Moldovan government approve model of residence card, new codes for passports, travel documents

Foreigners with the right to reside in Moldova, stateless individuals, refugees and beneficiaries of humanitarian protection will be able to get, starting from January 1, 2026, the Residence Card, a modern, secure document endowed with biometric elements. The government today took a decision to this effect, at an initiative by the Interior Ministry.

The new document will be issued by the General Directorate for Migration and produced by the Public Services Agency. The Residence Card will include images of fingerprints and a qualified certificate for electronic signature, allowing holders secure access to digital public services and authentication in governmental IT systems.

At the same time, the cabinet approved the update of passport and travel document codes, in order observe the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and facilitate border recognition. The earlier issued documents remain valid until expiration, except as otherwise provided by law.

Also, starting from September 5, 2025, information about domicile and temporary residence can be verified online through the Governmental Data Verification Portal.

According to the authorities, the adopted measures will enhance the security of identity documents, simplify access to public and private electronic services and reduce bureaucracy through the use of electronic signatures. Full implementation of the new technologies, including the integration of fingerprints, will be completed by December 31, 2026.