Romania and Czech Republic Just Opened Work Permits for South Asians — Pakistani Eligibility Explained - Articles

Two European Union countries are quietly becoming some of the most accessible destinations for Pakistani workers — and most Pakistanis have no idea.

Romania and the Czech Republic are both facing structural labor crises driven by aging populations, mass emigration to Western Europe, and booming economies that cannot find enough workers at home. The result is a wide-open door for South Asian professionals — including Pakistanis — who are willing to move, work legally, and build a European career from the ground up.

Here is everything you need to know.

Romania: 82,000 Work Permits Issued to South Asians in 2025 Alone

Romania’s hunger for foreign workers is not a rumor. It is documented. In 2025, Romania approved over 82,000 work permits for South Asian nationals. Sri Lanka ranked second with 13,693 approved permits, followed by Bangladesh with 8,319 permits and Indian nationals with 8,082. Pakistanis accounted for 6,590 approved work permits.

That figure represents real, legal employment — not grey-market work. 1Employment remains the primary reason for residence among South Asian nationals. According to IGI data, 56,700 Nepali citizens held residence permits based on employment, followed by 26,620 Sri Lankans, 13,185 Indians, 7,895 Bangladeshis, and 4,175 Pakistanis.

The Pakistani community in Romania is growing — and the infrastructure to support new arrivals is developing alongside it.

Why Romania Needs Workers

As one of the fastest-growing EU economies, Romania actively welcomes foreign workers, including Pakistani professionals and laborers. With competitive salaries, affordable living costs, and straightforward visa processes, Romania has become an increasingly attractive destination for Pakistani workers.

A critical development happened in January 2025 that every Pakistani must know about. 4Romania joined the Schengen Area on January 1, 2025, enabling easier travel across Europe once you have your Romanian residence permit.

This is enormous. A Romanian work permit and residence card now gives Pakistani workers freedom of movement across 29 Schengen countries — making Romania not just a job destination but a gateway into Europe.

Top Sectors Hiring Pakistanis in Romania

Growing industries in Romania such as IT, construction, healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing are all actively hiring non-EU workers. IT and software companies like Endava, Ubisoft, IBM, and Oracle, engineering and manufacturing firms like Continental, Bosch, and Renault, and healthcare providers and hospitals hire foreign specialists.

For blue-collar workers, construction is the most accessible entry point. Construction roles for Pakistani workers include welders, electricians, plumbers, and general laborers.

The Two Visa Types Pakistanis Need to Know

Romania operates a two-tier work visa system for Pakistanis:

Short-Stay (C/AM Visa) — Up to 90 Days Pakistani citizens are required to obtain both a work permit and a short-term work visa to work legally in Romania for up to 90 days. Before applying for a visa, the employer in Romania must secure a short-term work permit on behalf of the worker.

Long-Stay (D/AM Visa) — For Full Employment Pakistani citizens need to secure both a work permit and a long-stay work visa in order to work legally in Romania for more than 90 days. The Romanian employer must obtain a work permit for the foreign worker, and the approval process typically takes around 30–45 days, managed by the Romanian General Inspectorate for Immigration. The employer must also demonstrate that no Romanian or EU citizens are available for the job — a standard labor market test that applies across the EU.

The Path to Permanent Residency

The long-term picture in Romania is clear. After five years of legal residence, workers can apply for a permanent residence permit. Romanian citizenship becomes accessible after 8 years of residence, or 5 years if married to a Romanian citizen.

Czech Republic: 200,000+ Unfilled Jobs and a Workforce in Crisis

If Romania is the accessible entry point, the Czech Republic is the premium destination — and it needs workers just as urgently. As of 2026, the Czech Republic continues to face a labour shortage of more than 200,000 positions, particularly in engineering, manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare. With one of the lowest unemployment rates in the EU at around 2.8%, the Czech Republic faces significant labor shortages across multiple sectors, creating excellent opportunities for qualified foreign workers.

The reason is structural. Each year, significantly more people leave the labor market than enter, with around 40,000 workers disappearing annually. Manpower’s Employment Outlook Survey for Q2 2026 reveals that Czechia’s labor shortage is a long-term challenge rather than a short-term disruption.

Top Sectors Hiring in Czech Republic

IT and tech roles in Prague, Brno, and Ostrava — including programmers, DevOps engineers, data analysts, and cybersecurity experts — are in stable and growing demand. Manufacturing and engineering is strong, particularly in the automotive and electronics industry. Companies like Škoda, Hyundai, and Toyota are hiring engineers, mechanics, technicians, and plant workers.

Construction and logistics roles — including electricians, plasterers, installers, and repair specialists, as well as jobs in transport and warehouses — remain in constant demand. In 2026, over 10 new professions have been added to the shortage occupation list, including AI specialists, renewable energy engineers, and cybersecurity experts.

The Three Work Permit Types for Pakistanis

The Czech Republic offers one of Europe’s most structured work permit systems, primarily through the Employee Card program for long-term employment and the Blue Card for highly qualified professionals.

1. Employee Card The Employee Card combines the right to work and live in the Czech Republic. It is issued for up to 2 years if the job is listed in the official vacancy register, and can be extended without leaving the country.

2. EU Blue Card The EU Blue Card is designed for highly qualified workers with a university degree and high salary. It is valid for up to 2 years and renewable. In 2026, the salary threshold for IT professionals has been reduced from 1.5x to 1.2x the average salary, with accelerated processing.

3. Seasonal Work Permit Non-EU nationals can obtain a Seasonal Employment Permit for up to 9 months within any 12-month period. Average gross monthly earnings range from CZK 28,000 to 55,000 depending on sector and performance.

How the Czech Application Process Works

A Pakistani citizen must first secure a job offer from a Czech employer. The position has to be listed in the official Central Register of Vacancies Available for Foreigners. If it is not listed, a permit cannot be issued. Once selected, the employer applies to the Czech Employment Office. They must show that no Czech or EU candidate is available for the role. If the position stays open for 30 days with no local applicants, the employer gets approval to hire a foreign worker. 5 Processing typically takes 60–120 days. Digital applications in 2026 are expected to reduce this to 30–90 days.

Salary Expectations

The average gross monthly salary in the Czech Republic is around CZK 46,000 (approximately €1,870) depending on experience, region, and occupation. The national minimum wage is expected to rise to about CZK 21,000 per month in 2026.

For context, that minimum wage already exceeds what many skilled Pakistani professionals earn in Pakistan — tax-free, with housing often included.

Side-by-Side Comparison: Romania vs Czech Republic

Factor	Romania	Czech Republic
Work permits issued	82,000+ to South Asians (2025)	70,000–85,000 Employee Cards annually
Labor shortage	Growing across all sectors	200,000+ unfilled positions
Top sectors	IT, construction, healthcare, manufacturing	IT, engineering, automotive, healthcare
Main visa type	D/AM Long-Stay Visa	Employee Card / EU Blue Card
Processing time	30–45 days (work permit)	60–120 days
Schengen access	✅ Yes (since Jan 2025)	✅ Yes
Permanent residency	After 5 years	After 5 years
Language required	Basic Romanian helps	No formal requirement; English sufficient in IT
Cost of living	Lower than Western Europe	Affordable by EU standards

What Pakistani Applicants Need to Prepare

Whether you are applying to Romania or the Czech Republic, these documents are essential for both:

✅ Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
✅ Confirmed job offer from a registered employer
✅ Educational qualifications — translated and certified
✅ Police clearance certificate from Pakistan
✅ Medical insurance covering your full stay
✅ Proof of accommodation
✅ Work permit approval (filed by your employer, not you)

Unfortunately, many Pakistanis still fall into visa scams. Avoid fake agents demanding advance money. Always apply via official websites or EURES portals. Verify the company registration on European business directories.

The Long Game: Europe Through the Back Door

Here is the strategic reality most Pakistani workers miss. Many Pakistani workers later move to Germany, France, or Italy with higher salaries after gaining European work experience in Romania or the Czech Republic. A few years of legal EU work history, documented taxes, and a clean record dramatically improves the chances of obtaining a German Blue Card, a French talent visa, or Canadian permanent residency down the line.

Romania and the Czech Republic are not just job destinations. For Pakistani professionals willing to think two steps ahead, they are the most accessible entry points into the European Union available in 2026.

The permits are there. The jobs are there. The question is whether Pakistani workers will claim them before others do.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How many work permits did Romania issue to Pakistanis in 2025?

Romania approved 6,590 work permits for Pakistani nationals in 2025, as part of over 82,000 total work permits issued to South Asian nationals that year.

Q2: Do Pakistanis need a job offer before applying for a Romanian work permit?

Yes. The Romanian employer applies for your work permit on your behalf. You cannot apply independently. The employer must also prove no Romanian or EU citizen was available for the role before hiring a Pakistani worker.

Q3: What is the Employee Card in the Czech Republic?

The Employee Card combines both a work permit and a residence permit in one document. It is valid for up to 2 years and can be renewed without leaving the country — making it the most practical option for Pakistani workers targeting long-term employment in the Czech Republic.

Q4: Is Romanian language required to work in Romania?

Not for all roles. English is widely spoken in IT and corporate sectors. However, basic Romanian significantly improves day-to-day integration and career advancement, particularly in healthcare and trades roles.

Q5: Does a Romanian residence permit allow travel across Europe?

Yes. Since Romania joined the Schengen Area in January 2025, a valid Romanian residence permit allows freedom of movement across all 29 Schengen member countries.

Q6: What is the minimum salary in the Czech Republic in 2026?

The national minimum wage is expected to rise to approximately CZK 21,000 per month in 2026, with the average gross monthly salary sitting around CZK 46,000. IT and engineering roles typically earn significantly above the average.

Q7: Can Pakistani workers eventually get permanent residency in both countries?

Yes. Both Romania and the Czech Republic offer permanent residency after 5 years of legal residence. Romania also offers a pathway to citizenship after 8 years of continuous residence.