Romania's new law (GEO 32/2026, effective 8 August 2026) replaced the old single work-permit category with two distinct visa tracks — D/AM1 and D/AM2. Which track applies to you changes everything: quota rules, shortage-list requirements, documentation and timeline.
This guide explains the difference in plain terms, and what it means for Indian blue-collar candidates.
The two tracks at a glance
| D/AM1 — Highly Qualified | D/AM2 — General Labour | |
|---|---|---|
| Who | Managers, specialists, researchers, ICT, intra-company, athletes, Moldova/Ukraine/Serbia citizens, infrastructure projects | Permanent, seasonal and cross-border blue-collar workers |
| Quota | Not subject to quota | Tied to annual quota (2026: 100,000) |
| Shortage list | Not required | Must be on the List of Shortage Occupations (150 occupations, updated every 6 months) |
| Route | Employer-led via platform | Licensed placement agency (standard) OR authorised employer |
What this means for blue-collar workers
Most Indian blue-collar candidates fall under D/AM2. The practical consequences:
- The role must be on the shortage-occupation list. Only occupations listed by ANOFM can be hired. The list includes welders, construction workers and other trades — but it is updated every six months, so a role in demand today must still be on the list when your file runs.
- The quota applies. The 2026 quota is 100,000 D/AM2 authorisations. When the quota fills, new applications wait for the next period — a real timing consideration.
- Placement through a licensed agency is the standard route. The employer uses an ANOFM-licensed agency, and a tripartite placement contract is signed (agency–employer–worker).
- The agency cannot charge you. Under the new law, placement costs are borne by the employer — never the worker.
The digital file (same for both tracks)
Both tracks run through the WorkinRomania.gov.ro platform:
- Firm job offer + bilingual employment contract (Romanian + your language)
- Financial guarantee (€5,000–20,000 per worker, employer-side)
- Medical insurance with at least €30,000 coverage
- Criminal record certificate
- Proof of subsistence (at least €600/month)
- Documents showing qualifications or experience
Timelines: authorisation review up to 15 days (ANOFM); visa issuance up to 30 days (+15 possible extension).
Which track applies to you?
- D/AM2 — the standard track for construction, welding, production, hospitality, agriculture and other blue-collar roles.
- D/AM1 — only if you are a specialist, manager, ICT worker, or on a recognised infrastructure project. Most blue-collar candidates will not qualify for D/AM1.
The honest picture
- No guarantees. Quota availability, shortage-list status and consular decisions all sit outside any recruiter's control.
- Don't pay the agency. The law now forbids agencies charging workers. A recruiter demanding payment is a red flag.
- Licensed channels only: MEA-licensed agent on the Indian side (verify on emigrate.gov.in); ANOFM-licensed agency on the Romanian side.
- Service-charge cap for Indian workers: ₹30,000 + GST (Rule 25 of the Emigration Rules) for MEA-licensed services, payable digitally against a receipt — never cash.
- Confirm at application time — the system is new and being implemented; check current requirements with the authorities.
The bottom line
D/AM1 vs D/AM2 is the single most important classification in Romania's new system for Indian workers. Most blue-collar candidates are D/AM2 — quota-bound and shortage-list-dependent — with placement through a licensed agency and strong worker protections. The full embassy-wise document checklists are on our visa checklists page: https://www.greenoutdoors.in/visa-checklists
Green Outdoors Global Pvt Ltd is a Registered Recruiting Agent (MEA Licence B-1873/GUJ/COM/100/5/10332/2023) with offices in Vadodara, New Delhi, and a subsidiary in Bucharest, Romania. Contact: [email protected] | WhatsApp +91 77789 78988