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.
Visa & Immigration
Entry and residence options for Moldova.
✈️ Visa-Free Access
Moldova grants visa-free entry (up to 90 days in any 180-day period) to citizens of all EU/EEA member states, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Israel, Turkey, UAE, and over 100 other countries. Full list at mfa.gov.md. Romanians are treated as equivalent to Moldovan citizens under bilateral agreements and may reside indefinitely.
Apply for all residence permits at BMA (Biroul Migrație și Azil), Str. Vasile Alecsandri 42, Chișinău. Begin your application before your visa-free or short-stay visa expires — processing takes 15–30 business days. Overstaying results in fines (MDL 500–2,000), potential deportation and re-entry bans. Moldova does not participate in the Schengen Area — your Moldovan residence permit gives no right to enter Schengen without a separate visa. Romanians and Moldovan-origin persons have simplified pathways. Monitor bma.gov.md for EU-accession-driven updates to immigration procedures.
Visa-Free Entry
Citizens of EU/EEA, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland and 100+ other countries per bilateral agreements. Check mfa.gov.md for your nationality.
Immediate on arrival
- ✓Valid passport (6 months beyond intended stay)
- ✓Proof of sufficient funds (EUR 30/day recommended)
- ✓Return or onward ticket
- ✓Travel/health insurance recommended
- ✓Clear statement of purpose if questioned at border
Short-Stay Visa (Type C)
Nationals of countries without visa-free access to Moldova. Apply at the nearest Moldovan embassy or consulate, or via e-Visa portal for eligible nationalities.
5–15 business days
- ✓Valid passport
- ✓Completed visa application form
- ✓Passport photo
- ✓Travel insurance (minimum EUR 30,000 coverage)
- ✓Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or rental contract)
- ✓Proof of sufficient funds (EUR 30/day)
- ✓Purpose of travel documentation (invitation letter, booking confirmation)
- ✓Return or onward ticket
Temporary Residence Permit — Employment
Foreign nationals who have received a work permit (autorizație de muncă) from ANOFM, issued based on a confirmed job offer from a Moldovan employer. EU citizens do not need a work permit but must register if staying beyond 90 days.
15–30 business days
- ✓Valid passport (minimum 3 months beyond permit period)
- ✓Completed application form (BMA)
- ✓Valid work permit (autorizație de muncă) issued by ANOFM
- ✓Rental contract registered with SFS (Serviciul Fiscal de Stat)
- ✓Valid health insurance (CNAM mandatory or private equivalent)
- ✓Criminal background check (apostilled, translated into Romanian, issued within 3 months)
- ✓2 passport photos
- ✓Application fee payment receipt
Temporary Residence Permit — Self-Sufficiency
Remote workers, retirees, investors and financially independent persons who can demonstrate regular income from foreign sources without needing to work for a Moldovan employer.
15–30 business days
- ✓Valid passport
- ✓BMA application form
- ✓Proof of regular monthly income equivalent to at least 12× Moldovan minimum wage (MDL 6,300/month minimum wage effective 1 January 2026 — approximately MDL 75,600/year; gov.md verified)
- ✓Bank statements (3–6 months showing regular incoming funds)
- ✓Rental contract registered with SFS
- ✓Valid private health insurance with full coverage in Moldova
- ✓Criminal background check (apostilled, translated into Romanian)
- ✓2 passport photos
Temporary Residence Permit — Family Reunification
Spouses, minor children and dependent parents of Moldovan citizens or foreign nationals who already hold a valid Moldovan temporary residence permit.
15–30 business days
- ✓Valid passport
- ✓BMA application form
- ✓Proof of family relationship: marriage certificate or birth certificate (apostilled and translated into Romanian)
- ✓Sponsor's Moldovan residence permit or citizenship documents
- ✓Rental contract or proof of shared accommodation
- ✓Health insurance
- ✓Criminal background check
- ✓2 passport photos
Permanent Residence Permit
Foreign nationals who have held a Moldovan temporary residence permit for a continuous period of 5 years, with no prolonged absences from Moldova. Clean criminal record required.
30 business days
- ✓Valid passport
- ✓BMA application form
- ✓5 continuous years of documented legal residence in Moldova on a temporary permit
- ✓Proof of sufficient ongoing income or assets
- ✓Clean criminal record in Moldova
- ✓Proof of accommodation
- ✓Language proficiency may be assessed
Self-Sufficiency Residence Permit (Remote Worker Route)
Digital NomadRemote workers employed by foreign companies, freelancers with foreign clients, and independent earners who do not work for a Moldovan employer. No dedicated digital nomad visa exists — this is the official route.
15–30 business days at BMA
- ✓Proof of foreign employment or freelance income (employment contract, client contracts, bank statements)
- ✓Monthly income equivalent to at least 12× Moldovan minimum wage (MDL 6,300/month effective 1 January 2026 × 12 = MDL 75,600/year)
- ✓Private health insurance covering Moldova
- ✓Rental contract registered with SFS
- ✓Criminal background check
- ✓Valid passport
Visa & Immigration
Unlock the complete Visa & Immigration guide for Moldova — including every detail, document, tip and link you need.
Become a SupporterSupport the guide on Ko-fi · Unlocks every premium section, everywhere