Population
2.38 million
Capital
Chisinau
Languages
Romanian, Russian
💰Cost & Practicalities
🏥Living Conditions
🛂Immigration
Visas & Immigration
View all🇲🇩Citizenship
Moldovan citizenship through naturalization requires 8 years continuous legal residence (3 years if married to Moldovan citizen). Must demonstrate Romanian language proficiency (A2-B1 level) as Romanian is the official language. Requirements include clean criminal record, legal sources of income, sufficient ties to Moldovan community, and compliance with Constitution. Processing time up to 12 months. Dual citizenship allowed under certain conditions (birth, marriage, international agreements). Citizenship by descent available with zero residency for descendants of Moldovan citizens (6-12 months processing).
💻Digital Nomad Visa
Launched September 20, 2025, Moldova's digital nomad visa targets remote workers earning income from foreign sources. Requires minimum monthly income of approximately $1,500-2,000 from non-Moldovan employers or businesses. Initial validity of 12 months, renewable once for another 12 months (maximum 24 months total). Moldova offers 12% flat income tax with no mandatory social/health contributions for digital nomads. World-class internet (3rd globally for gigabit coverage) and extremely low cost of living make Moldova attractive for remote workers.
🏡Permanent Residence
Permanent residence available after holding temporary residence permit for specified period: 3 years if married to Moldovan citizen, or 5 years for other categories. Requires Romanian language certificate from Ministry of Education, proof of means and tax/social contributions for last 5 years, and criminal record certificate. Processing time up to 90 days. Provides indefinite right to reside in Moldova without visa renewals. Fast-track option available for investors (90-120 days with reduced fee payment).
💰Residence Based on Income
Residence permit option for individuals with sufficient passive income or pension who wish to reside in Moldova without working locally. While no specific "retirement visa" exists, residence permit available based on proof of financial means. Requires valid health insurance, proof of residence (rental or property ownership), and clean criminal record. Initially valid 12 months, renewable. Offers affordable European living with extremely low cost of living (€800-1,200/month comfortable lifestyle).
🎓Student Visa
Student visa (D4) for international students accepted at accredited Moldovan institutions. Moldova offers affordable education with Bachelor's programs €1,400-2,800/year and Medicine €6,000/year. Living costs extremely low at €200-400/month total including accommodation, food, and transport. Requires proof of financial means (minimum €920/month equivalent), health insurance, and language proficiency (B2 English for English-taught programs). Valid for duration of studies, renewed annually. Limited work rights during studies.
📋Type D Long-Stay Visa
General long-stay visa for stays exceeding 90 days for various purposes including entrepreneurship, study, family reunion, cultural/religious activities, diplomatic activities, and medical treatment. Purpose-specific documentation required. Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity and proof of accommodation mandatory. Approximately 30-day processing time. Serves as gateway to residence permits for extended stays in Moldova.
💼Work Visa
Work visa for non-EU nationals with employment offer from Moldovan employer. Requires work permit from National Agency for Employment and residence permit for stays exceeding 90 days. Employer must demonstrate compliance with labor laws. Since 2023, EU nationals can begin employment without separate work permit but still need residence permit for extended stays. Valid for duration of employment contract, renewable while employment continues. Path to permanent residence after meeting requirements.
Expat Life
View allCost of Living
Moldova offers Europe's most affordable living. Single person comfortable budget €800-1,200/month. Rent in Chisinau city center €301 for 1BR. 47.6% lower costs than USA overall, 67.2% lower rent.
Healthcare
Universal public healthcare system but quality below Western standards. Private clinics offer better care with English-speaking staff. Private insurance €50-150/month highly recommended for expats.
Housing
Affordable housing market with city center 1BR averaging €301/month rent. Property prices €1,540-1,800/m² in Chisinau (2026). No restrictions on foreign property ownership. Market experiencing demand growth.
Banking
Modern banking system with 11 commercial banks including foreign banks. SWIFT member banks enable international transfers. Multiple currency accounts allowed. No restrictions on foreign exchange for investment purposes.
Working Remotely
Moldova ranks 3rd globally for gigabit internet coverage with avg speeds 234 Mbps down/195 Mbps up. Digital nomad visa launched Sept 2025. 12% flat tax, no social contributions. Growing coworking scene in Chisinau.
Language
Romanian is official language (80.5% identify as Romanian/Moldovan speakers). Russian widely understood (15.3%). English proficiency low outside Chisinau. Romanian required for citizenship and integration.
Safety
Low crime rate, especially violent crime. Main concerns: petty theft/pickpocketing in Chisinau, geopolitical proximity to Ukraine conflict. Global Peace Index ranks Moldova 72nd/150. Exercise caution.
Expat Community
Small but growing expat community focused in Chisinau. Main groups: NGO workers, embassy staff, digital nomads (since 2025). Language barrier affects integration. Online groups and occasional meetups available.
Culture & Lifestyle
Eastern Orthodox culture (95%) with strong wine tradition (5,000+ years). Hospitality culture emphasizing food and gatherings. Conservative values, especially in rural areas. National Wine Day major celebration.
Climate & Weather
Continental climate with four distinct seasons. Cold winters (-2°C avg, can drop to -20°C), warm summers (27-29°C avg). Moderate precipitation (500-600mm annually). Heating essential in winter.
Food & Dining
Moldovan cuisine influenced by Romanian, Russian, and Turkish traditions. Staples: mămăligă (polenta), sarmale (cabbage rolls), local wine. Dining out €6.40 for meal. Fresh markets offer affordable local produce.
Taxes
12% flat personal income tax since 2022. Tax residency at 183+ days. Non-residents pay 12% on Moldova-source income only. Residents taxed on worldwide income. Self-employed pay ~21.4% social security.
Transportation
Chisinau has buses and trolleybuses (€12.47/month pass, €0.30 single ride). Taxi apps available (iTaxi, Letz). Most areas car-dependent. Poor road conditions outside cities. Bus to airport €0.30.
Education
Public education in Romanian language. International schools: Heritage (Cambridge), QSI ($4,200-17,400/year). University tuition €1,400-2,800/year (Bachelor's), €6,000 Medicine. Mandatory education ages 6-17 (11 years).
Family Life
Family-oriented culture with strong multi-generational bonds. Low cost of raising children compared to West. Childcare available but quality varies. Limited organized activities for children. National Child Protection Program 2022-2026.