WINNER 2022': Website Category - MOST USER FRIENDLY WEBSITE
TIMISOARA, ROMANIA
Things to know
about Timisoara
One of the most underrated cities in Europe!
The first record of the city of Timisoara, built on the site of an ancient Roman fortress called Castrum Regium Themes, dates back to 1212.
Over the years, Timisoara, the largest city in western Romania, has been influenced by many cultures. The Romans used it as an important crossroads fortress until the Tatars destroyed it in the 13th century.
Conquered by Turkish armies in 1552, Timisoara remained under their protection until 1718 when the region of Banat came under Austrian rule for two centuries.
Timisoara later became a vital commercial and manufacturing town. Turks, Austrians, Germans and Serbs all left their mark and their influence can be seen in neighbourhoods throughout the city even today.
The charm of this city, settled on the northern bank of River Bega, lies in its distinct architectural character and vibrant cultural life.
Frequently referred to as "Little Vienna," Timisoara is home to year-round musical and theatrical performances, art galleries, museums and buzzing nightlife.
A progressive, cosmopolitan place, Timisoara was the first city in Europe and second in the world, after New York, to use electricity to illuminate its streets.
Thanks to its mild climate, Timisoara has lots of public squares and lush green retreats. The city is easy to explore on foot. If you get tired, a tram will be along in a moment; the system is fast, frequent and efficient.
"Little Vienna - The City of Flowers"
Timișoara is noted for its large number of historical monuments and its 36 parks and green spaces.
The spa resorts Buziaș and Băile Călacea are located at a distance of 30 and 27 km from the city, respectively and are famous having been mentioned since Roman times for the properties of their healing waters.
Timișoara has an active cultural scene due to the city's three state theatres, opera, philharmonic and many other cultural institutions.
The city has also had the honour of being named the next "European Capital of Culture" for 2023.
Timisoara is a favourite amongst travellers who can't wait for the next trip to this city to check out local hot spots and explore the best things to do.
The top activities can garner the curiosity of even the most experienced travellers and being totally honest - you'll need an expert itinerary to make the most of a trip to Timisoara, particularly when trying to include trips to museums and the countless outdoor activities available!
It offers everything for a perfect city break. A colourful historical centre, lively squares, delicious food, and very affordable prices.
Timişoara is not too big, not too small, and certainly not too busy.
Even in peak season, you will not see overcrowded streets in this city. The atmosphere is very lively and in summer the streets and squares are filled with terraces.
How does Timisoara Compare?
The average cost of living in Timisoara is approximately €670, which is in the top 28% of the least expensive cities in the world, ranked 6664th out of 9294 in a recent global list and 5th out of 47 in Romania.
The median after-tax salary is €763, which is enough to cover living expenses for 1.1 months.
Ranked 3087th (TOP 33%) in the list of best places to live in the world and 4th best city to live in Romania.
With an estimated population of 319K, Timisoara is the 3rd largest city in Romania.
Timisoara is also a major academic centre thanks to its many universities and large student population.
With its young and hip spirit, come the low prices – at least lower than in some major cities like Bucharest.
Rents in Timisoara are actually a lot lower than in other popular Transylvanian cities due to the fact that it hasn’t been hit by tourism.
You can find places where you’ll pay around €240 for a one-bedroom apartment – if it’s far from the centre, while anything above €300 means you’ll probably be located in the best part of the city. A larger apartment for the whole family, in the city centre, is likely to be €550+ per month.
The average cost for all utilities (meaning sewerage, water, gas, building management, garbage, electricity, TV and internet) in an 85m2 apartment in Timisoara would be around €100 per month in the summer months and up to €250 in the winter months due to needing the heating much more.
Cost of Living
in Timisoara
The cost of living in Romania keeps growing at a fast pace, even though it slowed down in 2020 when everything stopped… but then exploded again in 2021 mainly because of inflation.
As a result, the cost of living in the country in 2022 is higher than ever and this year is expected to be one where it will go up by some 10% more (from January to December). Ouch!
Romania's personal income tax rate is a flat 10%.
Individuals subject to Romanian tax include domiciled residents and non-domiciled residents who're employed by a permanent establishment, carry on self-employed activities or obtain other income from Romania.
The following categories of taxpayers are subject to income tax:
(a) resident natural persons, such as any person who meets at least one of the following conditions:
. their domicile is located in Romania
. the centre of their vital interests is located in Romania
. they stay in Romania for more than 183 days in any 12-month period
(b) non-resident natural persons who perform an independent activity through a permanent establishment in Romania
(c) non-resident natural persons who perform dependent activities in Romania
(d) non-resident natural persons who obtain other income in Romania.
Eligibility to Work in Timisoara
Working in Europe | Work permit | Romania
The professional activity of foreign citizens on Romanian national territory can only be carried out with a Work Notice or a Work Permit.
According to the European Union regulations, every EU/EEA citizen enjoys the same labour rights as the ones applied to Romanian citizens, and thus, they do not need a work permit. Foreign citizens who are third-country nationals, can work in Romania only after obtaining a work permit and subsequently a long-stay visa for work and a residence permit.
Types of work permits
There are several types of work permits that can be granted to foreign citizens: permanent workers, seasonal workers, trainees, athletes, cross-border workers, and nominal work permits.
Depending on the category of your activity, the right to extend your temporary stay for employment purposes can be extended up to 1 year, as a general rule. As far as highly skilled workers are concerned, their stay can be extended up to 2 years.
THE CONDITIONS TO GET EMPLOYED IN ROMANIA
-
Obtain a medical certificate stating that they are fit to carry out the activity;
-
Have no criminal record which could prevent them from conducting their activities on the national territory;
-
Meet the employer’s requirements on experience and training, under the provisions of the law;
-
Be within the annual quota approved by Government Decision;
-
The position they opt for cannot be filled in by citizens of EU Member States / EEA or Romanian citizens.
CITIZENS WHO ARE EXEMPTED FROM HOLDING A WORK PERMIT
-
They hold a permanent residence on national territory or were granted a form of protection;
-
They hold a residence permit for studies;
-
They are EU and EEA citizens or come from a country that has signed agreements with Romania on labour market access;
-
They are family members of a Romanian citizen;
-
They temporarily conduct scientific or other specific activities under bilateral agreements or a residence permit;
-
They are deployed in Romania.
Steps to obtain a work permit
The steps necessary to obtain a work permit are initiated by the employer who will submit the necessary files and pay the applicable taxes at the offices of the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI). It takes up to 30 days for IGI to solve such requests. For additional information, please visit the official IGI page regarding work permits.
More details and prerequisites for foreigners can be found on the official website of the Ministry of Labour, Family, Social Protection and Elderly, Work Section - Information guide for third-country nationals.
Work permit application
A work permit can only be obtained by the employer, natural person or legal entity, based on the documents submitted to the territorial units of the Inspectorate General for Immigration.
The employer must also keep the document in order to prove that the employment of the foreign citizen was lawful. The employee must always keep a certified copy of the work permit or of the residence permit granted for work purposes.
THE WORK PERMIT APPLICATION'S DOCUMENTS
-
Curriculum Vitae and annexed hereto, an affidavit, stating that he/ she has no criminal record, is medically fit to be employed and has minimal Romanian language skills;
-
Medical certificate stating that he/she is fit to work;
-
Clear criminal record;
-
Graduation record translated and certified, also all scientific degrees and certifications, accompanied by validation certificate issued by the Ministry of Education and Scientific Research;
-
Passport or ID, with the long-stay visa (original and copy);
-
Two ¾ photos;
-
Updated medical and tax registration certificate etc.
Internal Procedures
After submitting your application for a work permit, the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) must answer the request within 30 days. The term may be extended by a maximum of 15 days for further verification. After obtaining the work permit, foreign citizens must apply for a long-term visa at the Romanian diplomatic missions and consular offices.
For foreign citizens who carry out work under a valid work permit, the IGI approval is no longer required, the only mandatory approval being that of the National Visa Centre for a long-stay visa for employment purposes.
Within 60 days from obtaining your work permit, an application must be filled in for a long-stay visa for employment purposes. Otherwise, the permit will expire.
For more details about long-term visas for third-country citizens access the 'Visas for Foreign Researchers' section of our website or the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 'Long Stay Visa' section.
The right of residence granted with the long-term visa may be extended by filing a request accompanied by a series of documents to the General Inspectorate for Immigration. The request must be made at least 30 days before the expiration of the previous residence permit. Along with it, the employment authorisation may also be extended, but only if the workplace was maintained.
More information regarding the internal procedures for long-term work visas and residence permits can be found on the official website of the General Inspectorate for Immigration, section Residence in Romania for work.
Source: https://www.euraxess.gov.ro/romania/information-assistance/work-permit
