At Conachi Academy, we guide students not just through the admission process, but through every aspect of student life in Romania – including how to work legally, which jobs are available, and how to balance work with your studies.
This guide covers everything you need to know about part-time work opportunities for international students in Romania in 2026.
Can International Students Work in Romania?
Yes, international students in Romania are legally allowed to work part-time – but only if they meet three critical requirements.
Three Requirements to Work as a Student
- You must be enrolled at an accredited Romanian university – either undergraduate, graduate, or preparatory year. Your enrollment must be full-time, not distance learning or online-only programs.
- You must have a student residence permit – not just a student visa. The visa gets you into Romania, but the residence permit (issued by IGI – the Romanian Immigration Office) is what allows you to stay and work.
- Your residence permit must include “right to work” (drept de muncă) – this is a specific annotation on your permit card. Without it, you cannot legally work, even if you have a residence permit.
EU/EEA/Swiss students do not need a residence permit or work authorization – they have automatic right to work just like Romanian citizens.
How Many Hours Can Students Work in Romania?
This is where many students get confused. Romanian law has strict limits on student work hours, and violating them can lead to fines, deportation, or losing your residence permit.
Legal Work Hour Limits
- During the academic term (classes in session): maximum 4 hours per day, 5 days per week (total 20 hours/week)
- During university breaks (summer, winter, Easter holidays): maximum 8 hours per day (full-time work allowed)
These limits apply to all work combined – if you have two part-time jobs, the total from both cannot exceed 4 hours/day during term time.
What Happens If You Work More?
Working beyond these hours is considered illegal employment under Romanian immigration law. Consequences include:
- Fines for you and your employer
- Loss of residence permit
- Ban from re-entering Romania for 1–5 years
- Deportation in severe cases
Some employers may offer to hire you “full-time” but only report 4 hours/day on the contract. Do not accept this. If immigration authorities discover the real hours, you face the penalties, not the employer.
Work Permit Requirements for Non-EU Students
If you are from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland, you need to follow a specific process to work legally.
Step 1: Get Your Residence Permit with “Right to Work”
When you apply for your residence permit at IGI after arriving in Romania, request that it include “drept de muncă” (right to work). This is not automatic – you must ask for it.
The residence permit application requires:
- Letter of Acceptance from the Ministry of Education (covered in our Letter of Acceptance guide)
- Proof of enrollment at your university
- Proof of accommodation in Romania
- Proof of health insurance
- Proof of financial means (bank statements or scholarship letter)
Processing time: 30–60 days after submission.
Step 2: Notify IGI Within 10 Days of Starting Work
Once you receive a job offer, both you and your employer must notify the Immigration Office (IGI) within 10 days of signing the employment contract.
Required notification includes:
- Copy of your employment contract
- Copy of your residence permit
- Employer’s company registration details
Failure to notify within 10 days is a legal violation.
Step 3: Notify IGI of Any Changes
If you change jobs, get a salary increase, change workplace location, or terminate employment, you must notify IGI within 10 days of the change.
Best Part-Time Jobs for Students in Romania
Not all jobs are equally accessible to international students. Below are the most common and realistic options.
1. Tutoring and Teaching (Highest Pay)
Private tutoring is one of the best-paid student jobs in Romania, especially if you teach English, French, German, or other foreign languages.
- Pay: €8–€20 per hour depending on language and student level
- How to find: word-of-mouth, university notice boards, online platforms (Preply, iTalki), local Facebook groups
- Requirements: fluency in the language, patience, ability to explain clearly
- Best for: students from English-speaking countries, or those fluent in Western European languages
Many Romanian families pay well for native-speaker English tutors to prepare their children for IELTS, TOEFL, or school exams.
2. Hospitality and Food Service
Restaurants, cafés, bars, and hotels are the most common employers of international students in Romania, especially in university cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, Brașov, and Iași.
- Pay: €3–€6 per hour (15–30 RON/hour) + tips
- Jobs: waiter, barista, kitchen assistant, bartender, hotel receptionist
- How to find: walk into cafés/restaurants and ask, online job boards (BestJobs, eJobs), university career centers
- Requirements: basic Romanian helpful but not always required; some places hire English-speakers for international clientele
- Best for: students who want flexible weekend shifts and social interaction
Tips can significantly boost income in tourist-heavy areas.
3. Retail and Sales
Malls, supermarkets, clothing stores, and bookshops hire part-time staff, especially during busy seasons (Christmas, back-to-school, summer sales).
- Pay: €3–€5 per hour
- Jobs: cashier, sales assistant, stock assistant, customer service
- How to find: apply directly at stores, check job portals, ask at shopping centers
- Requirements: basic Romanian often required; some international brands (Zara, H&M, IKEA) accept English-speakers
- Best for: students who prefer structured schedules and indoor work
4. Call Centers and Customer Support
Bucharest, Cluj, Timișoara, and Iași have large BPO (business process outsourcing) sectors with multinational companies hiring multilingual students.
- Pay: €4–€7 per hour (higher for rare languages)
- Jobs: customer support, technical support, sales support
- How to find: job portals (BestJobs, LinkedIn), company websites (Teleperformance, Concentrix, Majorel)
- Requirements: fluency in English + another language (French, German, Spanish, Italian, Arabic, etc.)
- Best for: students with strong communication skills and language abilities
Shifts can be night or weekend, which works well around class schedules.
5. On-Campus Jobs
Many Romanian universities hire students for administrative, library, lab assistant, or departmental support roles.
- Pay: €3–€5 per hour
- Jobs: library assistant, lab technician, language department tutor, student ambassador, IT support
- How to find: ask at your faculty office, check university career portals, talk to professors
- Requirements: good academic standing, sometimes Romanian language required
- Best for: students who want campus-based work close to classes
On-campus jobs often have the most flexible schedules because employers understand student exam periods.
6. Freelancing and Remote Work
If you have skills in graphic design, web development, content writing, video editing, or social media management, you can work remotely for clients anywhere in the world.
- Pay: €5–€30+ per hour depending on skill and client
- Jobs: freelance design, coding, translation, content creation, virtual assistant
- How to find: Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer.com, LinkedIn, direct client outreach
- Requirements: portfolio, reliable internet, self-discipline
- Best for: students with digital skills who want location-independent income
Freelancing income still counts toward your 4-hour/day limit during term time – track your hours carefully.
7. Delivery and Gig Economy
Food delivery apps (Glovo, Bolt Food, Tazz) and ride-sharing services hire part-time workers.
- Pay: €4–€8 per hour + tips
- Jobs: food delivery courier (bike, scooter, car), package delivery
- How to find: app signup (Glovo, Bolt, Tazz)
- Requirements: bike or scooter (some apps provide equipment), smartphone, basic Romanian helpful
- Best for: students who want flexible hours and outdoor activity
Delivery work can be physically demanding and weather-dependent.
How Much Can Students Earn?
Realistic monthly income depends on how many hours you work and which job you choose.
Monthly Earnings (Part-Time, 20 Hours/Week During Term)
- Hospitality/retail: €240–€480/month (€3–€6/hour × 80 hours)
- Tutoring: €640–€1,600/month (€8–€20/hour × 80 hours)
- Call center: €320–€560/month (€4–€7/hour × 80 hours)
- On-campus: €240–€400/month (€3–€5/hour × 80 hours)
- Freelancing: €400–€2,400+/month (highly variable)
Full-Time Earnings (During University Breaks)
If you work 8 hours/day, 5 days/week during summer (June–September = 12 weeks):
- Hospitality: €1,440–€2,880 (3 months)
- Tutoring: €3,840–€9,600 (3 months)
- Call center: €1,920–€3,360 (3 months)
These amounts are gross (before tax). Romanian employment tax is typically 10% income tax + social contributions (around 25% total deductions for employees).
Where to Find Student Jobs in Romania
Don’t wait until you arrive – start looking 2–3 weeks before the semester starts.
Online Job Portals
- BestJobs.ro – largest Romanian job board, has student/part-time filter
- eJobs.ro – second-largest, good for retail and hospitality
- LinkedIn – best for call centers, tech internships, professional roles
- OLX.ro – classifieds site with casual job listings
University Resources
- Career centers – most Romanian universities have career offices that post part-time openings
- Student portals – check your university’s internal job board
- Faculty notice boards – physical bulletin boards often have tutoring and assistant jobs
Social Media and Networking
- Facebook groups – search “Jobs in [city name]”, “International Students Romania”, “Expats Bucharest”
- Student associations – join your university’s international student group
- Word of mouth – ask classmates, roommates, and professors
Walk-In Applications
In Romania, many small businesses (cafés, restaurants, shops) still hire through walk-in applications. Print a simple CV, dress neatly, and visit during slow hours (2–4 PM) to ask if they’re hiring.
Balancing Work and Study: Practical Tips
The biggest mistake international students make is working too much and letting grades suffer. Remember: you are in Romania primarily to study, not to work.
Time Management Strategies
- Limit work to 10–15 hours/week in your first semester while you adjust to Romanian academic culture
- Block your work hours – three 4-hour shifts per week is better than daily 2-hour shifts
- Protect exam periods – many employers understand that students need 2–3 weeks off before finals
- Use university breaks wisely – summer is when you can work full-time and save money
Academic Priorities
Romanian universities track attendance carefully. Missing too many classes can result in losing your student status, which means losing your residence permit and work authorization.
- Maintain minimum 75% attendance in most programs
- Submit all assignments on time
- Pass all exams – failing courses can trigger residence permit review
If your grades drop below passing, your university may report this to IGI, and your residence permit renewal can be denied.
Tax and Legal Obligations
Once you start working in Romania, you become a taxpayer. Here’s what you need to know.
Taxes on Student Income
All legal employment in Romania is subject to:
- 10% income tax on gross salary
- 25% social contributions (pension, health insurance, unemployment)
Your employer deducts these automatically and pays them to the Romanian tax authority (ANAF). You receive net salary (after deductions) in your bank account.
Registering for Health Insurance
Once employed, you are automatically enrolled in CNAS (Romanian National Health Insurance). This gives you access to state healthcare, including:
- Free GP visits at state polyclinics
- Subsidized medications
- Emergency care
You still need to keep your private student health insurance active, as some universities require it for enrollment.
Annual Tax Declaration
If you earn income in Romania, you may need to file an annual tax return with ANAF. Most students with single-employer income do not need to file (employer handles it), but if you freelance or have multiple jobs, you must file by May 25 each year.
Common Mistakes Students Make
Avoid these errors to stay legal and successful.
- Working without notifying IGI – even if you have a work permit, you must notify within 10 days
- Exceeding 4 hours/day during term – employers may ask, but you face the penalty
- Accepting “cash-only” jobs – illegal employment leaves you with no legal protection
- Working before getting residence permit – you need the permit first, not just the visa
- Ignoring tax obligations – unreported income can cause residence permit renewal issues
- Prioritizing work over grades – losing student status = losing work authorization
- Not reading employment contracts – always get a written contract in Romanian (and translation if needed)
Support and Resources at Conachi Academy
At Conachi Academy, we don’t just help you get admitted – we support you through your entire student journey in Romania.
What We Offer
- Pre-departure orientation – understanding Romanian work laws before you arrive
- Residence permit guidance – ensuring your permit includes “right to work”
- Job search support – connecting students with reputable employers
- Contract review – helping you understand Romanian employment contracts
- Ongoing check-ins – regular support throughout your studies
Curious about what student life is really like in Romania? Read about campus experiences or explore our support and guidance services.
For students considering work in Romania, our partner EJS Europe specializes in employment opportunities for workers – though student part-time work follows different rules than full-time worker visas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work full-time as a student in Romania?
No. During term time, you are limited to 4 hours/day. Full-time work (8 hours/day) is only allowed during official university breaks (summer, winter, Easter holidays).
Do EU students need a work permit in Romania?
No. EU/EEA/Swiss students have automatic right to work and do not need a residence permit or work authorization.
What happens if I work more than 4 hours/day?
You and your employer can face fines, and you risk losing your residence permit and being deported. Immigration authorities do conduct checks, especially at large employers.
Can I work if I’m doing online studies from my home country?
No. You must be physically present in Romania and enrolled in an on-campus program at an accredited Romanian university.
How much tax do I pay on student earnings?
Approximately 35% total (10% income tax + 25% social contributions). Your employer deducts this automatically, and you receive net salary.
Can I work as a freelancer instead of an employee?
Yes, but freelance hours still count toward your 4-hour/day limit, and you must register as a self-employed person (PFA) with Romanian tax authorities if your income exceeds certain thresholds.
Do I need Romanian language to get a job?
It depends on the job. Hospitality and retail often require basic Romanian. Call centers, tutoring, and IT jobs can work in English. Learning Romanian significantly improves your job options.
Can I change jobs without losing my residence permit?
Yes, but you must notify IGI within 10 days of the job change. Your residence permit stays valid as long as you remain enrolled and in good academic standing.
What is the minimum wage in Romania?
As of 2026, the minimum gross wage is approximately 4,325 RON/month (€870) for most sectors. Part-time students rarely earn this much because of hour limits.
Can high school students on student visas work?
Technically yes if over 18, but IGI often treats this as illegal employment. We strongly recommend high school students do not work to avoid immigration issues.
Final Thoughts: Work Smart, Study First
Part-time work in Romania is a great way to cover living expenses, gain professional experience, and improve your Romanian language skills – but only if you do it legally and keep academics as your top priority.
The students who succeed are the ones who:
- Understand and follow the 4-hour/day rule
- Choose jobs that fit their schedule and skills
- Keep their grades high and attendance consistent
- Build good relationships with employers
- Balance work, study, and social life
The students who struggle are the ones who take illegal jobs, work excessive hours, or let employment interfere with their studies.
At Conachi Academy, we want you to succeed in both your education and your work experience. If you’re planning to study in Romania and want guidance on every aspect of student life – from choosing the right program to navigating work regulations – we’re here to help.
Get in Touch
Conachi Academy Your trusted partner for Romanian university admissions and student support.
Email: info@conachiacademy.com
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Disclaimer: Romanian immigration and labor laws are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with IGI (Romanian Immigration Office) and your university’s international student office. Conachi Academy provides guidance but is not a legal advisor.