Moldova Residence Permit: Complete Guide 2025

The residence permit in Moldova is an official document that allows foreign citizens to legally reside in the country for a period longer than a visa. It provides access to employment, education, healthcare, and social benefits.

In 2025, Moldova remains an attractive destination for Russians, Ukrainians, EU citizens, and nationals of other countries seeking new opportunities for life, business, or studies.

In this article, we have prepared a comprehensive guide on obtaining a residence permit in Moldova: from the legal grounds and required documents to processing times, costs, and renewal rules. You will also find answers to the most common questions and practical advice from immigration lawyers.

What is a residence permit in Moldova?

A residence permit in Moldova is a document that confirms the right of a foreign citizen to legally reside in the country for a certain period. It is issued by the Bureau for Migration and Asylum.

There are two types of residence permits:

  • Temporary Residence Permit — issued for a period from 1 to 5 years (most often for 1 year) and can be renewed. Grounds: employment, studies, marriage, investments, family reunification.
  • Permanent Residence Permit (PRP) — issued after several years of living with a temporary residence permit (usually after 5 years). It provides almost the same rights as citizenship, except voting rights.

Difference from a visa: a visa grants the right to enter and stay for a short period, while a residence permit allows long-term residence with access to social and economic benefits of the country.

Difference from citizenship: a residence permit is a temporary or permanent residence status, but it does not grant a Moldovan passport or voting rights.

Grounds for obtaining a residence permit in Moldova

A residence permit in Moldova can only be obtained if there are legal grounds. The legislation provides several categories under which different groups of foreigners may qualify:

1. Residence permit for work

Foreigners may obtain a residence permit if they have an employment contract with a Moldovan employer. For this, it is necessary to provide:

  • an invitation from the employer;
  • a work permit;
  • proof of qualifications (diploma, certificates).

This option is suitable for specialists, entrepreneurs, and seasonal workers.

2. Residence permit for studies

Foreign students admitted to accredited educational institutions in Moldova can apply for a residence permit.

  • Certificate of enrollment;
  • proof of tuition payment;
  • proof of accommodation (dormitory or rental agreement).

3. Residence permit through marriage

Foreign citizens married to a Moldovan citizen are entitled to apply for a residence permit.

  • Marriage certificate;
  • joint registration of residence;
  • interview at the migration authority to confirm the authenticity of the marriage.

After several years of residence, it is possible to apply for permanent residence and citizenship.

4. Residence permit through a child or family reunification

Parents of a minor Moldovan citizen, as well as spouses and children of foreigners who already hold a residence permit, have the right to apply.

5. Residence permit for entrepreneurs and investors

Moldova is interested in attracting foreign investments.

  • It is possible to obtain a residence permit by opening a business, employing staff, or purchasing real estate of a certain value.

6. Residence permit for refugees and persons under temporary protection

Citizens of countries affected by war or where there is a threat to personal safety (in particular, Ukraine) may receive temporary protection status or apply for a residence permit on humanitarian grounds.

Documents for a residence permit in Moldova

To obtain a residence permit in Moldova, it is necessary to prepare a package of documents. The mandatory list is the same for all categories, while additional documents depend on the grounds for obtaining the residence permit.

General list of documents for all applicants

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months.
  • Application form (submitted to the Bureau for Migration and Asylum).
  • Passport-sized photographs.
  • Proof of residence in Moldova (rental agreement, housing certificate, or letter of guarantee).
  • Proof of financial means (bank statement, income certificate, or employment contract).
  • Medical insurance valid in Moldova.
  • Certificate of no criminal record from the country of citizenship.

Additional documents depending on the grounds

Grounds for residence permit Additional documents
Employment Employment contract, work permit, employer’s letter
Studies Certificate of enrollment, study contract, proof of payment
Marriage Marriage certificate, spouse’s documents (passport, residence permit/citizenship), joint residence registration
Child / family reunification Birth certificate of a Moldovan citizen child or family member’s residence permit
Investments / business Company incorporation documents, registration certificate, proof of capital or investments
Refugees and temporary protection Application for protection, documents proving threat to life or war in the home country

Important notes

  • All documents issued outside Moldova must be translated into Romanian and notarized.
  • In some cases, the migration authorities may request additional certificates (for example, a health certificate).
  • It is recommended to prepare multiple copies of all documents.

How to obtain a residence permit in Moldova — step-by-step guide

The process of obtaining a residence permit in Moldova involves several stages. It is relatively straightforward but requires careful preparation of documents and compliance with deadlines.

Step 1. Preparation of documents

Collect the mandatory package and additional papers depending on the grounds for obtaining the residence permit. All documents issued outside Moldova must be translated into Romanian and notarized.

Step 2. Submission of the application

The application, along with the complete set of documents, is submitted to the Bureau for Migration and Asylum (Biroul Migrație și Azil). At this stage, the state fee is paid, and the submission date is registered.

Step 3. Review and verification

The migration service staff review the documents and grounds. If necessary, they may request additional papers or invite the applicant for an interview. Processing times depend on the type of residence permit but usually take between 30 and 60 days.

Step 4. Issuance of the residence permit card

After a positive decision, the applicant receives a plastic residence permit card. The document must be collected in person at the Bureau for Migration. The card contains the holder’s photo, personal data, and validity period.

Processing times and costs of a residence permit in Moldova

The procedure for obtaining a residence permit in Moldova depends on the grounds on which the foreigner applies. Both the processing times and the fees vary.

Application processing times

  • On average, the application for issuance or renewal of a residence permit is reviewed within 30 to 60 calendar days.
  • In case of additional checks, the term may be extended.
  • It is recommended to apply for renewal no later than 30 days before the current permit expires.

Validity of the residence permit

  • Residence permits for work, study, or marriage are usually issued for 1 year with the possibility of renewal.
  • For investors or entrepreneurs, the validity can be up to 2–3 years.
  • Permanent residence permits are issued after long-term stay with a temporary permit and are valid for 5 years, with the right of renewal.

Costs of obtaining a residence permit

The total cost includes state fees and additional expenses (translations, notary services, insurance).

Residence permit category State fee Other expenses
Employment from 80 to 100 EUR insurance, translation of documents
Studies from 60 to 80 EUR proof of tuition payment
Marriage / family from 100 EUR notary services, translations
Investments / business from 150 EUR company registration, legal services
Refugees / temporary protection free of charge or minimal fee translation of documents

Extension of residence permit in Moldova

A residence permit in Moldova has a limited validity period, therefore, in order to reside legally, it must be renewed on time.

When to apply for extension

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

Documents required for extension

When renewing, the following documents must be provided:

  • application form;
  • valid passport;
  • current residence permit card;
  • proof of residence in Moldova (rental contract, housing certificate);
  • proof of income or financial means;
  • medical insurance;

Depending on the grounds, additional documents may be required:

  • for work-based permits — valid employment contract;
  • for study-based permits — certificate of continued studies;
  • for marriage-based permits — proof of cohabitation.

Costs and processing times

  • The state fee for renewal is the same as for the initial application.
  • The review period is usually 30 days, but may be extended in case of additional checks.

What happens if you miss the deadline

  • Staying without a valid residence permit is considered a violation of immigration law.
  • The violator may face a fine, annulment of the residence permit, or even deportation.
  • In some cases, reapplication is only possible after leaving the territory of Moldova.

Refusal to issue a residence permit — reasons and how to avoid them

Although the procedure for obtaining a residence permit in Moldova is relatively transparent, the migration authorities may refuse to issue or extend the document.

Main reasons for refusal

  1. Incomplete set of documents. Missing mandatory papers or submission of copies without notarization.
  2. False information. Discrepancies in applications and documents (false address, forged certificates).
  3. Lack of legal grounds. Attempting to obtain a residence permit without valid reasons (for example, a fictitious marriage).
  4. Criminal record or legal violations. Existing convictions, administrative offenses, or threats to national security.
  5. Financial insolvency. Insufficient income or failure to prove the source of funds.
  6. Overstaying. If the applicant violated visa or immigration rules before applying.

How to avoid refusal

  • Check the list of documents in advance and clarify current requirements with the Bureau for Migration.
  • Translate all foreign documents into Romanian and notarize them.
  • Avoid fictitious grounds for residence — checks are carried out thoroughly.
  • Provide proof of stable income (contracts, bank statements, business documents).
  • Apply for renewal in advance to avoid missing the deadline.

What to do in case of refusal

  • Within 15 days you can file an appeal and provide additional evidence.
  • In serious cases, the refusal can be challenged in court.
  • In some cases, reapplication is possible after correcting the violations.

What does a residence permit in Moldova provide?

Obtaining a residence permit in Moldova grants foreigners a number of rights and opportunities that make living in the country legal and comfortable. However, this status also comes with certain limitations.

Rights of a residence permit holder

  1. Legal residence in Moldova for the entire validity period of the document.
  2. Right to employment (if the residence permit is based on a work contract or another ground that allows employment).
  3. Access to healthcare through the purchase of an insurance policy.
  4. Right to education in state and private educational institutions.
  5. Freedom of movement within Moldova and the ability to enter and exit without a visa.
  6. Right to family reunification (spouse and children may apply for residence permits based on family grounds).
  7. Possibility of obtaining permanent residence and citizenship after long-term residence.

Limitations of a residence permit holder

  1. A residence permit is issued for a limited period and requires regular renewal.
  2. A residence permit does not grant the right to vote or hold public office.
  3. For traveling in Europe, a Moldovan residence permit does not provide automatic freedom of movement as in the EU. In some cases, entry is possible under simplified rules, but often a separate visa is required.
  4. Violation of residence conditions (such as working without authorization or a fictitious marriage) may lead to cancellation of the residence permit.

Difference from citizenship

  • A residence permit confirms temporary or permanent residency rights.
  • Moldovan citizenship grants full rights: passport, participation in elections, free movement across EU countries (via Romanian citizenship).
  • Citizenship can only be obtained after several years of residence with a residence permit and compliance with legal requirements.

How to obtain permanent residence and citizenship through a residence permit?

A residence permit in Moldova often becomes the first step towards long-term immigration status. After several years of residence, foreigners may apply for permanent residence (PR) and later for citizenship.

Transition from temporary residence permit to permanent residence

  1. Period of residence — usually at least 5 years of residence with a temporary permit is required.

  2. Exceptions to the term:

    • marriage to a Moldovan citizen — 3 years is sufficient;

    • refugees — from 3 years;

    • investors — individual conditions.

  3. Documents for permanent residence:

    • valid temporary residence permit;

    • proof of permanent residence;

    • income certificate;

    • medical insurance;

    • certificate of no criminal record;

    • application form.

  4. Validity of permanent residence — issued for 5 years with the right of renewal.

Obtaining citizenship through a residence permit

After obtaining permanent residence and long-term residence in the country, it is possible to apply for citizenship.

  1. Total residence period — at least 10 years, including time spent with both temporary and permanent permits.

  2. Simplified options:

    • marriage to a Moldovan citizen — from 3 years of cohabitation;

    • persons of Moldovan origin — accelerated process possible.

  3. Requirements for citizenship:

    • knowledge of the state language (Romanian);

    • proof of integration into society (work, business, housing);

    • no criminal record and no outstanding debts.

  4. Application steps:

    • submission of documents to the Ministry of Justice;

    • verification and interview;

    • taking the oath of allegiance to Moldova.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I have two residence permits at the same time?
No. Moldovan law allows only one valid residence permit. If a foreigner holds a residence permit from another country, this does not prevent obtaining one in Moldova, but the Moldovan status will only be valid within the country.

Is a residence permit annulled in case of divorce?
Yes, if the residence permit was obtained solely on the basis of marriage with a Moldovan citizen. In case of divorce, the migration authorities may annul the document. An exception is possible if there are other grounds for residence (for example, a child who is a Moldovan citizen).

How long does it take to obtain a residence permit?
On average, the process takes between 30 and 60 days. In case of additional checks, the period may be extended.

Can I work with a residence permit issued for studies?
No. A student residence permit allows residence and study, but for legal employment, an additional permit or change of residence grounds is required.

Is a criminal record certificate required for a residence permit?
Yes. It is a mandatory document. The certificate must be obtained in the country of citizenship, then translated into Romanian and notarized.

Can I extend a residence permit if it has already expired?
No. If the residence permit has expired, it cannot be extended. In this case, you must leave Moldova and apply again for a new residence permit.

Conclusion

A residence permit in Moldova is the first and most important step for foreigners who plan to live, work, or study in the country. It provides access to social and economic rights, allows family reunification, and in the long term — the possibility to obtain permanent residence and citizenship.

The procedure is not complicated, but it requires careful preparation of documents and compliance with deadlines. To avoid refusals and delays, it is recommended to check the latest requirements with the Bureau for Migration and Asylum and, if necessary, seek assistance from legal experts.

If you are planning to apply or want to extend your existing residence permit, explore our guides for specific categories:

  • Residence permit through marriage
  • Residence permit through a child
  • Residence permit for work
  • Residence permit for students
  • Temporary protection and refugee status

These articles will help you better understand all the details of the procedure and prepare for the application process without mistakes.