Moldovans working in Ireland to receive pensions and other social benefits

Moldovans who have worked in Ireland will receive pensions and other social benefits. The authorities have agreed to speed up negotiations on conclusion of the Social Protection Agreement between the two countries.

Minister of Labor and Social Protection Alexei Buzu emphasized that the actions aim to ensure social protection for Moldovan citizens who work abroad.


“Friends, good news for our compatriots in Ireland! I have agreed with my Irish counterpart, Dara Calleary, to initiate bilateral negotiations in an accelerated manner for the conclusion of a Social Protection Agreement between Moldova and Ireland. We are working to ensure adequate social protection for our citizens, wherever they are,” said Alexei Buzu.


The document will contribute to improving social conditions for Moldovan citizens who have contributed to the insurance systems of both states, providing them with greater security regarding pensions and other social benefits.

Currently, about 3,300 Moldovans residing abroad benefit from pensions under international agreements in the social security, signed by the Republic of Moldova and other states.

The head of the General Directorate for International Relations of the National House of Social Insurance (CNAS), Iulia Saenco, said that according to official data as of 1 January 2025, most beneficiaries of pensions offered under social security agreements are from Germany – 1,054 citizens, Romania – 551, Bulgaria – 168, Belarus – 127, the Czech Republic - 134 and Lithuania - 90.


“People can benefit from old-age pensions, disability pensions caused by general ailments, pensions and allowances for disability due to work accidents or occupational diseases, as well as survivor pensions or other benefits, established according to the provisions of each agreement,” noted Iulia Saenco.


She emphasized that Moldovans, who have worked legally on the territory of a state with which the Republic of Moldova has signed a Social Security Agreement, can request pensions according to the legislation of the country of residence, as well as based on the legal framework from the Republic of Moldova. Pension payments shall be made monthly or quarterly, depending on the provisions of the agreement, on the territory of the state in which the person resides at the respective time.

So far, the Republic of Moldova has signed Social Security Agreements with 19 states, 18 of which have entered into force and are applicable. These are agreements in the social security signed between the Republic of Moldova and Romania, Bulgaria, Portugal, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Austria, Estonia, the Czech Republic, the Kingdom of Belgium, Poland, Hungary, Lithuania, Germany, Turkey, Belarus, Italy, Greece, Spain and Latvia.

Moreover, on March 10, the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Moldova and the Government of the French Republic in the social security was signed, and agreements are currently being negotiated with Canada, the Swiss Confederation, Ukraine and Slovakia.

The first round of negotiations on the Social Security Agreement with Albania is planned for May. Negotiations with Slovenia and Croatia are expected to start in the near future.