Citizens of the European Union who plan to stay in the Republic of Moldova for more than 90 calendar days must legalize their right of residence and obtain a residence card.
Since 2026, Moldova has introduced a new document — the residence card, which confirms the holder’s identity, legal status and lawful residence in the country. EU citizens are subject to a separate procedure that differs from the standard residence permit process applicable to third-country nationals.
We assist with eligibility assessment, document preparation and the procedure for obtaining a residence card in Moldova.
What is a residence card for EU citizens?
A residence card is a document confirming the identity, legal status and lawful residence of an EU citizen or their family member in the Republic of Moldova.
It is used to confirm the right to reside in Moldova for more than 90 days.
It is important to understand that a Moldovan residence card is not an EU residence permit and, by itself, does not grant the right to reside permanently in other EU member states.
Who needs a residence card?
EU citizens
If an EU citizen intends to stay in the Republic of Moldova for more than 90 calendar days, they must apply for a residence card.
Family members of an EU citizen
The right of residence may also be granted to family members of an EU citizen.
Depending on the circumstances, the procedure may apply to:
- a spouse;
- children;
- certain relatives in the ascending line;
- other family members who meet the legal requirements.
If the family member is not an EU citizen, the list of documents and the procedure differ from those applicable to the EU citizen.
How long can an EU citizen stay in Moldova without a residence card?
EU citizens may fall under different residence regimes:
- stay of up to 90 calendar days;
- residence for more than 90 days;
- permanent residence.
If the intended stay exceeds 90 days, a residence card must be obtained.
It is advisable to start preparing the documents before the legal period of stay expires.
What documents are required for a residence card?
For EU citizens, the procedure is generally simpler than the standard residence procedure applicable to many third-country nationals.
Basic documents for an EU citizen
The following documents may be required:
- valid travel document;
- declaration on own responsibility confirming the absence of a criminal record;
- civil status documents confirming marriage, where applicable;
- document confirming ownership or lawful use of accommodation in the Republic of Moldova.
An application form must also be submitted.
The exact list should be checked based on the applicant’s individual situation.
Documents for family members of an EU citizen
A separate procedure applies to family members.
Depending on the circumstances, the following may be required:
- valid passport;
- document confirming the family relationship;
- marriage certificate;
- birth certificate;
- documents confirming dependency, where applicable;
- copy of the EU citizen’s residence card;
- criminal record certificate;
- documents confirming residence rights in another country;
- translations;
- apostille or legalization.
Additional entry requirements may apply to family members who are not EU citizens.
Does an EU citizen need to have a job in Moldova?
EU citizens should not automatically be subject to the standard work-based residence permit procedure that applies to many third-country nationals.
EU citizens benefit from a separate residence regime governed by specific rules concerning freedom of movement and residence in Moldova.
Therefore, having a Moldovan employment contract should not be considered a universal condition for obtaining a residence card.
Is it necessary to open a company?
No. Opening a company is not a general requirement for obtaining a residence card.
EU citizens are subject to a separate residence procedure, and the intention to live in Moldova for more than 90 days brings the applicant under the residence card regime, provided the applicable legal conditions are met.
If the applicant also plans to conduct business or work in Moldova, those matters should be reviewed separately.
How does the residence card application process work?
1. Immigration status review
We check:
- the applicant’s citizenship;
- date of entry into Moldova;
- number of days already spent in the country;
- intended duration of residence;
- whether family members also need to obtain residence documents.
2. Document review
We review:
- passport;
- civil status documents;
- accommodation documents;
- family members’ documents;
- whether translation is required;
- whether apostille or legalization is required.
3. Application preparation
A complete application file is prepared for submission to the General Inspectorate for Migration.
4. Personal submission
The applicant submits the application and supporting documents in person to the competent territorial office of the General Inspectorate for Migration according to their place of residence or stay.
5. Verification of information
The authorities verify the applicant’s information through the available state databases.
6. Issuance of the residence card
Once the application is approved, the residence card is issued through the competent migration office.
Where are the documents submitted?
Applications are submitted to the territorial offices of the General Inspectorate for Migration.
The procedure is available through offices in:
- Chișinău;
- Bălți;
- Comrat;
- Cahul.
The competent office is determined based on the applicant’s place of residence or stay.
How long does it take to obtain a residence card?
For EU citizens
The official processing period indicated for EU citizens is:
3 working days.
For family members of an EU citizen
For family members, the indicated processing period is:
30 working days.
These periods refer to the administrative procedure itself. Additional time may be required for obtaining foreign documents, translations, apostille, legalization or correcting document discrepancies.
How much does a residence card cost?
The official state fee indicated for EU citizens is:
350 MDL.
For family members of EU citizens, the indicated state fee is also:
350 MDL.
Legal assistance is charged separately and depends on:
- number of applicants;
- whether family members are included;
- citizenship of family members;
- whether foreign documents must be obtained or prepared;
- translations;
- apostille or legalization;
- complexity of the immigration situation.
For how long is a residence card issued?
The validity period depends on the type of residence right granted.
Since 2026, the residence card is used as the identity document for foreign nationals who have temporary or permanent residence rights in Moldova.
For persons with temporary residence rights, the card is generally issued for the period for which the right of residence has been granted.
The exact validity period should be checked based on the applicant’s status.
Residence card for family members of an EU citizen
A separate procedure applies to family members of an EU citizen.
This is particularly important where one family member is an EU citizen while the spouse, children or other relatives are nationals of third countries.
In such cases, the following should be checked separately:
- citizenship of each family member;
- degree of relationship;
- civil status documents;
- legality of entry into Moldova;
- whether a visa or other entry document is required;
- criminal record certificates;
- apostille or legalization requirements;
- translations of foreign documents.
The same document list should not be used for both the EU citizen and all family members.
What should you do if the 90-day period is about to expire?
If the legal period of stay is close to expiring, the situation should be reviewed in advance.
It is important to determine:
- exact date of entry;
- number of days already used;
- passport validity;
- availability of accommodation documents;
- availability of civil status documents;
- whether family members also require residence documentation.
If little time remains, preparation of the application file should begin as soon as possible.
What should you do if the 90-day period has already been exceeded?
If the 90-day period has already been exceeded, the current immigration status should be reviewed first.
The following should be assessed:
- date of entry;
- length of overstay;
- whether another legal basis for stay exists;
- whether there have been administrative violations;
- whether residence can still be legalized in the specific situation.
In such cases, documents should not be submitted before the immigration status is reviewed.
Why can problems arise when applying for a residence card?
Problems may arise if:
- the application file is incomplete;
- the passport is not valid;
- accommodation documents are missing;
- personal details do not match across documents;
- civil status documents contain errors;
- foreign documents have not been translated;
- apostille or legalization is missing where required;
- the family relationship cannot be properly documented;
- immigration rules have been breached;
- incorrect information has been provided.
Most of these issues can be identified before the application is submitted.
Can an EU citizen work in Moldova with a residence card?
Residence status and employment matters should be reviewed together, taking into account the EU citizen’s legal status and the type of activity they intend to perform.
The regime applicable to EU citizens differs from the standard procedure for third-country nationals, so any additional employment formalities should be checked before starting work.
Can permanent residence be obtained later?
A residence card for a stay exceeding 90 days does not automatically grant permanent residence.
To qualify for permanent residence, the applicant must meet the conditions established by law, including requirements related to the duration of lawful residence and other applicable criteria.
Eligibility for permanent residence should be assessed separately.
Assistance with obtaining a residence card for EU citizens
We can assist with:
- checking eligibility for a residence card;
- reviewing current immigration status;
- calculating the lawful period of stay;
- reviewing passport validity;
- preparing an individual document checklist;
- reviewing accommodation documents;
- reviewing civil status documents;
- preparing documents for family members;
- determining whether apostille or legalization is required;
- arranging translations;
- preparing the application file;
- assistance during submission;
- support in case of additional requests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an EU citizen need a residence permit in Moldova?
If an EU citizen intends to live in Moldova for more than 90 calendar days, they must obtain a residence card.
What does an EU citizen receive: a residence permit or a residence card?
Under the current system, a residence card is issued. It confirms the person’s legal status and lawful residence in the Republic of Moldova.
How long can an EU citizen stay in Moldova without a residence card?
An EU citizen may generally stay for up to 90 calendar days without obtaining a residence card intended for longer-term residence.
What documents does an EU citizen need?
The main documents may include a valid travel document, a declaration concerning the absence of a criminal record, civil status documents where applicable and proof of accommodation in Moldova.
Is a criminal record certificate required?
For an EU citizen, a declaration on own responsibility regarding the absence of a criminal record may be required. For family members from third countries, an official criminal record certificate may be required.
Is accommodation in Moldova mandatory?
A document confirming ownership or lawful use of accommodation in Moldova is required.
Is employment in Moldova mandatory?
No. EU citizens are subject to a separate residence regime, and employment in Moldova is not a universal requirement for obtaining a residence card.
Is it necessary to open a company?
No. Opening a company is not a general requirement for obtaining a residence card.
Must the documents be submitted in person?
Yes. The applicant is generally required to submit the application and supporting documents personally to the competent territorial migration office.
How long does it take to obtain a residence card?
For EU citizens, the indicated processing period is 3 working days. For family members, it is 30 working days.
What is the state fee?
The indicated state fee is 350 MDL for EU citizens and 350 MDL for their family members.
Can a spouse who is not an EU citizen obtain a residence card?
Yes. A separate procedure exists for family members of EU citizens. The required documents depend on citizenship, family relationship and current immigration status.
Can a residence card be obtained if the 90-day period is almost over?
The situation should be reviewed as early as possible. It is important to determine how much time remains and whether the required documents can be prepared before the legal period expires.
What should be done if the 90-day period has already been exceeded?
The applicant’s immigration status and any possible administrative consequences should be reviewed first, after which the applicable legal procedure can be determined.
Can permanent residence be obtained later?
Yes. Permanent residence may be available if the applicant meets the applicable legal requirements. It is not granted automatically together with the first residence card.