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Romania’s 2027 minimum wage: three options on the table, no decision yet
Romania’s gross minimum wage has been 4,325 lei a month since 1 July 2026. According to media reports, the Ministry of Labour has sent social partners three scenarios for 2027, from 4,593 to 5,079 lei gross. The Government has not decided yet.
The rule today (official)
According to a Ministry of Labour press release of 12 March 2026, the Government approved raising the national gross minimum basic wage to 4,325 lei a month from 1 July 2026, up from 4,050 lei. This is a gross amount: take-home pay is lower after taxes and contributions.
Three scenarios for 2027 (media report)
Adevărul reported on 4 November 2026 that an analysis by the National Institute for Scientific Research in Labour and Social Protection (INCSDMPS) was sent to social partners on 30 October 2026. It sets out three options: the legal formula (forecast inflation 4.4%, real productivity growth 1.79%), giving 4,593 lei (+268 lei, +6.2%); 50% of the forecast average gross wage of 9,768 lei, giving 4,884 lei (+559 lei, +12.9%); and 52%, giving 5,079 lei (+754 lei, +17.4%). We could not find the report itself on an official website, so these figures come from media.
Positions so far
According to Adevărul, trade unions are asking for 5,000 lei gross from 1 January 2027, while employers’ organisations warn about extra costs, especially for small firms. The Finance Minister has said the decision must take available budget resources into account.
What it means for international workers
When you compare job offers in Romania, check whether the pay is stated gross or net, how many hours it covers, and whether accommodation or other costs are deducted. Ask for the figures in writing. A higher gross minimum does not mean the same increase in net pay. Until a new Government decision is published, the amount in force remains 4,325 lei gross.
What is still unclear
Which option, if any, the Government will choose; the date it would apply from; and whether there will be an increase at all from 1 January 2027. Some media reports suggest the minimum wage may stay unchanged at the start of 2027, but we could not verify them on an official source. The final value will be set by Government decision after consultation with social partners and may differ from all three scenarios.
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