Understanding Plumbing Permits When Working Overseas

Introduction

If you are a professional plumber in Global thinking about relocating to Romania, you are likely motivated by steady construction demand, better pay relative to living costs, and access to the broader European market. Yet one question sits at the heart of any successful move: how do plumbing permits, licenses, and on-site approvals actually work when you cross borders? Getting this right determines whether you can start work quickly, bid for projects confidently, and stay compliant from day one.

This guide explains the legal and compliance landscape you will face in Romania, with practical steps you can follow from securing your visa to validating your trade qualifications, obtaining the right authorizations for gas and pressure equipment, and navigating local building permits and inspections. You will learn where your existing skills fit, what to expect in Romanian workplaces, how much you can earn in different cities, and how to manage the real costs of living. We will also flag the most common mistakes that trip up new arrivals and show you how to avoid them.

By the end, you will have a clear, actionable plan tailored to plumbers relocating to Romania from Global, so you can focus on what you do best: delivering safe, code-compliant sanitary, heating, and gas installations.

Why Romania?

Relocating your trade to Romania offers a blend of opportunity and practicality that is hard to match elsewhere in the European Union.

• EU membership and market access: Romania is an EU member. Once you are legally established and compliant in Romania, you gain an excellent platform for opportunities with multinational contractors across Europe, including posted-worker projects and cross-border supply chains.
• Competitive earnings with lower living costs: Romania's cost of living remains substantially below Western Europe, while skilled plumbers can command attractive wages, especially in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi. Your net earnings go further in housing, transport, and daily expenses.
• Strong demand for skilled plumbers: A construction and renovation boom, EU-funded infrastructure, energy efficiency programs, and industrial development continue to create steady work for plumbers in installation, maintenance, and retrofitting roles.
• Quality of life: Major cities offer short commutes, vibrant food scenes, growing expat communities, and quick access to mountains and seaside. Many expats find a solid work-life balance, with time for family and personal projects.

Job Market Overview

Romania's construction and building services industry needs plumbers across several segments:

• New construction: Residential blocks, commercial office towers, retail centers, and logistics warehouses all require comprehensive sanitary, heating, and fire-protection installations. Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca are hotspots.
• Renovation boom: Aging housing stock in cities like Timisoara and Iasi is being upgraded with modern bathrooms, efficient heating systems, and improved water pressure. Skilled retrofit plumbers are in demand.
• Industrial installations: Factories, food processing plants, and light industry rely on process water lines, compressed air, steam, and specialty piping. These roles reward pipe fitters with experience in carbon steel, stainless steel, and PEX-al-PEX systems.
• Heating system upgrades: District heating connections, high-efficiency gas boilers, heat pumps, and mixed systems with underfloor heating offer steady work for plumbers conversant with hydraulic balancing, pump sizing, and condensation drainage.
• Building services and facility maintenance: Hospitals, hotels, and office parks employ or contract maintenance plumbers for preventative and corrective works, often on predictable schedules with overtime options.
• Utilities and public works: Water companies and municipal service providers engage teams for meter replacements, main repairs, and pressure management.

Typical employers you will encounter include:

• Large construction contractors: Bog'Art, Strabag, PORR Romania, and similar general contractors executing turnkey projects.
• Mechanical and electrical (M&E) subcontractors: Specialists in HVAC, sanitary, and gas installations.
• Facility management firms: Companies managing building operations for corporate clients and residential developments.
• Utilities and energy firms: Engie Romania, E.ON Romania, and municipal water providers such as Apa Nova Bucuresti.

Entry points and roles:

• Installation plumber on residential/commercial projects
• Pipe fitter for industrial lines and plant rooms
• Service technician for gas boilers and heating systems
• Maintenance plumber in facilities or property management
• Team lead or foreman coordinating crew tasks and quality checks

If you bring experience with sanitary installations, pressure testing, brazing, gas boilers, or hydronic systems, you will find your skills are directly transferable with modest adaptation to Romanian standards.

Legal Requirements

Working legally in Romania involves two tracks you must align: immigration status and on-site compliance. Here is how they fit together.

Work permits and visas for Global citizens

If you are not an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen:

1. Secure a job offer: A Romanian employer issues a contract or a firm offer stating your role, salary, and start date.
2. Employer obtains a work authorization: The employer applies to the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) for your work authorization. They must prove the role and that you meet qualifications. Processing typically takes 30 days but can be longer in peak periods.
3. Apply for a long-stay work visa (D visa): With the work authorization in hand, you apply at a Romanian consulate for a D visa for employment. You will need your passport, criminal record check, proof of accommodation or support, and health insurance for the initial period.
4. Enter Romania and obtain a residence permit (single permit): After arrival, you must apply at the local IGI office for your temporary residence permit tied to your employment. This is often called the single permit. You must do this within 90 days of entry on the D visa.
5. Renewals: Permits are typically valid 1 year and renewable along with your employment. Keep documents and employer confirmations ready well before expiry.

Alternate routes:

• EU Blue Card: Designed for highly qualified professionals with higher education and high salaries. It is less common for plumbers but possible if the role and qualification match the program criteria.
• Intra-company transfer: If your current employer has a Romanian branch and posts you to Romania, there are specialized permits.

If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen:

• You do not need a visa to work, but you must register your residence after arrival if you stay longer than 90 days. Employers must still register your labor contract in the REVISAL system and complete standard safety onboarding.

If you are posted from another EU country:

• Your employer may use A1 certificates and posting rules. On Romanian sites, you still follow Romanian health and safety laws and applicable building codes.

Important: The immigration sequence matters. Do not enter and start work before your employer secures your work authorization and you obtain your D visa, unless you qualify for an EU/EEA path. Starting work without proper authorization can lead to fines or bans.

On-site permits and construction approvals

In Romania, building owners or general contractors obtain the building permit (Autorizatie de construire) before construction begins. As a plumber, you generally do not apply for the building permit yourself, but your work must comply with the technical documentation attached to that permit and with national technical norms.

Key documents you will encounter:

• Building permit and technical project: The permit includes a technical project approved by authorities. Your installation drawings and bill of quantities stem from this project.
• Technical agreements and utilities approvals: For water and gas connections, utility companies issue technical conditions and approvals. You must meet these in your installation and during commissioning tests.
• As-built documentation: Upon completion, your installations are documented with as-built drawings, test reports, and commissioning records for handover.

As a plumber or subcontractor, your responsibilities include:

• Executing work per design, applicable norms, and manufacturer instructions.
• Preparing pressure test and tightness test protocols for water and gas lines.
• Participating in inspections with site supervisors and sometimes utility inspectors.
• Providing certificates for materials and equipment used.

Safety and labor compliance

Romanian law requires the following before you step onto a job site:

• Registered employment: Your labor contract must be registered in REVISAL by the employer before your first day on site.
• Health and safety training (SSM): You must complete general and site-specific safety training. Topics include hazard identification, PPE, work at height, electrical safety, and hot works controls.
• Fire safety training (PSI): You receive instruction on fire prevention, extinguisher use, and site fire procedures.
• Medical check: A pre-employment medical exam confirms your fitness for the job. It is employer-coordinated.
• Periodic refreshers: Safety training refreshers and medical reviews occur at defined intervals.

Equipment and plant safety:

• Pressure equipment: Boilers and certain pressure vessels fall under ISCIR oversight. Installations and periodic inspections must be done by authorized personnel or companies.
• Lifting equipment: If you use hoists or lifts, ISCIR rules also apply. Operators and inspectors must hold appropriate authorizations.

Environmental responsibilities:

• Waste segregation: Copper, PEX, PVC offcuts, and packaging must be handled per site rules and local waste regulations. Gas cylinder handling and refrigeration gases (if relevant) have special rules.

Certification and License Recognition

Romania recognizes a range of vocational and professional qualifications. For plumbers arriving from Global, you will follow one or both of these paths:

1) Recognition of trade qualifications

If you hold a vocational certificate or have significant professional experience as a plumber, you can have this recognized in Romania so employers can validate your skill level.

• Authority: The National Authority for Qualifications (Autoritatea Nationala pentru Calificari, ANC) oversees the system for vocational qualifications and competency assessment.
• Methods of recognition:
  • Document-based recognition: You present your foreign trade certificate, transcripts, and course syllabi for evaluation and equivalency mapping to a Romanian qualification level (aligned to the European Qualifications Framework, EQF).
  • Competency assessment: If your documentation is incomplete or you learned on the job, you can attend an authorized assessment center. You will demonstrate skills in practical tasks and theory to receive a Romanian "certificate of competencies" or a full trade qualification certificate (calificare). These assessments can be scheduled within weeks.
• Documents typically needed:
  • Passport and residence documents
  • Original trade certificates and translations into Romanian by a sworn translator
  • Employment references detailing tasks performed
  • Portfolio of work or photos may support your case

Tips:

• Arrange certified translations before arrival to save time.
• Aim for a qualification mapping to EQF level 3 or 4 for plumbing, which aligns with hiring expectations for skilled workers.

2) Authorizations for specialized work

Some tasks need specific authorizations, often in the name of the company that employs you, with individual exam or competence requirements.

• Gas-related authorizations:
  • ISCIR: For gas-fired boilers, pressure-bearing heating equipment, and related pressure systems, activities fall under ISCIR oversight. Installation, commissioning, and periodic checks must be done by companies and personnel authorized by ISCIR. You may need to pass an exam and show experience to be listed on the certificate of authorization.
  • ANRE: Natural gas distribution and consumer installation works are overseen by the National Energy Regulatory Authority (ANRE). Companies must hold ANRE authorization for gas installations, and individuals often hold relevant certificates. While your employer usually carries the authorization, your personal credentials and exams will matter.
• Welding and brazing certifications:
  • Welders are commonly qualified under ISO 9606 standards, with procedures qualified per ISO or EN standards. Brazing of copper for refrigeration/heating often requires separate certification per European standards. Bring your current certificates and be ready for requalification in Romania.
• Safety certifications:
  • Hot works permits and training, work at height certificates, confined space training, and first aid are frequent requirements on large sites.

Language and exam notes:

• Most authorization exams and courses are delivered in Romanian. While some providers may offer support in English, assume you will need intermediate Romanian to pass written tests and communicate with inspectors during practical exams.

How to proceed step by step

1. Collect your certificates and references and get them translated into Romanian.
2. Identify an ANC-authorized assessment center for plumbing to obtain a Romanian certificate of competencies if needed.
3. Discuss with your employer which authorizations the company holds and which they expect you to obtain (ISCIR, ANRE, welding). Agree on who pays and the timeline.
4. Schedule necessary courses and exams as early as possible, ideally before or right after you arrive.
5. Keep a digital and paper folder with all certificates. Employers and inspectors will ask for them during audits or site checks.

Salary and Benefits

Earnings vary by city, experience, project type, and whether you are employed or subcontracting. The ranges below reflect typical 2025-2026 figures. For quick conversion, 1 EUR is approximately 5 RON.

Employee salaries (net per month):

• Bucharest: 5,000 to 8,500 RON net (1,000 to 1,700 EUR), with experienced plumbers and foremen at the higher end.
• Cluj-Napoca: 4,500 to 8,000 RON net (900 to 1,600 EUR).
• Timisoara: 4,200 to 7,500 RON net (840 to 1,500 EUR).
• Iasi: 4,000 to 7,000 RON net (800 to 1,400 EUR).

Overtime and allowances:

• Overtime is typically paid at a premium, often 125 percent on weekdays and 200 percent on Sundays or public holidays, subject to contract.
• Meal vouchers (tichete de masa) are common, often 30 to 40 RON per worked day.
• Project-based per diems may apply when working away from your home city, with accommodation sometimes included by the employer.

Subcontractor rates (self-employed or company):

• Hourly rates for skilled plumbers: 90 to 180 RON per hour (18 to 36 EUR), depending on specialization (e.g., gas, industrial pipe fitting, boiler commissioning) and city.
• Day rates: 700 to 1,400 RON per day (140 to 280 EUR), with higher rates on complex industrial or fast-track projects.

Benefits and contract structure:

• Standard employment contracts include social insurance contributions, paid annual leave (at least 20 working days), and public holidays.
• Private health packages are sometimes offered by larger employers.
• 13th month pay is not standard but may be offered as a bonus around major holidays.

Taxes and contributions overview:

• Employees: Income tax is generally 10 percent, and social contributions are withheld by the employer. Your net pay reflects these deductions. You will receive payslips detailing contributions.
• Self-employed (PFA) or company owners (SRL): Taxation can be favorable if structured correctly, but it involves bookkeeping, invoicing, and compliance with e-invoicing rules for B2B transactions. Consult a local accountant for setup and compliance.

Cost of Living

Overall, Romania offers solid value relative to salaries for skilled trades. Below are typical monthly costs in 2025-2026.

Housing (1-bedroom apartment):

• Bucharest: 500 to 800 EUR in central areas, 350 to 600 EUR outside the center.
• Cluj-Napoca: 450 to 700 EUR central, 350 to 550 EUR outside the center.
• Timisoara: 350 to 600 EUR central, 300 to 500 EUR outside the center.
• Iasi: 300 to 500 EUR central, 250 to 450 EUR outside the center.

Utilities and communications:

• Utilities (electricity, heating, water, garbage) for a 1-bedroom: 80 to 150 EUR per month, higher in winter for gas-heated apartments.
• High-speed internet: 7 to 12 EUR per month.
• Mobile phone plans: 5 to 15 EUR per month for generous data allowances.

Transportation:

• Monthly public transport pass: 15 to 20 EUR in most large cities, around 20 to 25 EUR in Bucharest depending on zones.
• Fuel: Approximately 1.5 to 1.7 EUR per liter.
• Ride-sharing: Competitive in Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca, with short trips typically 3 to 8 EUR.

Food and daily expenses:

• Groceries for one person: 150 to 250 EUR per month if you cook at home.
• Lunch menu at local restaurants: 7 to 10 EUR.
• Coffee: 2 to 3 EUR at cafes.

Family costs:

• Childcare: 250 to 450 EUR per month for public kindergarten (fees vary), 400 to 700 EUR for private options.
• International schools: Significantly higher, common in Bucharest.
• Private healthcare visits: 30 to 60 EUR for general practitioners, more for specialists.

Sample monthly budgets:

• Single plumber in Bucharest sharing accommodation: 350 EUR rent, 120 EUR utilities, 200 EUR food, 20 EUR transport, 30 EUR mobile/internet, 100 EUR misc = about 820 EUR.
• Family of three in Timisoara: 550 EUR rent for a 2-bedroom, 150 EUR utilities, 450 EUR food, 25 EUR transport per adult, 50 EUR communications, 100 EUR childcare fees or activities = roughly 1,350 to 1,500 EUR depending on lifestyle.

Cultural Integration

Moving is easier when you understand how people work and communicate on site.

Language basics:

• Romanian is the language of work on most sites. English is increasingly common in multinational teams, but key safety briefings, toolbox talks, and inspections often happen in Romanian.
• Learn core trade terms early. A few examples you will hear on site:
  • Water pipe: teava de apa
  • Valve: robinet
  • Radiator: calorifer
  • Boiler: centrala termica
  • Hot water: apa calda
  • Cold water: apa rece
  • Pressure test: proba de presiune
  • Leak: scurgere
• Strategy: Take a beginner course before arrival and add a technical vocabulary list on your phone. Practice daily during safety briefings and walkdowns.

Workplace culture:

• Punctuality matters. Morning briefings start on time.
• Hierarchies are clear. Site manager, engineer, foreman, and crew roles are defined. Raising issues through the foreman works well.
• Documentation culture. Workers are expected to sign attendance, toolbox talk sheets, and test protocols. Keep a pen, notebook, and photo records.
• Safety is taken seriously on reputable sites. Wear PPE, respect lockout-tagout, and use hot work permits.
• Lunch is usually between 12:00 and 13:30. Cafeterias or nearby eateries are common on larger sites.

Professional networking:

• Job portals: eJobs and BestJobs frequently list plumbing roles.
• LinkedIn: Follow Romanian contractors and facility management companies.
• Trade suppliers: Building relationships at Romstal, Dedeman, Hornbach, Leroy Merlin, and specialized wholesalers helps you source materials quickly and learn brand preferences.

Practical Steps to Relocate

Follow this roadmap to reduce downtime and surprises.

1. Research and target cities
   • Bucharest for volume and higher rates.
   • Cluj-Napoca for tech-driven projects and modern residential builds.
   • Timisoara for industry and cross-border logistics.
   • Iasi for growing residential and institutional projects.
2. Align your CV and portfolio
   • List systems you have installed: PEX, PPR, copper, steel, underfloor heating, gas boilers, heat pumps, sanitary fixtures.
   • Include photos of plant rooms, neat pipework, pressure test certificates, and commissioning logs.
3. Apply and secure a job offer
   • Use eJobs, BestJobs, company career pages, and recruitment agencies.
   • Clarify the employer's authorizations (ISCIR, ANRE) and whether they will sponsor your permits and courses.
4. Begin the work permit process
   • Provide employers with required documents: passport copy, education and trade certificates, police clearance, and photos.
   • Wait for the employer to obtain the work authorization from IGI.
   • Apply for your long-stay D visa at the nearest Romanian consulate.
5. Prepare documentation for qualification recognition
   • Translate your certificates into Romanian.
   • Identify ANC assessment centers for plumbing competencies in your target city.
   • Pre-book courses for ISCIR or ANRE if your role requires them.
6. Plan your arrival
   • Book short-term accommodation for 2 to 4 weeks while you search for a longer-term rental.
   • Arrange a medical insurance policy for the initial visa period.
   • Pack essential tools but check airline rules for sharp objects and fuel-powered equipment.
7. On arrival
   • Register your address with authorities if required by your landlord or employer for residence permit processing.
   • Attend your pre-employment medical assessment, SSM and PSI trainings.
   • Apply for the residence permit at IGI within the set timeframe.
8. Set up practical life admin
   • Get a local SIM card and data plan.
   • Open a bank account with your passport and residence document.
   • Learn the route to your site and obtain access badges.
9. Secure authorizations and certifications
   • Complete any pending ANC evaluations.
   • Sit for ISCIR or ANRE-related courses and exams as scheduled.
   • Keep copies of authorization listings showing your name if applicable.
10. Integrate and grow

• Join company training programs and volunteer for complex plant room tasks to build reputation.
• Network with suppliers and site engineers. Good relationships lead to referrals and stable workloads.

Timeline estimate:

• Job search and interviews: 2 to 6 weeks
• Employer work authorization: 4 to 6 weeks
• D visa processing: 2 to 4 weeks
• Residence permit after arrival: 2 to 6 weeks
• ANC assessment and authorizations: variable, 2 to 8 weeks depending on exam schedules

Understanding Romanian Plumbing Codes and Permits

Romanian construction is governed by national laws and technical norms. You do not have to memorize every code number, but you must understand the framework you work within.

Key pillars:

• Construction quality law: Sets the baseline for design, execution, and verification across disciplines, including sanitary and heating installations.
• Technical norms for sanitary and heating systems: Define materials, pipe sizing, slopes, venting, backflow prevention, pressure testing, and insulation standards.
• Fire safety rules: Influence shaft sealing, pipe penetrations, and equipment placement. Look for firestop requirements and materials with fire reaction ratings in plant rooms and risers.
• Gas installation rules: Specify design, materials, installation methods, ventilation, leak testing, and commissioning requirements. Gas-fired appliances require proper flue and combustion air calculations.

Permits and inspections you will encounter on projects:

• Building permit holder: Usually the developer or general contractor. They coordinate inspections and technical approvals.
• Site technical control: Engineers and inspectors review hidden works before closing walls or slabs. For plumbing, this may involve verifying pipe supports, slopes, and pressure tests.
• Utilities inspections: Water and gas utilities may attend connection, pressure test, and meter installation steps.
• ISCIR oversight for boilers: Installation and commissioning of certain boilers and pressure systems require participation of authorized personnel, with checklists and logs for startup.

What you should have ready for inspections:

• Pressure test logs for cold and hot water and heating loops.
• Gas tightness test records with pressure and time data.
• Material certificates for pipes, fittings, and valves, especially for fire-rated components and gas installations.
• As-built markups if modifications were made, approved by the engineer.

Practical compliance habits:

• Use metric consistently. Romania uses SI units on all drawings and documents.
• Keep a tidy plant room. Label pipes, valves, and equipment per the legend. It makes acceptance faster and avoids rework.
• Photograph tests and hidden works. Visual evidence reduces disputes and helps at handover.

Common Technical Challenges for Global Tradespeople

Arriving from Global, you may face differences in standards, materials, and language.

• Metric system: Pipe sizes, lengths, and pressures are in metric units. Get comfortable with millimeters, meters, bar, and degrees Celsius.
• Thread standards: BSP threads are common in Romania. If you are used to NPT, procure the correct adaptors and sealants to avoid leaks.
• Material preferences: PPR and PEX are widely used for water and heating, copper is common near heat sources and plant rooms, and steel is used for risers and industrial lines. Learn local brand systems and compatible tools.
• Local brands and distributors: Romstal and Dedeman are key retail and wholesale names. Develop a list of equivalents for fittings and valves you used previously.
• Technical terminology: Even with good conversational English on site, inspectors often use Romanian terms in reports and test protocols. Build your technical glossary early.

Success Tips From Other Expats

• Secure the right authorization path early: If your work will involve gas boilers or pressure systems, discuss ISCIR and ANRE requirements with your employer before arrival. Lock in exam dates.
• Bring a compact core tool kit: Include metric spanners, BSP thread tools, deburring tools, and a good crimping system if you know the brand to be used on site.
• Document everything: Keep your certificates, test records, and photos organized in cloud storage. When an inspector asks, you can produce evidence immediately.
• Negotiate allowances: If projects are outside your home city, ask about per diem, accommodation, and travel allowances. Many contractors have set policies.
• Learn key Romanian phrases: Enough to greet, confirm measurements, and record test results. It speeds up work and builds rapport.
• Respect paperwork timelines: Residence permit renewals, safety refreshers, and medical checks all have deadlines. Calendar them to avoid fines or site access issues.
• Understand payment terms: As a subcontractor, check contract terms, advance payments, and retention percentages. Invoices may be due 30 days after acceptance of work.

Salary Examples by Role and City

To make it concrete, here are illustrative examples. Note that exact salaries depend on the employer and your experience.

• Residential plumber, Bucharest: 6,500 RON net per month plus meal vouchers and overtime opportunities. Duties include PPR and PEX runs, fixture installation, pressure testing, and snagging.
• Boiler service technician, Cluj-Napoca: 7,000 to 8,000 RON net plus company van and phone. Responsibilities include seasonal start-ups, efficiency checks, and fault diagnostics on condensing boilers.
• Industrial pipe fitter, Timisoara: 1,200 EUR net per month equivalent with project-based overtime. Work includes carbon steel piping, flanged connections, and hydrostatic testing.
• Maintenance plumber, Iasi: 4,500 to 5,500 RON net with stable hours, rotating on-call. Tasks include leak repairs, valve replacements, pump maintenance, and small remodeling tasks.

Example Workflow for Gas Boiler Commissioning Under ISCIR Oversight

While practices vary by site and equipment, a typical sequence looks like this:

1. Verify authorizations: Confirm your company and responsible personnel are authorized for the boiler category. Have certificates on file.
2. Pre-check installation: Confirm clearances, ventilation, flue routing, and condensate drain per manufacturer and applicable norms.
3. Gas tightness test: Perform and document before burner ignition.
4. Electrical and control checks: Verify grounding, sensor placement, and safety interlocks.
5. First ignition and tuning: Conduct under the supervision of authorized personnel, recording combustion parameters.
6. Documentation: Complete commissioning sheets, log settings, and provide the owner with operation manuals and maintenance schedule.
7. Registration: Where required, register the equipment for periodic inspections per ISCIR rules.

How to Work With Romanian Building Inspectors and Utilities

• Be present and prepared: Bring all test logs, certificates, and as-built drawings to the inspection.
• Show, do not just tell: Inspectors appreciate seeing pressure gauges, valve labeling, and clean installations ready for handover.
• Note actions in writing: Record any corrective actions agreed during the visit and complete them by the deadline.
• For utilities: Schedule connection and meter installations well in advance. Lead times can stretch during peak seasons.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Romania offers a practical path to grow your plumbing career in the European Union: solid demand, competitive pay relative to living costs, and a clear regulatory framework. While the legal steps, permit rules, and technical standards may feel complex at first, you can navigate them with a plan: secure a compliant visa and work authorization, validate your qualifications, align with ISCIR and ANRE requirements for specialized tasks, and build the language and documentation habits that make inspections straightforward.

If you are serious about relocating from Global to Romania, start by mapping your qualifications against Romanian requirements, lining up your employer-sponsored authorizations, and scheduling your visa steps. With that done, you can step onto Romanian job sites confident that your work is recognized, compliant, and ready for inspection.

Ready to move? Build your checklist, reach out to Romanian employers, and set your target arrival date. The sooner you begin the permit and recognition process, the faster you will be earning and advancing on site.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) Do plumbers need a personal license to work in Romania?

Romania does not require a single, universal personal plumber license in the way some countries do. Instead, employers verify your qualifications, and specific tasks may require authorized companies and individually certified personnel. For gas-fired boilers and pressure equipment, ISCIR authorization applies. For natural gas installations, ANRE authorizations are relevant. Many employers help you obtain the exact authorizations your role needs.

2) How long does the work visa process take for Global citizens?

Plan for 8 to 12 weeks in total. Your employer needs 4 to 6 weeks to obtain the work authorization from IGI. Your D visa typically takes 2 to 4 weeks after submission at the consulate. After arrival, the residence permit may take another 2 to 6 weeks to issue. Timelines vary by season and city, so start early and keep documents complete.

3) Can my family join me in Romania?

Yes. After you obtain your residence permit for employment, your spouse and minor children can usually apply for family reunification visas and residence permits. They will need proof of relationship, accommodation, and sufficient income. School-age children can enroll in local or international schools. Check the latest IGI guidance for requirements.

4) Do I need to speak Romanian to pass ISCIR or other authorization exams?

Assume yes. While some instructors may help in English, the official exams, safety briefings, and inspector communications are normally in Romanian. If you are not yet fluent, take an intensive course focused on technical vocabulary. Many expats pass after several weeks of targeted study and on-site immersion.

5) Will my existing gas or welding certificates be accepted?

Bring originals and translations. European-standard certifications such as ISO 9606 for welding are widely recognized, but companies may still ask you to requalify or take a local exam, particularly for gas-related work under ISCIR oversight. This is common and ensures compliance with Romanian procedures and inspector expectations.

6) What are typical working hours and overtime expectations?

Standard schedules are 8 hours per day, Monday to Friday, with overtime as needed to hit milestones. Large projects often run Saturday shifts or extended hours in the final weeks before handover. Overtime premiums and maximum hours must follow labor law and your contract. Always log hours correctly in company systems.

7) Can I work as a self-employed plumber in Romania?

Yes. Many expats register as a PFA (sole trader) or set up an SRL (limited company). You will handle invoicing, taxes, and compliance, including e-invoicing for B2B transactions. For gas or pressure equipment work, your business will need the relevant company authorizations, not just personal skills. An accountant can set up your entity and explain tax optimization options.

8) What is the difference between building permits and plumbing permits in Romania?

The building permit covers the entire project and is obtained by the developer or general contractor. Plumbing works are part of the technical project attached to that permit. As a plumber, you do not typically hold a separate "plumbing permit"; instead, you execute works per the approved project and technical norms. Specialized tasks like gas boiler commissioning or gas line tie-ins require authorized personnel and utility approvals, which serve the role of permit checks for those systems.

9) How do I source materials and tools quickly after arrival?

Start with Romstal for professional ranges of pipes, valves, boilers, and fittings. Dedeman, Hornbach, and Leroy Merlin stock common items and tools. Build relationships with branch managers and reps for better lead times and technical advice. If you are used to NPT, stock BSP adapters and the right thread sealants. Keep a list of Romanian equivalents for your preferred brands.

10) Are unions common for plumbers in Romania?

Trade unions exist, but membership varies by company and region. On many private projects, employment terms are individual. Collective bargaining is more visible on large industrial sites and public projects. Whether unionized or not, you are protected by Romanian labor laws for contracts, pay, hours, and safety.

11) What insurance should I have?

Employees are covered by employer insurance for workplace incidents. If you are self-employed, consider professional liability insurance for installation defects and general liability for on-site risks. Ask clients if they require proof of coverage before you start work.

12) What are the biggest mistakes new arrivals make?

• Starting work before the work authorization and D visa are in place
• Underestimating language needs for authorizations and inspections
• Mixing NPT and BSP without proper adapters
• Forgetting to schedule residence permit renewals
• Not documenting pressure tests and hidden works thoroughly

Staying ahead on paperwork and technical standards keeps you productive and out of trouble.