Moldova

Temporary visas

Generally, foreign individuals who enter Moldova need entry visas. The law, however, provides exceptions for citizens of certain countries (e.g. for European citizens).

Also, please note that citizens of certain countries need an invitation for a visa to be issued by the Moldovan immigration authorities in order to obtain a visa for Moldova.

Work permits

Foreign employees working in Moldova have to obtain the residence permit for work purposes. This permit is obtained based on decisions granting the right to stay for work purposes in Moldova issued by relevant Moldovan state authorities.

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 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.

Residence permits

Should a foreign citizen stay in Moldova for more than 90 days within a six-month period, it is compulsory to obtain a residence permit. Foreigners and stateless individuals who violate the rules of stay in the Republic of Moldova are subject to an entry ban as well as contravention penalties.