Graduate Job Search and Business in Romania in 2026
Romania gives qualifying graduates a limited post-study period to move from education into employment or business activity.
Nine-month post-study extension
Current IGI guidance states that temporary residence for studies may be extended for 9 months after graduation for:
- searching for a job;
- completing employment formalities; or
- completing formalities to open a business.
The graduate must present documents showing completion of studies.
Transition, not permanent status
This nine-month period is a bridge to another legal purpose of stay. A graduate who secures qualifying employment or establishes an eligible business must move into the appropriate work, commercial, economic or professional framework.
Study time has special treatment for long-term residence: it is generally counted at half when calculating the qualifying residence period, and a person who currently holds only study residence falls within an exclusion from ordinary long-term-residence status at the application point.
Do not describe the nine-month extension as an unlimited open work permit or as automatic permanent residence.
Official starting points: IGI — Studies, IGI — Long-term residence.
Related: Romania immigration hub, methodology, and the legal disclaimer.
Official and supporting sources
- IGI — Studiesgovernment · accessed 2026-09-22
- IGI — Long-term residencegovernment · accessed 2026-09-22