Legal requirements for Romanian parents working abroad

In Romania, parents working abroad must follow specific legal procedures to ensure grandparents can legally care for children in their absence. Under Law no. 272/2004, parents or tutors intending to work abroad are required to notify the local public social assistance service (SPAS) at least 40 days before departure.

Failure to comply with this notification requirement can result in fines ranging from 500 to 1,000 lei. The notification must designate a person responsible for the child's maintenance. However, the SPAS notification alone does not grant full legal authority; formal legal status for grandparents to make essential decisions—such as enrolling a child in school, consenting to emergency medical procedures, or traveling abroad—must be confirmed by a guardianship court.