A Guide to Staying Legal and Avoiding Deportation
Romania has become a major destination for non-EU workers, especially in construction, hospitality, manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, and transport. Thousands of workers from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East legally enter Romania every year based on employment contracts.
But one question causes constant anxiety:
What happens if I lose my job? Can I stay? Will I be deported?
The short answer: you are not automatically deported — but your right to stay in Romania is directly linked to your employment status. If your job ends, you must act quickly and correctly to avoid becoming irregular.
This guide explains, step by step, what the law says, what the risks are, and how to protect your legal stay in Romania.
1️⃣ Your Legal Stay Depends on Your Work and Residence Permit
Most non-EU employees in Romania hold a single permit (permis unic) — officially a residence permit for employment purposes.
This permit is issued based on:
- A specific employer
- A specific job
- A specific work authorization (aviz de muncă)
- A registered employment contract
The authority responsible is the Inspectoratul General pentru Imigrări (IGI).
⚠️ Critical principle:
Your right of residence is legally tied to that employer and that contract.
If that employment relationship ends, the legal basis for your stay may disappear — unless you take action.
2️⃣ What Happens When Your Job Ends?
There are three common situations:
➤ A) You Resign
➤ B) You Are Fired
➤ C) Your Contract Expires or the Company Closes
In all cases:
- Your employer must notify authorities that your employment contract has ended.
- The legal foundation of your residence permit becomes unstable.
- The 60-day period begins.
It does not matter whether:
- You left voluntarily,
- You were dismissed,
- The company went bankrupt,
- You were in probation.
The law focuses on the fact that employment ended, not on whose fault it was.
3️⃣ The 60-Day Window: Your Legal Lifeline
Romanian legislation gives non-EU workers 60 days from the termination of the employment contract to:
- Find a new employer
- Obtain a new work authorization
- Update or change your residence status
This is not automatic protection.
It is a limited opportunity.
If you use those 60 days efficiently, you can remain in Romania legally.
If you waste them, you risk losing your residence right.
4️⃣ Step-by-Step: How to Change Employers Legally
Let’s examine practical scenarios.
🧭 Example 1: You Resign for a Better Offer
Suppose you leave a job in Brașov and receive a better offer in Cluj.
Here is what must happen:
- Sign a new job offer or pre-contract.
- The new employer applies for a new work authorization (aviz de muncă).
- After approval, you apply at the IGI to update your residence permit.
- This entire procedure must begin within 60 days from your last working day.
⚠️ Important:
The new employer cannot simply “take over” your old permit.
A new work authorization process is required.
Bureaucracy takes time — often several weeks — so do not delay.
🧭 Example 2: Your Employer Goes Bankrupt
If the company closes:
- The 60-day period still applies.
- You are not automatically protected longer.
- You must actively search for new employment.
Best practice:
- Request written confirmation of termination.
- Contact IGI to clarify your timeline.
- Keep copies of all company documents.
🧭 Example 3: You Are Fired During Probation
Even if you worked only 3 months:
- You still have the 60-day window.
- The law does not exclude short-term employees.
- Your nationality does not affect this rule.
The clock starts from the official termination date.
5️⃣ What If You Fail to Find a Job in 60 Days?
This is where risks begin.
If the 60 days pass without:
- A new contract,
- A new work authorization,
- Or a change of residence basis,
then:
- The IGI may withdraw your residence permit.
- You may become irregular (illegal stay).
- You could receive a return decision.
- You may face entry bans in Romania or the Schengen area.
Romania is part of the Schengen system, meaning immigration violations can affect future access to Europe.
This is why proactive action is essential.
6️⃣ Can You Stay in Romania While the New Permit Is Processing?
Yes — but only if the new procedure was started correctly and within the 60-day period.
If:
- The new employer submitted the work authorization,
- You filed your documents properly,
- You can prove you are in procedure,
you are generally allowed to remain until a decision is issued.
Documentation is critical.
7️⃣ Can You Work During the Transition Period?
No.
You cannot legally work for a new employer:
- Until the new work authorization is issued,
- And until your residence rights are properly updated.
Working “unofficially” during this gap can:
- Lead to fines,
- Lead to cancellation of residence,
- Result in deportation,
- Trigger future visa refusals.
Even if the employer pressures you — do not risk illegal employment.
8️⃣ Practical Checklist to Stay Safe
✔ Keep Every Document
- Employment contract
- Termination decision
- Salary slips
- Residence card
- Work authorization copy
✔ Track Your Timeline
Write down:
- Last working day
- Date of employer notification
- 60-day deadline
✔ Stay in Contact With Authorities
The Inspectoratul General pentru Imigrări has local branches in each county. If uncertain, request clarification.
✔ Avoid Informal “Solutions”
Some intermediaries may promise quick fixes. Many are illegal or fraudulent.
9️⃣ Alternatives If You Cannot Find a New Job
If employment replacement is not possible, consider other legal pathways.
➤ Study Permit
If you enroll in an accredited Romanian university, you may apply for a student residence permit.
Relevant institutions include universities such as:
- Universitatea din București
- Universitatea Babeș-Bolyai
This requires:
- Admission letter
- Tuition payment proof
- Financial support evidence
➤ Family Reunification
If you are married to:
- A Romanian citizen
- An EU citizen residing in Romania
- A non-EU citizen with legal long-term residence
You may qualify for family reunification residence.
➤ Business / Self-Employment
In limited cases, you may:
- Open a company
- Apply for a business residence permit
This requires:
- Capital investment
- A viable business plan
- IGI approval
It is more complex but legally possible.
1️⃣0️⃣ What About Changing Work Sectors?
If you were approved for a specific job category (for example, construction worker), changing to another type of work may require:
- A new labor market test
- A new authorization
- Different salary thresholds
Not all transitions are automatically accepted.
Always verify with your new employer before signing anything.
1️⃣1️⃣ Risk Factors That Increase Deportation Probability
You are at higher risk if:
- You ignore official notifications.
- You overstay beyond the 60 days.
- You work without authorization.
- You use fake contracts.
- You change address without notifying authorities.
Immigration compliance in Romania has become stricter in recent years due to increased foreign workforce inflow.
1️⃣2️⃣ Psychological Reality: Don’t Panic — Act Strategically
Losing a job abroad is emotionally stressful.
However:
- Deportation is not automatic.
- The law provides a legal pathway.
- Many workers successfully transfer employers.
The difference lies in speed and documentation.
1️⃣3️⃣ Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the 60-day rule guaranteed?
It is established by Romanian immigration practice, but always verify with IGI because individual cases may differ.
❓ Does the 60 days start from dismissal or from IGI notification?
It starts from the termination of the employment contract.
❓ Can I leave Romania and return during those 60 days?
Risky. Re-entry may depend on documentation and border control discretion.
❓ Will I automatically be banned if I overstay?
Not automatically — but administrative return decisions often include re-entry bans.