Emigration to Moldova: how can Ukrainians move there in 2025?

Moldova offers attractive opportunities for those seeking new horizons for living and working. Find out about the current entry rules, visa procedures and how to obtain a residence permit

Legal advice on migration issues

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In 2024, Moldova became home to a significant number of foreigners who chose it for permanent or temporary residence. The exact number of immigrants for 2024 will be published by the National Bureau of Statistics of the Republic of Moldova at a later date, but the overall trend indicates growing interest in this country. With the start of the full-scale invasion, Moldova has been actively accepting refugees from Ukraine, providing them with temporary protection and assistance. Official information on migration and rules of stay in Moldova is published on the websites of the Bureau of Migration and Asylum of the Republic of Moldova (BMA) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Moldova.

Are you planning to emigrate to Moldova? Visit Ukraine specialists will help you every step of the way.

Visa to Moldova: types and requirements

Before considering entry into Moldova for Ukrainians, it is important to understand the visa requirements. For citizens of Ukraine, the answer to the question ‘Do Ukrainians need a visa to Moldova?’ is: for short-term stays (up to 90 days within 180 days), a visa is not required. Tourism in Moldova is regulated by a visa-free regime. However, if you plan to stay in the country for a longer period, for example, for work or study, you will need a corresponding long-term visa (type D). The current entry rules for Ukrainians to Moldova require a valid foreign passport, which is a key requirement.

Work visa to Moldova

To obtain a work visa (type D visa for employment), you must have a job offer from a Moldovan employer. Documents usually required:

– valid foreign passport;

– completed visa application form;

– passport-size photographs;

– original and copy of the job offer approved by the Bureau of Migration and Asylum;

– documents confirming your education and qualifications;

– proof of sufficient financial means to cover your living expenses;

– certificate of no criminal record;

– medical certificate;

– medical insurance policy.

Student visa to Moldova

If the purpose of your stay is study, you will need a student visa (type D visa for study). To obtain it, you must provide:

– valid foreign passport;

– completed visa application form;

– passport-size photographs;

– document confirming enrolment at an educational institution in Moldova;

– proof of sufficient financial means to pay for tuition and accommodation;

– documents confirming previous education;

– medical certificate;

– medical insurance policy.

Detailed information about which insurance policy is required to enter Moldova can be found at the link.

How to move to Moldova: preparation stages

The process of emigrating to Moldova requires careful preparation. Here are the main steps to help you understand the rules for crossing the Moldovan border for citizens of Ukraine and successfully complete all procedures.

First step: choose the type of visa

Determine the purpose of your stay in Moldova. This will determine the type of visa you will need to apply for. If you plan to stay in the country for more than 90 days, be sure to obtain a long-term visa (work, student, family reunification, etc.). Remember, Ukrainians can stay in Moldova without a visa for up to 90 days!

Step two: submit your documents

Gather all the necessary documents according to the type of visa you have chosen. A detailed list is usually available on the website of the Moldovan embassy or consulate in your country. Carefully check all documents to ensure they meet the requirements.

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Step three: biometric data collection

After submitting your documents, you may be given a date for biometric data collection (fingerprints and photo). This procedure is standard for most long-term visas.

Step four: obtaining a visa

Once your application has been successfully processed, you will receive your visa. Carefully check all the information on your visa before you travel.

Visit Ukraine specialists can help you at every stage of the migration process — get advice and make sure that your emigration to Moldova is successful!

How to obtain a residence permit in Moldova?

After arriving in Moldova with a valid long-term visa, the next step is to obtain a Moldovan residence permit for Ukrainians or a temporary residence permit (residence card). To do this, you must contact the Bureau of Migration and Asylum (BMA).

The documents required for a residence permit in Moldova for Ukrainian citizens are usually as follows:

1. A valid foreign passport.

2. Proof of grounds for obtaining a residence permit (e.g. employment contract, certificate of enrolment in an educational institution, marriage certificate).

3. Proof of accommodation in Moldova (rental agreement, title deed).

4. Proof of sufficient financial resources.

5. Medical certificate.

6. Receipt of payment of state duty.

The application processing time can range from several weeks to several months.

Find out the current rules for crossing the Ukraine-Moldova border on the Visit Ukraine portal.

In what cases can you be denied a residence permit in Moldova?

There are certain reasons why you may be denied a residence permit in Moldova. These include:

1. Submission of an incomplete set of documents or provision of false information.

2. A criminal record or being wanted by the authorities.

3. A threat to national security, public order or the health of the population of Moldova.

4. Insufficient financial means for living.

5. Violation of the visa regime or previous regime of stay in Moldova.

6. Lack of legal grounds for obtaining a residence permit.

Careful preparation and compliance with all requirements will significantly increase your chances of successfully obtaining a residence permit in Moldova.

Reminder! Earlier, we told you how to get from Moldova to Ukraine as quickly and comfortably as possible in 2025.

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