Residence Permit in Moldova through Employment: How to Get a Work Permit and Legalize Your Stay

Moldova is becoming an increasingly attractive country for foreign nationals to work and live in. The IT sector, construction, agriculture, and services are growing rapidly, and the conditions for legalizing your stay are simpler than in many European countries.

If you plan to work in Moldova, you will need a work permit and a temporary residence permit. These two documents are linked: first you obtain the right to work, and then — the residence permit, which allows you to live in the country legally for an extended period.

In this article, we break down step by step how to obtain a work-based residence permit in Moldova, which documents you need, how long the process takes, and the common mistakes that lead to refusal.

Legal framework and key concepts

To obtain a work permit and residence permit in Moldova, it is important to understand the legal basis on which the entire process is built.

Main laws

The procedure for entry, employment, and residence of foreign citizens in Moldova is regulated by several legislative acts:

  • Law No. 200/2010 “On the Regime of Foreigners in the Republic of Moldova” — defines the categories of residence permits, conditions for issuance and renewal.
  • Government Decision No. 884/2018 — sets the rules for obtaining a work permit and the list of required documents.
  • Law No. 180/2008 “On Labor Migration” — regulates the employment of foreigners and employers’ responsibilities.

These legal acts establish who and under what conditions may work and reside legally in the Republic of Moldova.

What is a work permit

A work permit (in Romanian — permis de muncă) is an official document issued by the National Employment Agency (ANOFM), allowing a foreign citizen to work legally in Moldova.

The permit is issued at the employer’s request, but the foreign applicant must provide all necessary documents (passport, employment contract, diplomas, proof of qualification). Without this permit, no company is allowed to hire a foreign worker.

What is a residence permit (temporary stay)

After obtaining a work permit and signing an employment contract, the foreign citizen must apply for a temporary residence permit (permis de ședere temporară).
This document is issued by the Bureau for Migration and Asylum (Biroul Migrație și Azil).

The temporary residence permit grants the right to:

  • live legally in Moldova;
  • cross the border without reapplying for visas;
  • access healthcare and social services;
  • extend the stay without leaving the country.

Usually, a work-based residence permit is issued for the duration of the employment contract, but no longer than one year, with the possibility of annual renewal.

Difference between visa, work permit, and residence permit

Many people confuse these terms, so here is a short explanation:

  • Visa — authorization to enter the country (short-term stay, up to 90 days).
  • Work permit — the right to work legally.
  • Residence permit — a document allowing you to live in the country for more than 90 days.

In other words: first comes the work permit, then the residence permit. Without the first, the second cannot be obtained.

Who can apply for a work-based residence permit in Moldova

Foreign citizens who are officially employed in the Republic of Moldova can obtain a temporary residence permit for work. However, they must meet a number of legal requirements established by national legislation.

General requirements for applicants

To qualify for a residence permit based on employment, a foreign citizen must:

  • be at least 18 years old;
  • hold a valid passport;
  • have no criminal record in the country of origin or in Moldova;
  • have a signed employment contract with a Moldovan employer;
  • provide documents confirming qualifications and education;
  • have a place of residence in Moldova (rental agreement or accommodation confirmation);
  • have valid medical insurance for the duration of stay.

It is also essential that the foreign citizen does not pose a threat to national security or public order.

The employer’s role

The employer plays a crucial role in the process of obtaining both the work permit and the subsequent residence permit. They initiate the procedure by submitting documents to the National Employment Agency (ANOFM).

The employer must prove that:

  • there are no suitable candidates on the domestic labor market for the position;
  • the company is officially registered in Moldova and has no tax debts;
  • an employment contract has been concluded in accordance with Moldovan labor law.

Without the employer’s participation, it is impossible to obtain a work permit. The only exceptions are cases of self-employment or freelancers, discussed separately below.

Categories of foreign citizens eligible for a work residence permit

  1. Employees invited by Moldovan companies.
  2. Highly qualified specialists in demand on the labor market (for example, IT engineers, doctors, designers).
  3. Foreign workers seconded to branches or subsidiaries of international companies.
  4. Foreign investors and company founders who work in their own enterprises in Moldova.
  5. Seasonal workers employed on short-term contracts.

Each category has its own list of required documents and validity period for the permit.

Exceptions and simplified procedures

Some categories of foreigners may obtain a work permit and residence permit under simplified conditions. These include:

  • citizens of countries with which Moldova has bilateral agreements on labor migration;
  • specialists invited under intergovernmental agreements;
  • representatives of international organizations and diplomatic missions;
  • citizens of Ukraine who have received temporary protection — they benefit from preferential employment conditions.

Important notes

  • The work permit is issued strictly for a specific employer. When changing jobs, a new permit must be obtained, and the residence permit must be updated.
  • The work permit and residence permit are valid only within the Republic of Moldova — temporary travel abroad does not cancel them, but an absence longer than 90 consecutive days may lead to revocation.
  • The work-based residence permit can be renewed annually if the employment contract remains valid and the employer fulfills all obligations.

Step-by-step procedure

The process of obtaining a work-based residence permit in Moldova consists of two main stages: obtaining a work permit and then applying for a temporary residence permit.

Step 1. Finding an employer and signing an employment contract

The foreign applicant must find a company in Moldova willing to employ them legally. The employer prepares the employment contract and the documents proving the employee’s qualifications.

Step 2. Obtaining a work permit

The employer submits an application to the National Employment Agency (ANOFM).
Required documents:

  • copy of the passport;
  • employment contract;
  • diplomas and certificates;
  • certificate of no criminal record;
  • medical insurance.

The review process takes between 10 and 30 days. After approval, a work permit is issued, valid for 6–12 months.

Step 3. Applying for the residence permit

With the work permit obtained, the foreign citizen applies to the Bureau for Migration and Asylum (BMA).
The document package includes:

  • completed application form;
  • passport and visa copy (if applicable);
  • work permit;
  • employment contract;
  • proof of residence in Moldova;
  • medical insurance;
  • receipt of state fee payment.

The application review usually takes up to 30 days.

Step 4. Receiving and registering the permit

After approval, the applicant receives a work residence permit. It must be registered at the place of residence within 3 days.

Tip: Start the process in advance — ideally 45–60 days before your visa or previous permit expires.

Extension, status change, and transition to permanent residence

After obtaining a temporary residence permit for work, a foreign citizen can renew it annually, provided the employment conditions remain the same. It is important to understand the rules for renewal, changing employers, and transitioning to permanent residence.

Renewing the work residence permit

The temporary residence permit is usually issued for the duration of the employment contract, but no longer than one year.
To renew it, you must:

  1. Submit an application to the Bureau for Migration and Asylum at least 30 days before the permit expires.

  2. Provide the following documents:

  • valid work permit;
  • new or extended employment contract;
  • proof of residence in Moldova;
  • valid medical insurance;
  • receipt of payment for the state fee.

  1. Wait for the application to be processed (up to 30 days).

If the documents are submitted on time and there are no violations of the stay regime, the residence permit is extended for another year.

Changing employers

If a foreigner wishes to change jobs, they must:

  • notify the Bureau for Migration and Asylum about the termination of the previous contract;
  • obtain a new work permit from the new employer;
  • submit an application for updating information in the residence permit.

Important: a residence permit issued for a specific employer becomes invalid once the employment contract is terminated. Therefore, when changing jobs, the renewal process must begin immediately to avoid fines or deportation.

Changing residence status

If a foreigner changes the basis of their stay (for example, from a work-based permit to a family or business permit), they must submit an application for status change.
A new set of documents confirming the new basis of residence must be provided.

Transition to permanent residence (PRP)

After five years of continuous residence in Moldova on temporary grounds (including work), a foreign citizen may apply for a permanent residence permit (PRP).

Main requirements:

  • no violations of migration laws;
  • proof of stable income;
  • proof of housing;
  • basic knowledge of the state language (for some categories).

Once PRP is granted, the person may reside in the country indefinitely, freely change employers, and enjoy most of the rights available to Moldovan citizens.

What happens if deadlines are missed

If a foreigner fails to renew their residence permit on time or violates stay conditions, the document is annulled, and they must leave the country. Reapplication is possible, but only after following all procedures from the beginning.

Practical tips and common pitfalls

Obtaining a work permit and residence permit in Moldova is a relatively transparent process, but in practice, foreigners often face difficulties. Most issues are related to incomplete documentation, missed deadlines, or failure to meet formal requirements.

Document preparation

The main mistake is submitting an incomplete or incorrectly prepared set of documents. Even small inconsistencies (such as missing translations or notarization) can lead to refusal.

Tip:
Before submitting your documents, make sure all papers are translated into Romanian and notarized. Always check the current list of required documents on the Bureau for Migration and Asylum (bma.gov.md) website, as requirements are periodically updated.

Meeting deadlines

The residence permit is issued for a limited period and must be renewed in advance. It is best to apply for renewal 45–60 days before the current permit expires.

Tip:
Even a one-day delay can result in refusal and an order to leave the country. It’s better to plan ahead and set calendar reminders to track deadlines.

Employer mistakes

Problems often arise due to the employer’s fault — for example, if the company fails to pay taxes or submits incomplete documents. In such cases, the work permit is automatically cancelled.

Tip:
Before accepting a job, verify that the company is officially registered in Moldova and has no outstanding tax debts. You can check this on the www.date.gov.md portal.

Qualification recognition

If you are applying for a position that requires special education or qualifications, your diploma must be validated through the National Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (ANACEC). Without recognition, the work permit may be denied.

Tip:
The recognition process takes between 10 and 30 days, so start it in advance.

Rental agreement issues

To obtain a residence permit, you must provide a document confirming your place of residence. However, many landlords refuse to register rental contracts officially.

Tip:
Choose accommodation where the landlord agrees to sign an official rental contract and provide a copy of the cadastral number. Without it, the migration office will not accept your documents.

Refusal and resubmission

If your residence permit application is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision within 5 days or reapply after correcting the issues.

Tip:
Keep all receipts and copies of documents — they can help prove your good faith when reapplying.

Financial and time costs

On average, the process of obtaining a work-based residence permit takes 1.5 to 3 months.
Approximate costs:

  • work permit fee — from €80;
  • residence permit issuance — from €120;
  • notary and translation services — from €30–70.

Conclusion:

The key to successful registration is good preparation, thorough document verification, and working only with reliable employers. Following these simple steps will save you time, money, and stress.

Examples and real-life cases

To better understand how the process of obtaining a work-based residence permit in Moldova works, let’s look at several typical cases faced by foreign citizens.

Example 1. Employment in an IT company

Oleksandr, a citizen of Ukraine, received a job offer from a Moldovan IT company based in Chișinău. The employer prepared all the necessary documents and submitted an application to the National Employment Agency to obtain a work permit.
Three weeks later, the permit was approved, and Oleksandr submitted his residence permit application to the Bureau for Migration and Asylum.
The total processing time was around six weeks.
The main difficulty — the need to have his IT diploma recognized by ANACEC, which took an additional two weeks.

Conclusion: technical specialists are in high demand, but it’s important to arrange diploma recognition in advance.

Example 2. Working in the service sector

Natalia from Azerbaijan was hired as a waitress at a restaurant in Chișinău. The employer helped her collect the required documents and paid the fee for the work permit.
The issue arose during the residence permit application: the landlord refused to register the rental agreement officially. Because of this, the migration office temporarily rejected her application.

After moving to another apartment and signing an official rental contract, the residence permit was issued.

Conclusion: having an official rental agreement is mandatory. Without it, your documents will not be accepted.

Example 3. Changing employers

Ruslan, a citizen of Kazakhstan, worked as an engineer in a construction company in Bălți. After six months, he received a better job offer from another company.
Once the employment contract was terminated, the previous work permit became invalid. Ruslan had to go through the entire procedure again — obtaining a new work permit and updating his residence permit.

Conclusion: when changing employers, start the reapplication process immediately to avoid violating the stay regulations.

Example 4. Transition from temporary to permanent residence

Maria, a citizen of Belarus, lived and worked in Moldova since 2018. Every year, she renewed her work-based residence permit, following all deadlines and requirements.
In 2023, after five years of legal stay, Maria applied for a permanent residence permit.
The process took about two months, and she now holds the status of a permanent resident in Moldova, with the right to freely change employers.

Conclusion: following all rules and renewing your residence permit on time ensures a smooth transition to permanent residence.

Conclusion

Obtaining a work-based residence permit in Moldova is a straightforward and well-structured process if you follow the established steps and prepare your documents in advance. Unlike in many European countries, Moldovan legislation provides foreign citizens with a real opportunity to legalize their stay through official employment.

The key is to start the process correctly:

  1. Find an employer willing to officially hire you.
  2. Obtain a work permit through the National Employment Agency.
  3. Submit your application for a temporary residence permit to the Bureau for Migration and Asylum.
  4. Monitor the validity of your documents and renew them on time.

By following these steps, obtaining a work residence permit is smooth and hassle-free, and after several years of legal residence, you can apply for permanent residence and settle in the country long-term.

Moldova is open to professionals from all fields — from engineers and programmers to doctors and service workers. So, if you are looking for an opportunity to work and live in a stable, friendly country with European prospects, applying for a work residence permit in Moldova is a reliable path to legal status and new opportunities.