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

Having the correct right-to-work permissions is vital for remote workers wanting to reside and work in Moldova. This gives them the legal right to work for an employer and earn a living. Employers looking to support their remote workers moving to Moldova must consider critical factors such as the tax rates, how tax treaties apply to the employee, and the total cost of setting up work permits and visas in the country.

Complying with the local labor, immigration, and tax laws is crucial. Your international team's successful expansion or establishment in Moldova depends on your compliance level. Severe punishments such as fines may follow non-compliance with these laws.

Explore this guide to stay compliant with the local laws in these crucial situations:

• Hiring a candidate in Moldova without a local entity

• Hiring a third-country national in Moldova 

• Supporting the relocation of an existing employee to Moldova 

• Allowing a digital nomad to work in Moldova compliantly

The importance of immigration compliance in Moldova

An employee working in a foreign country like Moldova must have a work visa and permit. Working in a country without these documents can result in severe punishments for employees and employers. Besides heavy fines, the employee risks deportation.

For instance, working on a tourist visa is illegal in virtually every part of the globe. As the digital nomad trend becomes more popular, governments worldwide are beginning to enforce stricter laws to curb unlawful labor. 

Which workers need a right-to-work check in Moldova?

Employers must ensure their employees have the documents required to work legally in Moldova before hiring. 

Moldova has two main categories of residents who may be eligible for jobs: temporary and permanent residents. Both sets of individuals require a permit and identity card to ascertain their legal status in the country.

Permanent residents

Permanent residency permit holders can work legally within the shores of Moldova. When applying for this permit, applicants must provide the following documents:

• Original passport

• Proof of accommodation

• Marriage (divorce or death) certificate

• Birth certificate

• ID card

• Confirmation of the decision for permanent residency rights

Temporary residents

The law permits temporary residents to work during their stay. They must present the following documents to get a temporary residency permit for work:

• A valid passport

• An ID card

• Proof of accommodation

• The decision for the right to temporary residency

Work permit holders

Foreigners cannot work in this country unless they have a Moldova work permit. Thus, work permit holders can legally secure jobs during their stay in the country. 

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Do non-citizens need a work visa or work permit in Moldova?

Although European non-citizens do not need a visa to enter Moldova, they may need to get a work permit to work. Meanwhile, non-citizens outside the EU must have a work visa and work permit to work in Moldova.

How is the Schengen Visa applicable?

Moldova is not a Schengen country. Holders of a Schengen visa cannot enter the country for the short term. Thus, this visa type is not applicable or sufficient for foreign nationals to secure jobs in the country.

What are the eligibility requirements for a work visa in Moldova?

The Moldova work visa requirements are similar to the long-stay visa for entrepreneurial purposes. Your employee will need the following:

• An application form they must fill out and sign

• A recent 35mm x 45mm color photograph

• A valid international passport valid for at least three months after their intended stay

• Judicial record or police report

• Medical insurance of at least EUR30,000

• EUR40 visa fee

• Proof of accommodation and maintenance by a Moldovan citizen or sufficient financial support of at least EUR30 daily

• Schengen or EU country residence permit or invitation by the Bureau of Migration and Asylum

• The Moldovan National Agency for Employment acceptance document

What are the long-stay visa types in Moldova?

The long-stay visa types are in the “D” visa category. This category of long-stay visas permits foreigners to stay in Moldova long term. Non-citizens can stay for more than a year and extend their stay once it expires. Here are the relevant “D” visa types, their purpose, and what they entail:

Employment visa (D/AM)

Non-citizens seeking job opportunities in the country must have an employment visa. This visa permits them to enter Moldova for work. Although getting a job upon entering Moldova is possible, they must already have an employment agreement with a company before securing this visa.

Entrepreneur visa (D/AI)

Individuals who want to enter Moldova for business or investment need this visa. The D/AI visa is for foreign individuals who wish to invest in a local legal entity. 

Long stay information technology visa (D/IT)

The government of Moldova issues the D/IT visa to foreign nationals migrating to the country to partake in IT activities. Inventors or employees in the IT field entering the country require an invitation and legal declaration as confirmation from the inviting organization or employer.

How do you get a work visa for Moldova?

To get a Moldova work visa, applicants must submit the required documentation to the authorities. Applicants must take their papers to the Moldovan embassy or consulate closest to them. Securing long-term visas like work visas can take an average of 30 days to process, whereas a tourist visa can take as little as 10 days to complete. 

What is the process for employee work visa sponsorship in Moldova?

Work visa sponsorship in Moldova can be tricky. To facilitate this procedure, the employer must provide the necessary information and documents to ensure a smooth migration of their foreign employee.

The employer also notifies the National Agency for Employment of their intention to hire a foreigner. If successful, the national employment agency issues an acceptance document. While the employee processes their work visa, the employer tries to secure a Moldova work permit. This process typically takes two months.

What are the visa requirements for digital nomads in Moldova?

There is currently no particular visa type for digital nomads moving into Moldova. Individuals migrating to the country should apply for employment (D/AM) or an extended stay for IT-related activities (D/IT) visa.

How Remote makes compliance in Moldova so much easier

To hire an employee in Moldova or relocate an employee to the country, you’ll have to set up a legal entity. Apart from establishing a physical presence, you’ll have to manage taxes and payroll and comply with labor and immigration laws — a daunting task for any employer. 

The easiest way to manage these processes and achieve compliance is to work with an employer of record (EOR) which can hire in Moldova or any country on your behalf. Remote can help you manage immigration, compliance, taxes, payroll, and benefits for your international workforce quickly and easily.

Learning how relocation works is crucial to successfully sponsoring your employee’s immigration in full compliance. Download Remote’s Relocation Guide to learn about relocating compliantly. You can also contact our Mobility experts for advice on the relocation process, and how you can use Remote to make international hiring easy.

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