Can I work by the day as a day labourer?
It depends on the field: day labour is allowed only in certain sectors. Day labour is governed by Law 52/2011. Day labourers can work only in certain fields — for example agriculture, fishing or organising events. Construction, for instance, is not on the list of permitted fields, and using day labourers outside these sectors breaches the law. The beneficiary (who uses the day labourer) must use the Electronic Register of day labourers, managed through the Labour Inspection platform, and register you daily, before work starts. The hourly pay can't be less than the hourly value of the national minimum gross wage. Payment is usually made at the end of each day (exceptionally, weekly or monthly, only with the day labourer's written consent). In short: yes, if the activity is in a permitted field and you're correctly registered.
📋 The rules
- Day labour only in permitted fields (agriculture, fishing, events)
- Construction isn't on the list
- The beneficiary registers you daily in the electronic register
- Hourly pay ≥ the minimum wage hourly value
- Payment usually at the end of the day
🔓 Exceptions
- Weekly/monthly payment: only with the day labourer's written consent
- Non-permitted fields (e.g. construction): using day labourers is illegal
- Under 16 / minors: special conditions, restrictions
⚠️ Penalties & fines
For the beneficiary, not registering the day labourer in the Electronic Register is fined up to 6,000 lei for each situation found; using day labourers in non-permitted fields or paying below the minimum also brings sanctions. If the relationship goes beyond the occasional and takes on the elements of an employment relationship (subordination, continuity), it can be reclassified as undeclared work, with far bigger fines. For the day labourer, lawful work means correct pay and daily registration; off-the-books work leaves you unprotected. To stay compliant: as a beneficiary, register day labourers daily, pay at least the hourly minimum and use them only in permitted fields; as a day labourer, check you're registered and paid the agreed amount.
📎 Official sources
- Law 52/2011 on day-labour work →
- Labour Inspectorate · the Electronic Register of day labourers →
- Labour Code (Law 53/2003) →
❓ Frequently asked
In which fields can I work as a day labourer?
Day labour is allowed only in certain fields, such as agriculture, fishing or organising events. Construction, for example, isn't on the list of permitted fields. Using day labourers outside the sectors provided by Law 52/2011 breaches the law and is sanctioned.
Must I be registered as a day labourer?
Yes. The beneficiary using you must register you daily, before work starts, in the Electronic Register of day labourers, managed through the Labour Inspection platform. The registration includes your data, occupation, number of hours and pay. Without registration, the work is considered undeclared.
How much must I be paid as a day labourer?
The hourly pay can't be less than the hourly value of the national minimum gross wage, even if pay is set by direct negotiation. Since the minimum wage usually rises from the summer each year, the day labourer's minimum pay rises accordingly. Payment is usually made at the end of each day.
When is day-labour pay made?
Payment is usually made at the end of each working day. Exceptionally, it can be made weekly or monthly, but only with the day labourer's written consent. This rule protects the day labourer, normally ensuring prompt payment for the work done that day.
What do I risk using day labourers incorrectly?
As a beneficiary, not registering the day labourer in the electronic register is fined up to 6,000 lei for each situation. Using day labourers in non-permitted fields or paying below the minimum also brings sanctions. If the relationship is actually a continuous employment one, it can be reclassified as undeclared work.
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- “day labour permitted fields”
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