Legal vs. Grey Market Jobs in Romania – What You Must Know
If you're a foreign worker planning to come to Romania, it's crucial to understand the difference between legal employment and illegal or grey market jobs. Knowing the risks can protect your rights, money, and even your freedom.
What Is Legal Work in Romania?
Legal work means you're officially registered in Romania with a work permit and residence permit. A legal job provides:
- Written contract signed before starting work
- Minimum salary based on the law (currently over €600/month gross)
- Access to healthcare and social benefits
- Protection against abuse or forced labor
- Right to renew your residence permit or bring family later
What Is Grey or Illegal Work?
Grey market jobs are jobs where:
- You enter Romania on a tourist visa
- You have no official contract or your work is not declared
- You are paid cash without legal pay slips or taxes
- You are promised a job, but no documents are ever signed
⚠️ Even if you're doing real work, if your job is not registered with authorities, it's illegal.
Dangers of Illegal Work
- No protection if you get injured or exploited
- Risk of being deported or banned from the EU
- No proof of experience or ability to change jobs legally
- Often involves poor housing and fake promises
Some illegal jobs may pay more short-term, but they are never worth the risk in the long run.
How to Check If a Job Is Legal
- Ask for your Aviz de muncă (Work Authorization) before coming to Romania
- Get a signed contract that mentions your job title, salary, and working hours
- Make sure your visa is for “muncă” (work), not tourism
- Employer should help you register with Inspectoratul pentru Imigrări within 30 days
Red Flags (Be Careful!)
- “Come fast! No visa needed, just pay a fee!”
- “We give you work after you arrive, no contract now”
- “Stay 3 months on tourist visa and work – no problem”
Conclusion
Always choose the legal path. It may take more time, but it guarantees your safety, rights, and ability to build a future in Romania. Job Point only lists verified, legal jobs with trusted employers — so you don’t risk your life or freedom.