Family reunification in Moldova: how to obtain a residence permit for spouses, parents, and relatives

Family reunification is one of the most reliable and lawful ways for foreign nationals to obtain a residence permit in Moldova. This option is suitable for those who wish to live together with their spouse, children, parents, or other close family members who are already legally residing in the country.

In practice, family-based residence permits raise the most questions:
who is eligible for family reunification, which documents are required, whether employment is allowed under this status, how long the procedure takes, and what the most common reasons for refusal are. An error at any stage may result in delays or a refusal to grant a residence permit.

In this article, we will examine in detail how the family reunification procedure in Moldova works, who may submit an application, which conditions must be met, and what aspects require special attention when preparing the documents. This material will be useful both for those who are only planning to relocate and for those who are already in Moldova and wish to legalize the stay of their family members.

What is family reunification in Moldova

Family reunification in Moldova is an immigration ground that allows a foreign national to obtain a residence permit on the basis of family ties with a person who is already legally residing in the country. Such a person may be a citizen of Moldova or a foreign national holding a valid temporary or permanent residence permit.

From the perspective of migration law, a family-based residence permit is issued not for employment or business purposes, but exclusively to allow family members to live together within the territory of the country. At the same time, the applicant must prove the genuineness of the family relationship and the ability of the host party to provide appropriate living conditions.

It is important to understand that family reunification constitutes a separate category of residence permit, which differs from:

  • a work-based residence permit;
  • a residence permit based on business or investment;
  • a study or humanitarian status.

Each type of residence permit has its own conditions, limitations, and legal consequences. For example, a family-based residence permit does not always automatically grant the right to work, and its renewal directly depends on the continued existence of the family grounds.

For this reason, before submitting documents, it is essential to correctly determine the legal basis, assess the prospects, and take into account in advance the requirements of the migration authorities.

Who is eligible for a residence permit through family reunification

The right to obtain a residence permit through family reunification in Moldova is not granted automatically to all relatives. Migration authorities assess the degree of kinship, the legality of the host party’s stay, and the authenticity of the family relationship.

Below are the main categories of eligible applicants.

Spouses of Moldovan citizens and residents

The most common ground for family reunification is a legally registered marriage with a citizen of Moldova or with a foreign national holding a valid temporary or permanent residence permit.

Key requirements include:

  • the marriage must be legally registered;
  • foreign marriage certificates must be legalized or apostilled;
  • migration authorities are entitled to verify the marriage for fictitiousness.

In practice, particular attention is paid to the date of marriage, actual cohabitation, and the existence of shared documents confirming family life.

Children

The following persons are eligible for a residence permit through family reunification:

  • minor children;
  • adopted children, subject to the availability of supporting documents.

For children over the age of 18, obtaining a residence permit is possible only in exceptional cases, for example, where there are medical grounds or full financial dependence on the parents.

Parents

Parents of Moldovan citizens or residents may apply for a residence permit on family grounds; however, this basis is applied more restrictively than in the case of spouses and children.

As a rule, the following factors are taken into account:

  • the age of the parents;
  • their state of health;
  • the financial ability of the host party to provide support.

Other family members

In certain cases, reunification with other relatives (such as grandparents or persons under guardianship) may be permitted; however, such applications are reviewed on an individual basis and require well-founded justification.

The likelihood of approval directly depends on evidence of dependency and the absence of alternative options for residence in the country of citizenship.

Main conditions for obtaining a residence permit through family reunification

Even where family ties exist, obtaining a residence permit through family reunification in Moldova is possible only if the established conditions are met. Migration authorities assess not only the existence of the family relationship, but also the family’s ability to ensure the foreign national’s lawful and stable residence in the country.

The key conditions include the following requirements.

Legal status of the host party

The person with whom family reunification is sought must:

  • be a citizen of Moldova or
  • hold a valid temporary or permanent residence permit.

If the host party’s legal status is lost, this may affect the renewal or lead to the cancellation of the family-based residence permit.

Proof of family relationship

All family relationships must be confirmed by official documents:

  • marriage certificate;
  • birth certificate;
  • documents confirming adoption or guardianship.

As a rule, foreign documents require an apostille, consular legalization, and a notarized translation.

Financial means

The host party must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support the family member. This may include:

  • official income;
  • entrepreneurial activity;
  • other lawful sources of funds.

The absence of confirmed income is one of the most common grounds for refusal.

Availability of accommodation in Moldova

The place of residence must be confirmed by:

  • ownership of residential property or
  • a valid lease agreement.

The accommodation must meet the minimum requirements for family living.

Health insurance

To obtain a residence permit, valid health insurance covering the period of stay in Moldova is required. In certain cases, additional medical certificates may be requested.

Documents required to apply for a residence permit through family reunification

The list of documents required to obtain a residence permit through family reunification in Moldova depends on the degree of kinship and the status of the host party. However, there is a basic set of documents required in all cases, as well as additional documents depending on the specific circumstances.

Below is a general list commonly used in practice when submitting an application.

Mandatory documents

As a rule, the following documents are required to apply for a family reunification residence permit:

  • the applicant’s international passport;
  • an application in the prescribed form;
  • documents confirming family ties (marriage, birth, guardianship);
  • a document confirming the legal status of the host party (citizenship, temporary or permanent residence permit);
  • proof of accommodation in Moldova;
  • health insurance covering the period of stay;
  • proof of payment of the state fee.

All documents must be submitted in originals and copies.

Additional documents (depending on the situation)

In certain cases, migration authorities may request:

  • certificates confirming income or financial means;
  • notarized translations of documents;
  • an apostille or consular legalization;
  • medical reports (for parents or dependent persons);
  • additional evidence of joint residence.

The exact list may vary depending on the place of submission and the individual circumstances of the applicant.

Important requirements for documents

  • All foreign documents must be translated into Romanian;
  • Translations must be notarized;
  • Documents must be valid at the time of submission;
  • Non-compliance with formatting requirements or the absence of a translation is a common reason for suspension of the application review.

Step-by-step procedure for obtaining a residence permit through family reunification

The procedure for obtaining a residence permit through family reunification in Moldova may appear relatively straightforward from a formal perspective; however, in practice it requires strict compliance with procedural steps and deadlines. Below is the standard application process used in most cases.

Step 1. Preparation of documents

At the initial stage, it is necessary to:

  • determine the legal basis for reunification (spouse, child, parent);
  • collect the main and any additional set of documents;
  • where required, arrange an apostille and notarized translations.

Most mistakes are made at this stage, which later lead to delays or refusals.

Step 2. Submission of the application

The application for a residence permit is submitted to the competent migration authorities within the territory of Moldova. Submission is carried out personally by the applicant or by their legal representative (in the case of minors).

Upon submission:

  • the completeness of the documents is verified;
  • biometric data are collected;
  • the state fee is paid.

Step 3. Review of the application

After submission, the official review stage begins. During this period, the migration authorities:

  • verify the authenticity of the documents;
  • assess the genuineness of the family relationship;
  • request additional information if necessary.

The review period may vary depending on the applicant’s category and the workload of the authorities.

Step 4. Issuance of the residence permit

If a positive decision is made, the applicant is issued a residence permit in the prescribed format. From this moment, the foreign national acquires the right to lawful residence in Moldova for the period indicated in the residence permit.

Processing times and costs for a family reunification residence permit

The processing times and costs for obtaining a residence permit through family reunification in Moldova depend on the applicant’s category, the completeness of the documents, and the specific circumstances of the case. Below are indicative figures commonly applied in practice.

Application processing times

In standard cases, the review of an application for a family reunification residence permit takes:

  • from 30 to 90 calendar days — the basic timeframe;
  • longer — if additional checks or document requests are required.

The processing time may be affected by:

  • errors or inconsistencies in the documents;
  • the need for an apostille or repeated translations;
  • a high workload of the migration authorities.

Validity period of the residence permit

The initial residence permit is generally issued:

  • for a period of up to 1 year, with the possibility of renewal;
  • the validity of the permit is linked to the status of the host party and the continuation of the family grounds.

Costs of obtaining the permit

Total expenses include:

  • the state fee for reviewing the application;
  • the cost of issuing the residence permit card;
  • notarized translations and legalization of documents;
  • health insurance.

The final amount may vary depending on the number of documents and individual requirements.

Important considerations

Even when formal deadlines are met, the actual issuance of a residence permit may be delayed if:

  • the applicant has previously violated migration regulations;
  • the authorities have doubts regarding the authenticity of the family relationship;
  • the documents were submitted incomplete.

Common reasons for refusal of a family reunification residence permit

Although family reunification is considered one of the most stable grounds for obtaining a residence permit in Moldova, refusals do occur in practice. In most cases, they are not related to the absence of eligibility, but to errors made during the preparation or submission of documents.

Below are the most common reasons for refusal.

Insufficient proof of family relationship

One of the most frequent reasons is doubt on the part of the migration authorities regarding the authenticity of the family relationship. This is particularly relevant in cases of:

  • recently concluded marriages;
  • marriages registered abroad;
  • situations where the spouses did not previously live together.

If the number of supporting documents is insufficient, the application may be rejected.

Errors or an incomplete set of documents

Refusal or suspension of the review may result from:

  • the absence of an apostille or legalization;
  • incorrect notarized translations;
  • submission of expired or invalid documents.

Even a formal error may significantly delay the process.

Lack of financial means

If the host party cannot demonstrate sufficient income or lawful sources of funds, the migration authorities are entitled to refuse the issuance of a residence permit. This is particularly relevant in cases of reunification with parents or dependent family members.

Previous violations of migration regulations

Previous overstays, refusals, or deportations may negatively affect the decision on a new application, even if family grounds are present.

Suspicion of a fictitious basis

If the authorities identify indications of a fictitious marriage or a purely formal reunification, the application is subject to refusal, with the possible imposition of a ban on reapplication.

Is it possible to renew a residence permit and obtain permanent residence in Moldova

A residence permit obtained through family reunification in Moldova is issued for a limited period; however, if the established conditions are met, it may be renewed and, subsequently, may serve as a basis for obtaining permanent residence.

Renewal of the residence permit

A family-based residence permit may be renewed provided that:

  • the family grounds (marriage, family ties) remain valid;
  • the host party continues to hold a lawful status in Moldova;
  • no violations of migration regulations have occurred.

It is recommended to submit the renewal application in advance, before the expiration of the current residence permit, in order to avoid the risk of refusal or penalties.

Transition to permanent residence

After several years of lawful residence in Moldova on the basis of a family reunification residence permit, it is possible to apply for permanent residence.

When reviewing an application for permanent residence, the following factors are generally taken into account:

  • continuity of residence;
  • integration into society;
  • compliance with migration and tax legislation.

Permanent residence provides a more stable legal status and reduces dependence on the initial basis for residence.

Prospects for citizenship

In certain cases, long-term residence on the basis of a family residence permit and permanent residence may constitute a step toward obtaining Moldovan citizenship, provided that all statutory requirements are met.

How we can assist with obtaining a family reunification residence permit

The procedure for obtaining a residence permit through family reunification in Moldova may appear clear in formal terms; however, in practice, the outcome often depends on details. Errors in documents, an incorrect choice of legal grounds, or failure to meet deadlines frequently lead to refusals and loss of time.

We support clients at all stages of obtaining a family-based residence permit and help avoid common issues.

Consultation and assessment of prospects

Before submission, we:

  • analyze the specific circumstances;
  • verify whether the chosen legal basis is appropriate;
  • assess potential risks of refusal.

This allows clients to understand their prospects in advance and choose the most effective application strategy.

Document review and preparation

We assist with:

  • assembling a complete set of documents;
  • verifying translations, apostilles, and validity periods;
  • preparing additional supporting evidence in complex cases.

This approach significantly reduces the likelihood of suspension or refusal.

Full process support

Where necessary, we take responsibility for:

  • assisting with the submission of the application;
  • communicating with the migration authorities;
  • monitoring deadlines and the status of the review.

The client benefits from a transparent process and a clear understanding of each stage.

Assistance with refusals and complex cases

If there has been a previous refusal or the situation is non-standard (parents, dependent relatives, prior violations), we analyze the reasons and propose possible options for further action.

Frequently asked questions about family reunification residence permits

Below are answers to the most common questions that arise when applying for a residence permit through family reunification in Moldova.

Is it possible to work with a family reunification residence permit?

A residence permit issued on family grounds does not always automatically grant the right to work. Depending on the circumstances, an additional authorization or a change of the residence permit basis may be required. This issue should be clarified before commencing employment.

Is it necessary to leave Moldova to submit the documents?

In most cases, the application is submitted within the territory of Moldova, provided that the applicant is lawfully staying in the country. However, in certain situations, submission may be carried out through consular authorities.

Is it possible to submit documents online?

At present, the main procedure for obtaining a residence permit through family reunification requires personal submission of documents. Online formats are used to a limited extent and do not replace personal presence for the issuance of a residence permit.

What should be done in case of refusal?

In the event of a refusal, the applicant has the right to:

  • reapply after eliminating the reasons for refusal;
  • appeal the decision in accordance with the established procedure.

The appropriate course of action depends on the specific grounds for refusal.

Is it possible to obtain residence permits for the entire family at once?

Each family member applies for a residence permit individually; however, documents may be submitted within a single family case file if common legal grounds exist.

Conclusion

Family reunification is one of the most stable and clear ways to legalize residence in Moldova. This type of residence permit allows family members to live together lawfully and, in the long term, opens the way to renewal of status, permanent residence, and long-term stay in the country.

At the same time, successful issuance of a family reunification residence permit depends not only on the existence of family ties, but also on properly prepared documents, compliance with deadlines, and a clear understanding of the requirements of the migration authorities. It is at these stages that errors most often occur, leading to refusals or delays.

If you are planning to obtain a residence permit for your spouse, children, parents, or other family members, it is advisable to assess your situation in advance and prepare thoroughly for submission. This will help save time, avoid unnecessary risks, and complete the procedure as smoothly as possible.