Guide to Residency in Moldova

Obtaining a residency visa in Moldova is not always easy, but our Guide to Residency in Moldova gives newcomers an overview of the steps involved and advice from others who have already navigated the process.

• Prepare Necessary Documents
  • Valid passport
  • Completed application form for residence permit
  • Medical certificate confirming that you do not suffer from any diseases that pose a threat to public health
  • Criminal record certificate issued by the authorities of the country of origin
  • Proof of financial means (bank statements, work contract, etc.)
  • Proof of accommodation (rental agreement, property ownership certificate, etc.)
• Apply for a Long-Stay Visa
  • Visit the Moldovan Embassy or Consulate in your country
  • Submit the required documents
  • Pay the visa fee
  • Wait for the visa to be processed
• Register with the Local Authorities
  • Within 72 hours of arrival in Moldova, register with the territorial office of the Border Police
  • Present your passport and visa for verification
  • Receive a registration card
• Apply for a Tax Number
  • Visit the State Tax Service office
  • Submit an application form
  • Present your passport and registration card
  • Receive your tax number
• Open a Bank Account
  • Choose a bank that suits your needs
  • Present your passport, registration card, and tax number
  • Complete the application form
  • Deposit the initial amount
• Apply for a Residence Permit
  • Visit the Bureau for Migration and Asylum office
  • Submit the required documents
  • Pay the residence permit fee
  • Wait for the residence permit to be processed
• Register with the health insurance System
  • Visit the National Health Insurance Company office
  • Present your passport, registration card, and residence permit
  • Complete the application form
  • Receive your health insurance card

Renewal of Residence Permit

Residence permits are usually issued for a specific period. To renew your residence permit, follow these steps:

• Gather the required documents (similar to the initial application)
• Visit the Bureau for Migration and Asylum office
• Submit the application for renewal
• Pay the renewal fee
• Wait for the renewed residence permit to be processed

Permanent Residence

After living in Moldova for a certain period, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence. The process involves:

• Meeting the residency duration criteria
• Proving integration into Moldovan society (language skills, cultural knowledge, etc.)
• Submitting the application for permanent residence to the Bureau for Migration and Asylum
• Paying the application fee
• Waiting for the permanent residence permit to be processed

What tips do expats have about residency and visas in Moldova?

"In order to visit Moldova, foreign nationals must obtain a visa prior to their arrival. The process of applying for a visa involves submitting an application form, a valid passport, and other supporting documents such as a letter of invitation from a Moldovan citizen or a hotel reservation. Depending on the purpose of the visit, additional documents may be required. In order to obtain residency in Moldova, foreign nationals must submit an application to the Migration and Asylum Bureau. The application must include a valid passport, a valid visa, proof of financial means, and a medical certificate. The applicant must also provide a criminal record certificate from their home country. Once the application is approved, the applicant will be issued a residence permit," commented one member living in Moldova.