A Moldova Residence Permit is a document that allows a foreign national to live and reside in Moldova for a specified period of time. To obtain a Residence Permit in Moldova, a foreign national must first apply to the Moldovan immigration authorities, typically through a local embassy or consulate.

To be eligible for a Moldova Residence Permit, a foreign national must typically meet certain eligibility criteria, such as having a job offer, sufficient financial means to support themselves, and a clear criminal record. Additionally, they may be required to provide supporting documentation, such as a passport, birth certificate, police clearance certificate, and proof of medical insurance, among others.

The length of time for which a Residence Permit is valid can vary, depending on the type of permit being applied for and the specific circumstances of each case

Note that a Residence Permit in Moldova does not automatically confer the right to work in the country. In most cases, a foreign national must also obtain a separate work permit in order to be legally employed in Moldova.

The right of temporary residence

Foreigners wishing to settle in the Republic of Moldova for more than 90 days may apply for temporary residence.

The right of temporary residence refers to the legal status granted to a foreign national to reside in a country for a limited period of time. In Moldova, the right of temporary residence is granted to foreign nationals through the issuance of a Temporary Residence Permit.

To be eligible for a Temporary Residence Permit in Moldova, a foreign national must typically meet certain eligibility criteria, such as having a job offer, sufficient financial means to support themselves, and a clear criminal record. Additionally, they may be required to provide supporting documentation, such as a passport, birth certificate, police clearance certificate, and proof of medical insurance, among others.

The length of time for which a Temporary Residence Permit is valid can vary, depending on the type of permit being applied for and the specific circumstances of each case.

Note that a Temporary Residence Permit in Moldova does not automatically confer the right to work in the country. In most cases, a foreign national must also obtain a separate work permit in order to be legally employed in Moldova.

The right of temporary residence may be granted for the purpose of:

• family reunification;
• work;
• education;
• project realization;
• humanitarian, voluntary or religious activities;
• long-term medical treatment;
• foreign investors;
• victims of human trafficking;
• other cases.

A foreigner may also claim the right of permanent residence if the following conditions are met:

• The foreigner has had a temporary residence right for family reunification for at least 3 years;
• The foreigner is a holder of a temporary residence right for 5 years—other categories have 90 days to process their permanent residence applications. If a foreigner requests that the review period for his or her application be shortened by up to two months, or one month if it involves expediting this process (and pays a fee), then the term of examination can be reduced.

To obtain a Permanent Residence Permit in Moldova, a foreign national must typically go through the following steps:

• Eligibility: Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for obtaining a Permanent Residence Permit in Moldova, such as having a job offer, sufficient financial means to support yourself, and a clear criminal record.
• Application: Submit a complete and accurate application to the Moldovan immigration authorities, typically through a local embassy or consulate. This application should include all required supporting documents, such as a passport, birth certificate, police clearance certificate, and proof of medical insurance.
• Fees: Pay the appropriate fees for processing your application, which can vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case.
• Processing: Wait for your application to be processed by the Moldovan immigration authorities, which can take several weeks or months. During this time, you may be required to attend an interview or provide additional information or documentation.
• Decision: Receive a decision on your application, which can be either approved or denied. If approved, you will be issued a Permanent Residence Permit, which will allow you to live and reside in Moldova for an indefinite period of time.

The following documents are typically required for a Permanent Residence Permit in Moldova:

• Passport: A valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond the intended period of stay.
• Birth certificate: An official birth certificate.
• Police clearance certificate: A police clearance certificate from your home country, demonstrating that you have no criminal record.
• Proof of medical insurance: Evidence of adequate medical insurance coverage for the duration of your stay in Moldova.
• Proof of financial means: Evidence of sufficient financial means to support yourself without relying on public assistance, such as bank statements or a letter from an employer.
• Proof of employment: A job offer from a Moldovan employer or proof of self-employment, if applicable.
• Accommodation: Evidence of secure and adequate accommodation in Moldova, such as a rental contract or a letter from a host.
• Application fee: Payment of the appropriate fee for processing your application
• Proof of housing in Moldova: Proof of housing in Moldova is typically required when applying for a Permanent Residence Permit.

  This evidence can include:

  • Rental contract: A legally binding agreement between you and a landlord, detailing the terms of your rental of a property in Moldova.
  • Ownership documents: If you own a property in Moldova, official documentation proving ownership may be required.
  • Letter from a host: If you are staying with a friend or relative in Moldova, a letter from them confirming your stay and the details of your accommodation may be required.
• Documents depending on the purpose of your travel, such as:
  • For family reunification: Copy of your spouse’s ID and your marriage certificate
  • For work: Copy of the work contract and the argued opinion from the National Agency for Employment
  • For studies: Acceptance into a Moldova educational institution
• Any other documents you may be requested to submit

Note : In addition, foreign nationals who have lived in Moldova for a certain amount of time on a residence permit may be eligible for Moldovan citizenship.

How do I become a citizen of Moldova?

To obtain Moldova citizenship, you must:

• You have lived in Moldova legally for at least ten years.
• You have been married to a Moldovan citizen for at least three years and are filing your application within the first year of your marriage.
• You have lived in Moldova for at least three years with your Moldovan citizen child or parent.
• You have lived in Moldova with at least five years worth of residence permits that were issued before you turned 18.
• You’re a stateless citizen or refugee who can prove that you’ve been living legally in Moldova for at least eight years.

But for a faster route to Moldova citizenship, foreigners can apply through investment.

Obtaining citizenship of Moldova by investment

In November of 2018, the Moldova government launched a program called Moldova Citizenship-by-Investment (MCBI) that allows wealthy individuals to obtain citizenship by investing in the country’s Public Investment Fund.

Moldova does offer a citizenship by investment program, which allows foreign investors to obtain Moldovan citizenship in exchange for making a significant economic contribution to the country.

The program is highly desirable due to the following reasons:

• It takes about three months
• You do not need to spend any time in Moldova after obtaining citizenship, and there is no requirement that you live or work in Moldova at any point during your life.
• Moldova citizens can travel to many countries without having to apply for visas, including all of the nations in the Schengen zone.
• You may apply for citizenship for your entire family at the same time you do.
• You may pass your citizenship on to your children and grandchildren.
• It is possible that Moldova will become a member of the European Union.

Moldova grants citizenship to people who invest a certain amount of money in the country.

• Be over 18 years of age
• Not have any criminal records
• Make a donation to the Moldova Public Investment Fund.

1. How do I become a resident of Moldova? 2. Who is eligible for a residence permit? 3. Is a residence permit the same as a visa?