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Internship Legislation and Students Visa in Romania
Navigating Internships and Student Visas in Romania: A Guide
Romania, a gem in Eastern Europe, is not just a land of rich history and breathtaking landscapes, but also a hub for budding professionals seeking internships. As you consider embarking on an internship journey in Romania, it’s essential to be well-versed with the country’s legislation and visa requirements for students. But beyond the formalities, Romania offers a unique blend of experiences for every visitor.
Discover limitless possibilities: gain expert insights on internship laws and student visa applications in Romania. Piktalent delivers up-to-date guidance for citizens, EU, and non-EU individuals. Unleash your potential today!
EU citizens
1. Introduction to the Internship Law
Starting from August 18, 2019, Romania approved the Internship Law (Law no. 176/2018) which allows young individuals aged 16 and above to participate in paid internship programs within public institutions or private companies. The primary objective of this law is to enable interns to strengthen their professional skills and adapt to the practical requirements of their respective jobs, thereby gaining experience and seniority in their field.
2. Duration and Conditions
Internships can last for a maximum of 720 hours over a period of up to 6 months, with no option for extension. Interns can work up to 40 hours a week and are not allowed to work overtime. Notably, the period of the internship is considered as work experience, as per the Ministry of Labor.
3. Internship Contract
The internship contract is a binding agreement between the intern and the company. It is time-bound and mandates the intern to undergo professional training and perform specific tasks under the company’s supervision. In return, the company is obliged to provide the intern with a stipend and all necessary conditions to perform optimally. The maximum duration of an internship contract is 6 months, without the possibility of extension.
4. Remuneration and Unpaid Internships in Romania
Companies are mandated to pay their interns a monthly stipend that is at least 50% of the basic minimum gross salary. As of 2023, with the minimum gross salary being 3,000 RON, interns are entitled to a stipend of 1,500 RON.
While the Internship Law (Law no. 176/2018) mandates that companies pay their interns a stipend, it doesn’t explicitly prohibit unpaid internships. However, any formal internship under this law requires remuneration. It’s worth noting that informal or unofficial internships might exist, but they wouldn’t be protected or regulated by this law.
5. After Arrival in Romania for EU Citizens
- Duration of Stay: If you plan to stay in Romania for more than 90 days, you should obtain a registration certificate from the Romanian Office for Immigration.
- Documents Needed: Typically, you’ll need your valid passport or ID card, proof of your internship or employment, and proof of health insurance (European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)).
- Validity: The registration certificate is valid indefinitely, but it’s good practice to keep it updated if there are significant changes, like a new address.
Insights and Considerations:
- Distinguishing Interns from Trainees: Legally, an intern and a trainee are not the same in Romania.
Intern: An intern is typically a student or recent graduate undergoing practical training in a particular field or profession. Interns can be from various educational backgrounds, not necessarily just university graduates. The Internship Law (Law no. 176/2018) applies to any person over 16 years old and, in particular circumstances, over 15 years old. The main objective of internships is to provide practical experience and bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world job demands.
Trainee: Trainees, as regulated by Law no. 335/2013, are specifically university graduates. The traineeship is designed to offer these graduates a platform to gain practical experience in their field of study. It’s a more specialized form of practical training compared to internships.Why is there a Separate Law for Trainees in Romania – Law no. 335/2013?
The Law no. 335/2013 was established to regulate traineeships exclusively for university graduates. The primary objective behind this distinction is to provide a structured pathway for university graduates to transition into the professional world. Given the specialized nature of university education, there was a need to have a separate framework that caters to the unique requirements and challenges faced by university graduates. This law ensures that these graduates have an opportunity to gain practical experience relevant to their field of study before fully entering the job market.
Furthermore, participants in apprenticeship, traineeship, or internship have social security coverage ensured by their employer according to the respective laws. However, the employer can receive a subsidy from the National Employment Agency monthly for each apprentice or trainee, but not for the interns (this subsidy is over 470 Euro (2,250 lei) each month for each trainee). This distinction further emphasizes the different objectives and structures of internships and traineeships in Romania.
Non-EU citizens
Whether you hail from Bucharest or Bangkok, Romania’s employment doors are open. However, for our non-EU friends, there’s a unique dance to learn. Romania, with its rich history and vibrant culture, offers a distinct internship process for non-EU citizens. It’s intricate, yes, but with the right steps, it’s a waltz you can master.
Visa Types for Interning in Romania as a NON-EU Citizen
1. Short-Stay Visa for Internship (Type C/CI):
- Purpose: This visa is designed for NON-EU citizens who have secured a short-term internship in Romania.
- Duration: The C/CI visa is valid for a continuous stay or several stays that do not exceed 90 days within any 180-day period.
- Requirements:
- A confirmed internship agreement with a Romanian entity.
- Proof of financial means for the duration of the stay.
- Health insurance covering the entire visa validity period.
2. Long-Stay Visa for Internship (Type D/DS):
- Purpose: For those who have secured a longer internship in Romania, exceeding 90 days.
- Duration: The D/DS visa allows for a continuous stay of up to 120 days, with the possibility of extension based on the internship’s duration.
- Requirements:
- A confirmed internship agreement with a Romanian entity.
- Proof of financial sustenance throughout the internship.
- Valid health insurance.
- A clean criminal record from the country of residence.
3. Long-Stay Visa for Other Activities (Type D/AS):
- Purpose: This visa type can be considered when the internship doesn’t fit the traditional categories. For instance, research internships or those associated with non-governmental organizations might fall under this category.
- Duration: Typically valid for up to 90 days, with the possibility of extension.
- Requirements:
- An invitation from a Romanian organization detailing the nature and duration of the internship.
- Proof of financial means.
- Health insurance for the visa’s validity period.
Once you have all the necessary documents, submit your visa application to the Romanian consulate or embassy in your home country.
As a NON-EU citizen, there are a few more essential steps you need to follow upon your arrival to ensure a smooth and hassle-free stay:
1. Registration with the Romanian Office for Immigration:
- Timeframe: You must register your stay with the local Romanian Office for Immigration within 30 days of your arrival.
- Required Documents: Carry your passport, visa, proof of accommodation, internship offer letter, and health insurance.
- Purpose: This registration ensures you’re legally residing in the country for the duration of your internship.
2. Obtain a Residence Permit:
- Application: After registering, you’ll need to apply for a temporary residence permit, which validates your extended stay for work purposes.
- Validity: Typically, the residence permit for interns is valid for the duration of the internship, up to a maximum of one year.
- Renewal: If your internship gets extended, ensure you apply for a renewal well in advance of your permit’s expiration.
3. Setting Up Local Amenities:
- Bank Account: Consider opening a local bank account, especially if your internship is paid. It will make transactions easier and could be a requirement for some employers.
- SIM Card: Purchase a local SIM card to stay connected. Romania has several telecom providers offering affordable plans.
Securing the right visa is the first step towards a successful internship experience in Romania. It’s crucial to consult with the Romanian consulate or embassy in your home country to understand the specific requirements and procedures for your situation. With the correct documentation and preparation, NON-EU citizens can look forward to a rewarding internship journey in Romania.
Worldwide/Russia: Update on Visa Suspensions for Russian Citizens*
As of August 8, 2023, some European countries continue to temporarily suspend visa issuance and restrict other immigration rules for Russian citizens. Employers with Russian citizen employees should consider these suspensions for in-process and upcoming moves and inform their employees of any travel implications. The situation remains fluid, and further updates will be consolidated on this alert page. Countries like Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, Türkiye, and the United Kingdom have been mentioned in this context.
Frequently Asked Questions
Romania’s Internship Law (Law no. 176/2018), effective from August 18, 2019, allows individuals aged 16+ to join paid internships in public or private sectors, aiming to enhance their professional skills.
Internships in Romania can be up to 720 hours or 6 months, without extensions. Interns can’t work overtime.
Yes, at least 50% of the minimum gross salary. As of 2023, that’s 1,500 RON.
If staying over 90 days, obtain a registration certificate. Required documents include a passport, internship proof, and health insurance.
Interns can be students or recent grads from various backgrounds. Trainees are university graduates seeking specialized practical training.
Law no. 335/2013 caters to university graduates, offering them a structured transition into the professional world, distinct from general internships.
Yes, employers get over 470 Euro (2,250 lei) monthly per trainee from the National Employment Agency, but not for interns.
There are three visa types:
- Short-Stay Visa (Type C/CI) for internships under 90 days.
- Long-Stay Visa (Type D/DS) for internships over 90 days.
- Long-Stay Visa (Type D/AS) for non-traditional internships, like research or NGO-related.
NON-EU interns should:
- Register with the Romanian Office for Immigration within 30 days.
- Obtain a temporary residence permit.
- Consider setting up local amenities like a bank account and SIM card.
Secure the appropriate visa and consult with the Romanian consulate or embassy for specific requirements. Proper documentation and preparation are essential for a hassle-free stay.
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