Procedure for Renouncing and Revoking the Residence Permit in the Republic of Moldova

A residence permit in the Republic of Moldova is an essential document that grants foreign nationals the legal right to reside in the country for a specified period. However, under certain circumstances, this status may be revoked either at the initiative of the authorities or at the request of the permit holder.

The reasons for losing residence status vary from voluntary renunciation to legal violations. In this article, we will analyze the main causes for revocation, the procedure for voluntary renunciation, the consequences of losing residence status, and the possibilities for restoring it.

In What Cases Can a Residence Permit Be Revoked

Moldovan legislation establishes specific conditions under which a residence permit can be revoked by the authorities, leading to the loss of legal residence rights.

The most common reasons for the revocation of a residence permit include:

  1. Absence from the Republic of Moldova for more than 12 consecutive months without notifying the authorities.
  2. Providing false information when obtaining or renewing the residence permit.
  3. Violation of immigration laws, including illegal employment or overstaying an expired permit.
  4. Committing a criminal offense in Moldova that results in legal liability.
  5. Loss of the legal basis for residence, such as divorce from a Moldovan citizen when the permit was issued based on family reunification.
  6. Engaging in activities that threaten national security or public order.
  7. Unpaid debts to the state, including tax evasion or fines.

Example:
A Turkish citizen who obtained a residence permit based on an employment contract loses their job but fails to inform the authorities. In this case, the residence permit may be revoked because the legal basis for their stay no longer exists.

How to Renounce a Residence Permit Voluntarily

Not all residence permit revocations are imposed by the authorities. Some foreign nationals choose to renounce their permit voluntarily, for example, if they decide to move to another country, acquire Moldovan citizenship, or no longer require legal residence.

To renounce a residence permit, the following steps must be taken:

  1. Submit a renunciation request to the Public Services Agency (ASP – Agenția Servicii Publice).
  2. Return the residence permit to the immigration authorities.
  3. Pay any applicable administrative fees (if required).
  4. Ensure there are no outstanding tax obligations or debts to the state.

Once the request is submitted, the individual must leave Moldova within the stipulated time frame, unless they have another legal basis for staying.

Example:
An Italian citizen who obtained a residence permit for business purposes decides to relocate to Romania. They submit a renunciation request to ASP, return their residence permit, and officially terminate their residency status in Moldova.

What to Do If Your Residence Permit Is Revoked Due to Violations

If the residence permit was revoked by the authorities due to violations of the law, it is crucial to take immediate action to minimize the consequences.

Steps to Follow:

  1. Request an official notification explaining the reason for the revocation.
  2. Consult an immigration lawyer if the decision can be appealed.
  3. File an appeal with the courts or the Bureau for Migration and Asylum.
  4. Provide evidence that the issue has been resolved (e.g., paying fines, submitting updated documents).
  5. Leave Moldova within the legal deadline if the revocation cannot be overturned.

IMPORTANT!
If the residence permit was revoked due to serious offenses (e.g., fraud, forgery, national security threats), the foreign national may face a ban on entry into Moldova for 3 to 10 years.

Example:
A Russian citizen obtained a residence permit using falsified income documents. After a government review, their permit was revoked, and they were banned from re-entering Moldova for five years.

What Rights Remain After the Revocation of a Residence Permit

After losing residence status, a foreign national loses the associated rights, but in certain cases, some rights may still apply.