What the single permit is
The single permit: the residence and work document obtained from IGI after entering on a D/AM visa. When to apply, which documents, how long it is valid, what fees.
Updated on 4 September 2026 · 6 min read
The D/AM1 or D/AM2 visa allows entry into Romania and is valid for only 90 days. The document with which the foreign worker stays and works legally afterwards is the permis unic (single permit): a card issued by IGI (General Inspectorate for Immigration, the authority that manages immigration) attesting both the right of residence and the right to work. The rules are in OUG 194/2002 (the law on the status of foreign nationals), art. 50–56, as amended by OUG 32/2026.
When to apply
Art. 51 para. (1) OUG 194/2002: applications for extension of the temporary right of residence are filed in person by the foreign national, at least 30 days before the expiry of the period for which the stay was approved (i.e. the visa), at the territorial IGI unit for their place of residence. In practice, if the visa is for 90 days, the worker must have the appointment and the file ready within the first 60 days after entry.
The IGI appointment is booked online, before the visa expires. If the 30-day deadline is missed and the visa expires, the foreign national risks losing the right of residence, and the employer risks a fine of 10,000–20,000 lei for each person put to work while residing illegally (art. 134 point 17 OUG 194/2002).
Documents required by IGI (art. 51 para. (2))
- The passport, in original and copy, with the D/AM visa.
- The full-time individual employment contract, with a salary at least at the national gross minimum wage (highly skilled workers: at least the average gross salary) – art. 56 para. (1).
- Medical certificate issued by a public or private healthcare institution, showing that the person does not suffer from diseases endangering public health.
- Proof of legal possession of living space (lease, hosting declaration, etc.); not required for cross-border workers.
- Proof of social health insurance and of means of subsistence.
- Proof of payment of the extension fee and the cost of the document.
Fees
The IGI page on extending the right of residence (updated in July 2024) indicates a fee of 259 lei representing the cost of the document and the equivalent of 120 EUR consular fee. We found no official confirmation that these amounts were changed after OUG 32/2026 (the new 300 EUR fee concerns the visa, not the extension). The exact amounts must be checked with IGI on the filing date.
Processing deadlines and validity
| Aspect | Rule | Legal basis |
|---|---|---|
| Filing | At least 30 days before the visa expires | art. 51 para. (1) |
| Processing | 30 days; extendable by 15 days, and for employment by up to 30 days in exceptional cases | art. 51 para. (4) |
| Residence during processing | The right of residence is maintained until a decision is issued | art. 51 para. (4^2) |
| Validity – permanent worker | For the duration of the employment contract, but no more than 2 years | art. 56 para. (2) |
| Validity – highly skilled worker | Contract + 3 months, maximum 3 years | art. 56 para. (3) |
| Validity – seasonal worker | Contract + 5 days, maximum 180 days in any 365-day period | art. 56 para. (4) |
| After the contract ends | The right of residence remains valid for 90 days (or for as long as unemployment benefit is received) | art. 56 para. (6) |
What is written on the permit
The single permit of a foreign national employed by a legal entity also contains the employer's unique registration code (art. 107 para. (2^12) OUG 194/2002). This is why a change of employer requires a new permit, obtained through a single application for extension. IGI assigns the foreign national a CNP (personal identification number) already at the visa stage, entered on the visa sticker (art. 144^1 para. (1^1)).
Extension through a single application, without a new visa
In the situations under art. 56 para. (9) – for example on a change of employer, when a seasonal worker moves to permanent status, or for students who take up employment after their studies – the extension is obtained through a single application filed in the platform by the agency or the employer, without leaving the country for a new visa. After the application is approved, the foreign national must book an appointment with IGI within 10 days for biometric data collection and issuance of the permit (art. 56 para. (11)).
Under art. 77 para. (3) letter i) OUG 194/2002, the right of residence may be revoked if the employment contract has been suspended for more than 3 consecutive months or 6 months cumulatively. IGI informs the employer of the revocation within 10 days.
The information reflects OUG 194/2002 as in force on 4 September 2026. The permit fees come from IGI information dated 2024 and must be confirmed on the filing date. This article is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
The D/AM visa also attests the right to work (art. 44 para. (1) OUG 194/2002), and the contract is already registered in REGES-ONLINE before the single application. Once the permit application is filed on time, the right of residence is maintained until a decision is issued.
The law does not oblige the employer to pay them; art. 40 para. (8) OUG 32/2026 places the costs of the visa, transport and accommodation on the foreign national, unless the firm job offer provides otherwise. In practice, many companies cover them as a benefit.
The right of residence remains valid for 90 days from the registration of the contract termination (art. 56 para. (6)). During this period the worker may be hired by another employer, subject to the rules on changing employer.
No. The EU Blue Card is a special permit for highly skilled workers with European rules. The single permit is the standard residence and work document for all other foreign workers.
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: OUG nr. 194/2002 privind regimul străinilor în România (forma consolidată) · OUG nr. 32/2026 privind accesul străinilor pe piața muncii din România, precum și pentru modificarea și completarea unor acte normative · IGI, Informare privind condițiile de prelungire a dreptului de ședere temporară · Platforma WorkinRomania.gov.ro, informații pentru angajatori, vize și ședere, registre