Employers recruiting workers from outside the European Union now need to treat employment contracts as a core compliance document rather than a routine HR form. Emergency Ordinance no. 32/2026 and Labour Minister Order no. 655/2026 introduce a special contract template for registered employers using foreign-worker placement agencies.
The document matters both for the employment relationship and for inspections. Contracts that omit mandatory elements may be considered absolutely null, while the employers and agencies involved may face fines between RON 5,000 and RON 10,000 for each affected foreign worker.
Key requirements include drafting the contract in Romanian and in a language understood by the worker, clearly identifying the workplace, department, working schedule, relevant net and gross pay, tax obligations, and conditions for accommodation, transport and integration.
The new rules also clarify practical protections: employers may not retain identity documents, may not restrict the worker’s freedom of movement outside working hours, and must provide coverage for workplace accidents and occupational diseases under the applicable legislation.
Separately, Labour Minister Order no. 987/2026 sets the methodology for preparing and updating the list of shortage occupations. The list will rely on data from ANOFM, the Labour Inspectorate and the General Inspectorate for Immigration, and may be updated every six months or whenever labour-market needs require it.
For companies concerned, checking the employer category, the correct contract model and the mandatory clauses is now a practical step for reducing legal and operational risk.
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