Why Nepalis, Sri Lankans, and Indians come to work in Romania: What salaries they earn in their home countries

Romania continues to attract thousands of workers from Nepal, Sri Lanka, and India, driven by a persistent labor deficit in essential economic sectors. For many of these individuals, the substantial salary difference is the main reason they choose to work in Romania, where earnings are several times higher than in their countries of origin.

The Romanian labor market in 2026 presents a paradox: while some companies are undergoing restructuring and layoffs, others face increasing difficulties in filling vacant positions. The shortage particularly affects sectors such as construction, manufacturing, logistics, transportation, retail, and hospitality (HoReCa), where recruitment and employee retention remain major challenges.

In response, Romanian employers are increasingly turning to workers from outside the European Union, especially from Nepal, Sri Lanka, and India. The demand for foreign workers has tripled or quadrupled in the last two years, reflecting the acute personnel deficit in operational sectors.

Salary differences largely explain the interest of Asian workers in the Romanian market. In Romania, the net minimum wage is approximately 575 euros, and the average net salary exceeds 1,000 euros per month. In comparison, Nepal's minimum wage is estimated at 110-120 euros, with an average salary between 220 and 290 euros. Sri Lanka's minimum wage is around 80-90 euros, and the average salary reaches 280-380 euros. India's minimum wage is estimated between 100 and 150 euros, while the average salary ranges from 320 to 430 euros. Consequently, the average salary level in Nepal, Sri Lanka, and India is two to four times lower than in Romania, making the Romanian market an attractive destination for those seeking better-paid opportunities.

Beyond salaries, many employers cover accommodation costs fully or partially and offer various additional benefits, making job offers in Romania even more appealing to foreign workers. While Romanian law does not generally mandate employers to provide free accommodation and meals, these benefits are often established through employment contracts, job offers, or company policies. In practice, many employers recruiting personnel from outside the EU offer these perks.