Moldova investor visa and residence for shareholders

Moldovan law lists foreign investors and persons in managerial positions among the grounds for provisional residence. Associates or shareholders of legal entities with foreign investment registered in Moldova are expressly exempt from the rule that provisional residence must be based on a long-stay visa. Those who prefer to arrive with a visa use the D/AI visa for entrepreneurial activity, intended for people investing in the national economy who are or will become shareholders with management or administration powers.

Persons in management positions add a draft individual employment contract stating the monthly salary and duties; a company administrator can instead present the management or mandate contract. They also provide the investment confirmation or the contribution statement attesting to jobs created, and the same criminal record and housing documents as shareholders.

The GIM list for associates and shareholders asks for the standard application form, the national passport, an extract from the State Register of Legal Entities or the register of shareholders, an investment confirmation from an accredited auditor or a statement of withheld income tax, health insurance and social contributions showing jobs created, the criminal record certificate, proof of ownership or use of a dwelling and one 3x4 cm colour photo.

Investment-based residence falls under the general fee group: granting within ten days costs MDL 169 to the GIM plus MDL 180 state fee, and within 30 days MDL 90 plus MDL 180; extensions cost MDL 178 or MDL 90 plus MDL 180. The GIM examines applications within up to 90 calendar days and communicates refusals by letter within three working days of approval. The D/AI visa fee is EUR 40 in the Ministry's general list; individual missions may charge a different amount.

Extensions require the residence permit, a fresh register extract and investment confirmation, proof of housing and a photo, filed at least 30 days before the right expires. Investors who want permanent residence later must show company documents, a state language certificate, proof of means and confirmation of social, salary and tax contributions for the last five years of activity in Moldova.