Employment in Moldova for Ukrainians

Before traveling to Moldova for employment, foreign nationals will need to apply for a type D visa. They should do so at the Moldovan consulate or diplomatic mission in their country of residence. The required documents for the application may vary, so employees should contact the diplomatic mission for specific information.

In general, the following documents are required to obtain a Moldovan work visa:

• An application form filled out and signed by the applicant personally;

• Passport, which must be valid for at least three months, in addition to the stipulated period of stay in Moldova. Also, the passport must be issued within the last 10 years and contain at least two free "visa pages."

• One photo

• National identity card and residence permit/visa (if your country of residence and citizenship are different). If you are not a citizen of the country in which you are applying, you must present your residence card and this card must be valid for 3 months after the date of departure from Moldova.

• Health insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros.

• An invitation issued by the BAMF, or a residence permit or a valid visa issued by a member state of the European Union or a Schengen state (except for a transit visa)

• Confirmation of the National Employment Agency of the Republic of Moldova (Addresses of territorial agencies can be found at here)

• Proof of financial resources during your stay in Moldova. At least 30 euros per day, but not less than 300 euros for stays of less than 10 days (cash, traveler's checks, credit card, etc.) or

• Certificate of no criminal record. The certificate of no criminal record must be translated into Romanian or English.

Time limit for obtaining a work visa for Moldova

The average processing time for a Moldova visa is 10-30 calendar days. It depends on your country of visa application.

Visa fee 

The visa fee for a Moldovan work visa is 40 euros. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or country of application.

The right to stay longer than 90 days

Foreign nationals planning to stay in Moldova for more than 90 days must obtain a permit from the Bureau for Migration and Asylum of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

To do this, a foreign citizen or stateless person must submit the following documents to the Bureau for Migration and Asylum of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (124 Stefan cel Mare Blvd., Chisinau)

- medical certificate of health and results of medical tests for HIV/AIDS, in the original,

- a copy of the foreign passport and its supplement containing a visa with a valid validity period,

- a copy of the spouse's identity document

- a copy of the marriage or divorce certificate,

- a reasoned conclusion of the National Employment Agency (for those who come to work),

- a copy of the employment contract for immigrants who come to work,

- notarized consent of the person providing the accommodation,

- a copy of the document on education,

- 3 5x6 mm photos,

- a receipt for payment of the state duty.

In addition, foreign nationals who have resided in Moldova on the basis of a residence permit for a certain period of time may be eligible for Moldovan citizenship.

Foreign nationals and stateless persons wishing to work in the Republic of Moldova must obtain a work permit from the National Employment Agency of the Ministry of Economy.

In order to obtain a work permit in Moldova, foreign employees must provide:

• Original of the employment contract with a company in Moldova

• Photo.

• Police background check from the applicant's country of residence

• Proof that the applicant has a place of residence in Moldova

• A copy of any documents confirming the job applicant's qualifications

• Duly completed application form

• Copies of the employer's constituent documents, such as a certificate of registration in Moldova

• National identity card of the applicant

• Medical certificate confirming the applicant's negative HIV and AIDS test result

All official documents must be translated into Romanian, the official language of Moldova.

The work permit is issued by the National Employment Agency of the Republic of Moldova (addresses of territorial agencies can be found at here)

Please note that in the Republic of Moldova, professional qualifications obtained in your home country or another country must be recognized in order to work legally.

There are regulated and unregulated professions. The procedure for recognizing qualifications differs. To clarify whether your profession is regulated or unregulated, please contact Labor Market Information Center in Moldova.

For more information, please visit: www.mai.gov.md.

Starting a business in Moldova for foreigners involves several steps:

Business structures: Choose the appropriate legal form for your business. The most common options include a limited liability company (LLC), a joint-stock company, or a representative office;

Company registration:Register your business with the Moldovan authorities. Prepare the necessary documentation, including the company's articles of association, identity documents of shareholders/directors, and proof of the registered office address. Submit the application to the Public Services Agency (PSA) or the local Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Can you start a business in Moldova?

Only 1 director and 1 shareholder of any nationality are required to register a Moldovan company. The minimum paid-up share capital is USD 300; After establishing a business in Moldova, all local companies must submit annual financial statements to the Commercial Registry of Moldova.

Legal requirements: Familiarize yourself with the legal requirements and regulations governing doing business in Moldova. This includes compliance with tax obligations, labor laws, licensing requirements (if applicable to your industry), and any industry-specific regulations.

Local representation:If you are not a resident of Moldova, you may need to appoint a local representative or agent to handle certain administrative and legal matters on behalf of your business. This is especially true for non-EU nationals.

Taxation:Find out the tax obligations for your business in Moldova. Register and get a tax identification number. Familiarize yourself with the local tax system, including corporate income tax, value added tax (VAT), and social security contributions.

Business permits and licenses: Depending on your industry, you may need certain permits or licenses to operate legally. Research the requirements that apply to your business sector and make sure you obtain the necessary permits.

Banking and finance:Open a business bank account in Moldova to carry out financial transactions related to your business activities. Consult with local banks to determine the requirements and choose the most suitable banking services for your needs.

Protecting intellectual property:Consider protecting your intellectual property rights in Moldova by registering trademarks, patents or copyrights. This can protect your business interests and prevent unauthorized use of your intellectual property.

Local market research: Conduct thorough market research to understand the local business landscape, consumer preferences, competition, and potential demand for your products or services. This will help you develop effective strategies for entering and operating in the Moldovan market.

Moldovan visa type C or short-stay visa, which is issued to foreign nationals who have a visa regime and allows them to enter Moldova for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business trips, attending cultural and sporting events, business trips and other short-term trips.

You need a visa to Moldova if you are not a citizen of a country that has a visa-free regime agreement with Moldova (i.e. you are exempt from obtaining a Moldovan visa). Check the list of countries here.

Requirements for a type C visa or short-stay visa to Moldova

To obtain a visa, you must have the following documents with you when traveling to Moldova and appear before the immigration service:

- Printed electronic visa of Moldova

- A passport or other travel document issued within the last ten years and valid for at least another three months after the date of departure from Moldova.

- Health insurance covering at least 30,000 euros for the period of stay in the country

- A recent 35 mm x 45 mm color photograph

- Letter of invitation from the Bureau for Migration and Asylum

Or, alternatively, a visa or residence permit issued by an EU member state

- Proof of sufficient funds to cover the costs of your stay. You must have at least 30 euros per day, but not less than 300 euros, even if your stay does not exceed 10 days.

- Proof of a round-trip ticket or a driver's license, green card, and vehicle registration documents if you will be driving.

- Proof of residence in Moldova, such as a hotel reservation.

- If you are traveling for business: A letter from the company or organization inviting you.