What are the requirements for Moldova's new digital nomad visa?

Moldova launched its digital nomad visa on September 20, 2025, joining the growing list of countries welcoming remote workers. The visa offers an attractive combination of low living costs, world-class internet, and favorable tax treatment.

Basic Requirements

Minimum Income: $1,500-2,000 per month from foreign sources

• Must be stable, verifiable income
• Can be from employment or self-employment
• Must originate from outside Moldova

Proof of Remote Work:

• Employment contract with foreign employer, OR
• Ownership/partnership in foreign-registered company, OR
• Portfolio of clients/contracts demonstrating remote work

Financial Documentation:

• Bank statements showing required income
• Tax returns (if applicable)
• Client contracts or employment letters
• Proof that work is performed remotely

Additional Requirements:

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity remaining)
• Valid health insurance covering Moldova
• Proof of accommodation in Moldova (rental agreement or property ownership)
• Clean criminal record certificate from country of residence
• Completed application form

Duration and Renewal

Initial Period: 12 months

Renewable: Once for an additional 12 months

Maximum Stay: 24 months total

After the 24-month period, you would need to apply for a different visa type if you wish to continue residing in Moldova.

Application Process

1. Gather documents: Collect all required documentation
2. Apply: Submit application to Moldovan consulate or through General Inspectorate for Migration
3. Processing: 30-60 days typical processing time
4. Approval: Receive visa decision
5. Entry: Enter Moldova with approved visa
6. Registration: Register residence within required timeframe

Costs

• Application fee: €100-150
• Processing fees: May vary by consulate
• Health insurance: €50-150/month depending on coverage
• Total initial cost: Approximately €200-400 plus insurance

Tax Benefits

Moldova's digital nomad visa comes with attractive tax treatment:

Income Tax: 12% flat rate

• Among the lowest in Europe
• Simple, transparent system

No Mandatory Contributions:

• No required social security contributions
• No required health insurance contributions
• Significantly lower tax burden than traditional employment

Tax Residency: If you stay 183+ days, you become a tax resident

• Taxed on worldwide income at 12%
• But still no mandatory social/health contributions under DN visa

Work Rights

Permitted:

• Remote work for non-Moldovan employers
• Freelancing for international clients
• Running business registered outside Moldova
• Earning income from foreign sources

Not Permitted:

• Working for Moldovan employers
• Starting/running Moldovan-registered business
• Providing services to Moldovan clients while on DN visa

Why Moldova for Digital Nomads?

Internet Infrastructure:

• Ranked 3rd globally for gigabit coverage
• Average speeds: 234 Mbps download, 195.2 Mbps upload
• 86% household broadband penetration
• Cost: ~€9/month for high-speed fiber

Cost of Living:

• 47.6% lower than USA overall
• Rent: €301/month (1BR city center in Chisinau)
• Monthly living costs: €625 excluding rent
• Dining out: €6.40 for restaurant meal

Location:

• European time zone (UTC+2/+3)
• Good overlap with EU business hours
• Proximity to Romania (EU member)

Challenges to Consider

Language Barrier:

• Romanian is official language
• Limited English outside Chisinau
• Learning Romanian highly beneficial

Small Expat Community:

• Growing but still small
• Less developed infrastructure than major DN destinations
• Requires self-sufficiency

24-Month Maximum:

• Cannot extend beyond 2 years on DN visa
• Must switch to different visa type to stay longer

Geopolitical Concerns:

• Moldova borders Ukraine
• Monitor regional situation
• Travel advisories recommend "high degree of caution"

Application Tips

1. Document everything: Over-prepare documentation to avoid delays
2. Bank statements: 6 months minimum, showing consistent foreign income
3. Remote work proof: Clear evidence work is performed remotely
4. Health insurance: Purchase before application; must cover Moldova specifically
5. Apply early: Start process 2-3 months before intended move
6. Consult official sources: Requirements may update; check Ministry of Foreign Affairs website

Path to Longer Stay

The digital nomad visa does NOT directly lead to permanent residence. After the 24-month maximum, options include:

• Work visa (if you secure Moldovan employment)
• Business visa (if you start local business)
• Residence based on income (if you have passive income)
• Leave and reapply (regulations unclear on cooling-off period)

Comparison with Other Digital Nomad Visas

Moldova offers the lowest cost of living and competitive tax rate, though with shorter maximum duration and less developed expat infrastructure.

Moldova's digital nomad visa is best for budget-conscious remote workers who value low costs and excellent internet over extensive expat amenities and longer-term stay options.