Moldova - Temporary Residence for Investors

Key requirements

We use EUR 27,000 / 522,000 MDL as the minimum planning stake. Budget company formation, auditor fees, payroll for qualifying jobs, and the IGM application fee (about 3,600 MDL in recent practice) on top of capital.

• Income we use for estimatesNot set in data
• SavingsOften ~$27,000+
• Accepted income typesSavings only
• Remote work allowedNo
• Local employment allowedYes
• Health insuranceUsually required
• Criminal record checkUsually required
• Accommodation proofUsually required
• Bank accountUsually required
• Processing (rough)Often 2–3 months (company setup, investment proof, IGM review)

Company registration, bank capital injection, and first payroll run often take several weeks. File renewal at least 30 days before your permit expires.

1. 1

   Pick the investment or jobs route

   Confirm you will hold shares in a Moldovan company and meet either 30 forecast average monthly salaries in your stake (about 522,000 MDL in 2026) or at least one full-time job at the average wage.

2. 2

   Register the Moldovan legal entity

   Incorporate or acquire shares in a company through the Public Services Agency (ASP) registration process with charter, address, and founder papers.

3. 3

   Inject and document share capital

   Transfer investment funds into the company bank account and keep registration and bank records that match your claimed shareholding.

4. 4

   Create qualifying employment if needed

   Hire at least one full-time worker at the forecast average monthly salary when your file relies on job creation, and register payroll with tax and social insurance.

5. 5

   File investment statistical forms

   Submit required statistical reports such as Investment Form No. 1 and employee mobility forms that Moldovan authorities use to track foreign investment.

6. 6

   Obtain investment confirmation

   Get an accredited auditor’s confirmation or compile tax withholding, health insurance, and social security statements that prove the investment and jobs exist.

7. 7

   Secure housing and insurance

   Arrange a lease or property deed in Moldova and buy medical insurance with at least EUR 30,000 coverage for the planned stay.

8. 8

   Prepare personal civil documents

   Gather passport, criminal record certificate (apostilled or legalized), photos, blood group certificate, and proof you can support yourself.

9. 9

   Apply to the General Inspectorate for Migration

   File the temporary residence application with IGM under the investor grounds in Law 200/2010 Article 36¹, paying the state fee (about 3,600 MDL in recent practice).

10. 10

    Receive your residence permit

    If approved, collect a permit valid two to eight years depending on your investment tier or jobs created, from two years at the minimum band up to eight years at the top band.

11. 11

    Renew and plan long-term status

    Apply to extend before expiry while investment and jobs remain in place. After five years of continuous temporary residence you may look at permanent residence, subject to separate rules.

Forecast average salaries and IGM practice can change each year. This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Confirm current thresholds on Invest Moldova and igm.gov.md before you transfer funds.

Pathway last reviewed: 2026-06-15

Citizenship & nationality

Article 36¹ of Law 200/2010 covers investors who are partners or shareholders in Moldovan legal entities under Law 81/2004. Most nationalities can apply once the company and investment are registered, but visa-free entry limits still apply before you hold a permit.

• •Capital route: your personal shareholding must reach at least 30 forecast average monthly salaries (522,000 MDL when the 2026 forecast salary is 17,400 MDL).
• •Jobs route: create at least one full-time position paid at the forecast average monthly wage, with payroll and social contributions on file.
• •Permit length scales with size: about 2 years at the minimum band, up to 8 years for very large investments or 50+ jobs under the published tier table.
• •Apply through the General Inspectorate for Migration (IGM). Expect company registration extracts, auditor or tax proof, housing, insurance (often EUR 30,000 minimum cover), and a criminal record certificate.
• •Renew at least 30 days before expiry. After about five years of continuous temporary residence you may apply for permanent residence under separate conditions.

Use Invest Moldova’s residence Q&A and igm.gov.md for the live salary forecast and document list before you incorporate.

Best for

• •People planning to stay several years with a clear residence record

Long-term path

• Permanent residence: Yes
• Citizenship: Possible, but depends on your case

Investor permits renew while investment grounds remain valid. Permanent residence and later citizenship need extra years of lawful stay, language, and integration rules beyond the first investor card.

Practical difficulty

medium

Rough guide only. Your case depends on papers, timing, and rule changes.

Medium reflects moderate capital by EU golden-visa standards, but you still need a running Moldovan company, job or audit proof, and migration paperwork rather than a passive bond purchase.