Moldova

Professional Visa Navigation Services

If you're planning to explore Moldova's UNESCO World Heritage sites, establish business partnerships in Chișinău, or pursue academic opportunities at state universities, understanding visa requirements is your essential first step toward a successful journey.

Comprehensive Immigration Framework

Moldova maintains a structured visa policy that offers visa-free access to citizens of 102 countries and territories for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Citizens of visa-required countries can enter Moldova without a visa if they hold a valid residence permit or valid C-type or D-type visa issued by a Schengen or European Union member state. Located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe, this emerging destination provides multiple entry pathways with particular attention to:

• Tourism and cultural exploration
• Business development and commercial activities
• Academic exchange programs and educational visits
• Official missions and diplomatic travel
• Transit arrangements
• Private visits and family reunification

Moldova offers airport transit visas (Type A) for 20 euros and transit visas (Type B) for 40 euros, alongside short-stay tourism visas (Type C) requiring 40 euros consular fee and long-stay options for extended residence purposes.

Expert Guidance Through Complex Processes

Our specialized team transforms Moldova's immigration requirements into clear, actionable strategies. Whether you're drawn to the country's renowned wine regions or developing commercial ventures, we provide comprehensive support tailored to your unique travel objectives.

This authoritative guide delivers practical insights, current regulatory standards, and professional consultation pathways to ensure your Moldova visa application succeeds efficiently.

Whether you need a visa for Moldova depends primarily on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Citizens from numerous countries enjoy visa-free access, while others must obtain a visa before traveling.

Visa-Free Travel to Moldova

Citizens of the following regions can enter Moldova without a visa:

• European Union citizens - up to 90 days within any 180-day period
• United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand - 90 days within any 180-day period
• United Kingdom - 90 days within any 180-day period
• Turkey, Israel, Japan, South Korea - 90 days within any 180-day period
• Ukraine, Russia, Belarus - 90 days within any 180-day period
• CIS countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan) - 90 days within any 180-day period
• Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, Liechtenstein - 90 days within any 180-day period
• Monaco, San Marino, Andorra, Vatican City - 90 days within any 180-day period
• Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR passport holders - 90 days within any 180-day period

EU citizens can use a valid national identity card instead of a passport for entry. Citizens from select countries holding diplomatic or service passports, including Brazil, China, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Qatar, Singapore, Turkey, and Vietnam, may also enter visa-free for specific durations.

Essential Passport Requirements

For visa-free entry, your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from Moldova. Passports must also have been issued within the past 10 years. Ensure you have blank pages for entry stamps.

Visa Exemption for Schengen, EU, UK, US and Canada Visa or Permit Holders

Citizens of visa-required countries can enter Moldova without a Moldovan visa if they hold a valid residence permit or a valid C-type or D-type visa issued by a Schengen member state, an EU member state, the United Kingdom, the United States, or Canada. This exemption applies during the validity period of the permit or visa and does not apply to transit visas. Travelers must still satisfy standard entry conditions including a valid passport, sufficient funds, travel insurance, and a return or onward ticket.

Policy update (July 2026): An amendment to Law nr. 257/2013, in force from 21 July 2026, removed this documentary exemption for nationals of 29 specific countries while retaining it for others; the EU/Schengen, UK, US and Canada waiver legs remain in force. A draft organic law transposing the EU Visa Code, before parliament since early 2026, may further revise fee structures and waiver arrangements once adopted. Travelers uncertain of their eligibility should verify at mfa.gov.md or with the nearest Moldovan embassy before departure.

Transit Passengers

Transit passengers staying in the international zone of Chişinău Airport for under 24 hours typically do not need a visa. However, if you need to collect luggage or leave the airport, standard visa requirements apply. Holders of diplomatic or service passports, as well as those with residence permits or valid visas from EU/Schengen states or the United States, are exempt from airport transit visa requirements.

Visa Required Countries

Citizens from most African, Asian, and some Latin American countries must obtain a visa before arrival. This includes travelers from China (except diplomatic/service passport holders), India, Pakistan, Nigeria, and most Middle Eastern nations. Cuba and Ecuador, whose visa-free agreements with Moldova were terminated in April 2024 and February 2025 respectively, also now require a visa. Certain nationalities are also required to provide an invitation letter issued by the General Inspectorate for Migration in order to obtain a visa, though this requirement is waived for those holding a valid EU/Schengen visa or residence permit.

Verify Your Requirements

Always verify current requirements through the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Moldova website or contact the nearest Moldovan embassy, as visa policies can change. Business travel, work, and study purposes may have different requirements regardless of your nationality.

Moldova offers diverse visa categories tailored to specific travel purposes, with options ranging from short-term tourist visits to long-term employment and study arrangements. Understanding the correct visa type ensures smooth application processing and compliance with Moldovan immigration requirements.

Airport Transit and Transit Visas

Airport transit visas (Type A) allow foreign nationals to remain in the transit zone of a Moldovan airport until boarding time, while transit visas (Type B) permit travel through Moldova for up to 5 days to reach a third country. Transit visa consular fees are 20 euros (approximately 22 USD) for Type A and 40 euros (approximately 43 USD) for Type B visas.

Tourist and Visitor Visas

Type C short-stay tourist visas are issued to third-state citizens who wish to travel to Moldova for tourism. These allow a maximum stay of 90 days within a 6-month period. Tourist visa holders are entitled only to tourism trips and visits of relatives or friends, and are prohibited from engaging in business or work activities. Both single-entry and multiple-entry options are available, with consular fees of 40 euros (approximately 43 USD).

Business Visa Categories

Short-stay business visas (Type C) are issued to third-country nationals who travel to Moldova for economic and commercial purposes. Professional travelers can use business visas for meetings, conferences, seminars, negotiations, and exploring investment opportunities. Business visas are single-entry permits with 90 days validity, though they do not grant the holder the right to work in the country and are only meant for noncommercial activities.

Work and Employment Visas

Long-stay visas (Type D) allow foreign nationals to travel to Moldova for long-term purposes such as employment, and are necessary to apply for a residence permit. Before applying for a work permit, employees must obtain a long-stay visa (Type D). Foreign citizens who want to engage in employment in Moldova must obtain work permits from the National Agency for Employment. To obtain a temporary visa for employment purposes, you need a job offer from a Moldovan company, suitable educational qualifications or work experience, a secured employment contract, proof of adequate means of subsistence, police confirmation of no criminal record, and a satisfactory medical examination. All official documents must be translated into Romanian.

Digital Nomad Visa

Effective September 20, 2025, Moldova introduced a digital nomad visa program allowing eligible foreign nationals to work remotely and live in Moldova for two years with the possibility of renewal. The visa is open to foreign nationals who work remotely for employers registered outside Moldova or are shareholders in such entities. Applicants must demonstrate a minimum monthly income of approximately €2,700–2,800 (equivalent to three times the national average salary, recalculated annually). The government fee is €80–100 (approximately $87–109 USD); applications take 30–45 calendar days to process and may be submitted via the BMA online portal, in person at the Bureau of Migration and Asylum (BMA) in Chişinău, or through a Moldovan embassy or consulate. Digital nomad visa holders must register with the BMA within 30 days of arriving in Moldova.

Student and Academic Visas

Long-stay visas (Type D) serve students enrolled in Moldovan educational institutions and academic professionals conducting scholarly work. Student visas align with academic year duration and require proof of enrollment, financial means, and accommodation arrangements. These visas permit multiple entries and are valid for the duration of study programs.

Private Visit and Family Visas

Private visit visas are granted to third-state nationals planning to travel to Moldova for private visits to Moldovan citizens or residents. Applicants must provide a copy of the identity document or valid residence permit of the inviting person and a free-form invitation from a resident of Moldova confirming the purpose of the trip. Family reunion visas facilitate extended visits to Moldovan residents or citizens.

Official Mission Visas

Official mission visas (Type C/MI) are issued to third-state citizens and their family members who travel to Moldova for reasons related to their political, administrative, or public positions in governments, public administrations, or international organizations. Consular fees are waived for official or diplomatic missions.

Only transit (Type B) and short-stay (Type C) visas can be obtained online through Moldova's eVisa system. Applicants for airport transit (Type A) and long-stay (Type D) visas must contact diplomatic missions or consular offices of Moldova abroad. Most visa types offer extension possibilities through local immigration offices, with fees varying by category and duration.

Processing Times by Visa Type

Tourist and business e-visas typically require up to 10 calendar days for standard processing, with the timeline potentially extending to 20 days if additional review is necessary. Work permits and long-term work visa applications take 10 to 30 calendar days, depending on the consulate or embassy. Standard processing through the e-visa portal averages 10 business days, though business visa applications can occasionally extend to 20 business days. Applications submitted during peak summer months (June–August) may experience delays of 2–3 additional days due to higher application volumes.

Visa Fees and Costs

• Short-stay e-visa (Type C, all purposes): €40 ($44 USD); children under 18 are exempt from the e-visa fee
• Short-stay visa (Type C) via consular mission: €70 total ($77 USD) — €40 consular fee plus €30 related fees (schedule in force from 1 April 2024)
• Airport transit visa (Type A): €20 ($22 USD)
• Transit visa (Type B): €40 ($44 USD) for up to 5 days

Application Locations

Applications are submitted through Moldovan embassies and consulates worldwide, or via the fully digital e-visa portal at evisa.gov.md, offering a 100% online application process. Only transit (Type B) and short-stay (Type C) visas can be obtained online through the e-visa system. Processing times through the e-visa portal are typically completed within days. Payment is accepted via bank card during the online application process or through traditional methods at consular offices.

Essential Documents Required

• Valid passport issued within the last 10 years with minimum 3 months validity beyond intended departure date
• Completed application form with recent photograph
• Travel insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage valid throughout Moldova
• Proof of financial means (bank statements or salary slips) and accommodation reservation
• Invitation letter issued by the General Inspectorate for Migration (GIM), if required for your nationality — waived for holders of a valid EU/Schengen, UK, US or Canada visa or residence permit. Note: some Moldovan hotels and licensed travel agencies can facilitate a GIM invitation as part of a booking package for travelers who require one.

Key Consular Contacts

Embassy of Moldova in Brussels: +32-2-732-9650
Consulate General in Milan: +39-02-2900-2274
Embassy in Washington DC: +1-202-667-1130

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Category

Identify the appropriate visa type based on your travel purpose—tourist, business, transit, or long-stay. Review duration requirements and ensure your intended stay aligns with the selected category before proceeding. For tourism, business, personal visits, missions, cultural activities, or other short-term purposes, foreign travelers can apply online for the Moldova e-visa, while other visa types require embassy or consulate applications.

Step 2: Document Preparation and Assembly

Gather essential documents including:

• Valid passport issued in the past 10 years with minimum 3 months validity beyond the intended date of leaving the Republic of Moldova
• Completed visa application form
• Recent biometric passport photographs (35mm x 45mm)
• Travel insurance covering 30,000 euros minimum
• Proof of means of subsistence with bank statement issued no longer than 10 days before submission and minimum coverage of 30 euro per day of stay, but not less than 300 EUR
• Supporting documents specific to your visa category

For certain nationalities, an invitation issued by the General Inspectorate for Migration is required as one of the legal conditions for getting a visa. Ensure all foreign documents are apostilled or legalized and professionally translated into Romanian.

Step 3: Choose Application Method

The e-Visa is the electronic service allowing applicants to request and receive visas for Moldova online. Access the official portal at evisa.gov.md to submit your application electronically, or book an appointment at a Moldovan embassy or consulate for traditional sticker visa processing. Moldova e-visas usually take 10 calendar days to be fully processed and issued, but can take up to 20 days, while embassy processing times may vary.

Step 4: Complete Application Form

Fill out the official application form accurately, providing consistent information across all sections. Your fingerprints and photograph will be supplied to the relevant authorities and processed for visa application purposes, with data stored in the SIA Consul System for a maximum period of five years. Double-check personal details, travel dates, and supporting documentation references to avoid processing delays.

Step 5: Fee Payment

Pay the required consular fee of 40 euro for short-stay tourism visas (approximately 44 USD), or 20 euro for airport transit visas (approximately 22 USD), plus any applicable additional fees. For e-visa applications, payment is made online via bank card. For embassy applications, use accepted payment methods at the submission location. Retain payment receipts for tracking purposes.

Step 6: Biometric Data Collection

Fingerprints are collected for the purpose of applying for a visa and are mandatory for the examination of the visa application. If applying through an embassy or consulate, provide biometric data during your appointment. For e-visa applications, biometric requirements may vary based on nationality and visa type.

Step 7: Application Tracking

Monitor your application status through official channels provided by the embassy or the e-visa portal. For most e-Visa applications the practical range is 10 to 15 working days, though processing times depend on citizenship and documentation completeness.

Step 8: Visa Collection

For e-visa applications, the visa will be sent to applicants via email and with the printed document, visa holders may enter the Republic of Moldova through any border crossing point. For embassy applications, collect your passport with the visa decision at the scheduled time. If approved, verify all details immediately. For rejections, review the decision letter and consider reapplication with additional supporting documentation.

Travelers from visa-required countries frequently ask whether a valid Schengen visa — or a visa or residence permit issued by the EU, UK, USA, or Canada — is accepted as a substitute for a Moldovan visa. Under Moldovan law, qualifying document holders may enter Moldova without a separate Moldovan visa for the duration of that document's validity, subject to a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period.

Which Documents Qualify for Visa-Free Entry?

The following valid, non-transit documents allow visa-required nationals to enter Moldova without obtaining a Moldovan visa:

• A short-stay (Type C) or long-stay (Type D) visa issued by any EU member state
• A short-stay (Type C) or long-stay (Type D) visa issued by any Schengen Area state — including non-EU members Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein
• A residence permit issued by an EU or Schengen member state
• A valid visa (Type C or D) or residence permit issued by the United Kingdom
• A valid visa or residence permit issued by the United States of America
• A valid visa or residence permit issued by Canada

Airport transit visas — including the Schengen Type A — do not qualify. Only full short-stay (Type C) and long-stay (Type D) visas, and all categories of residence permit, satisfy the exemption requirement.

Entry Conditions That Still Apply

Even with a qualifying document, travelers must satisfy Moldova's standard border entry conditions:

• Passport valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended departure date from Moldova, issued within the past 10 years
• Proof of sufficient funds: minimum €30 per day of stay, and not less than €300 total
• Travel medical insurance valid throughout Moldova, covering at least €30,000
• Confirmed accommodation details or proof of an onward or return ticket

Relevance for UAE, Gulf and Other Expat Residents

This rule is especially relevant for nationals of South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East who reside abroad. For example, an Indian or Pakistani national holding a valid Schengen visa may enter Moldova visa-free under this exemption. A UAE or Qatar residence permit does not qualify on its own — only documents issued by EU, Schengen, UK, US, and Canadian authorities are recognized. If such a traveler also holds a valid Schengen or US/UK/Canada visa or permit, that document provides the entry basis.

2026 Policy Update

An amendment to Law nr. 257/2013, in force from 21 July 2026, removed the documentary waiver for nationals of 29 specific countries while retaining it for others. India is among the nationalities that retained access to this exemption. The EU/Schengen, UK, US and Canada waiver legs all remain in force. A draft organic law transposing the EU Visa Code was before parliament in early 2026 and may, once adopted, further revise waiver arrangements. Confirm current eligibility at mfa.gov.md or with the nearest Moldovan embassy before departure.

What to Carry at the Border

Present the qualifying visa or residence permit in original (not a photocopy), together with your passport, proof of funds, travel insurance, accommodation confirmation, and a return or onward ticket. Border officers at Chişinău International Airport and all land and rail border crossings will verify the document's validity and compliance with entry conditions before granting entry.

Foreign nationals seeking employment in Moldova require a long-stay Type D work visa (employment subtype D/AM). Unlike short-stay Type C visas, the work visa cannot be applied for online through the e-visa portal at evisa.gov.md; it must be submitted at a Moldovan embassy or consulate in the applicant's country of residence.

Step 1: Obtain a Work Permit Before Applying

The Moldovan employer must first obtain a work permit from the National Agency for Employment (Agenția Națională pentru Ocuparea Forței de Muncă) on the applicant's behalf. A confirmed work permit is a prerequisite for the Type D visa application at the consulate.

Required Documents for a Moldova Work Visa

• Valid passport issued within the last 10 years, valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended departure date
• Completed visa application form
• Signed employment contract or confirmed job offer from a Moldovan employer
• Work permit issued by the National Agency for Employment
• Educational or professional qualification documents (apostilled and professionally translated into Romanian)
• Police clearance certificate from country of residence or nationality
• Medical examination certificate
• Proof of accommodation in Moldova
• Proof of financial means during the stay
• Travel insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage valid throughout Moldova
• GIM invitation letter issued by the General Inspectorate for Migration, if required for your nationality

Can the Moldova Work Visa Be Applied for Online?

No. The Type D long-stay work visa is not available through the e-visa portal. Applications must be submitted in person at a Moldovan diplomatic mission abroad. Some missions allow online appointment booking, but biometric data collection and document verification must be completed in person at the consulate or embassy.

Processing Time

Work visa processing typically takes 10 to 30 calendar days from the date of submission, depending on nationality and the completeness of documentation. Allow at least four weeks before the intended employment start date to account for potential delays in document verification.

Fees

As of 2026, the consular fee for a Type D work visa is approximately €80, though fees may vary by mission location and nationality. Confirm the current fee schedule directly with the processing embassy or consulate before applying.

After Arrival: Residence Permit

The Type D work visa permits entry to Moldova and forms the basis for applying for a temporary residence permit through the Bureau of Migration and Asylum (BMA) once in the country. Work visa holders must complete BMA registration promptly after arrival to maintain legal status.

Alternative: Digital Nomad Visa for Remote Workers

Foreign nationals working remotely for employers outside Moldova should not apply for a work visa; the correct route is the Moldova Digital Nomad Visa (launched September 2025, two-year validity, renewable). Applications can be submitted via the BMA online portal, at the BMA office in Chişinău, or at Moldovan embassies. The government fee is €80–100; processing takes 30–45 calendar days. Applicants must demonstrate a minimum monthly income of approximately €2,700–2,800 (three times the national average salary). Holders must register with the BMA within 30 days of arriving in Moldova.