Work permits and visas in Moldova: An employer’s guide

Hiring in Moldova? Whether you’re bringing on a new team member or relocating someone from your existing workforce, you’ll need to follow the country’s immigration and work permit rules.

Understanding which type of work permit applies is key, since every worker needs the right documentation before they can legally work in the Republic of Moldova. Add in local laws around immigration, tax, and employment, and things can get complicated quickly.

That’s why we’ve put together this guide. Here, you’ll find a comprehensive breakdown of work permits in Moldova, from the different options available to practical tips. So let’s jump straight in.

Why is it important to obtain the right work visa in Moldova?

If you’re hiring or relocating employees in Moldova, it’s important to stay compliant with the country’s immigration and work permit rules. Failing to do so can expose your business to financial penalties, legal risks, and even reputational damage.

To avoid complications, it's crucial to make sure that every team member has the right legal status to live and work in the country before they start, and that you seek professional advice where necessary.

See also: The complete employer’s guide to hiring in Moldova

Who needs a work visa in Moldova?

All foreign nationals (i.e., anyone who is not a Moldovan citizen or permanent resident) must obtain a valid work permit to live and work in Moldova.

Remote’s Relocation service can help advise on whether your employee is eligible to work in Moldova, and provide tailored guidance on visa and immigration requirements. Learn more.

How do visas work in Moldova?

For your employee to work and live in Moldova, they need an entry visa (type C or type D) and a work permit.

Note that citizens of the European Union (EU) (and many other countries) can travel visa-free for short stays in Moldova. As a result, no entry visa is required in order to arrive and submit a residence application.

However, if your employee is a foreign national of a country that does require a visa, they will need a Type D long-stay visa. This visa enables them to apply for residence in Moldova, and it must be secured before travel.

It is important to understand that this visa itself does not grant the right to work; it simply allows entry and the possibility to lodge the residence application once in the country.

How do work permits work in Moldova?

To work legally in Moldova, your employee will need the temporary residence permit for work purposes, regardless of where they are from.

This permit is tied to the basis of employment: for instance, it may cover a local work contract, an intra-company transfer, a posting or secondment, or seasonal employment. Since 2023, Moldova has simplified the rules for EU nationals, allowing them to begin employment without obtaining a separate work permit in advance, but the residence permit remains mandatory for all who intend to stay and work beyond a short visit.

How to get a visa in Moldova

As detailed, the first step depends on the nationality of your employee. If they are a citizen of the EU or another visa-exempt country, they can travel to Moldova without needing to apply for an entry visa. They simply enter on the strength of their passport.

If, however, your employee is from a country that does not enjoy visa-free travel, they must first apply for a Type D long-stay visa. This visa must be secured from the Moldovan consulate or embassy in their home country before arrival, and its sole purpose is to allow the employee to enter Moldova for the intention of applying for residence. It does not by itself authorize work.

To do this, they will need to provide:

• A valid passport (with at least three months’ validity beyond the intended stay)
• A recent passport-sized photograph
• An employment contract or letter of engagement
• Proof of qualifications and professional experience (if required)
• A clean criminal record certificate
• Proof of accommodation in Moldova
• A medical certificate
• Medical insurance covering the intended period of stay
• Proof of sufficient financial means (if requested)
• Receipt of payment of the visa fee
• Biometric information

Note that all foreign documents generally need to be legalized or apostilled, and accompanied by a certified translation in the Romanian language.

Processing usually takes around 30 days and, once issued, your employee can enter Moldova.

How to get a work permit in Moldova

Once the employee is in Moldova, the focus shifts to the temporary residence permit for work purposes. This is the key document that legalizes their employment relationship. The application is filed with the General Inspectorate for Migration (part of the Ministry of Internal Affairs), along with key supporting documents such as:

• A valid passport
• Passport photos
• A signed employment contract, secondment agreement, or transfer letter (depending on the nature of the job)
• Proof of the employee’s qualifications and professional experience
• A police clearance certificate with a clean criminal record
• Evidence of medical insurance valid in Moldova
• Proof of accommodation in Moldova

The Inspectorate reviews the application, with a standard processing time of around 30 days (although this can vary depending on the case). Once approved, the employee then receives a residence card, which serves as both their proof of legal stay and their authorization to work in Moldova.

The permit is typically valid for one year, and it can be renewed annually as long as the employment relationship continues.

It’s important to highlight that employment cannot legally begin until the residence permit has been granted.

Does Moldova offer a digital nomad visa?

Yes. Moldova offers a dedicated digital nomad visa for remote workers of foreign companies and freelancers. 

Introduced in September 2025, it allows eligible foreign nationals to live in Moldova for up to two years, with the ability to renew for a second year. In some cases, residents may be allowed to stay up to five years.

To obtain the visa, your employee must:

• Demonstrate a stable monthly income of between $1,500 and $2,000 from abroad
• Possess health insurance (valid for at least one year)
• Have a clean criminal record
• Demonstrate proof of foreign employment or clients
• Have proof of accommodation in Moldova

Applications can be made through Moldova’s official digital portal (via the Bureau of Migration and Asylum). After initial approval, your employee must travel to Moldova, complete local registration with migration authorities, and obtain a residence card.

See also: Which other countries offer digital nomad visas?

How can Remote help?

To hire or relocate employees to Moldova, you’ll need to have your own local entity there. This is a process that can be complex, lengthy, and expensive.

You also need to comply with relevant immigration laws and regulations to avoid potential penalties, as well as handle payroll, benefits, and all other HR requirements.

This is where Remote’s employer of record (EOR) service can be invaluable. We act as the legal employer in Moldova on your company’s behalf, and handle onboarding, payroll, and benefits. We help ensure that you are fully compliant with all local employment and payroll tax laws, and can onboard your employee in a matter of days, too, saving you time, money, and resources.

Alternatively, if you already have an entity in Moldova, we can assist in international employee relocation with case-by-case immigration assessments, and guidance on the visa process.

To learn more about the processes involved in relocating international employees, download Remote's Relocation Guide, or contact our Relocation team today.