How overseas work can boost your resume and earning potential at home.
Leveraging International Experience in Your Electrical Career
Introduction
If you are a professional electrician working abroad and considering a move to Romania, you are standing at a strong career crossroads. Romania is an EU member with fast-growing demand for skilled electrical professionals across residential construction, industrial automation, and renewable energy. Your international experience is a serious asset in this market. Employers in Romania value hands-on expertise from abroad, the ability to work to international standards, and the mindset that comes from cross-border projects.
This guide shows you exactly how to turn overseas experience into higher-value roles in Romania. We cover the legal and certification side (ANRE authorization, EU directives), the real job market (who hires and where), and practical relocation steps. You will also get salary benchmarks, cost-of-living snapshots, and cultural insights to help you land quickly and thrive.
Whether Romania is your true home and you are returning, or you are choosing Romania as your new home base in the European Union, the path is similar: formalize your credentials, position your international background effectively, and target the right employers in the right cities. With a plan, you can convert global experience into better roles, stronger pay, and a stable life in Romania.
Why Romania?
Romania combines an EU legal framework and market access with lower living costs and high demand for technical trades. For electricians, the value equation is compelling.
- EU membership and market access: Romania follows EU directives for electrical safety and product compliance, which makes it straightforward for experienced electricians who have worked to European or IEC standards. It also connects you to projects across the EU through employer networks and subcontracting chains.
- Growing demand for electricians: New residential developments, industrial expansions, and a strong push for renewable energy are driving hiring. Smart buildings and automation are rising priorities in commercial and industrial settings.
- Competitive salaries vs. cost of living: While wages may be below Western Europe, they frequently exceed averages in other parts of the world, and the cost of living is significantly lower than in most EU capitals. Your international experience can move you toward the upper end of local salary bands.
- Quality of life: Romania offers modern urban centers, accessible nature, and a pace of life that many professionals find sustainable. Major cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi offer a mix of jobs, education options, and modern amenities.
In short, Romania is an excellent base to convert global experience into EU-recognized credentials, build a strong career portfolio, and enjoy a good standard of living.
Job Market Overview
Romania's electrical job market spans several fast-growing areas. Your international background can help you step into roles with more responsibility and better pay.
Residential construction and refurbishment
New builds and large-scale refurbishments in cities are creating steady demand for electricians.
- Apartment complexes and mixed-use developments in Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca require efficient teams familiar with modern wiring standards and smart-home integrations.
- Post-war buildings being renovated need complete rewiring to meet current safety standards and Romanian codes (such as the national normative for electrical installations in buildings).
- Opportunities: site electricians, team leads, foremen, commissioning technicians, smart-home installers.
- Employers: general contractors (Strabag, PORR), Romanian construction groups (Bog'Art), and specialized electrical subcontractors.
Industrial and manufacturing
Romania's industrial base includes automotive, electronics, food processing, and heavy equipment manufacturing.
- Facilities in cities like Timisoara, Cluj-Napoca, and Pitesti (near Dacia Mioveni) seek electricians with industrial wiring, PLC familiarity, and preventive maintenance skills.
- Opportunities: industrial electricians, maintenance technicians, automation technicians, E&I supervisors, commissioning engineers.
- Employers: multinational manufacturers (automotive, electronics), system integrators (Siemens Romania, ABB Romania, Schneider Electric Romania partners), and industrial service firms.
Renewable energy installations
Romania is pursuing utility-scale solar and wind, as well as commercial and residential solar. Regions like Dobrogea are known for wind, while solar parks are expanding across the country.
- Utility-scale solar EPC projects seek electricians for DC stringing, combiner boxes, inverter stations, and AC interconnection up to medium voltage.
- Commercial PV on rooftop and ground-mounted installations in city peripheries need skilled installers and team leads.
- Opportunities: PV installers, site supervisors, commissioning technicians, O&M electricians, SCADA technicians.
- Employers: renewable energy developers and EPCs (Monsson Group, companies working on PV portfolios), operations and maintenance providers, and distributed energy solution providers.
Smart buildings and building management systems
Commercial buildings, hospitals, data centers, and logistics hubs increasingly use Building Management Systems (BMS) and smart devices.
- KNX, BACnet, Modbus, and similar protocols are commonly used in modern projects. If you have experience integrating lighting control, HVAC controls, access control, and energy monitoring, you are in demand.
- Opportunities: BMS installer, commissioning technician, controls electrician, low-voltage systems specialist, and later site lead or project manager roles.
- Employers: building automation contractors, MEP integrators, and general contractors with in-house electrical divisions.
Service, maintenance, and energy efficiency
Ongoing maintenance and energy optimization are steady business areas.
- Predictive and preventive maintenance for industrial lines, PRAM measurements (grounding, protective devices testing), and periodic inspections are regular work streams.
- Energy audits and retrofits are becoming more common, creating roles for electricians with measurement, data logging, and retrofit experience.
- Employers: industrial maintenance providers, facility management companies, and energy service companies.
Regional hotspots
- Bucharest: The biggest volume of construction and office projects, advanced commercial buildings, and a broad range of contractors. Many corporate headquarters are here and salaries can be at the higher end.
- Cluj-Napoca: Strong tech ecosystem, quality residential projects, industrial parks, and growing renewable energy projects nearby.
- Timisoara: Manufacturing hub with automotive and electronics, logistics centers, and active construction across the region.
- Iasi: Solid public and private investments, healthcare and education buildings, and growing residential developments.
Legal Requirements
Your exact path depends on your nationality.
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens
- No visa is required to work in Romania. You can enter freely and work with an employment contract or as a contractor.
- Within 90 days of arrival, you must register with the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) to obtain a registration certificate for EU citizens.
- You will need a Romanian tax registration with ANAF, and your employer will handle payroll contributions.
Non-EU/EEA citizens (Global citizens)
Romania welcomes non-EU electricians, but you must follow the work authorization process.
- Employer work authorization (aviz de munca):
- Your Romanian employer applies to the General Inspectorate for Immigration for a work authorization. They will need your diploma or qualifications, proof of experience, clean criminal record, and medical certificate, among other documents.
- Once approved, the work authorization is issued to the employer.
- Long-stay work visa (D visa):
- With the work authorization, you apply for a long-stay D visa for employment at a Romanian consulate. This visa is typically issued for 90 days to allow you to enter Romania and finalize your residence status.
- Residence permit (single permit):
- After entering Romania with the D visa, you apply for a residence permit based on work. This is commonly referred to as the single permit. It authorizes both residence and employment for a set period (often 1 year, renewable; longer for certain categories).
- EU Blue Card (optional, for highly skilled roles):
- For certain highly skilled positions with higher salary thresholds, you may apply for an EU Blue Card in Romania. This provides an extended residence period and mobility within the EU for highly skilled workers.
- Changing employers:
- If you change employers, a new work authorization is typically required. Coordinate the timing carefully to avoid gaps in your residence and work rights.
Checklist of common documents for non-EU applications:
- Valid passport.
- Employment contract or firm job offer.
- Employer's work authorization approval.
- Diploma or proof of qualifications, with translations and recognition if required.
- Evidence of work experience (letters from previous employers, contracts, references).
- Clean criminal record from your home country and sometimes from the country of last residence.
- Medical certificate attesting you are fit for work.
- Proof of accommodation in Romania (rental contract or employer-provided accommodation).
Processing times vary, but a 6 to 12 week timeline from initial employer application to visa issuance is common. Plan for a total relocation timeline of 2 to 4 months, depending on document readiness and consulate appointment availability.
Important notes:
- Always verify current requirements with the Romanian consulate and IGI, as regulations and processing times can change.
- Keep copies of all documents in both physical and digital form.
- Use official translations into Romanian by a certified translator when requested.
Certification and License Recognition
Romania regulates electricians through ANRE (Autoritatea Nationala de Reglementare in Energie). Employers will also expect familiarity with EU directives and Romanian standards.
Converting your credentials
If your education was obtained abroad, you may need to have your diploma recognized.
- CNRED: The National Center for Recognition and Equivalence of Diplomas evaluates foreign diplomas. For electricians with technical secondary school or vocational qualifications, the employer or ANRE may request CNRED recognition depending on the role and the level of authorization you seek. Higher education degrees (engineering) are typically assessed through CNRED.
- Technical courses and trade certificates: Gather syllabi, transcripts, and course outlines. These are helpful when ANRE or an employer needs to assess equivalency.
- Translation: Use a certified translator to translate diplomas, certificates, and reference letters into Romanian if an authority requests it.
ANRE authorization (grades I-IV)
ANRE authorizes both individuals and companies to perform electrical work. For electricians, individual authorization typically follows graded levels and activity types.
- Grades: I, II, III, IV correspond broadly to increasing scope and voltage levels. There are also categories such as A (design) and B (execution), among other specializations. Many working electricians target execution authorizations for low and medium voltage installations.
- Scope examples by level:
- Lower grades cover low voltage installations in buildings, testing, and operation.
- Higher grades extend to medium and high voltage equipment, complex commissioning, and design responsibilities.
- Process to obtain authorization:
- Prepare your file: identity documents, education certificates, proof of experience, and any previous licenses.
- Submit to ANRE or an accredited body as instructed in the current procedure.
- Complete mandatory training as required for your grade and category.
- Pass the examination or evaluation where applicable.
- Receive authorization valid for a set period, subject to renewal and continuing compliance.
- Renewal: ANRE authorizations must be renewed periodically. Keep records of your projects, safety training, and continuing education.
Tip: Your international experience can help you qualify for higher grades or faster progression if you clearly document your voltage levels, responsibilities, and standards used on past projects.
Safety certifications and site access
Employers and sites in Romania will require safety compliance similar to other EU countries.
- Occupational health and safety (SSM) and fire prevention (PSI): You will receive site-specific training and induction. Maintaining up-to-date SSM and PSI training records is essential.
- Work at height, confined spaces, first aid: If applicable to your role, secure these certifications. They are valued across construction, industrial, and renewable sites.
- Lockout tagout (LOTO): Demonstrate knowledge and use of LOTO practices in accordance with site procedures.
EU directives and Romanian standards to know
- Low Voltage Directive (LVD) 2014/35/EU: Governs safety of electrical equipment designed for use within certain voltage limits.
- EMC Directive 2014/30/EU: Electromagnetic compatibility for equipment and systems.
- Machinery safety requirements: Installations that interface with machinery must align with EU machinery requirements as integrated by the site.
- Harmonized standards: Romania implements EN and IEC standards via national standards (SR). Building electrical installations commonly follow IEC 60364 based approaches adapted through Romanian normative documents (for example, the national normative for electrical installations in buildings). You will see references to national norms in technical specifications.
Tools, equipment, and PRAM testing
- Voltage and frequency: Romania uses 230/400 V at 50 Hz. If you come from 110/120 V 60 Hz countries, ensure your tools are dual-voltage or purchase 230 V tools locally.
- CE marking: Portable tools and equipment must be CE-marked for use in the EU. Some employers will verify CE conformity and documentation.
- Measurement and testing: PRAM (grounding, protective bonding, and lightning protection verification) is performed periodically. If you specialize in testing, invest in calibrated meters suitable for insulation resistance, loop impedance, RCD testing, and earth resistance.
- Conductor color codes: EU standard colors are used (typically brown, black, gray for phases; blue for neutral; green-yellow for protective earth). Polish your familiarity with EU wiring conventions if you are coming from different color systems.
Salary and Benefits
Leverage your international experience to position yourself toward the upper end of local ranges. Figures below are typical as of 2025 and vary by city, employer, and specialization. Approximate conversion: 1 EUR is about 5 RON.
- Residential or commercial electrician (employed):
- Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca: 4,000 to 7,000 RON net per month (800 to 1,400 EUR).
- Timisoara and Iasi: 3,500 to 6,000 RON net per month (700 to 1,200 EUR).
- Industrial electrician or automation technician:
- 6,000 to 10,000 RON net per month (1,200 to 2,000 EUR), often with shift allowances.
- Solar PV site supervisor or commissioning technician:
- 8,000 to 12,000 RON net per month (1,600 to 2,400 EUR) on active projects, plus per diem for remote sites.
- Contracting and day rates:
- Hourly rates vary widely by scope and credentials. A practical band is 50 to 120 RON per hour for experienced electricians, more for specialized commissioning or short-notice assignments.
- Daily rates of 400 to 900 RON are common on project-based work, with higher rates for short-term, remote, or high-responsibility roles.
Benefits often included:
- Meal vouchers (tichete de masa): commonly 30 to 40 RON per working day, depending on employer policy.
- Transport allowance or company transport to sites.
- Accommodation for remote projects, or per diem.
- Overtime pay: premium rates for overtime, night shifts, weekends, and holidays, aligned with Romanian labor law and the employment contract.
- Private health insurance and annual medical checks.
- Training sponsorships: ANRE exam fees, safety courses, and manufacturer training (e.g., inverter or BMS vendor training).
Negotiation tips:
- Bring a portfolio: photos from overseas projects, commissioning reports, safety training records, and references. This builds trust and supports a higher offer.
- Clarify allowances: Ask about per diem, mileage reimbursements, and accommodation on out-of-town sites.
- Discuss ANRE sponsorship: Many employers will pay for your ANRE training and exam; agree on timelines and post-certification pay reviews.
Cost of Living
Romania offers lower costs than most of Western Europe, with significant differences by city. These are ballpark ranges as of 2025.
Housing (monthly rent):
- Bucharest: 1-bedroom apartment 400 to 700 EUR in central or good neighborhoods; 300 to 500 EUR on the outskirts.
- Cluj-Napoca: 350 to 600 EUR for a 1-bedroom, depending on proximity to the center.
- Timisoara and Iasi: 300 to 500 EUR for a 1-bedroom in good areas.
Utilities for a 1-bedroom (electricity, heating, water, internet):
- 80 to 150 EUR per month, higher in winter or in older buildings without efficient insulation.
Transport:
- Public transport monthly pass: approximately 80 to 120 RON in large cities.
- Fuel: 6.5 to 7.5 RON per liter, depending on market prices.
- Ride-hailing (Bolt, Uber) operates in major cities and is affordable for occasional use.
Food and daily expenses:
- Groceries for one person: 200 to 350 EUR per month, depending on preferences.
- Eating out: a decent lunch menu can be 25 to 40 RON; mid-range dinner for two 120 to 250 RON.
Taxes and take-home pay:
- Romania has income tax and social contributions withheld at source for employees. For contractors, different regimes apply depending on whether you operate as a registered sole trader or company. Seek local tax advice to optimize your setup.
Cost-of-living advantage:
- Compared to many countries where electricians work abroad, Romania can offer a better savings rate once you are positioned at the upper end of local pay bands. Housing and transport costs are notably lower than in Western EU capitals.
Cultural Integration
Language basics
Romanian is a Romance language with many cognates if you speak other European languages. While many younger professionals in cities speak English, Romanian language skills will open more job options, enable better site coordination, and help you build rapport.
- Aim for A2-B1 conversational level within the first 3 to 6 months. Focus on job-specific vocabulary, safety discussions, and simple daily interactions.
- Technical terms: learn terms for circuit breakers, grounding, conduit, testers, and PPE in Romanian. On mixed language sites, using correct technical terms improves safety and efficiency.
Workplace culture
- Professionalism and punctuality: Arriving on time and meeting commitments is expected. Confirm changes proactively.
- Documentation: Site documentation and checklists are taken seriously, especially on industrial and renewable sites. Keep careful records of tests, inspections, and commissioning steps.
- Hierarchy with approachability: Romanian teams may have a defined chain of command, yet most site leaders value practical input. International experience is appreciated when you present it clearly and respectfully.
- Safety: SSM rules and toolbox talks are standard. If you come from environments with strict compliance, you will fit well on well-managed Romanian sites.
Living well in Romania
- Community: Join expat and professional groups online. Networking leads to better jobs and faster integration.
- Services: You will find international retail chains, tool suppliers, and service providers in major cities. For tools and materials, large stores like Dedeman, Leroy Merlin, and specialized electrical suppliers are widely accessible.
- Travel: Internal travel by train or car is feasible and affordable. Weekend trips to the mountains or the Black Sea are popular.
Practical Steps to Relocate
Follow this step-by-step plan to convert your overseas experience into a job offer and a smooth move.
- Define your target role and city
- Decide whether to focus on residential/commercial, industrial, renewables, or building automation. Choose 1 to 2 target cities such as Bucharest or Cluj-Napoca to concentrate your search.
- Prepare a Romania-focused resume
- Create a 2-page resume highlighting:
- Voltage levels you have worked on (e.g., 230/400 V, 6-20 kV, and above if applicable).
- Standards and directives (IEC, EN, LVD, EMC) and safety practices (LOTO, PRAM testing experience).
- Commissioning and documentation skills.
- Leadership roles (team lead, foreman) and outcomes (on-time delivery, zero incidents).
- Gather and translate credentials
- Diplomas, trade certificates, ANRE-equivalent licenses from other countries, and reference letters.
- Certified translations into Romanian if required for ANRE or work authorization.
- Line up ANRE authorization path
- Review ANRE grades and decide the level to target initially. Your employer may sponsor you.
- Enroll in required training and prepare for the exam.
- Use your international project portfolio to support a higher-grade application.
- Start the job search strategically
- Platforms: eJobs, BestJobs, LinkedIn, employer websites, and professional groups.
- Keywords: electrician, ANRE, industrial electrician, PV installer, commissioning, BMS, KNX, renewable energy, automation.
- Target employers:
- Electrical contractors serving residential and commercial projects in Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca.
- Industrial service providers in Timisoara and Cluj-Napoca.
- Renewable energy EPCs and O&M firms working nationwide.
- Prepare for interviews
- Present 2 to 3 project case studies: describe site conditions, standards used, problems solved, test results achieved, and safety practices.
- Bring photos or redacted commissioning reports to demonstrate real outcomes.
- Clarify employment terms
- Discuss net salary, overtime rates, meal vouchers, per diem, transport, accommodation for remote sites, ANRE sponsorship, and renewal commitments.
- Ask about rotation schedules if the project is outside your home city.
- For non-EU citizens: coordinate work authorization
- Provide your employer with required documents early.
- Keep scanned copies ready for consulate applications.
- Track timelines for the work authorization, D visa, and residence permit.
- Arrange housing
- Research neighborhoods in your target city. For Bucharest, consider areas with good metro access; for Cluj-Napoca, proximity to your site and transport links.
- Start with a short-term rental (1 to 3 months) while you explore long-term options.
- Set up banking and taxes
- Open a bank account once you have residence or the necessary identification documents.
- Ensure you are registered for tax with the Romanian authorities; employees are generally handled by the employer.
- If contracting, seek advice on setting up as a sole trader or forming a small company.
- Buy or adapt your tools
- If you are arriving from a 110/120 V country, purchase 230 V tools locally for everyday use.
- Ensure CE-marked equipment and keep manuals or conformity documentation accessible.
- Settle in and keep learning
- Continue Romanian language learning and take manufacturer training (inverter or BMS courses) to boost your profile.
- Plan your ANRE renewal and additional safety certifications to maintain momentum.
Success Tips from Other Expats
- Document everything: Keep a digital portfolio of drawings, test sheets, PRAM records, and commissioning logs. It speeds up ANRE processes and impresses employers.
- Leverage references: Ask former supervisors from abroad to provide concise reference letters highlighting your reliability and safety record.
- Be standards fluent: When you can discuss how your work aligned with IEC 60364 principles and EU directives like LVD and EMC, hiring managers see you as plug-and-play.
- Start with a strong employer: Your first Romanian employer sets the tone. Choose one that invests in training and handles your paperwork smoothly.
- Target renewable projects: Solar and wind projects can fast-track your progression and pay. Commissioning roles often pay more and value international experience.
- Network locally: Join professional groups, attend trade fairs, and connect with suppliers. Many jobs come through referrals.
- Accept a stepping stone: If your first role is slightly below your potential, use it to secure ANRE authorization and local references. Move up within 6 to 12 months.
How Overseas Experience Boosts Your Value in Romania
Your international background is more than a line on your resume. It signals readiness for higher standards and complex sites.
- Safety culture: If you have worked under strict HSE regimes, Romanian employers on major projects will trust you with sensitive tasks and leadership roles.
- Documentation: Commissioning logs, test certificates, and handover packages are universal proof of quality. Bring samples and explain your process.
- Multi-vendor systems: Experience across various brands (inverters, VFDs, PLCs, BMS devices) translates directly to Romania's mixed-vendor sites.
- Problem-solving: Sites often need electricians who can troubleshoot unfamiliar gear. International experience proves you can adapt.
- Communication: Multilingual teamwork and cross-cultural communication are valuable in Romanian projects with international stakeholders.
Addressing Common Challenges
- Romanian standards and terminology: Even though Romania aligns with EU standards, national norms add details. Ask for the project specifications and get familiar with local terminology early.
- Voltage differences: Coming from 110/120 V countries, adjust to 230/400 V 50 Hz systems. Replace or adapt tools accordingly.
- Local codes and inspection culture: Projects may require specific tests and sign-offs. Understand the site inspection plan and ensure your measurements and documentation match it.
- Tool certification: CE-marked tools are expected on EU sites. If in doubt, buy or rent locally.
- Language: Technical vocabulary matters. Make a personal glossary of Romanian site terms.
Putting It All Together: A Candidate Story
Imagine this profile: an electrician with 7 years of overseas experience on commercial buildings and a year on a solar commissioning team. You target Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca for roles as a site electrician or commissioning tech. You prepare a resume with a section on standards (IEC, LVD, EMC), a list of test instruments you use, and a project page with photos of MCC installations and PV combiner boxes you wired and tested. You contact 8 employers, interview with 3, and secure an offer in Bucharest with ANRE sponsorship. In month two, you pass your ANRE exam, start on a commercial retrofit, and then rotate to a solar project near the city with a higher daily rate. Within a year, your pay moves into the 8,000 to 10,000 RON net range, and you begin training for a BMS integration role to keep advancing.
The difference is not luck; it is alignment. You aligned your international experience with Romania's needs and converted it into recognized credentials and documented results.
Conclusion and Call to Action
Romania offers electricians a powerful combination: EU standards, active construction and industrial sectors, a renewable energy boom, and a cost of living that lets your wages go further. Your international experience is a catalyst. When you pair it with ANRE authorization, safety credentials, and a focused job search, you can step into roles with better pay and responsibility.
Start now:
- Choose your target city and sector.
- Build a Romania-ready resume and portfolio.
- Map your ANRE path and book training.
- Reach out to employers in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi.
Your next project, and a stronger career, can begin in Romania.
FAQ
1) Do I need ANRE authorization to work as an electrician in Romania?
Yes, for most professional electrical work, especially on installations and commissioning, ANRE authorization is required. Employers may hire you as a helper while you complete the authorization path, but your goal should be to obtain the appropriate grade for your scope (for example, execution at low or medium voltage). Many employers sponsor the training and exam.
2) How can I use my overseas experience to qualify for a higher ANRE grade?
Document your responsibilities clearly: voltage levels, types of systems (industrial lines, switchboards, PV arrays), tests performed (insulation resistance, loop impedance, RCD), and standards followed (IEC, EN, LVD, EMC). Bring reference letters that describe your duties. This evidence strengthens your case for a higher-grade authorization.
3) What are realistic salaries for experienced electricians in Romania?
In major cities, experienced electricians commonly earn 4,000 to 7,000 RON net per month in residential or commercial work, 6,000 to 10,000 RON net in industrial or automation roles, and 8,000 to 12,000 RON net in solar commissioning and supervision. Contractor rates and per diem can increase total take-home pay. Salaries vary by city, employer, and specialization.
4) I am a non-EU citizen. What is the work authorization process?
Your Romanian employer first applies for a work authorization. Once approved, you apply for a long-stay D visa for employment at a Romanian consulate. After entering Romania, you apply for a residence permit that authorizes you to work. Processing times often run 6 to 12 weeks for the initial steps, but timelines vary. Always confirm current requirements with official sources.
5) Will my foreign diploma be recognized?
Yes, but you may need formal recognition. CNRED handles recognition of foreign diplomas, especially for higher education. For trade qualifications, employers and ANRE will review your education and experience. Provide certified translations and, if needed, course descriptions to support equivalency.
6) What standards and directives should I know?
Be comfortable with EU-aligned standards such as IEC 60364-based installation practices, the Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU), and the EMC Directive (2014/30/EU). Romania applies national norms aligned with EN and IEC standards. On site, follow the project specifications and any national addenda provided by the designer.
7) Are tools from a 110/120 V country usable in Romania?
Only if they are dual-voltage and CE-marked. Romania operates at 230/400 V 50 Hz. Many electricians choose to purchase 230 V tools locally to avoid reliability issues and to ensure compliance with site requirements.
8) How much Romanian do I need to work?
Basic conversational Romanian helps a lot, especially on residential and construction sites. Many supervisors and engineers in big cities speak English, but knowing Romanian technical terms improves safety and efficiency. Aim for A2-B1 within a few months.
9) Which cities offer the best opportunities?
Bucharest has the highest project volume and often the best pay. Cluj-Napoca offers a balanced mix of construction, industry, and tech-driven building projects. Timisoara is strong in manufacturing, and Iasi has growing public and private investment. Your choice should reflect your specialization and lifestyle preferences.
10) How do I present my international experience to Romanian employers?
Create a portfolio that includes:
- A one-page project list with roles, dates, and responsibilities.
- 5 to 10 photos illustrating your work quality and safety practices.
- Samples of test reports or commissioning checklists (redacted).
- A skills matrix showing voltage ranges, systems (PV, BMS, industrial), and tools. This approach makes your experience immediately understandable and credible.