Moldova flag

Moldova — Complete Emigration Guide 2026

2,749,076 people · Capital: Chișinău · Eastern Europe

Updated H2 2026 · Compiled from official government sources, re-checked on a rolling basis

Safety
63/100 (average)
Cost of Living
€467/mo
Healthcare
50/100 (average)
Career
42/100 (limited)
English Level
Moderate
Visa Pathways
34

Overview

Population
2,749,076
Capital
Chișinău
Currency
MDL L
Language
Romanian
Timezone
UTC+02:00
GDP per Capita
$7,576
Unemployment
1.4%

Moldova is located in Eastern Europe, with a population of 2,749,076. Its currency is the Moldovan leu. Our database tracks 34 visa pathways for Moldova, each linked to a named source.

See also: Moldova country profile

Compiled from official government sources, re-checked on a rolling basis. See our methodology and data sources.

Visa Pathways (34)

Sponsored Employment (11)

ProgrammeMin IncomeFeeDurationProcessing
Employment (D/AM)€40
Foreigners Working in Free Economic Zones€37/mo€712 mo30d
Highly Qualified Workers€4,339/mo30d
Information technology activities type D/IT€150/mo€4012 mo
IT Specialists€868/mo24 mo
Migrant Workers€1,500/mo€20012 mo30d
Posted Workers€30/mo€2512 mo30d
Project Implementation€060 mo15d
Senior IT Managers€868/mo48 mo
VIZA DE LUNGĂ ŞEDERE (TIP D) - Activități în domeniul tehnologiei informației tip D/IT€300/mo€4012 mo
VIZA DE LUNGĂ ŞEDERE (TIP D) - Angajare în muncă D/AM€300/mo€4012 mo30d

Digital Nomad (1)

ProgrammeMin IncomeFeeDurationProcessing
Digital Nomad€2,604/mo€2524 mo15d

Entrepreneur & Business (2)

ProgrammeMin IncomeFeeDurationProcessing
Entrepreneurial activity (D/AI)€40
VIZA DE LUNGĂ ŞEDERE (TIP D) - Desfășurarea activității de întreprinzător D/AI€40

Investment / Golden Visa (1)

ProgrammeMin IncomeFeeDurationProcessing
Investments€60/mo€1024 mo

Study (3)

ProgrammeMin IncomeFeeDurationProcessing
Studies30d
Study (D/AS)€300/mo€40
VIZA DE LUNGĂ ŞEDERE (TIP D) - Studii D/AS€500/mo€4012 mo

Family Reunification (1)

ProgrammeMin IncomeFeeDurationProcessing
VIZA DE LUNGĂ ŞEDERE (TIP D) - Reîntregirea familiei D/VF€40

Permanent Settlement (1)

ProgrammeMin IncomeFeeDurationProcessing
Permanent Residence90d

Naturalisation & Citizenship (1)

ProgrammeMin IncomeFeeDurationProcessing
Citizenship by Naturalization

Artists & Entertainers (1)

ProgrammeMin IncomeFeeDurationProcessing
VIZA DE SCURTĂ ŞEDERE (TIP C) - Activități sportive C/S€40

Religious Workers (3)

ProgrammeMin IncomeFeeDurationProcessing
Humanitarian, Religious or Volunteer Activities30d
VIZA DE LUNGĂ ŞEDERE (TIP D) - Activități umanitare și religioase D/RU€40
VIZA DE SCURTĂ ŞEDERE (TIP C) - Activități independente, prestarea serviciilor contractuale, tratament medical de scurtă durată, activități culturale, științifice, umanitare, religioase și/sau alte activități C/AD€40

Medical Treatment (1)

ProgrammeMin IncomeFeeDurationProcessing
Medical Treatment Visa (long-stay D)€40

Diplomatic & Official (2)

ProgrammeMin IncomeFeeDurationProcessing
Diplomatic Mission Visa€4036 mo
Diplomatic Visa€40

Business Visit (1)

ProgrammeMin IncomeFeeDurationProcessing
VIZA DE SCURTĂ ŞEDERE (TIP C) - Afaceri C/A€403 mo

Tourism & Short Stay (3)

ProgrammeMin IncomeFeeDurationProcessing
eVisa€2020d
VIZA DE SCURTĂ ŞEDERE (TIP C) - Turism C/T€4012 mo15d
VIZA DE SCURTĂ ŞEDERE (TIP C) - Vizită C/V€40

Transit (2)

ProgrammeMin IncomeFeeDurationProcessing
VIZA DE SCURTĂ ŞEDERE (TIP C) - Transport C/TS€4012 mo30d
Viză de tranzit€405 mo
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Cost of Living

ItemMoldovaW. Europe AvgDiff
Rent (1BR)€280€1,200-77%
Rent (3BR)€420€2,000-79%
Groceries€110€350-69%
Transport€12€80-85%
Utilities€65€150-57%
Dining (meal)€4€15-73%
Baseline monthly cost (1BR rent + groceries + transport + utilities)
€467/mo

Salary & Employment

Average Salary
€433
EUR/month gross
Minimum Wage
€274
EUR/month gross
Unemployment
1.4%
SectorMedian (gross, €/yr)
Construction€12,000
Education€8,500
Engineering€14,500
Finance€18,000
Healthcare€11,000
Hospitality€7,000
IT€28,000
Retail€6,500

Shortage Occupations

  • Software Developer (IT)
  • IT Systems Administrator (IT)
  • Nurse (Healthcare)
  • Construction Engineer (Construction)
W
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Tax

Tax System
Flat
Top Income Rate
12%
Effective Rate @€90k
16%
VAT
20%
Net Monthly @€90k
€5,600

Healthcare

Healthcare Index
50/100
System Type
universal public
Spending per Capita
$452
Life Expectancy
71.3 years
Emergency Number
903
S
Health insurance for Moldova
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Education

Total Universities
22
Post-Study Work
6 months
UniversityQS RankEnglish ProgsTuition (Intl)
State University of Moldova12€1,200
Technical University of Moldova18€1,400
Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova10€1,100
Free International University of Moldova22€2,500
Gheorghe Asachi Technical University8€900

Practical Info

Banking

Wise: No   N26: No
Access difficulty: medium

Driving

Drives on: right

Phone & Internet

Operators: Orange
Internet: 73.8 Mbps

Credentials

Recognition: Case_by_case

Quality of Life

Safety
63
Climate
continental
23°C summer / 1°C winter
English Proficiency
Moderate
Score: 52/100
Expat Satisfaction
6.2/10
N
Secure your internet in Moldova
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Official sources

The visa data on this page is compiled from official government sources — 33 of the 33 pathways link directly to the government page they were verified against, and 38 financial requirements below carry the exact quote from the official source. Values that fail verification are removed, not guessed — see the live verification freshness index.

Verified requirements — exact official citations

Each figure below was verified verbatim against the official page linked, on the date shown.

VIZA DE LUNGĂ ŞEDERE (TIP D) - Desfășurarea activității de întreprinzător D/AI · 2 verified requirements

Requirement: “Consular fee – 40 euro (plus additional fees, if applicable).” mfa.gov.md

Minimum investment: “[Type D visa] can be issued to third-country nationals who are investing into the national economy of the Republic of Moldova, who are or intend to become stockholders or shareholders, with management or administration powers in companies that are legal entities in the Republic…” mfa.gov.md, 2026-07-07

Entrepreneurial activity (D/AI) · 2 verified requirements

Requirement: “D/AI visa; proof of investment or shareholder with management role; fee €40” mfa.gov.md

Minimum investment: “[Type D visa] can be issued to third-country nationals who are investing into the national economy of the Republic of Moldova, who are or intend to become stockholders or shareholders, with management or administration powers in companies that are legal entities in the Republic…” mfa.gov.md, 2026-07-07

VIZA DE LUNGĂ ŞEDERE (TIP D) - Activități în domeniul tehnologiei informației tip D/IT · 2 verified requirements

Requirement: “Consular fee – 40 euro (plus additional fees, if applicable).” mfa.gov.md

Minimum income: “monthly salary, which must not be lower than the forecasted national average monthly salary for the management year” invest.gov.md, 2026-07-09

VIZA DE LUNGĂ ŞEDERE (TIP D) - Reîntregirea familiei D/VF · 2 verified requirements

Requirement: “Consular fee – 40 euro (plus additional fees, if applicable).” mfa.gov.md

Minimum income: “Family reunification (D/VF) – required documents: application form, passport, photo, invitation/residence permit, acceptance of competent authority on family reunion conditions, proof of family ties, criminal record, travel medical insurance (min 30,000 euros), consular fee 40…” mfa.gov.md

VIZA DE LUNGĂ ŞEDERE (TIP D) - Angajare în muncă D/AM · 2 verified requirements

Requirement: “Consular fee – 40 euro (plus additional fees, if applicable).” mfa.gov.md

Savings / proof of funds: “minimum coverage of 30 euro/day of staying, but not less than 300 EUR” mfa.gov.md, 2026-07-09

Study (D/AS) · 2 verified requirements

Requirement: “D/AS visa; confirmation of enrolment required; fee €40” mfa.gov.md

Savings / proof of funds: “Proof of real means of payment for studies and maintenance in the amount established, except for foreign scholars of the Republic of Moldova (in the latter case, proof of holding a scholarship in Moldova) and those participating in student exchange programs” mfa.gov.md, 2026-07-06

VIZA DE LUNGĂ ŞEDERE (TIP D) - Tratament D/TR · 2 verified requirements

Requirement: “Consular fee – 40 euro (plus additional fees, if applicable).” mfa.gov.md

Savings / proof of funds: “the bank statement issued no longer than 10 days before the submission and minimum coverage of 30 euro/day of transit, but not less than 300 EUR, for a stay shorter than 10 days” mfa.gov.md

VIZA DE SCURTĂ ŞEDERE (TIP C) - Afaceri C/A · 2 verified requirements

Requirement: “Consular fee – 40 euro (plus additional fees, if applicable).” mfa.gov.md

Savings / proof of funds: “minimum coverage of 30 euro/day of staying, but not less than 300 EUR” mfa.gov.md, 2026-07-09

VIZA DE SCURTĂ ŞEDERE (TIP C) - Activități independente, prestarea serviciilor contractuale, tratament medical de scurtă durată, activități culturale, științifice, umanitare, religioase și/sau alte activități C/AD · 2 verified requirements

Requirement: “Consular fee – 40 euro (plus additional fees, if applicable).” mfa.gov.md

Savings / proof of funds: “minimum coverage of 30 euro/day of staying, but not less than 300 EUR” mfa.gov.md, 2026-07-09

Information technology activities type D/IT · 2 verified requirements

Requirement: “D/IT visa for IT park managers/specialists; fee €40; employer declaration required” mfa.gov.md

Minimum income: “monthly salary, which must not be lower than the forecasted national average monthly salary for the management year” invest.gov.md, 2026-07-09

Studies · 2 verified requirements

Requirement: “Fees for IR/CR Identity Cards: 350 MDL (GIM fee) + 150 MDL (state fee) - 20 working days. This is the provisional residence permit (IR) issuance fee applicable to all provisional-residence categories including studies; faster processing tiers cost more. Total 500 MDL, converted…” old.igm.gov.md, 2026-07-07

Savings / proof of funds: “Proof of real means of payment for studies and maintenance in the amount established, except for foreign scholars of the Republic of Moldova (in the latter case, proof of holding a scholarship in Moldova) and those participating in student exchange programs” mfa.gov.md, 2026-07-06

VIZA DE LUNGĂ ŞEDERE (TIP D) - Studii D/AS · 1 verified requirement

Requirement: “Consular fee – 40 euro (plus additional fees, if applicable).” mfa.gov.md

Investments · 1 verified requirement

Minimum investment: “List of documents required to grant the right of provisional stay to associates/shareholders of legal entities with foreign investments registered in the Republic of Moldova: ... Investment Confirmation from the accredited auditor or statement of withholding of income tax,…” igm.gov.md, 2026-07-07

Employment (D/AM) · 1 verified requirement

Requirement: “D/AM visa; employment decision from authorities required; fee €40” mfa.gov.md

Viză de tranzit · 1 verified requirement

Requirement: “Taxa consulară – 40 euro (plus taxa aferentă, după caz).” mfa.gov.md

IT Specialists · 1 verified requirement

Minimum income: “monthly salary, which must not be lower than the forecasted national average monthly salary for the management year” invest.gov.md, 2026-07-09

VIZA DE SCURTĂ ŞEDERE (TIP C) - Activități sportive C/S · 1 verified requirement

Requirement: “Consular fee – 40 euro (plus additional fees, if applicable).” mfa.gov.md

VIZA DE LUNGĂ ŞEDERE (TIP D) - Activități diplomatice și de serviciu D/DS · 1 verified requirement

Requirement: “Consular fee – 40 euro (plus additional fees, if applicable).” mfa.gov.md

VIZA DE SCURTĂ ŞEDERE (TIP C) - Vizită C/V · 1 verified requirement

Requirement: “Consular fee – 40 euro (plus additional fees, if applicable).” mfa.gov.md

VIZA DE LUNGĂ ŞEDERE (TIP D) - Activități umanitare și religioase D/RU · 1 verified requirement

Requirement: “Consular fee – 40 euro (plus additional fees, if applicable).” mfa.gov.md

VIZA DE SCURTĂ ŞEDERE (TIP C) - Turism C/T · 1 verified requirement

Requirement: “Taxa consulară – 40 euro (plus taxa aferentă, după caz).” mfa.gov.md

VIZA DE SCURTĂ ŞEDERE (TIP C) - Transport C/TS · 1 verified requirement

Requirement: “Consular fee – 40 euro (plus additional fees, if applicable).” mfa.gov.md

Senior IT Managers · 1 verified requirement

Minimum income: “foreigners who are responsible for the permanent or temporary management of a legal entity that is a resident of an information technology park ... monthly salary, which must not be lower than the forecasted national average monthly salary for the management year” invest.gov.md, 2026-07-09

Digital Nomad · 1 verified requirement

Minimum income: “Min income 3×avg salary/mo (52,200 MDL/mo for 2026)” igm.gov.md, 2026-06-28

VIZA DE SCURTĂ ŞEDERE (TIP C) - Misiune C/MI · 1 verified requirement

Requirement: “Taxa consulară – 40 euro (plus taxa aferentă, după caz).” mfa.gov.md

Highly Qualified Workers · 1 verified requirement

Minimum income: “monthly salary, which must be equivalent to at least 5 times the average monthly salary in the economy” igm.gov.md, 2026-07-09

eVisa · 1 verified requirement

Requirement: “Taxa consulară – 20 euro (plus taxa aferentă, după caz).” evisa.gov.md

Frequently Asked Questions

How many visa pathways does Moldova have?

Our database tracks 34 visa pathways for Moldova across 15 categories, the largest being Sponsored Employment, Tourism & Short Stay, Study. Each entry links directly to an official government source.

What is the minimum income for the Digital Nomad?

The Digital Nomad lists a minimum income of EUR 2,604 per month, according to the official source (last checked 2026-06-22).

What is the average salary in Moldova?

The average gross salary in Moldova is EUR 433 per month. The statutory minimum wage is EUR 274 per month.

How much does rent cost in Moldova?

A one-bedroom apartment in Moldova averages EUR 280 per month, and a three-bedroom apartment averages EUR 420 per month.

What is the top income tax rate in Moldova?

The top personal income tax rate in Moldova is 12%. The standard VAT rate is 20%.

How long does it take to qualify for citizenship in Moldova?

Among the pathways we track, the Citizenship by Naturalization lists 10 years to citizenship. Timelines vary by route and personal circumstances — check the official source for your case.

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