Moldova (MD)
Moldova is Eastern Europe's hidden gem — an EU candidate country since June 2022 and one of the continent's most affordable destinations, with a thriving wine culture, warm hospitality and a rapidly modernising capital.
Capital: Chișinău
Region: Europe
Language: Romanian
Currency: MDL (L)
Cost of living: Very affordable (index 22)
Emergency: 112
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Time: One visit to an IGM one-stop shop · Cost: Free notification; card reissue fees apply if your document must be updated
Deadline: Within 15 days of moving to a new address
Documents needed:
- ✓ Passport and residence card
- ✓ Proof of the new address (rental contract or owner confirmation)
Tip: Keep your registered address current — it is where official correspondence is sent and outdated registration can cause problems at renewal. The rental contract registered with the tax service (see the separate SFS task) doubles as good proof of address.
Local institution: Inspectoratul General pentru Migrație (IGM) (General Inspectorate for Migration)
Time: 1–3 business days processing; appointment same day to 1 week · Cost: MDL 500–800 (residence permit fee)
Deadline: Before your visa-free 90 days expire or before starting work
Risk if missed: Illegal overstay: fines MDL 500–2,000, potential deportation and re-entry ban of 1–3 years.
Where to go: BMA, Str. Vasile Alecsandri 42, Chișinău
Documents needed:
- ✓ Valid passport
- ✓ Registered rental contract (SFS-stamped)
- ✓ Passport photos (2)
- ✓ Application form from BMA
Tip: Your rental contract must be registered with SFS before BMA will accept it. Do this in the correct order: find accommodation → register rental contract with SFS → apply at BMA.
Local institution: Biroul Migrație și Azil (BMA) (Migration and Asylum Bureau)
Time: 1–4 hours to prepare; instant online submission · Cost: Free to file; PIT 12% on taxable income
Deadline: 25 March for the previous calendar year
Risk if missed: Late filing penalty: 10% of tax due + interest at 0.04%/day. Persistent non-filing can trigger audit.
Where to go: etaxe.sfs.md (online) or SFS territorial office
Documents needed:
- ✓ Income statements from all sources
- ✓ Bank statements (for foreign income)
- ✓ IDNP
Tip: Use the personal exemption (scutire personală) of MDL 29,640/year (2026) to reduce your taxable income. If employed and only receiving a salary with no other income, your employer handles PIT withholding and you may not need to file.
Local institution: Serviciul Fiscal de Stat (SFS) (State Fiscal Service)
Time: 15–30 business days · Cost: MDL 200–500 (paid by employer)
Deadline: Must be obtained before starting employment
Risk if missed: Working without a valid work permit: fine MDL 1,000–5,000, possible deportation.
Where to go: ANOFM, Str. Vasile Alecsandri 1, Chișinău
Documents needed:
- ✓ Valid passport
- ✓ Employment contract or job offer
- ✓ Employer's company documents (IDNO)
- ✓ Criminal background check (apostilled)
- ✓ Professional qualifications
Tip: IT specialists and senior management at qualifying companies may be exempt from the labour market test. Check with your employer whether an exemption applies to your role.
Local institution: ANOFM (National Employment Agency)
Time: 15 minutes online · Cost: Free to check
Where to go: cnas.gov.md (online account with IDNP) or CNAS office
Documents needed:
- ✓ IDNP
- ✓ Employment contract
Tip: Create your CNAS account at cnas.gov.md as soon as you have your IDNP. Check your contribution history every 3–6 months to ensure your employer is depositing correctly.
Local institution: CNAS — Casa Națională de Asigurări Sociale (National Social Insurance House)
Time: 1–2 hours (contract review and signing) · Cost: Free
Deadline: Before first day of work
Risk if missed: Working without a registered contract has no legal protection — employer can deny employment terms, and you accumulate no CNAS/CNAM contribution history.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Passport
- ✓ IDNP
- ✓ Work permit (for non-EU)
Tip: Do not accept informal "try first, sign later" arrangements. The contract must be signed before you start — this is a legal requirement. Review the trial period length (max 3 months), notice period and non-compete clauses carefully.
Local institution: Employer + SFS
Time: 1–2 hours · Cost: Free
Deadline: Within 30 days of birth
Risk if missed: Child has no Moldovan birth certificate — required for school enrolment, CNAM coverage, travel documents.
Where to go: ASP office, Str. Pușkin 42, Chișinău
Documents needed:
- ✓ Hospital birth certificate (certificat medical constatator al nașterii)
- ✓ Parents' passports/IDs
- ✓ Parents' marriage certificate (if applicable)
- ✓ Parents' residence permits
Local institution: ASP — Agenția Servicii Publice (Public Services Agency)
Time: 1–2 hours · Cost: MDL 4,056/year (approximately MDL 338/month)
Deadline: Pay by December 31 of previous year for full-year coverage
Risk if missed: No public health coverage — any GP visit will be full-price private. Emergency care remains free regardless.
Where to go: CNAM office, Str. Ghioceilor 18, Chișinău, or any bank (Premier Energy, MAIB)
Documents needed:
- ✓ IDNP
- ✓ Passport
- ✓ Residence permit
Tip: Pay the full annual premium in one go — it is non-refundable if you leave mid-year. For employed expats, 4.5% of your salary is already deducted monthly for CNAM — you do not need to pay the fixed premium separately.
Local institution: CNAM — Compania Națională de Asigurări în Medicină (National Health Insurance Company)
Time: 1–3 business days · Cost: Free (tax obligation is landlord's)
Risk if missed: BMA will not accept an unregistered rental contract. You cannot complete the residence permit application.
Where to go: SFS territorial office or etaxe.sfs.md (online) — landlord registers, but tenant can assist
Documents needed:
- ✓ Signed rental contract
- ✓ Landlord's IDNP and ownership document
- ✓ Your passport copy
Tip: If a landlord refuses to register the contract with SFS, find a different landlord — without registration, you cannot get your IDNP or residence permit.
Local institution: Serviciul Fiscal de Stat (SFS) (State Fiscal Service)
Time: 15–30 business days processing · Cost: MDL 500–800
Deadline: Apply at least 30 days before permit expiry
Risk if missed: Expired permit = illegal overstay: fines MDL 500–2,000 and potential deportation.
Where to go: BMA, Str. Vasile Alecsandri 42, Chișinău
Documents needed:
- ✓ Current permit
- ✓ Passport
- ✓ Updated rental contract
- ✓ Updated health insurance certificate
- ✓ Proof of continued qualifying activity (employment, income, etc.)
Tip: Set a calendar reminder 45 days before your permit expires. BMA processes can be slow in peak periods (January–March when many permits expire). Apply early.
Local institution: BMA
Time: 30–60 minutes · Cost: MDL 800–2,500/year for RCA + Green Card
Risk if missed: Driving without RCA: fine MDL 1,000–3,000 + vehicle impoundment. Illegal in Moldova.
Tip: Compare RCA prices at asigurare.md — prices vary significantly between insurers. Buy both RCA and Green Card at the same time if you plan to drive to Romania or other EU countries.
Time: 30–60 minutes · Cost: MDL 100–300 (registration and booklet)
Deadline: Within 5 days of arrival
Documents needed:
- ✓ Original veterinary health certificate from country of origin
- ✓ EU/home-country pet passport
- ✓ Microchip information
- ✓ Vaccination records
Tip: Major 24h vet clinics in Chișinău: Clinica Veterinară Sanus. Bring your original EU pet passport and vaccination booklet. The Moldovan vet will transcribe the records.
Deadline: Within 30 days of moving to Chișinău with a dog
Local institution: Primăria district office
Time: Identification inspection plus registration at an ASP office; results valid 30 working days · Cost: Registration fees plus import excise based on fuel type, engine size and age; EVs pay no excise
Documents needed:
- ✓ Identity document and residence card
- ✓ Previous vehicle registration document from the country of origin
- ✓ Proof of customs clearance for imported vehicles
- ✓ Compulsory motor insurance (see the separate insurance task)
Tip: Use the customs calculator on mobile.md to estimate excise before importing. ASP information line: 14-909 (local) or +373 22 25-70-70. Check the duty-free import scheme under Law 319/2025 if you previously lived abroad long-term — it can waive duties for one personal vehicle under value, age and engine limits.
Local institution: Agenția Servicii Publice (ASP) (Public Services Agency)
Time: 1–3 business days · Cost: Free
Deadline: Within 30 days of starting business activity
Where to go: SFS office or online at etaxe.sfs.md
Documents needed:
- ✓ IDNP
- ✓ Passport
- ✓ Residence permit
- ✓ Company documents (for ÎI/SRL registration)
Tip: Create an account on etaxe.sfs.md immediately — this is where you will file all tax declarations. Your IDNP is your primary identifier in the system.
Local institution: Serviciul Fiscal de Stat (SFS) (State Fiscal Service)
Time: 30–60 minutes monthly (with accountant) · Cost: 7% of monthly company revenue
Deadline: 25th of each month for previous month
Risk if missed: Late filing penalty + interest. Potential loss of IT Park accreditation for persistent non-compliance.
Tip: Set up your accountant to file on your behalf. Most IT Park accountants handle this as part of their monthly fee. Never miss the 25th deadline — even a one-day delay triggers penalties.
Local institution: SFS — etaxe.sfs.md
Where to go: asp.gov.md online or ASP office
Tip: This is the single most important due diligence step before paying any money for accommodation or property. A Cadaster extract confirms the person you're dealing with actually owns the property.
Local institution: ASP Cadaster
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Tip: Only use MINJUST (Ministry of Justice) authorised translators — their certification is required for most official submissions. Ask your relocation agent or lawyer for recommendations. Build a relationship early — trusted translators are booked out and fast access is worth paying for.
Time: 30–60 minutes · Cost: MDL 20–50/month account maintenance
Where to go: MAIB main branch, Str. Constantin Tănase 9, Chișinău (English-speaking staff)
Documents needed:
- ✓ Passport
- ✓ Residence permit (IDNP card or permit document)
- ✓ Local phone number
- ✓ Initial deposit MDL 200–500
Tip: You cannot open a Moldovan bank account without a residence permit — get your IDNP at BMA first. Wise and Revolut work immediately without a Moldovan account but cannot receive MDL salary.
Local institution: MAIB / Moldindconbank (Moldova Agroindbank / Moldindconbank)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Tip: Keep the bulk of foreign-currency income in your multi-currency account and convert to MDL only what you need for local expenses. The EUR/MDL spread at MAIB is better than most street exchange offices.
Time: 15–30 minutes · Cost: MDL 30–50 for SIM + first credit; MDL 100–200/month for a standard plan with data
Where to go: Orange Moldova shop, Moldtelecom shop, or Unite at any shopping centre
Documents needed:
- ✓ Passport
Tip: Orange Moldova has the best national coverage. Get a plan with at least 10GB data — mobile banking, apps and navigation are data-heavy. Roaming to EU countries works but check rates.
Time: 3–7 business days for installation · Cost: MDL 150–280/month for combined internet + TV bundle
Tip: Landlord permission required for new cable installation. Most apartments already have existing connections — ask the landlord which provider is already connected to avoid re-installation.
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Tip: Starnet is preferred for central Chișinău fibre reliability. Orange 5G coverage is strongest in Chișinău city centre. Ask both providers for a combined discount when signing up. Add a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) for your router — power micro-cuts in older buildings can interrupt connections.
Tip: The MAIB app allows payment of all major Moldovan utilities (Moldovagaz, Premier Energy, Apă-Canal, Orange) by account number. Set up recurring payments to avoid late utility bills.
Tip: Electricity transfer at Premier Energy office with rental contract, IDNP and passport. Take meter readings on the day of transfer. Not all landlords agree — negotiate this in the rental contract.
Tip: Book Cricova and Mileștii Mici tours in advance — they require reservations and include underground electric vehicle tours through the wine cellars. Castel Mimi near Bender is architecturally stunning and easiest to reach independently.
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Tip: Worthwhile for senior expats, families, or anyone arriving on a tight timeline. Ask AmCham Moldova or your employer's HR team for referrals to reputable relocation companies. Confirm the service includes SFS contract registration assistance — this step is what most newcomers find hardest.
Tip: MPower works with your IDNP + registered phone number. Register immediately after receiving your IDNP — you'll use it to pay almost every government fee in Moldova.
Tip: Use your MAIB mobile banking credentials (Mobile ID) to authenticate if you prefer not to visit the SFS office for digital signature setup.
Local institution: SFS — etaxe.sfs.md
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Tip: NordVPN and ExpressVPN both work reliably in Moldova. For employer VPN access, confirm with your IT department which client to install. Also consider a password manager (1Password or Bitwarden) to secure the many Moldovan government portal accounts you will create.
Time: 1–3 days · Cost: Free (state); USD 8,000–22,000/year (AISM international school)
Where to go: District Primărie for state school; school principal's office for enrolment
Documents needed:
- ✓ Child's birth certificate (apostilled, translated into Romanian)
- ✓ Medical certificate and vaccination records
- ✓ Parents' passports and residence permits
- ✓ Previous school transcripts (if secondary level, translated)
Tip: School year starts 1 September. For mid-year entry, contact the school principal directly. If your child has limited Romanian, ask about Romanian language support classes (ore suplimentare de limbă).
Local institution: Local Primărie / School Director
Time: 4–12 weeks depending on complexity · Cost: MDL 300–600
Where to go: ANACEC, Str. 31 August 1989, 78, Chișinău
Documents needed:
- ✓ Original degree with apostille
- ✓ Certified Romanian translation of degree and transcript
- ✓ Passport copy
- ✓ CV/employment history
Local institution: ANACEC (National Agency for Quality Assurance in Education and Research)
Documents needed:
- ✓ Child's birth certificate
- ✓ Medical booklet (carnet medical)
- ✓ Vaccination records
- ✓ Parents' IDs and residence permits
Local institution: Local Primărie / Grădiniță
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Tip: AISM's academic year follows the IB programme structure. Provides internationally recognised IB Diploma at grade 12. Excellent choice for expat families anticipating school transitions between countries.
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Tip: Non-compete clauses in Moldova are enforceable but must be limited in time (max 2 years), geography, and activity. Unlimited NDAs are not enforceable. A 1-hour lawyer review before signing is far cheaper than a dispute after.
Time: 30–60 minutes; processing 2–4 weeks · Cost: Free (benefit is income-replacement)
Deadline: Within 12 months of birth for retroactive payment
Where to go: Nearest CNAS territorial office
Documents needed:
- ✓ Child's birth certificate
- ✓ Parents' IDs
- ✓ CNAS contribution history
- ✓ Parental leave agreement from employer
Tip: You must have at least 9 months of CNAS contributions in the 24 months before birth. IT Park company employees are also eligible — confirm with your accountant how the 7% unified tax affects the benefit calculation.
Local institution: CNAS territorial office
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Tip: AISM has limited places and a waiting list — apply as soon as your move is confirmed, ideally 3–6 months before the school year starts. For younger children, private kindergartens in the Centru district near the UN/embassy cluster are the most expat-friendly.
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 7–15 business days for full accreditation · Cost: MDL 3,000–8,000 (accreditation + SRL setup costs)
Where to go: Moldova IT Park, Str. Calea Basarabiei 7/1, Chișinău
Documents needed:
- ✓ SRL or SA company registration (IDNO)
- ✓ Business plan confirming qualifying IT activities
- ✓ Application to Moldova IT Park (it-park.md)
Tip: IT Park requires 70%+ of revenue from qualifying IT activities. Software development, IT services, digital agencies, and R&D all qualify. Consult a local accountant specialising in IT Park compliance before registering.
Local institution: Moldova IT Park (IT Park Moldova)
Time: 3–7 business days · Cost: MDL 2,000–5,000 (state fee + notary + legal assistance)
Where to go: ASP, Str. Pușkin 42, Chișinău or online at asp.gov.md
Documents needed:
- ✓ Passport
- ✓ IDNP (for residents) or notarised passport copy (for non-residents)
- ✓ Company name reservation
- ✓ Articles of association
- ✓ Share capital deposit confirmation
Tip: Hire a local lawyer or accountant to handle SRL registration — costs MDL 2,000–3,000 but avoids document errors. The SRL needs a registered address in Moldova (your office or a registered agent address service).
Local institution: Agenția Servicii Publice (ASP) (Public Services Agency)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Tip: Property purchases in Moldova must be executed before a licensed notary. Verify ownership at ASP Cadaster (asp.gov.md) before signing any preliminary agreement. Hire a separate lawyer for due diligence — the notary does not provide legal advice.
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Tip: PIT deduction for pension contributions: up to 15% of annual taxable income. International pension vehicles are portable — choose one that travels with you if you leave Moldova. Consult a financial adviser through the CNPF-licensed providers list.
Tip: Building Moldovan credit history takes 6–12 months. You will need it to apply for a Moldovan mortgage or credit card. Pay all bills on time from day 1 to build a clean record.
Local institution: Biroul de Credit Moldova
Time: 30–60 minutes for registration · Cost: Free
Where to go: Your district polyclinic — find via Primăria Chișinău (chisinau.md)
Documents needed:
- ✓ CNAM insurance card (polița)
- ✓ IDNP
- ✓ Passport
Tip: Walk in during morning hours (8:00–10:00) when registration queues are shorter. For English-speaking doctors, Medpark International Hospital is the most reliable option as a private alternative.
Local institution: Policlinică (district polyclinic) (District Polyclinic)
Tip: Book your annual check-up in January or February when schedules are less full. Ask specifically for the "control medical profilactic" when calling the polyclinic.
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Tip: Book via medpark.md or by phone. Request the "pachet complex" for the most comprehensive screening. Medpark accepts Cigna and Allianz directly — check if your insurer covers the cost before paying out of pocket.
Tip: The best expat-friendly areas: Centru, Botanica (near Green Hills), Rîșcani. Ask in the Expats in Moldova Facebook group for current recommendations and to avoid known problem landlords.
Time: 1–2 hours on move-in day · Cost: Free
Tip: Send photos and the signed protocol to the landlord by WhatsApp message immediately — this creates a timestamped record. The most common deposit dispute in Moldova is over pre-existing damage the tenant is blamed for.
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Tip: Ask in the Expats in Moldova Facebook group for agent recommendations — the group has a vetted list of trustworthy agents with expat experience. A good agent also helps you negotiate the lease terms and ensures SFS registration.
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Tip: Absences exceeding 6 consecutive months or 10 months total in 5 years can disqualify you. Keep dated records of all international travel.
Time: 2–6 weeks processing · Cost: EUR 80 (standard Schengen fee)
Documents needed:
- ✓ Valid passport
- ✓ Moldovan residence permit
- ✓ Travel insurance (min EUR 30,000)
- ✓ Bank statements
- ✓ Travel itinerary
Tip: EU citizens do not need a Schengen visa — they travel freely. Romanian citizens (eligible by heritage) use their Romanian passport. Moldovan residents seeking Schengen visas should apply early for peak holiday periods.
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Tip: Medpark International Hospital accepts Cigna and Allianz directly. A combination of CNAM + international top-up is the best coverage at the lowest cost for most expats in Moldova.
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Tip: Compare at Moldasig (moldasig.md) and GRAWE Carat. Create an inventory of electronics and valuables before buying — insurers require item lists for valuables claims.
Tip: Buy an annual multi-trip policy from Moldasig or Intact if you travel frequently. Single-trip policies are available at the airport. Schengen visa requires min EUR 30,000 medical coverage.
Tip: Even A1 Romanian (basic greetings and phrases) dramatically improves your daily life in Moldova. Start with Duolingo for 15 minutes daily while arranging a tutor.
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Tip: Romanian is closely related to Italian, French, Spanish and Portuguese — speakers of any Romance language progress very quickly. Ask your tutor to focus on practical vocabulary: markets, healthcare, banking and government interactions. Aim for B1 for daily independence in Chișinău.
Tip: Most commonly required apostilled document: criminal background check (no more than 3 months old). University diplomas needed for regulated profession recognition. Get extra certified translations made in Moldova — they are cheaper here than at home.
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Tip: Romanian citizenship for Moldovans is a legal and widely-used pathway. Processing currently takes 2–4 years due to high demand. Gather all genealogical documents now — historical records are the longest lead item.
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Tip: Moldova applies forced heirship (rezervă succesorală) — close family members (minor children, surviving spouse) are entitled to 50% of their legal share regardless of your will. Account for this in estate planning.
Tip: A general POA (procură generală) is the most flexible. Specify powers carefully — Moldovan law requires precise specification for property and banking transactions.
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Tip: Insure your pet before departing your home country — pre-existing conditions are excluded in Moldova and most international markets. Clinica Veterinară Sanus in Chișinău is the best-equipped private vet clinic for serious cases.
Time: 10-15 minutes online · Cost: Free
Documents needed:
- ✓ Passport details
- ✓ Moldovan address and contact information
Tip: Registration matters more in Moldova than in many countries because of the regional security situation — embassies use these lists for evacuation planning and emergency alerts.
Tip: Ask in the IT Park Moldova community or AmCham Moldova for recommendations. IT Park-specific accounting knowledge is a separate specialisation. Agree the scope of service and fees in writing before engaging.
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Tip: Ask AmCham Moldova or IT Park Moldova for recommendations of English-speaking tax advisers. A one-time session in your first month often saves multiples of the advisory fee over your first year in Moldova.
Where to go: RTEC offices at major trolleybus depots or select city kiosks
Tip: Download the Businfo.md or ITransport app for real-time trolleybus tracking. The trolleybus 1 and 22 routes cover most central Chișinău destinations.
Time: 1–3 hours at DVS; medical certificate takes 1 day · Cost: MDL 200–600
Deadline: Within 90 days of receiving residence permit
Where to go: DVS, Str. Grădinilor 6, Chișinău
Documents needed:
- ✓ Original foreign driving licence
- ✓ Residence permit/IDNP
- ✓ Medical certificate from authorised medical commission
- ✓ 2 passport photos
- ✓ Application form
Tip: Get the medical certificate (certificat medical) from an authorised commission (comisie medicală) — DVS can direct you to the nearest one. EU licences are recognised without re-testing.
Local institution: DVS — Direcția Poliției Rutiere (Traffic Police Directorate)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Tip: Several Chișinău car rental companies offer monthly lease rates — much cheaper than weekly rental rates. For a private driver, agree a monthly contract with fixed hours rather than per-trip billing. Many expat families use a driver for school runs and airport trips.
Deadline: Within 12 months of birth
Documents needed:
- ✓ Child's birth certificate
- ✓ Parents' IDs and IDNP
- ✓ Bank account details
Tip: Apply early — processing takes 2–4 weeks. The grant is paid directly to your bank account. Both parents' Moldovan residence must be registered for the application.
Local institution: CNAS / ASP
Time: 30–60 minutes · Cost: Free
Deadline: Within 30 days of employment termination
Where to go: ANOFM territorial office, Str. Vasile Alecsandri 1, Chișinău
Local institution: ANOFM (National Employment Agency)
Tip: Check every 3 months. If your employer's CNAS contributions are missing, address it immediately — arrears compound and can create pension contribution gaps that are very difficult to rectify.
Local institution: CNAS
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Tip: Particularly valuable if you are planning parental leave — the parental benefit calculation is complex and depends on the 9-month CNAS contribution window before birth. An adviser ensures you maximise your entitlement.