand (Type I plugs), bring adapters or plan to purchase Type F (Schuko) compatible chargers.
Embrace documentation: Keep clean records of PRAM tests, insulation resistance, earthing measurements, and as-builts.
Work with reputable employers: Larger contractors are more experienced with visas and have clearer safety and quality systems.
Budget for initial costs: Set aside funds for visa fees, translations, temporary accommodation, and exam preparation.
Stay flexible on location: First roles in Romania may be outside your top city choice. Once authorized and experienced locally, you can move into preferred roles and cities.

Common Technical Differences to Expect

Color codes and marking: Romania follows EU conventions. Brown for L, blue for N, yellow/green for PE is standard. Verify any project-specific conventions.
Cable types and naming: Expect SR/EN harmonized designations and locally common types for PV, fire-resisting cables, and instrumentation.
Documentation language: Technical drawings and site records are often bilingual, but many job sites use Romanian. Keep a glossary.
Breakers and protection: EU-branded protective devices are common (Schneider, ABB, Siemens). Coordination and selectivity follow EU best practices.
Tool certification: Tools should be CE-marked. Test instruments should carry appropriate CAT ratings (CAT III/CAT IV) and be calibrated.

How Romania Compares to Australia and New Zealand

Voltage and frequency: Romania uses 230/400 V, 50 Hz, similar to AU/NZ. This eases transition for electricians used to those systems.
Standards: Romania adheres to SR HD 60364 (IEC-based) and national norms like Normativ I7. AU/NZ use AS/NZS standards, which are different in structure. Expect to learn local code references and documentation formats in Romania.
Licensing: ANRE authorization is mandatory for sign-off and certain work scopes. In AU/NZ, licenses are state/province-based and not directly transferable. In Romania, you can bridge to ANRE through exams and documented experience.
Work permits: Romania's employer-driven permits are comparable in predictability to AU/NZ sponsorship pathways, but documentation is Romania-specific (translations, apostilles).
Cost of living: Housing and services in Romania are significantly cheaper than in major Australian and New Zealand cities, improving your savings potential.

Conclusion and Call to Action

If you are weighing your next international move, give Romania a serious look. It brings together EU-grade projects, strong demand for skilled electricians, a licensing pathway you can realistically complete, and a cost of living that lets your salary go further. Whether your background is in residential wiring, industrial automation, renewable energy, or smart building systems, there is a meaningful role for you in Romania's fast-modernizing electrical market.

Next steps:

Shortlist target cities and sectors that match your experience
Prepare your Europass CV and gather translated/apostilled documents
Apply for roles with employers experienced in supporting international hires
Plan your ANRE exam strategy to accelerate your authorization

Ready to move forward? Start reaching out to Romanian contractors and renewable developers today, and schedule an ANRE prep course. With the right plan, you can turn Romania into your European base for a rewarding electrical career.

FAQ

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

Yes. To legally design or execute many categories of electrical installations, you need ANRE authorization. Some employers may hire you initially under supervision while you prepare for the exam, but your medium-term goal should be to obtain at least Grade I-B for LV execution.

2) How long does the work permit and visa process take for non-EU citizens?

Plan for roughly 1.5 to 3 months from signed offer to arrival, depending on document readiness and processing times. The employer first obtains your work permit (around 30 days), after which you apply for the long-stay employment visa at a Romanian consulate. After entering Romania, you must apply for your residence permit.

3) Are my overseas qualifications recognized for ANRE?

Your foreign qualifications are not automatically recognized. You must document your education and experience, translate and apostille them, and sit an ANRE exam. Strong experience in 230/400 V systems and safety practices will help, but you still need to pass the Romanian exam for your chosen grade.

4) What Romanian standards should I learn before the ANRE exam?

Focus on SR HD 60364 (harmonized with IEC 60364) and Normativ I7 for building LV installations. Review protection devices, earthing systems, cable sizing, and documentation practices. If working in MV/HV or industrial settings, study relevant norms for switchgear, substations, and PRAM testing.

5) What are typical electrician salaries in Romania?

Most electricians earn between 900 and 2,500 EUR net per month, depending on experience, sector, and city. Specialists in PV commissioning, BMS, or MV/HV can earn 2,200 to 3,000+ EUR net, especially with travel per diems and overtime.

6) Do I need to speak Romanian?

You can start in larger companies with English-speaking teams, especially in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Timisoara. However, speaking Romanian improves safety communication and teamwork on site. Many expats learn practical Romanian within 6 to 12 months.

7) Can my spouse work in Romania?

Spouses who are EU citizens can work without a permit. Non-EU spouses generally need their own work authorization and residence documents. After you receive your residence permit, you can pursue family reunification paths for dependents.

8) Can I work as a freelancer or set up my own business?

Yes, but there are steps. Foreigners can register as self-employed (PFA) or establish a company, provided residence and legal requirements are met. For electrical work, both you (as a natural person) and your company may need ANRE authorization for the scope of services offered. Many expats start as employees, then transition to PFA or company after gaining local experience.

9) What tools and equipment should I bring?

Bring your preferred hand tools and test instruments if they are CE-marked and rated for 230/400 V systems. Testers should have appropriate CAT ratings and recent calibration. Chargers and plugs must be compatible with Type F (Schuko) outlets; if you are coming from Australia or New Zealand (Type I), bring adapters or buy local chargers.

10) How do Romanian costs compare to Australia and New Zealand?

Housing, utilities, transport, and services are significantly cheaper in Romania. Even with lower nominal salaries than AU/NZ, many expats find they save more in Romania due to lower living costs. Your disposable income and quality of life can be very favorable, especially outside central Bucharest.

11) What are common mistakes to avoid during relocation?

Underestimating the time for document translations and apostilles, delaying ANRE exam preparation, choosing housing too far from job sites, and not budgeting for initial setup costs (visa fees, temporary housing, transport) are typical pitfalls. Plan timelines and finances conservatively.

12) Which Romanian cities should I target first?

Bucharest for large commercial and smart building projects
Cluj-Napoca for building automation and tech-driven developments
Timisoara for industrial automation and automotive supply chain
Iasi for growing residential/commercial markets and municipal projects

These cities also tend to offer stronger English-language environments for newcomers.