Romania Ice Hockey 2026/27: Leagues, Teams and Visas

How hockey in Romania is structured

The Romanian Ice Hockey Federation, FRHG, organises the men’s national championship, Romanian Cup, Super Cup, women’s championship and national youth competitions. The 2026/27 senior season is now active, and some FRHG fixtures are explicitly marked CN+EL, meaning they count within both the national championship and the cross-border Erste Liga schedule.

This is not one automatic promotion and relegation ladder. A player should verify the exact competition, roster, legal status of the agreement and registration rules for the relevant season.

Campionatul Național de Seniori, Erste Liga and the senior route

FRHG’s live 2026/27 senior page confirms eight teams: ACS Sapientia U23, Sportul Studențesc, CSM Corona Brașov, CSA Steaua București, ACSHC Fenestela 68, CSM Galați, Sport Club Miercurea Ciuc and ACSH Gheorgheni. The regular season began in September 2026 and the published schedule distinguishes ordinary CN games from CN+EL games.

Before negotiating, confirm the exact competition, role, schedule, roster eligibility, registration deadline, transfer, financial terms and right to work. A club’s participation in the national championship does not mean that every one of its games or player roles belongs to Erste Liga.

Youth and women’s hockey

FRHG’s 2026/27 regulations page confirms national U20, U17, U15 and U13 competitions as well as the women’s championship. Age eligibility, participating teams, combined teams and the exact format still need to be checked in the current federation calendar and regulations.

For a minor international player, separately confirm school, housing, guardian, insurance, parental consent and lawful residence. A roster place does not replace these arrangements.

Choosing a realistic level

Clubs assess the previous league, skating, decision speed, play away from the puck, physical readiness, special-teams role, current video and verifiable statistics. Numbers without level context are insufficient.

Compare the offer with the team’s actual competition and schedule. Clarify whether it is employment, a tryout, amateur registration, a youth programme or hockey combined with study or outside work.

International players and import limits

A single public import limit covering the national championship, Erste Liga and every youth competition cannot be confirmed. Rules can differ by tournament, age group and season.

Contract, salary and conditions

There is no single official salary table. Put the following in writing:

• gross or net amount, currency, payment dates, bonuses and taxes;
• housing, deposit, utilities, meals and transport;
• equipment, sticks, medical care and insurance;
• tryout, injury, termination and national-team release terms;
• who pays for visa, immigration formalities, IIHF transfer and FRHG registration.

Verify the legal entity and signatory authority. Participation in a national or cross-border competition does not itself prove salary or professional employment status.

Housing and costs

Costs depend on city, housing and club conditions, so one national figure would be unreliable. Ask for the address, rent, deposit, utilities, furniture, arena transport and move-in dates.

Calculate the amount left after taxes and compulsory expenses. If housing is promised, the agreement should state whether it is free, deducted from salary and who pays the deposit.

EU/EEA and non-EU players

EU/EEA citizens benefit from free movement, but longer residence remains subject to applicable Romanian registration requirements. Hockey registration is a separate process.

For a non-EU player, the correct immigration route depends on the legal form of the agreement. IGI separately describes a long-stay visa for sports activity (D/AS) and an employment route (D/AM1) for a professional athlete who has an individual employment contract with a sports structure. The club and IGI should confirm the applicable route before travel.

D/AS sports visa, D/AM1 employment visa and residence

IGI’s athlete notice states that a professional athlete planning to conduct sporting activity in Romania for more than 90 days may use the D/AS long-stay visa route. A key document is a sports activity contract that follows the official framework and is registered with the relevant national sports federation.

IGI’s employment guidance separately includes professional athletes who have an individual employment contract with a sports structure under the D/AM1 route; the employer completes the applicable single application. After entry, the player must obtain the residence document required for the approved route on time.

IIHF transfer, FRHG registration and insurance

1. International transfer: a move from another national federation requires an IIHF transfer.
2. Registration: the club confirms deadlines and eligibility for the exact FRHG or Erste Liga competition.
3. Employment and residence: sporting eligibility does not replace immigration formalities.
4. Insurance: confirm cover for tryouts, training, games, injury and treatment.

Player documents

• valid passport meeting entry requirements;
• signed agreement or official club letter;
• work authorisation, long-stay visa and residence documents where applicable;
• last hockey registration and information for the IIHF transfer;
• medical records and insurance;
• for a minor: consent, guardian, school and housing arrangements.

The final list is set by the club, FRHG, IIHF and immigration authorities. Do not buy a non-refundable ticket before entry and documentation are confirmed.

Recruitment timing and tryouts

Rosters are generally built before the season; late openings depend on injuries, budgets and team changes. It is important to know the exact competition and role for which the club is considering the player.

Before a tryout, confirm dates, format, costs, insurance, housing, contact person, decision criteria and response deadline. Use the EHA tryout checklist.