How to Get a Residence Permit in Moldova: Step-by-Step Guide 2025

Obtaining a residence permit in Moldova is the first step towards legal stay and integration in the country. In 2025, the procedure has become more structured, but it still raises many questions. Who can apply for a residence permit? What documents are required? How much does it cost and how long does the process take?

In this guide, you will find a step-by-step instruction to help you navigate the process of obtaining a residence permit, avoid common mistakes, and prepare for each stage — from choosing the basis to receiving the residence card. All recommendations are based on current laws and the practice of migration lawyers.

Who can obtain a residence permit in Moldova?

A residence permit in Moldova can be obtained by any foreign citizen who has a legal basis for long-term stay in the country. As of 2025, migration legislation provides the following categories eligible for a residence permit:

citizens of CIS countries, the EU, and other states;
spouses of Moldovan citizens;
parents of minor Moldovan citizens;
employees and entrepreneurs;
students of accredited educational institutions;
refugees and persons granted temporary protection;
investors and property owners.

The decision to issue a residence permit is made by the Bureau for Migration and Asylum of Moldova, and each case is reviewed individually. Each category has its own set of required documents, processing times, and possible grounds for refusal. Therefore, it is essential to correctly determine your category before starting the procedure.

Procedure for obtaining a residence permit in 2025

The procedure for obtaining a residence permit in Moldova in 2025 consists of several steps. Each stage is important, and the success of your application depends on completing them correctly. Below is a detailed breakdown of all stages.

Step 1. Determine your eligibility

The first thing to do is to identify the basis on which you are entitled to a residence permit. This may include:

an employment contract with a Moldovan company;
enrollment at a university;
marriage to a Moldovan citizen;
having a minor child who is a Moldovan citizen;
starting a business or making investments;
obtaining refugee status or temporary protection.

Tip: if you are unsure about your eligibility, it is recommended to consult a migration lawyer. Choosing the wrong basis can lead to a refusal.

Step 2. Prepare the required documents

The documents vary depending on the category, but the basic list usually includes:

passport valid for at least 6 months;
a copy of the visa or another document confirming legal entry;
medical insurance;
criminal record certificate;
proof of eligibility (contract, marriage certificate, university enrollment, etc.);
evidence of sufficient means of subsistence and accommodation.

Important: all documents issued abroad must be translated into Romanian and notarized. Some also require an apostille.

Step 3. Submit the application

The application must be submitted to the territorial offices of the Bureau for Migration and Asylum. In some cases, online pre-registration is possible, but physical presence is mandatory. Upon submission, you will receive a receipt with your application number.

Step 4. Application review

The average processing time is 30–45 working days. Additional documents may be requested if necessary. You can check the status of your application by phone or directly at the BMA office.

Step 5. Receiving the residence card

Once your application is approved, you will be invited to collect your residence card. From that moment, you officially become a residence permit holder and may legally stay in the country.

Useful tips from a lawyer

The process of obtaining a residence permit in Moldova may seem straightforward at first glance. In practice, however, many applicants make mistakes that lead to refusals or delays. Here are key recommendations from practicing lawyers:

Provide documentary proof for everything

The migration service does not accept verbal explanations. Every fact stated in the application must be supported by a document: income — by a bank statement or contract, housing — by a rental agreement, purpose — by an official invitation or contract.

Check every copy

Documents are often rejected due to minor errors: incorrect translation, missing signature, poor-quality copies. Ensure all pages are clear and all translations notarized.

Don’t wait until the last day

Even with a complete set of documents, technical delays, queues, or additional requests may occur. Submitting your application one day before your legal stay expires may result in a refusal.

Keep copies of all documents

Always keep copies of your submitted file. This will help in case of loss, file review, or disputes with the migration authorities.

Update your information on time

If you change your residence, phone number, or marital status, you must inform the Bureau for Migration. Failure to update data in time may be grounds for cancellation of your residence permit.

Important deadlines and rules

Respecting deadlines is a key element when obtaining and renewing a residence permit in Moldova. Violations may result in refusal, cancellation of status, or fines. Here are the main deadlines and rules you need to know:

Validity of the residence permit

The initial permit is usually issued for 1 year.
In some cases (e.g., study or marriage) — it can be extended up to 2–3 years.
Investor residence permits may be granted for a longer period (up to 5 years).

Before the permit expires, it must be renewed at least 30 days before expiration.

Application processing time

Application submission: no later than 30 days before the expiration of the visa or the previous permit.
Review time: 30–45 working days. Delays are possible, especially during peak periods (spring/autumn).

Fines for delays

Violation of migration rules may result in a fine of up to 5100 MDL or deportation.
Violations are recorded and may affect obtaining permanent residence or citizenship in the future.

Important: do not leave the country

After submitting an application for residence permit renewal, you cannot leave Moldova until a decision is made. Exceptions apply only for valid reasons and with the permission of the Migration Bureau.

What does a residence permit in Moldova provide?

Obtaining a residence permit in Moldova grants foreigners a number of rights and opportunities. It is not only a legal basis for staying in the country but also a gateway to most social and economic institutions.

Main rights of residence permit holders

Right of residence: legal stay in Moldova throughout the validity of the document.
Right of domicile registration: official registration of residence address with the municipality.
Right to medical care: with insurance — access to both state and private healthcare facilities.
Right to education: children may attend public schools and kindergartens.
Right to work: with authorization (unless the permit is based on family grounds or investments).

Can you travel in Europe with a Moldovan residence permit?

No, a Moldovan residence permit does not grant automatic visa-free entry into the Schengen area.
However, some countries may issue visas more easily if the applicant has legal status in Moldova.
Exception — if you hold Romanian citizenship, you enjoy full EU citizens’ rights.

Difference from permanent residence

Temporary residence permit — a provisional status requiring regular renewal.
Permanent residence permit — an unlimited authorization, available after several years of residence (usually 3–5 years).
Permanent residence — a necessary step towards Moldovan citizenship.

Întrebări frecvente (FAQ)

Se poate obține permis de ședere în Moldova fără muncă?
Da, se poate. Temeiul poate fi căsătoria cu un cetățean al Moldovei, studiile, investițiile sau existența unui copil cetățean al Moldovei. Munca este doar una dintre opțiuni.

Este necesar un examen de limbă?
Pentru permisul de ședere temporară examenul nu este obligatoriu. Verificarea nivelului de cunoaștere a limbii române este cerută doar pentru ședere permanentă sau cetățenie.

Se poate aplica pentru permis cu întreaga familie?
Da. Solicitantul principal poate include membrii familiei, iar dacă există temei legal, și aceștia pot obține permis de ședere. De exemplu, soțul/soția și copiii — prin reunificarea familiei.

Ce se întâmplă în caz de refuz?
Decizia poate fi contestată administrativ sau în instanță. Totuși, de cele mai multe ori este mai simplu să corectezi greșelile și să depui din nou dosarul cu documentele corect întocmite.

Concluzie

Obținerea permisului de ședere în Moldova este un proces clar reglementat, care necesită pregătire atentă. Pentru a-ți spori șansele de aprobare, este important să stabilești temeiul din timp, să aduni setul complet de documente și să respecți termenele stabilite.

Permisul de ședere oferă acces la viața în Moldova în mod legal, drept de muncă, studii, asistență medicală și, pe termen lung, poate fi primul pas către obținerea șederii permanente și a cetățeniei.

Dacă vrei să economisești timp și să eviți greșelile, îți recomandăm să apelezi la avocați specializați în drept migrațional. O consultație profesionistă de la început te va ajuta să treci prin proces mai repede și fără riscuri inutile.

Related internal links

To gain a deeper understanding of the topic and prepare for each stage, we recommend checking out other materials from our blog:

These articles will not only help you prepare for the application but also give you a clear picture of the long-term prospects of living and maintaining legal status in Moldova.