Moving to Romania in Your Late 50s: Can You Find Work to Live/Survive in Old Age?
The dream of retiring to a less expensive, somewhat mysterious European country can be a very appealing prospect. However, for Brits who are in their late 50s or early 60s, moving to Romania raises several practical questions. Let's explore these questions in depth, considering various scenarios and factors.
Understanding the Legal Landscape Post-Brexit
As the UK has left the European Union, the pathways to working in Romania have changed. While EU citizens could move freely before Brexit, now the process of getting work authorization for Brits has become more stringent. You must navigate the legal system to obtain the necessary work permit. There's an online research process as well, which involves understanding the new laws and regulations.
Exploring Alternatives
Another route you could consider is to reach out to more local figures for assistance. For example, you could chat with Prince Charles, whose properties in Romania might provide some networking opportunities. However, the legal and practical path to moving and working seems challenging and may require substantial input and time.
Key Factors to Consider for Work and Survival
Qualifications and Skills
While qualifications might not be the be-all and end-all, they certainly help in certain sectors. For example, in Romania, knowledge of the English language is valuable, but having some proficiency in Romanian is crucial. Your skills should complement the local job market, and ideally, these skills should be in demand and valued.
Buying a Home in a Large City
If you can afford to purchase a home in a major city like Bucharest, you have a better chance of living on the local income. Housing costs vary: where there's work, the rents are high; where the rents are low, demand for labor is lower. Renting in Romania is generally easier than in the UK, but this still depends on the location and demand.
Minimum Pension Requirements
Having a minimum pension of at least 500GBP per month might ensure that you can survive in Romania. The exchange rate is still favorable, which may help offset costs. However, this situation can change due to market fluctuations. Prices of services are lower, and the quality of food is comparable but often better for the same price. Health expenses are a critical consideration, as healthcare is not entirely free, especially for non-emergency services.
Labour Market Challenges
Labour Regulations and Taxes
Romania has more complex labor laws compared to the UK. The process of registering for work as a non-citizen may be cumbersome and time-consuming. In addition, labor taxes are higher in Romania. For instance, in 2016-2017, with a higher nominal income, you paid less tax in the UK than the previous year in Romania.
Grey Market Jobs
While you might find work in the grey market, as in the UK, these jobs typically offer unstable income and lower pay, making them unreliable as a long-term solution.
Emigration Trends
Recent trends show that Romanians themselves are emigrating because the legal, regulatory, and economic environment makes it difficult for those without specialized skills, capital, or connections. Seasonal jobs abroad are becoming more common.
Conclusion
While moving to Romania in your later years presents challenges, it's not impossible. A combination of careful planning, appropriate skills, and a nuanced understanding of the local economy and labor market can help you navigate the complexities. If you decide to proceed, thorough research, networking, and a practical approach to securing income are essential.