Foreign workers for automotive
Automotive component factories (wiring harnesses, sub-assemblies, rubber and plastic parts), assembly lines and car repair shops are looking for operators and tradespeople for high volumes and strict quality standards. Occupations such as automotive wiring harness maker, sub-assembly fitter, production line operator, industrial robot operator, car mechanic or auto body repairer are on the Lista ocupațiilor deficitare (List of shortage occupations) approved by MMFTSS Order no. 1.073/2026. We recruit workers used to precision line work and to the quality systems of the automotive industry.
Eligible occupations (with COR code)
From the What does it mean?Lista ocupațiilor deficitare (List of shortage occupations), the official list of trades (with COR code) for which workers from outside the EU can be brought in on a D/AM2 visa; approved by order of the Minister of Labour (289 occupations in Order 1,073/2026). Read the guide → approved by MMFTSS Order 1.073/2026. The employment contract must use the exact Romanian occupation name and COR code.
| Occupation | COR code |
|---|---|
| confecționer cablaje auto (automotive wiring harness maker) | 741214 |
| operator la roboți industriali (industrial robot operator) | 818901 |
| montator subansamble (sub-assembly fitter) | 821103 |
| operator fabricație flux (production line operator) | 821106 |
| mecanic auto (car mechanic) | 723103 |
| vopsitor auto (car painter) | 713205 |
| tinichigiu carosier (auto body repairer) | 721303 |
| controlor de conformitate în industria de mașini (conformity inspector in the machinery industry) | 313904 |
| vulcanizator de produse industriale din cauciuc (industrial rubber products vulcaniser) | 814104 |
| electrician auto (auto electrician) | 723101 |
| confecționer garnituri de etanșare din cauciuc (rubber seal maker) | 814107 |
| operator la prelucrarea maselor plastice (plastics processing operator) | 814203 |
| operator la mașini-unelte cu comandă numerică (CNC machine operator) | 722323 |
| sudor (welder) | 721208 |
| controlor calitate (quality inspector) | 754301 |
| spălător vehicule (vehicle washer) | 912201 |
| muncitor necalificat la asamblarea, montarea pieselor (unskilled assembly worker) | 932906 |
What employers in automotive usually ask for
- High volumes for wiring harness and sub-assembly factories: groups of 20–100 operators, brought in waves.
- 3-shift schedules, with line pace and productivity targets; overtime at the launch of new projects.
- Indefinite-term contracts; employers invest in training and want stability for at least 2 years.
- Accommodation in dormitories or housing rented by the employer near the industrial park, with shift transport.
- For repair shops and body shops: 1–5 skilled tradespeople (mechanic, body repairer, painter, auto electrician).
- Requirements for manual dexterity and attention to detail for wiring harnesses and quality control.
Specific employer obligations
- Line operators (wiring, assembly, flow): no formal qualification, but with dexterity testing and on-the-job training on the factory's quality standards.
- Car mechanic, auto electrician, auto body repairer, car painter: proof of qualification and experience (CV, certificates, practical test); where applicable, recognition of studies or ANC certificate.
- Occupational health and safety (SSM) training in a language the worker understands for work with industrial robots, presses, paint booths and chemicals; protective equipment provided by the employer.
- Medical clearance for shift work and for exposure to solvents (paint shop) or noise.
- Compliance with the factory's quality procedures (translated work instructions, conformity checks).
Which countries we recruit from for automotive
The main markets below and many other countries in Asia, Africa and other regions, depending on your request. All countries →
Can't find the country you're looking for?
Can't find the country you are looking for? Tell us the country, the number of workers and the trades you need, and our team will assess whether the recruitment process can be organised, depending on your request and the legal possibilities.
Frequently asked questions, Automotive
Yes, with staged planning. The number of foreign nationals a legal entity can hire cannot exceed the average number of employees in the previous year (trade register certificate), and D/AM2 visas are issued within the annual quota (90,000 in 2026). We recommend bringing them in waves, with accommodation and training prepared for each group.
We organise a practical test in the country of origin on operations defined together with you (diagnostics, component replacement, wheel alignment, etc.) and send you the recording. The CV and qualification documents are filed with the single application; for trades with a regulated profession, the ANC recognition certificate is required.
At least the national gross minimum base salary guaranteed in payment: 4,325 lei gross from 1 July 2026 (GD 146/2026), for a full-time contract. The salary must be paid into the worker's bank account, not in cash. Allowances, overtime and any bonuses apply in the same way as for Romanian employees.
A full-time individual employment contract, for an indefinite or fixed term, registered in REGES-ONLINE before the cerere unică (single application) is filed. The contract is bilingual: in Romanian and in the language of the country of origin or in an international language the worker understands (usually English). The contract must contain the elements of the ofertă fermă (firm job offer): salary, working hours, accommodation, transport.
Yes. The registered employer has a legal obligation to provide Romanian language courses, with elements of cultural and social integration, for at least 6 months from the start of the activity, with at least 6 hours per week (art. 7 para. (1) letter g) of GEO 32/2026). The courses can be organised in-house or with an external provider; we can help you organise them.
Not in the first 6 months from the start of the activity (registered in REGES-ONLINE). After 6 months and up to 2 years, a change of employer can only be made through the placement agency that is a party to the placement contract. Exception: serious breach of obligations by the employer (art. 40 of GEO 32/2026).
Update of 17 September 2026
Following the decision of the Bucharest Court of Appeal admitting the application, filed by the Employers' Association of Labour Importers (Patronatul Importatorilor de Forță de Muncă) in case no. 5633/2/2026, to suspend the enforcement of Order no. 1073/2026 of the Minister of Labour, Family, Youth and Social Solidarity approving the List of shortage occupations provided for in art. 1 para. (2) of Government Emergency Ordinance no. 32/2026 on the access of foreign nationals to the labour market in Romania, and amending and supplementing certain legal acts (Order no. 1073/2026), the WorkinRomania platform flows for employer registration, employer authorisation and filing the single application for D/AM2 long-stay visas are deactivated.
This information explains the law in plain language and is indicative only. Your specific situation must be checked against the legislation in force on the filing date.
Official sources: Ordinul MMFTSS nr. 1.073/2026 pentru aprobarea Listei ocupațiilor deficitare (289 ocupații) · OUG nr. 32/2026 privind accesul străinilor pe piața muncii din România, precum și pentru modificarea și completarea unor acte normative · OUG nr. 194/2002 privind regimul străinilor în România (forma consolidată)
Do you need people in automotive?
Tell us how many and for which positions. We check the occupations against the list and send you the offer on the same working day.