Moldova Apply for a Moldova Residence Permit: All Pathways Explained
- 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.
Immigration Pathways
(9) Last updated: Jun 19, 2026 2 months agoNo pathways match your search.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 proficiency is mandatory for all applicants, regardless of the naturalization category. Knowledge of the Constitution of the Republic of Moldova is also required. Both are assessed with rigorous, non-formal evaluation procedures (Law 253/2025, in force 24.12.2025).
- 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
Views of the country
Frequently asked questions
How long do I need to live in Moldova before applying for permanent residence?
You can apply for permanent residence after 5 years of continuous residence in Moldova. For spouses of Moldovan citizens, the waiting period is reduced to 3 years. A clean criminal record is typically required.
What is the process for getting a work residence permit in Moldova?
For work, you need an authorization from the National Employment Agency (ANOFM) and then apply for a provisional residence permit with the General Inspectorate for Migration. The process typically involves a two-stage application: a Type D visa and sector authorization followed by the residence permit.
Can digital nomads get a residence permit in Moldova?
Yes, Moldova offers a Digital Nomad residence permit pathway. This allows eligible remote workers to live in Moldova while working for employers abroad. Specific eligibility and document requirements are based on the regulations under Law 200/2010.
What are the requirements for family reunification in Moldova?
Family reunification allows close family members of a legal resident or citizen to obtain a residence permit. The sponsor must have valid residence status, and you need to prove the family relationship. A provisional residence permit is typically issued by the General Inspectorate for Migration.
How can I become a citizen of Moldova by naturalization?
Naturalization generally requires at least 10 years of permanent residence, though reduced terms apply for spouses of Moldovan citizens, stateless persons, or those with Moldovan-citizen relatives. You must demonstrate proficiency in Romanian and have a clean criminal record. Dual citizenship is permitted.
Is dual citizenship allowed in Moldova?
Yes, Moldova permits dual citizenship. This means that when you acquire Moldovan citizenship through naturalization, you are not required to renounce your previous nationality. This is an important factor for those considering long-term residency and citizenship.
