Residence Permit in Moldova through Marriage: How to Apply and What Documents Are Required

Obtaining a residence permit in Moldova through marriage is possible if a foreigner officially marries a citizen of the Republic of Moldova. This type of residence permit is issued by the Bureau for Migration and Asylum and grants the right to legally reside and work in the country.

Yes, a residence permit in Moldova through marriage can be obtained. To do so, you must register the marriage, prepare the required set of documents (passport, marriage certificate, proof of residence, etc.), and submit the application to the Bureau for Migration and Asylum. The processing time is up to 60 days.

Grounds for obtaining a residence permit through marriage

The right to obtain a residence permit through marriage in Moldova is established by the legislation of the Republic of Moldova and applies to foreigners who have officially married a citizen of the country.

The marriage must be registered with state authorities (Public Services Agency or Civil Registry Office). A marriage concluded outside Moldova is also recognized if it is legalized or apostilled according to the legal procedure.

Key conditions:

  • the marriage must not be fictitious;
  • the foreign spouse must confirm the legality of their stay in Moldova at the time of application;
  • the couple must have a place of residence in Moldova (rented or owned housing).

Procedure for obtaining a residence permit through marriage

The process of obtaining a residence permit through marriage includes several stages:

  1. Marriage registration.
    If the marriage is concluded in Moldova — an application must be submitted to the Civil Registry Office. If abroad — legalization or an apostille is required.

  2. Document preparation.
    The foreign spouse collects the full set of documents (passport, marriage certificate, proof of residence, photos, criminal record certificate, etc.).

  3. Application submission.
    The documents are submitted to the Bureau for Migration and Asylum (BMA) either personally or through an authorized representative.

  4. Application review.
    The application is checked: authenticity of documents, reality of the marriage, and compliance with residence conditions are verified.

  5. Issuance of the residence permit.
    After a positive decision, the foreigner receives the residence card, confirming the right to legally reside in Moldova.

Documents required for a residence permit through marriage

To apply for a residence permit through marriage, a foreign citizen must provide the following set of documents:

  • application form in the prescribed format;
  • a valid international passport;
  • marriage certificate (registered in Moldova or legalized/apostilled if concluded abroad);
  • document confirming place of residence in Moldova (rental contract, ownership certificate, or guarantee letter);
  • two color photographs of the required format;
  • receipt of payment of the state fee;
  • medical insurance valid on the territory of Moldova;
  • criminal record certificate from the country of citizenship and from Moldova (if the applicant has lived in the country for more than 6 months).

The Bureau for Migration and Asylum has the right to request additional documents to confirm the authenticity of the marriage and the legality of residence in the country.

Processing time

An application for obtaining a residence permit through marriage is usually processed within 30–60 calendar days from the date of submission of the full set of documents. In some cases, the period may be extended if additional verification or missing documents are required.

Rights and restrictions of a residence permit through marriage

Rights of the holder of a residence permit through marriage:

  • residence in the Republic of Moldova for the duration of the document’s validity;
  • the right to official employment without the need for an additional work permit;
  • access to medical care and social services on equal terms with citizens;
  • the possibility to extend the residence permit if the marriage is maintained and the law is respected;
  • the right to family reunification (for example, obtaining residence permits for children).

Restrictions:

  • a residence permit through marriage does not automatically grant Moldovan citizenship;
  • travel to EU countries is possible only with a visa or under existing international agreements, the residence permit itself does not provide visa-free entry;
  • in case of divorce, the residence permit may be annulled if there are no other grounds for residence in the country;
  • holding a residence permit does not exempt from compliance with migration rules (residence registration, timely renewal).

Extension of a residence permit through marriage

A residence permit through marriage is issued for a limited period (usually 1 year) and can be extended if the marital relationship continues and legal requirements are met.

Deadline for extension application.
The application must be submitted no later than 30 days before the expiration of the current residence permit. Late submission may result in fines or refusal of extension.

Documents required for extension:

  • application for extension of the residence permit;
  • a valid international passport;
  • a valid marriage certificate;
  • proof of cohabitation in Moldova (rental agreement or property ownership);
  • medical insurance;
  • proof of income or financial means of support;
  • receipt of payment of the state fee.

Specific features:

  • when extending, the Bureau for Migration and Asylum may additionally verify the fact of the spouses’ cohabitation;
  • the number of extensions is not limited, provided that the law is respected;
  • after several years of residence with a temporary permit, it is possible to apply for permanent residence.

Possible reasons for refusal

The Bureau for Migration and Asylum may refuse to issue or extend a residence permit through marriage in the following cases:

  • Sham marriage. If during verification it is established that the marriage was contracted solely to obtain a residence permit, without an actual marital life.
  • Incomplete set of documents. Missing mandatory certificates, incorrect translations, or expired documents.
  • Violation of migration rules. Overstaying, unpaid fines for breaches of migration legislation.
  • Lack of proof of residence. If the spouses cannot demonstrate cohabitation on the territory of Moldova.
  • Criminal record or threat to public security. The applicant may be refused in case of serious violations of the law.
  • Insufficient financial means. If the applicant or spouse cannot prove sufficient resources for living in Moldova.

In case of refusal, the applicant has the right to appeal the decision administratively or in court.

Transition from a residence permit through marriage to permanent residence and citizenship

Permanent residence (PR).
After several years of residence in Moldova on temporary permits (usually at least 3–5 years in marriage with a Moldovan citizen), a foreigner has the right to apply for permanent residence. The conditions include proof of stable residence, joint marital life, and no violations of migration legislation.

Moldovan citizenship.
A foreign spouse who has resided in Moldova with a residence permit and permanent residence for the legally required period (typically 3 years in marriage to a Moldovan citizen) may apply for citizenship under the simplified procedure.

Key features of the procedure:

  • confirmation of basic knowledge of the state language is required;
  • a clean criminal record certificate is necessary;
  • proof of stable ties with the Republic of Moldova (housing, family, employment) is verified.

Thus, a residence permit through marriage can be the first step not only towards permanent residence but also towards acquiring Moldovan citizenship.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the residence permit annulled in case of divorce?
Yes, in most cases the residence permit through marriage is lost upon divorce, if the foreigner has no other grounds for residence in Moldova.

Can a residence permit be obtained if the marriage was concluded abroad?
Yes, but the marriage certificate must go through legalization or apostille procedures for it to be legally valid in Moldova.

How many times can a residence permit through marriage be extended?
The number of extensions is not limited. If the marriage continues and the law is respected, the residence permit can be renewed annually.

Is a language exam required to obtain a residence permit through marriage?
No, for a temporary residence permit an exam is not required. However, knowledge of the language is necessary when applying for permanent residence or citizenship.

Can you work in Moldova with a residence permit through marriage?
Yes, a residence permit through marriage grants the right to official employment without an additional work permit.

Conclusion

Obtaining a residence permit in Moldova through marriage is a legal and straightforward way of legalization for foreigners who have officially married a Moldovan citizen. The procedure requires careful attention to documents and compliance with deadlines, but with proper preparation, obtaining the permit is not difficult.

This status provides access to residence, employment, and social services, and in the future can serve as a basis for obtaining permanent residence and citizenship.

To avoid mistakes and refusals, it is recommended to check all documents in advance and, if necessary, consult a lawyer or migration law specialist.