An attractive climate, friendly locals, a growing economy, and the ability to travel freely throughout Europe with a Romanian passport are attracting more and more immigrants to the country. However, upon arrival, many find it difficult to adjust to Romanian lifestyle and customs.
1. Thriving Bureaucracy
Romania’s standard of living is still inferior to many EU countries, but the same cannot be said about the local bureaucracy. The paperwork process here can drag on for years, starting even with the preparation for moving. Even once you’re there, the situation isn’t easy: waiting for each document takes several months, no one gives a clear deadline, and phone calls are rarely answered.
2. Low Salaries
Salaries in Romania are significantly lower than in most European countries. The minimum wage is approximately 500 EUR per month. Construction workers can earn up to 800 EUR, while IT specialists, engineers, and managers in international companies can earn upwards of 1,000 EUR. However, finding a good job is difficult, as the law requires employers to prioritize hiring Romanian citizens.
3. Weak healthcare
You can’t expect high-quality healthcare in Romania: public hospitals lack modern equipment and experienced specialists. After the country joined the EU, many Romanian doctors moved to other countries with higher salaries, and healthcare funding has stagnated. Medical examinations are often limited to a cursory examination, and medications are prescribed without tests, ultrasounds, or other necessary tests.
4. Modest service
Local workers are often not known for their punctuality and responsibility: if you call a technician for equipment repairs, you can expect to wait several days for them to show up. The work here is relaxed and unhurried, with little regard for deadlines or commitments.
5. Poor infrastructure
Romania’s infrastructure is uneven: major cities offer all amenities, but rural areas are a different story: roads are poor, public transportation is inconsistent, and internet access is problematic. Getting to smaller towns and villages is often difficult, with long journeys requiring transfers.
