Moldova

Moldova visa and residence guide

7 visa types
checked 24 October 2026

How visas for Moldova work

Moldova publishes two lists: countries whose nationals need a visa and countries whose nationals are exempt. Exempt nationals, among them citizens of the EU states, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and Japan, may stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Several visa nationals are also admitted without a visa while they hold a valid residence permit or visa (other than a transit visa) from an EU or Schengen state, the United Kingdom, the United States or Canada.

Visas are issued by Moldovan embassies and consulates and, for short stays, online through the eVisa portal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration. There are airport transit (A), transit (B, up to 5 days), short-stay (C, up to 90 days in 180) and long-stay (D) visas. A visa does not guarantee entry: border police check that the conditions of entry are met.

For longer stays the General Inspectorate for Migration (GIM) of the Ministry of Internal Affairs grants the right of provisional residence, usually on the basis of a D visa, for work, studies, family reunification, investment, IT activities, medical treatment and other purposes. Applications are made in person at the one-stop shops for the documentation of foreigners in Chișinău, Bălți, Comrat and Cahul. Permanent residence and asylum procedures are handled by the same authority.

Which visa do I need?

Visit up to 90 days: visa-free if your nationality is exempt; otherwise a C visa at a mission or through eVisa.

Employment, including IT park companies and posted workers: D/AM or D/IT visa, then provisional residence for work.

Company shareholders and managers: D/AI visa or direct application as an investor.

Studies at an accredited institution: D/AS visa and provisional residence for studies.

Spouse, children or parents of a Moldovan citizen or resident: family reunification.

Long-term settlement: permanent residence through the GIM.

Fear of persecution or serious harm: asylum application at the GIM or at the border.

Visa types for Moldova

Visits and short stays

Tourist visa Visa-free stay and short-stay visa (type C) including eVisa
Nationals of visa-exempt countries can visit Moldova for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Maximum stay: 90 days within any 180-day period.

Business and self-employment

Investor visa Provisional residence for foreign investors and managers (D/AI)
Associates and shareholders of Moldovan legal entities with foreign investment can obtain the right of provisional residence as investors without first holding a long-stay visa.
Maximum stay: For the period of the right of residence.

Study and training

Student visa Long-stay study visa (D/AS) and provisional residence for studies
Foreigners admitted to pre-university, university or post-university studies at accredited Moldovan institutions apply for a D/AS visa and then for provisional residence for studies at the GIM.
Maximum stay: For the period of the right of residence.

Work

Work visa Long-stay visa for employment (D/AM, D/IT) and provisional residence for work
Foreigners employed in Moldova need the right of provisional residence for work purposes from the General Inspectorate for Migration.
Maximum stay: For the period of the right of residence.

Family

Family reunification visa Family reunification (D/VF visa and provisional residence)
Spouses, minor children, parents, persons under guardianship and, for Moldovan citizens, partners with whom they have minor children can join a family member in Moldova.
Maximum stay: For the period of the right of residence.

Residence

Permanent residence Right of permanent residence
The right of permanent residence lets a foreigner live in Moldova indefinitely.
Maximum stay: Indefinite.

Asylum and international protection

Asylum and international protection Asylum: refugee status and humanitarian protection (Law No. 270/2008)
Moldova grants international protection in two forms under Law No.
Validity: Refugee ID card and travel document: 5 years; humanitarian protection: 3 years.

Frequently asked questions

Who needs a visa for Moldova?

Only nationals of the countries on Moldova's visa list. Nationals of exempt countries, including the EU states, the United Kingdom and the United States, can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period, and some visa nationals are exempt while they hold a valid EU, Schengen, UK, US or Canadian visa or residence permit.

Can a short-stay visa be extended?

Yes, if the stay granted is shorter than 90 days and for the same purpose, so that the total does not exceed 90 days in 180. Apply to the GIM at least 3 working days before the visa expires; the fee is EUR 25 per month plus MDL 50.

Where do I apply for a residence permit?

In person at a GIM one-stop shop for the documentation of foreigners: Chișinău, Bălți, Comrat or Cahul, depending on where you live.

How long does a residence decision take?

The GIM examines applications for the right of residence within up to 90 calendar days; faster paid deadlines exist for some categories.

When must I apply to extend my residence?

At least 30 calendar days before the current right of residence expires; late applications are subject to administrative penalties.