Residence permit and work permit Moldova

A work permit is a prerequisite for a TRP based on employment. The process is usually initiated by the employer through the National Employment Agency (NEA).

The employment contract is the central document required at all stages.

Key point: Success largely depends on the employer’s activity and responsibility. The foreign worker must ensure that the employer is willing and able to fulfill its obligations.

Documents are submitted by both the employer and the employee, usually to the NEA.

Key Point: This is a joint effort. Deficiencies in documentation from either party may lead to delays or refusal.

Certain categories of foreigners may work in Moldova without a separate permit:

• Independent specialists (from the EU or approved countries).
• Business visitors (managers from the EU/approved countries).
• Persons temporarily transferred by a foreign legal entity (from the EU/approved countries).
• Students enrolled in Moldovan educational institutions (after obtaining IDNP).
• Holders of temporary residence for family reunification.
• Executive directors, shareholders, members of the board of directors (up to 90 days).
• Staff of diplomatic missions and international organizations.

Short-term exemptions (up to 90 days within a 180-day period):

Trend: Moldova is actively liberalizing its labor market, expanding the list of countries with exemptions, which simplifies the attraction of foreign specialists.

• Incomplete or inaccurate information: Providing false or incomplete data.
• Non-compliance with criteria: The applicant does not meet the conditions for the requested permit type.
• Threat to national security or public order.
• Insufficient financial means: Inability to prove availability of funds for living and departure.
• Previous violations of migration legislation: Overstaying a visa, illegal entry, etc.
• Non-payment of state fee.

Pitfall: Even minor past violations can have serious long-term consequences for current and future immigration attempts (cumulative risk profile).

Cancellation: If it is discovered that the permit was obtained based on forged documents or the applicant initially did not meet the requirements.

Revocation: If the permit holder ceases to meet the requirements, fails to comply with the purpose of stay (e.g., quit a job under a work residence permit and did not change status), or violated customs/border regulations.

Key point: Maintaining legal status is an ongoing process. It is important to continuously comply with the conditions under which the permit was issued.

• Entry Bans: From 1 to 10 years, up to 15 years for “undesirable persons.” The term may be reduced upon voluntary return.
• Obligation to Report Changes: Regarding passport change, address change, or loss of documents – within 15 days. Failure to report an address change may result in a fine.
• Mandatory Medical Examinations (e.g., for HIV/AIDS).
• Deportation/Removal: For illegal work, upon cancellation/revocation of permits.
• Financial Sanctions: Fines for various violations.

Most severe measure: Designation as an “undesirable person” for threatening national security or public order. This leads to immediate termination of the right to stay and a long-term entry ban.

Moldova does not have an official list of “banned countries” whose citizens are automatically denied temporary residence or a work permit.

Decisions are made based on the applicant’s individual compliance with established criteria, their law-abiding nature, and the absence of threats to national security.

Key takeaway: Focus on thoroughly preparing your case and demonstrating compliance with all requirements, rather than on concerns related to your citizenship.

As mentioned in the “Work Permit” section, citizens of:

• All EU member states.
• As well as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Switzerland, Georgia, Iceland, Japan, Montenegro, Liechtenstein, Norway, the United Kingdom, Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, South Korea, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, the USA, Ukraine, and Australia.

may work in Moldova for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a special work permit (provided they have a visa/entry right/temporary residence for non-EU countries on the list).

Moldovan legislation allows international agreements to modify standard procedures. This means immigration policy is dynamic and can change under the influence of:

• Bilateral treaties.
• Geopolitical events (e.g., Moldova’s aspiration to join the EU).
• The country’s economic needs.

Although a visa-free regime applies for short-term stays for many countries, a type D visa is generally still required for long-term temporary residence.

Pitfall: Always check the most up-to-date information, as rules can change quickly. Relying on outdated data is a risk.