Immigration to Moldova
Moldova is an Eastern European country located between Romania and Ukraine. Moldova has a population of about three million, spread across a territory of 33,846 km2. According to official statistics and the 2014 census, Moldova’s largest ethnic groups are Moldovans and Romanians and the official language is Moldovan. Moldova is a parliamentary republic and according to the 2004 census the country’s most widespread religion is Eastern Orthodox Christianity. Moldova’s per capita nominal GDP is USD 3,415 and the currency is the Moldovan Leu (MDL).
Foreigners from other countries that wish to be employed in the Republic of Moldova must obtain work permits from the National Agency for Employment, which is a part of the Ministry of Economy. Besides work permit, there are other types of residence permits for those wishing to remain in Moldova. Also, there are many types of visas that allow visitors to remain in the country for a certain amount of time, including A, B, C and D-type visas.
Immigration services
Immigration matters in Moldova are under the remit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Moldova (http://www.mfa.gov.md). The General Directorate of Consular Affairs deals with a range of matters, including the protection of Moldovan citizens’ rights and interests, developing and improving internal and international legislation, coordinating the identification and civil status documents of Moldovan citizens abroad, providing information about international travel, etc.
Immigration service providers
Citizens of certain states don’t need a visa to enter the territory of the Republic of Moldova if they do not intend to stay for an extended period. Staying in Moldova for a period of fewer than 90 days is permitted for visitors from these countries and a visa is not needed. These states are listed on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration home page.
Here are three email address of companies which offer immigration services in Moldova:
- E-mail: residency@baltic-legal.com
- E-mail: europe@forsetico.com
- E-mail: italy@giambronelaw.com
Lawful immigration
Citizens of other states who want to emigrate to Moldova have certain rights and are obligated to follow specific immigration rules. There are many countries whose citizens are required to get a visa or permit to stay in Moldova. These countries are outside the European Union and there are specific reasons why their citizens have to seek permission to be in the Republic of Moldova.
Immigration law
Citizens of other countries who hold a job offer or want to take up employment in the Republic of Moldova must get a work permit from the National Agency for Employment at the Ministry of Economy. Applicants must submit all the required documents to the National Agency for Employment.
Immigration statistics
Migration has had a big impact on Moldova’s demographics and economy. The country’s Intelligence and Security Service estimates that up to one million Moldovan citizens are currently living abroad. The number of Russians and Ukrainians in Moldova has decreased since 1989 due to emigration, and the number of immigrants at present is quite low.
Most popular cities by population
The most popular and populated city in Moldova is Chisinau, followed by Tiraspol, Balti and Bender. You can compare the populations of all of these cities at http://worldpopulationreview.com/countries/moldova-population/.
The five most populated areas in Moldova are:
| # | City | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chisinau | 635 994 |
| 2 | Tiraspol | 157 000 |
| 3 | Balti | 125 000 |
| 4 | Bender | 110 175 |
| 5 | Ribnita | 55 455 |
Migration in and out of the Schengen area
Moldova is not a member of the Schengen area. However, if it were, Moldova would have all the benefits of being a member. All Schengen Agreement member states have an identity and other document controls at the borders with adjoining non-Schengen countries. All visitors from other member countries are checked to ensure they have Schengen visas issued by any of the Schengen states.
Types of visa in Moldova
There are many different reasons why visitors typically travel to Moldova, and whatever the purpose of your trip, you’ll find a visa tailored for your situation. The types of visas are:
| Airport Transit Visa — Type A | Visa needed by anyone visiting Moldova for a short period of time and arriving by plane. | Applicants require travel documents (passport, approval to enter the territory of a third country, colour photo, a ticket for the destination country) and must pay a consular fee of EUR 20. |
| Transit Visa — Type B | Visa needed by anyone visiting Moldova for a short period of time in transit to another destination. | Applicants require travel documents (passport, approval to enter the territory of a third country, colour photo, a ticket for the destination country) and must pay a consular fee of EUR 40. |
| Short Stay Visa — Type C | Visa for short-term visitors for missionary, tourism, family or business purposes; for any sporting, cultural, scientific and humanitarian activities; and for the purposes of medical treatment and other activities in compliance with national law. | The requirements are the same as those for the airport transit visa and transit visa types A and B, but applicants may also need a confirmation of admittance to a study programme (for an educational visa), travellers’ medical insurance for the Republic of Moldova, proof of means of payment for studies or any other proposed activities, an invitation from the Bureau for Migration and Asylum or a residence permit, and must pay a consular fee that varies depending on the type of visa. |
| Long Stay Visa — Type D | Long stay visas are usually intended for those visiting the country for entrepreneurial activity, employment, study, family reunification, religious or humanitarian activities, diplomatic and service activities or medical treatment purposes. | The requirements are the same as those for the airport transit visa and transit visa types A and B, but applicants may also need confirmation of admittance to a study programme (for an educational visa), travellers’ medical insurance for the Republic of Moldova, proof of means of payment for studies or any other proposed activities, an invitation from the Bureau for Migration and Asylum or a residence permit, and must pay a consular fee that varies depending on the purpose of the visa. |
Residence permit
Residence permits are issued to visitors who need to stay in Moldova for longer than 90 days. Permits are issued on various grounds, like family reasons, employment and several others, and applicants must show medical proof of good health and test results for HIV/AIDS, as well as a copy of their passport, passport annex/page containing the visa, a spouse identification card and the National Agency for Employment’s declaration (for those who come to work) in relation to permits for family members, a copy of the employment contract for immigrants who are coming to work and various other documents.
There are several routes for international investors to acquire a Moldovan residence permit, all of which involve making a financial contribution to the Public Investment Fund (PIF):
- EUR 100,000 for a single applicant;
- EUR 115,000 for a couple;
- EUR 145,000 for a family of four;
- EUR 155,000 for a family of five or more.
Immigration documents
To read more about the various immigration, residency and citizenship documents in Moldova, please refer to the immigration documents section.
History
A significant part of Moldovan territory was encompassed by the Principality of Moldavia from the 1400s until 1812. It was then ceded to the Russian Empire and became Bessarabia. From 1900 until 1920, the Russian Revolution took place and Bessarabia gained its autonomy, later becoming known as the independent Moldavian Democratic Republic.
For more information and a free consultation about opportunities to live in Moldova, contact us: