University of Bucharest

Work during study

Romania's General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI, under the Ministry of Internal Affairs) states that a foreign student wanting to supplement their income during their studies can take up work without needing a separate employment authorisation (aviz de angajare), but only under a part-time individual employment contract, with working hours capped at a maximum of 6 hours a day.

Post-study work visa

Prelungirea dreptului de ședere temporară pentru studii, în vederea căutării unui loc de muncă (post-study extension of the temporary study residence right for job-seeking) . Up to 9 months
IGI states that the temporary right of residence for study purposes may be extended by 9 months after graduation, for the purpose of looking for a job and completing employment formalities, or to start a business, on presentation of documents proving completion of studies. This is separate from a shorter, distinct extension of up to 6 months that IGI also publishes for finalising outstanding school/university paperwork or authenticating study documents, which is not for job-seeking.

Route to permanent residence

IGI states that under Government Emergency Ordinance no. 194/2002 on the legal regime of foreign nationals, the residence period held for study purposes counts at half its length toward establishing eligibility for long-term residence — a rule notably similar to Spain's 50% rule elsewhere on StudyPath. To have a long-term residence application approved, the applicant must cumulatively: hold a valid right of residence other than the one originally held for study purposes (i.e. have already transitioned to another status, typically work-based, by the time of applying); have held temporary residence in Romania continuously for the 5 years before applying (with study years counted at half, per the rule above); not have been absent from Romania for more than a 10-month total or 6 consecutive months within that period; have no removal order pending against them; prove health insurance, sufficient means of support, and housing; and know Romanian to at least a satisfactory level.

Route to citizenship

Romanian citizenship by grant (acordare la cerere) is governed by Article 8 of Law no. 21/1991 on Romanian citizenship (republished), the country's underlying legislative text. It may be granted, on request, to a stateless person or foreign citizen who: was born on, or has lived lawfully on, Romanian territory for at least 8 years, or at least 5 years from the date of marriage if married to and living with a Romanian citizen; proves loyalty to the Romanian state through their conduct and declares they have not acted against public order or national security; is at least 18; has secured lawful means for a decent living in Romania; is known for good conduct and has no conviction that would make them unworthy of being a Romanian citizen; knows the Romanian language and has basic knowledge of Romanian culture and civilisation sufficient to integrate socially; and knows the provisions of the Romanian Constitution and the national anthem. Article 8(2) halves that residence period for an internationally-recognised personality, a citizen of an EU member state, a recognised refugee, or someone who has invested more than €1,000,000 in Romania. This numbered list of conditions does not include a requirement to renounce the applicant's original nationality — StudyPath found no clause in Article 8 addressing dual nationality either way.