Moldova

Temporary visas

Foreign nationals generally require an entry visa to enter the Republic of Moldova, unless they are nationals of visa‑exempt countries in accordance with international agreements and Moldovan legislation.

Nationals of the Member States of the European Union benefit from visa‑free entry for short stays.

Moldova issues long‑stay “D” visas for specific purposes, including employment, study, family reunification, and other long‑term activities. These long‑stay visas serve only as an entry basis and are not renewable. Continued lawful stay in Moldova requires the granting of the appropriate right of residence.

For nationals of certain countries, an official invitation issued by the competent Moldovan authorities may be required, but only where such obligation is expressly established by a Government decision.

Work permits

As a general rule, foreign nationals performing employment activities in the Republic of Moldova shall obtain the right of provisional residence for work purposes, which authorizes employment and is documented through the issuance of a residence card.

The law provides for simplified immigration compliance procedures in case of:

• Immigrant workers.
• Employees with priority occupations (as defined by Moldovan law).
• Individuals responsible for management.
• Foreigners engaged in projects of national importance.
• Foreigners engaged in external assistance projects. 
• Highly qualified individuals.
• Seconded foreigners.
• Foreigners who carry our teaching activities in the fields of culture, health, and sports.
• Individuals with management positions within an applicant beneficiary engaged in the IT activities, as well as specialists in the IT field.
• Foreigners employed by a resident of a free economic zone.
• Seasonal agricultural workers and frontier workers.
• Foreign specialists in the field of information technology.
• Employees seconded for a period of up to 90 days during a calendar year.

Seconded foreign workers present in Moldova for up to 90 days within a calendar year may perform work without obtaining a residence card, subject to notification obligations.

Citizens of EU Member States may perform work in Moldova for up to 90 days within any 180‑day period without obtaining a residence right. Any employment exceeding this threshold requires the granting of the right of residence for work purposes and the issuance of a residence card.

Residence cards

From 1 January 2026, the Republic of Moldova introduced a new type of identity document – the residence card – as the main form of identification for foreign nationals with temporary or permanent residence. This card is issued to individuals who have a legal right to live in Moldova, including stateless persons, refugees, and those under humanitarian protection. It confirms both the holder’s identity and their lawful residence status in the country.

The residence card will include fingerprint images and the qualified certificate for electronic signature, ensuring secure authentication in government information systems and access to digital public services.

Residence permits and identity documents for stateless persons issued prior to 1 January 2026 remain valid until their expiry, unless invalidated earlier under the law. No new residence permits are issued after that date.

Foreign nationals staying in Moldova for more than 90 days within any 180‑day period shall obtain the right of residence and hold a valid residence card. Holders of a residence card, or of a residence permit valid after 1 January 2026 during the transitional period, may exit and re‑enter Moldova without an entry visa throughout the validity of the document.

If the right of residence is annulled or revoked, the residence card or other related identity documents are cancelled and withdrawn by the competent authority. In cases of loss, theft, damage, or destruction, a replacement residence card is issued within the statutory time limits. Failure to comply with residence requirements may result in administrative sanctions, entry bans, and other legal consequences.

Exemptions for non-resident employees in Moldovan companies

Moldovan legislation provides for a special derogatory regime applicable to certain non‑resident foreign workers performing work without being physically present in the Republic of Moldova.

As of March 2026, a foreign national who has been initially registered and assigned a State Personal Identification Number (IDNP), with or without the issuance of identity documents and without physical presence in Moldova, may lawfully perform work without obtaining an entry visa, a right of stay, a provisional right of residence, a provisional right of residence for work purposes, or a residence card, provided that all statutory conditions are met.

To benefit from this regime, the foreign worker shall hold an IDNP and a valid electronic identity issued under Moldovan law, shall not be and shall not become physically present in Moldova for a period exceeding the lawful right of stay, shall not qualify as a tax resident of the Republic of Moldova under the Fiscal Code, and shall perform the work under a valid individual employment contract, concluded either in written form or electronically using a qualified electronic signature.

This special regime is intended primarily for remote or cross‑border employment arrangements and does not confer any right of residence or long‑term presence in Moldova. If, at any time, at least one of the statutory conditions ceases to be met, the foreign national shall comply with the general immigration and employment framework, including obtaining the appropriate right of residence and residence card, where applicable.