Moldova family reunification visa and residence

The D/VF visa is for third-country nationals coming to Moldova for family reunification. The family may include the spouse, minor children, parents and persons under tutorship or guardianship, and in the case of Moldovan citizens also a partner with whom they have minor children in common. Reunification is possible with Moldovan citizens and with foreigners who hold a right of residence in Moldova.

For reunification with a foreign national the family member in Moldova shows their residence permit or stateless person ID, and children's birth certificates must be apostilled or legalised, translated into Romanian and notarised or consular-authenticated. Other documents follow the same pattern as for Moldovan citizens.

For reunification with a Moldovan citizen the GIM asks for the standard form; the passport and a copy of the long-stay visa where one was used; the marriage certificate transcribed in the Moldovan civil register; the Moldovan family member's valid ID card; children's birth certificates transcribed in Moldova; proof of ownership or use of the dwelling; the criminal record certificate; health insurance valid for at least three months, except for minors; and a photo. The application is signed by both the applicant and the family member, who must be present.

The visa application needs the acceptance of the competent authority for foreigners, issued by the GIM, confirming that the legal conditions for family reunification are met, together with proof of family ties such as marriage or birth certificates, a criminal record certificate for applicants aged 16 or over and medical insurance of at least EUR 30,000. The D visa fee is EUR 40 in the Ministry's general list; individual missions may charge a different amount.

Extensions are filed at least 30 days before the right expires, with the residence permit, the transcribed marriage and birth certificates, the family member's ID, proof of housing and a photo. A foreigner married to a Moldovan citizen can later apply for permanent residence with, among other documents, a certificate of knowledge of the state language or a diploma from a Romanian-language institution, unless an old-age pensioner, and health insurance from the National Health Insurance Company.