Clearer rules on admission, residence, supervision of foreigners in Moldova

The rights and obligations of foreigners in Moldova will be regulated by a new law. Government has approved a draft law on the admission, residence and supervision of foreigners in the Republic of Moldova.

"This draft brings benefits both for foreign citizens who obtain the right of residence in the Republic of Moldova and for the state. Thus, persons who may pose a threat to national security will be identified in due time, and foreigners must prove sufficient means of subsistence in order to obtain the right of residence. At the same time, our country becomes more attractive for investors and highly qualified specialists – we also estimate an increase in state budget revenues," emphasized Minister Daniella Misail-Nichitin.

The draft introduces clear rules for 23 purposes of stay, including employment, highly qualified employment, self-employment, studies, research, professional internships, educational programs and economic mobility. At the same time, it introduces new forms of legal migration, such as employment in the case of intra-corporate transfers (ICT), Au pair programs and pupil exchanges, studies, researcher activities and vocational training through internships.

The law also provides for the digitalization of procedures, allows applications to be submitted online, and introduces the Residence Card, which replaces multiple documents, simplifies interaction with public authorities, and will allow submitting applications online, thereby reducing bureaucracy.

The law supports labor mobility and the attraction of investments through clear procedures for national employers and foreign investors, as well as through predictable legal treatment for all categories of foreigners.

At the same time, the draft offers competitive advantages to sectors facing staff shortages, supporting mobility and short-term labor recruitment (up to 90 days).

In late 2025, over 21,500 foreigners and stateless persons from more than 130 countries were registered in Moldova. Of them, over 5,600 had permanent residence, and about 16,000 held temporary residence permits.

The law is to be adopted by Parliament and will enter into force on 1 June 2027. It will replace the Law on the Status of Foreigners in the Republic of Moldova.