Can I get a job if I'm 15?
It depends on age: from 15 yes, with parental consent; under 15 no. Under the Labour Code (art. 13), a person can sign an employment contract from 15, but only with the consent of the parents or legal representatives and only for activities suited to their physical development, abilities and knowledge, without endangering their health, development and vocational training. Under 15, employment is banned. Full work capacity is acquired at 16, when parental consent is no longer needed. For minors under 18 there are limits: the maximum work duration is 6 hours a day and 30 hours a week, and night work and overtime are banned. Heavy, harmful or dangerous jobs are allowed only from 18.
📋 The rules
- From 15: employment with parental consent
- Under 15: employment is banned
- Full work capacity: from 16
- Under 18: max 6 hours/day, 30 hours/week
- Under 18: no night work and no overtime
🔓 Exceptions
- Heavy/harmful/dangerous jobs: only from 18
- Withdrawal of parental consent (at 15): the minor can't work until 16
- Light activities suited to development: allowed from 15
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Employing a person under 15 is banned and is a serious breach of labour law, sanctioned for the employer with substantial fines. Likewise, ignoring parental consent (for 15-year-olds), exceeding the 6-hour/day schedule, or using minors for night work or dangerous jobs brings sanctions for the employer and, in serious cases, harsher liability. For a minor who wants to work: make sure you've turned 15, get the parents' written consent, choose light work and check that the limits on hours and the night-work ban are observed. From 16 you can get a job without parental consent, under the general conditions of the law.
📎 Official sources
- Labour Code (Law 53/2003) · art. 13 →
- Labour Inspectorate · work of minors →
- GD 600/2007 on protecting young people at work →
❓ Frequently asked
From what age can I work in Romania?
You can work from 15, but only with the consent of your parents or legal representatives and for light activities suited to your development. Under 15, employment is banned. Full work capacity, without needing parental consent, is acquired at 16.
Do I need parental consent at 15?
Yes. At 15, employment can take place only with the consent of the parents or legal representatives. If the parent later decides the minor should no longer work and withdraws their consent, the child no longer has the legal right to work until reaching 16.
How many hours can a minor work?
For minors under 18, the maximum work duration is 6 hours a day and 30 hours a week. Night work and overtime are banned. These limits protect the young person's health and development and must be observed by the employer, whatever the type of activity performed.
What jobs can a minor not do?
Heavy, harmful or dangerous jobs are allowed only from 18. A minor can't be employed in such activities, regardless of parental consent. The employer must ensure the work is suited to the age and doesn't endanger the young person's health or development.
What does the employer risk for breaking the rules?
Employing a person under 15, ignoring parental consent, exceeding the 6-hour schedule, or using minors for night work or dangerous jobs brings substantial fines for the employer and, in serious cases, harsher liability. The rules on the work of minors are strict and enforced.
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