The minimum wage will change as of July 1, 2026

Romanian Government Decision No. 146/2026, establishing the guaranteed national minimum gross base wage, was published in the Official Gazette No. 196 of March 13, 2026. Thus, as of July 1, 2026, the guaranteed minimum gross national wage increases from the current 4,050 lei to 4,325 lei gross per month “Effective July 1, 2026, the guaranteed minimum gross monthly wage is set at 4,325 lei, excluding bonuses and other allowances, for a standard work schedule averaging 166.667 hours per month, representing 25.949 lei per hour.”

The increase in the national minimum gross base wage represents a 6.79% rise, which amounts to 275 lei in gross terms. Under current regulations (Government Emergency Ordinance No. 89/2025), effective July 1, 2026, the tax-exempt allowance will be reduced from 300 lei to 200 lei. In this scenario, with a gross salary of 4,325 lei, the employee would receive 2,699 lei (net) “in hand.” In total, the cost borne by the employer for such a salary will be 4,418 lei (including the social security contribution).

In accordance with the law, the nationally guaranteed gross minimum wage, established by government decision, may be paid to an employee for a maximum period of 24 months from the date the individual employment contract is signed. Upon expiration of this period, the employee is entitled to a base wage higher than the nationally guaranteed gross minimum wage.

According to official estimates, approximately 1,759,027 employees are expected to benefit from the minimum wage increase. Currently, the gross minimum wage is paid to 831,382 employees, representing approximately 14.6% of all active employees in Romania.

The guaranteed national minimum gross base wage, corresponding to the standard work schedule, is established by a Government decision, following consultation with labor unions and employers’ associations. If the standard work schedule is, by law, less than 8 hours per day, the minimum gross hourly wage is calculated by dividing the national minimum gross wage by the average number of monthly hours according to the approved legal work schedule.

The increase in the minimum wage is expected to have a direct impact on the labor market, including through wage adjustments in certain sectors where earnings are close to the minimum level established by law. Through this amendment, the Government is updating the minimum wage level in accordance with wage policy and economic developments.