Moldova

Capital Chisinau

Currency MDL

Languages Romanian

Official fee 500 – 6,000 MDL

The Republic of Moldova is an EU candidate country in Eastern Europe (not yet an EU or Schengen member). Immigration is governed primarily by Law 200/2010 on the regime of foreigners and Law 213/2023 on state/service fees, administered by the General Inspectorate for Migration (IGM/GIM). Residence pathways are typically two-stage: a long-stay Type D visa and/or a sector authorization (e.g., ANOFM work permit, MITP statement), followed by a provisional residence permit issued by IGM. Permanent residence is generally reached after 5 years (3 for spouses of Moldovan citizens) and naturalization typically after 10 years (with reduced terms for spouses, stateless persons and those with Moldovan-citizen relatives). Romanian-language proficiency and a clean criminal record are core requirements for PR and citizenship. Dual citizenship is permitted.

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Immigration Pathways

(10) Last updated: Jun 7, 2026 · 5 days ago

9 of 10 pathways lead to long-term settlement — 7 to permanent residence, 9 to citizenship.

10 of 10 pathways are backed by official government sources.

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Work / Employment High confidence

Work (employment) residence permit - ANOFM work permit + IGM provisional residence

Two-stage employment route: the employer first secures a work permit from ANOFM (National Employment Agency), then the foreign worker obtains a provisional residence permit from IGM. Employer must be able to pay at least the forecasted average monthly salary (benchmark 13,700 MDL).

Processing time: Up to 20 working days (IGM examination); expedited tiers down to same-day
Validity: Tied to the right of residence/employment contract, not exceeding passport validity
Language requirement: No language test for the work permit/TRP itself; Romanian-language certificate required only at the permanent-residence stage
Documents: 12 required
Permanent residence: Yes · Permanent residence after 5 years of provisional residence
Citizenship: Yes · Naturalization typically after 10 years of lawful residence

Requirements

Job offer from a Moldovan employer able to pay at least the forecasted average monthly salary (benchmark 13,700 MDL)
ANOFM work permit obtained by the employer before residence application
Valid passport with border-crossing notations
Original individual employment contract
HIV/AIDS test and medical certificate
Proof of accommodation (notarized rental/owner consent)
Translated/legalized qualifications and criminal record
State-fee receipt (paid via MPay or bank)

Required Documents

Employer demarche/application to ANOFM and immigrant-worker questionnaire-application required
Company registration plus recent State Register extract required
Tax Inspectorate certificate of no arrears required
Original employment contract required
Passport with border-crossing notations plus immigration certificate required
Translated/legalized qualifications required
Medical certificate plus original HIV/AIDS test required
Housing proof (notarized rental agreement / owner declaration of consent) required
Color photo 50x60 mm, white background required
Translated/legalized criminal record required
Civil-status documents required
State-fee receipt required

Official fees

Work-based TRP state fee (with grant) 3,600 MDL

Work-based TRP extension state fee 1,800 MDL

Posted workers up to 90 days 100 MDL

Residence card issuance (standard 20 working days: 350 GIM + 150 state) 500 MDL

Estimated total 6,000 MDL

Process Steps

1
Employer secures ANOFM work permit

Employer files the demarche and supporting documents with ANOFM and obtains the employment opinion/work permit.
2
Book IGM appointment

Book the one-stop-shop appointment via the EarlyOne mobile app (Chisinau, Balti, Comrat or Cahul).
3
Submit residence file

Submit the residence application to the IGM one-stop-shop in person or electronically with a qualified e-signature.
4
Examination

IGM examines the file within up to 20 working days (expedited tiers available).
5
Pay fees

Pay the state fee and card-issuance fee via MPay.
6
Collect biometric residence card

Collect the residence card; renew at least 30 days before expiry.

Official Sources

Study / Student High confidence

Study (student) residence permit

Students obtain a long-stay Type D visa first, then a provisional residence permit at IGM. Requires admission/recommendation from a Moldovan institution, study contract, financial means, housing and health insurance.

Processing time: Type D visa issuance, then IGM examination up to 20 working days
Validity: Tied to the duration of studies
Language requirement: Depends on the program's language of instruction; no separate state-language test for the study permit
Documents: 8 required
Permanent residence: Yes · Eligible for permanent residence after qualifying residence (students may benefit from exceptions to the 3-year minimum)
Citizenship: Yes · Naturalization typically after 10 years; 5 years if resident before age 18

Requirements

Admission/recommendation from a Moldovan educational institution
Long-stay Type D visa (where required by nationality)
Study contract / enrollment confirmation
Proof of accommodation
Health insurance valid for at least 3 months
Proof of financial means (30 EUR/day, minimum 300 EUR)
Apostilled criminal record

Required Documents

Admission/recommendation letter from the institution required
Study contract required
Passport and Type D long-stay visa required
Proof of accommodation required
Apostilled criminal record required
Health insurance (>= 3 months) required
Proof of financial means required
Photo required

Official fees

Type D long-stay visa 80 EUR

Financial means 300 EUR

Residence card issuance (standard, 350 GIM + 150 state) 500 MDL

Process Steps

1
Obtain admission

Secure admission/recommendation from a Moldovan institution.
2
Apply for Type D visa

Apply for the long-stay Type D visa (80 EUR; proof of means 30 EUR/day, min 300 EUR).
3
Enter Moldova and file residence

Submit the residence file at the IGM one-stop-shop at least 30 days before the authorized stay expires.
4
Examination and card

IGM examines (up to 20 working days), fees paid, and the residence card is issued.

Official Sources

Self-employment / Freelance High confidence

IT Visa (Moldova IT Park / MITP) residence permit

Fast-track residence for foreign IT specialists and management of MITP-resident companies, under Law 200/2010. The IT Park Commission issues a statement that is transmitted to IGM, which then issues the residence permit. Salary must be at least the forecasted national average monthly salary.

Processing time: Multi-step; IGM examination up to 20 working days after MITP statement
Validity: IT specialists up to 2 years (+2 renewable); management up to 4 years (+4)
Language requirement: No language requirement for the permit; Romanian required only at the permanent-residence stage
Documents: 9 required
Permanent residence: Yes · Permanent residence possible after qualifying provisional residence (IT specialists may benefit from exceptions to the 3-year minimum)
Citizenship: Yes · Naturalization typically after 10 years of lawful residence

Requirements

Employment or management contract with an MITP-resident company
Salary at least the forecasted national average monthly salary
Recognized IT qualifications/certifications (for specialists)
Proof of accommodation in Moldova
Clean criminal record (translated/apostilled)
Mandatory health insurance

Required Documents

Standard application letter (MITP stage) required
Scanned ID/passport ID page required
Qualifications/certifications required
State Register of Legal Entities extract required
Individual employment or management contract (or draft) showing salary >= national average required
MITP Commission statement (transmitted to IGM) required
Accommodation proof required
Translated/apostilled criminal record (not required for renewals) required
Photo 3x4 cm required
Power of attorney, if applicable

Official fees

MITP statement 0 MDL

IGM residence card issuance (standard, 350 GIM + 150 state) 500 MDL

Estimated total 500 MDL

Process Steps

1
Prepare documents

Prepare documents per Law 200/2010.
2
Submit to MITP

Submit the file to MITP at itviza@mitp.md.
3
MITP Commission statement

The MITP Commission issues a statement and transmits it to IGM.
4
File at IGM

Applicant files the residence application at IGM.
5
IGM assessment

IGM assesses the application.
6
Residence decision

IGM issues the residence decision.
7
Card issuance

Biometric residence card is issued.

Official Sources

Investor / Golden Visa High confidence

Investor temporary residence permit

Temporary residence for foreign investors in a Moldovan legal entity, with validity scaled to investment size (in multiples of average monthly salaries) or number of jobs created. Administered by IGM after company registration with ASP.

Processing time: IGM examination up to 20 working days; expedited tiers available
Validity: 2 to 8 years depending on investment size and jobs created
Language requirement: No language requirement for the permit; Romanian required only for permanent residence
Documents: 9 required
Permanent residence: Yes · Permanent residence after 5 years of provisional residence
Citizenship: Yes · Naturalization typically after 10 years

Requirements

Registered Moldovan legal entity (via ASP)
Investment of 30-200+ forecasted average salaries OR creation of at least 1 job at the average wage (higher tiers for longer validity)
Proof of accommodation (ownership or registered lease)
Medical insurance and proof of subsistence
Investment confirmation from an accredited auditor OR income-tax-withholding statement proving job creation
Apostilled/legalized criminal record (incl. countries of 2+ years prior residence)

Required Documents

Standardized application form (from IGM site) required
National passport (original + copy) required
Dwelling ownership/rental proof (property-register extract or registered lease) required
Medical insurance and subsistence proof required
Civil-status documents required
Legal-entity registration extract from ASP or shareholders register required
Investment confirmation from accredited auditor OR income-tax-withholding statement proving job creation required
Apostilled/legalized criminal record required
Color photo 3x4 cm required

Official fees

Examination fee 3,600 MDL

Residence card issuance (standard, 350 GIM + 150 state) 500 MDL

Estimated total 4,100 MDL

Process Steps

1
Register legal entity

Register the Moldovan legal entity with the Public Services Agency (ASP).
2
Book IGM appointment

Book the IGM appointment via the EarlyOne app.
3
Submit file

Submit in person or electronically with a qualified e-signature; pay the 3,600 MDL examination fee plus card issuance fee.

Official Sources

Family Reunification High confidence

Family reunification residence permit

Provisional residence for spouses and minor children of foreigners legally resident in Moldova, and for family of Moldovan citizens. Spouses of Moldovan citizens reach permanent residence after 3 years.

Processing time: IGM examination up to 20 working days
Validity: Tied to the sponsor's residence right
Language requirement: No language requirement for the permit; Romanian required only for permanent residence
Documents: 7 required
Permanent residence: Yes · Permanent residence after 3 years for spouses of Moldovan citizens (5 years otherwise)
Citizenship: Yes · Naturalization after 3 years for spouses cohabiting in Moldova

Requirements

Family relationship to a legal resident or Moldovan citizen (spouse, minor children)
Valid passport and immigration certificate
Proof of accommodation
Required civil-status documents (marriage/birth certificates)
HIV/AIDS test and medical certificate

Required Documents

Original passport plus immigration certificate required
Marriage certificate copy required
Children's birth certificates (under 18) required
Spouse ID copy required
HIV/AIDS test copy required
Notarized rental contract copy required
Medical certificate required

Official fees

Family-reunification/repatriation TRP state fee (Law 213/2023) 180 MDL

Residence card issuance (standard, 350 GIM + 150 state) 500 MDL

Estimated total 680 MDL

Process Steps

1
Assemble documents

Gather passport, civil-status documents, accommodation proof and medical/HIV tests.
2
Submit to IGM

File at the IGM one-stop-shop at least 30 days before the current permit expires.
3
Examination and card

IGM examines, fees are paid, and the residence card is issued.

Official Sources

Research / Scientist Medium confidence

Researcher / scientist (Type D visa + residence)

Researchers enter on a long-stay Type D visa (research/academic purpose) and must hold an ANOFM work permit to work legally; the visa grants the right to apply for residence. Supported by EURAXESS Moldova.

Processing time: Visa issuance, then residence application 30-90 days before expiry depending on category
Validity: Type D visa up to 12 months, multiple-entry, stay <= 90 days per 6 months; residence thereafter
Language requirement: No language requirement for the visa/permit; Romanian required only for permanent residence
Documents: 6 required
Permanent residence: Yes · Permanent residence after qualifying provisional residence (typically 5 years)
Citizenship: Yes · Naturalization typically after 10 years

Requirements

Hosting agreement / position at a Moldovan research institution
ANOFM work permit to work legally
Valid signed passport
Proof of financial means (30 EUR/day, minimum 300 EUR)
Health insurance

Required Documents

Valid signed passport required
Signed visa application form required
Passport photo required
Proof of financial means (30 EUR/day, min 300 EUR) required
ANOFM work permit (to work legally) required
Health insurance required

Official fees

Type D visa 80 EUR

Financial means 300 EUR

Estimated total 380 EUR

Process Steps

1
Secure research position

Obtain a position/hosting arrangement at a Moldovan research institution.
2
Obtain ANOFM work permit

Secure the ANOFM work permit required to work legally as a researcher.
3
Apply for Type D visa

Apply for the long-stay Type D visa (80 EUR; proof of means min 300 EUR).
4
Apply for residence

Submit the residence application 30-90 days before expiry depending on category, at the one-stop-shop (124 Stefan cel Mare Ave, Chisinau).

Official Sources

Digital Nomad High confidence

Digital Nomad residence permit

Residence for foreigners working remotely for foreign employers/clients, or as foreign shareholder-managers. Requires income of at least 18 forecasted average salaries over the preceding 6 months. Taxed at a 12% flat PIT.

Processing time: IGM Single Desk assessment; card fees per Law 213/2023 schedule
Validity: Up to 2 years (commonly 1 year, renewable)
Language requirement: No language requirement
Documents: 5 required

Requirements

Remote work for a foreign employer/client, or status as a foreign company shareholder/partner
Income of at least 18 forecasted average salaries over the preceding 6 months (IGM phrases as ~3 average salaries/month; ~EUR 2,700-2,800/month for 2026 - confirm current MDL figure with IGM)
Valid health insurance
Proof of accommodation
Apostilled/translated criminal record (not for extensions)

Required Documents

Passport (original + copy) required
Accommodation proof (lease or hotel-services agreement) required
Apostilled/translated (Romanian) criminal record (not for extensions) required
Valid health insurance required
Bank statements for the last 6 months proving income required
Foreign employment/service contract apostilled + translated to Romanian plus remote-work responsibility declaration (employees/contractors)
Shareholder/partner registration document (issued within 3 months) confirming status and company solvency (shareholders)

Official fees

Residence card issuance per Law 213/2023 schedule (standard, 350 GIM + 150 state) 500 MDL

Process Steps

1
Prepare package

Assemble passport, accommodation, criminal record, insurance, bank statements and status-specific documents.
2
Submit to IGM Single Desk

Submit to the IGM Single Desk (2 Eugen Doga St, Chisinau MD-2005) in person or via a representative.
3
Assessment

IGM assesses the application.
4
Decision

IGM issues the decision.
5
Card issuance

Biometric residence card is issued.

Official Sources

Permanent Residence High confidence

Permanent residence (CR card)

Indefinite residence after 3 years of provisional residence (spouses of Moldovan citizens) or 5 years otherwise; EU citizens after 5 years of continuous legal stay. Requires housing, a state-language certificate, and a clean recent criminal record.

Processing time: 90 calendar days, extendable by 60
Validity: Indefinite (card periodically renewed)
Language requirement: State-language (Romanian) certificate from the education ministry required
Documents: 8 required
Citizenship: Yes · Naturalization typically after 10 years total lawful residence

Requirements

Prior provisional residence: 3 years if married to a Moldovan citizen, 5 years otherwise (EU citizens 5 years continuous stay)
Documented housing
State-language (Romanian) certificate from the education ministry
No criminal record in the last 3 years

Required Documents

Application form required
Passport (original + copy) required
Residence permit (original + copy) required
Marriage certificate (spouse-of-citizen category)
Spouse's Moldovan ID (spouse-of-citizen category)
Child's birth certificate (where applicable)
State-language certificate required
Apostilled criminal record required
Property/rental proof required
National Health Insurance Company insurance required
Photo 3x4 cm required
Business-incorporation proof, subsistence proof and 5 years of social/tax-contribution records (other categories)

Official fees

PR card state fee (Law 213/2023) 1,000 MDL

Card issuance GIM fee (standard tier) 350 MDL

Estimated total 1,350 MDL

Process Steps

1
Meet residence threshold

Hold provisional residence for the required period (3 or 5 years; EU citizens 5 years continuous).
2
Obtain state-language certificate

Pass the Romanian state-language examination and obtain the certificate.
3
Submit application

Submit at least 90 days before the authorized stay expires at a one-stop-shop (Chisinau, Balti, Comrat, Cahul).
4
Examination and card

IGM examines within 90 calendar days (extendable +60); the PR card is issued.

Official Sources

Citizenship / Naturalization Medium confidence

Citizenship by naturalization

Naturalization after 10 years of residence (reduced terms for spouses, stateless persons, refugees, and those with Moldovan-citizen relatives). Requires Romanian-language and Constitution knowledge tests; the President makes the final decision. Dual citizenship is permitted.

Processing time: Up to 1 year for a complete file; final decision by the President
Validity: Permanent (citizenship)
Language requirement: Romanian-language test plus knowledge of the Constitution
Documents: 5 required
Citizenship: Yes · 10 years standard; 8 years refugees/stateless; 5 years if resident before age 18; 3 years for spouses cohabiting in Moldova; 3 years if parents/children are Moldovan citizens

Requirements

Required period of lawful residence (10/8/5/3 years per category)
Aged 18 or over
Legal source of income
No criminal record and no security threat
Pass the Romanian-language test and Constitution knowledge test

Required Documents

Application submitted in person or via notarized proxy to the ASP/identity-document issuing service where domiciled required
Documents per the ASP checklist (asp.gov.md) required
Proof of legal income required
Criminal-record clearance required
Romanian-language and Constitution test results required

Official fees

State tax 180 MDL

Application-submission tariff (variable) 1,650 MDL

Citizenship-certificate issuance (250-500 by urgency) 250 MDL

Estimated total 2,080 MDL

Process Steps

1
Meet residence and eligibility

Hold the required period of residence and satisfy age/income/clean-record conditions.
2
Pass tests

Pass the Romanian-language test and the Constitution knowledge test.
3
Submit application

Submit in person or via notarized proxy to the ASP Multifunctional Centre where domiciled; pay fees via MPay.
4
Examination and presidential decree

File examined within up to 1 year; the President issues the final decision.

Official Sources

Asylum / Humanitarian High confidence

Asylum and protection (refugee, humanitarian, temporary protection)

Protection routes administered by IGM under the 1951 Geneva Convention and EU standards: refugee status, humanitarian protection, temporary protection (incl. Ukraine), and political asylum. Applications can be lodged at IGM offices, Border Police, police, penitentiaries or detention facilities.

Processing time: Administrative procedure decision <= 6 months; accelerated <= 15 days after interview
Validity: Refugee status permanent; humanitarian protection 1 year renewable; temporary protection up to 2 years
Language requirement: No language requirement to apply for protection
Documents: 1 required
Permanent residence: Yes · Refugees/stateless may naturalize after 8 years; protection holders may transition to other residence over time
Citizenship: Yes · Naturalization after 8 years for refugees/stateless

Requirements

Be a foreign national or stateless person seeking protection
Lodge the application in person at an eligible authority
Attend the interview and complete documentation within required windows

Required Documents

Asylum application lodged in person required
Identity/travel documents if available
Temporary-protection documentation completed within the 30-day window before registration expires

Official fees

Refugee (RI/IH) card GIM fee (no state fee) 130 MDL

Process Steps

1
Lodge application

Apply in person at IGM regional offices, Border Police, police stations, penitentiary institutions, or provisional detention facilities.
2
Interview

Attend the asylum interview.
3
Decision

Administrative procedure: decision within 6 months; accelerated: within 15 days after the interview.
4
Documentation

Receive the protection document; report address changes within 10 days and complete temporary-protection documentation within the 30-day window before registration expires.

Official Sources

Some pathway details are machine-translated and may contain minor inaccuracies. Always verify with official sources.

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