Moldova will become more attractive to investors and foreign workers thanks to the digitization and standardization of entry and residence procedures
The residence of foreigners from non-EU countries in Moldova will be regulated by a new law that complies with EU standards. In particular, this is provided for in the draft law on the admission, stay, and supervision of foreigners in Moldova, which parliament adopted in the first reading. The document was developed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and aims to ensure a consistent and clear legal framework for the entry, stay, supervision, and registration of foreigners in Moldova. The new regulatory concept was developed by transposing 12 European Union directives and regulations in the areas of migration, legal mobility, family reunification, protection of vulnerable persons, and return. The document will help make Moldova more attractive to investors and foreign workers by digitizing and standardizing entry and stay procedures. In this regard, the law establishes a unified system of rules applied depending on the length of stay in Moldova (short-term – up to 90 days and long-term – more than 90 days), adapted according to the purpose of the stay – work, student exchange programs, study, scientific research, investment activities, family reunification, volunteer activities, etc. The bill facilitates the attraction of foreign investors, entrepreneurs, highly skilled workers, specialists in shortage occupations, and seasonal workers. Some new concepts adapted to the EU legal framework will be introduced into the legislation: entry, seasonal work permits, intra-corporate transfers, nanny work, pseudo-legalization of foreigners, fictitious marriages, etc. Another innovation is the introduction of a new model of a single document – a “Resident Card” – which will be issued to foreigners legally residing in Moldova, regardless of the purpose of their stay. The new law requires foreigners to provide evidence of means of subsistence, proof of residence in Moldova, and documents justifying the purpose of their stay (e.g., contracts, certificates, invitations, etc.). At the same time, the law introduces the concept of a risk profile and tools for assessing threats to national security, public order, and health, as well as the procedure for deporting foreign citizens who violate the rules of stay in our country. For residents of the Transnistrian region, the law establishes special conditions for granting and extending the right of residence through additional documentation, which is the only legal instrument by which Moldova can keep track of them, preventing illegal residence and ensuring the uniform application of national legislation. The bill will be considered by parliament in its second reading. The law will come into force in June 2027 after the national regulatory framework has been adjusted in line with EU migration legislation. Moldova is home to more than 21,500 foreigners and stateless persons from approximately 130 countries, and the number of foreigners applying for the right to reside in Moldova is constantly growing. According to data from the previous year, 5,600 foreigners had the right to permanent residence in Moldova, and about 16,000 had the right to temporary residence. // 13.03.2026 – InfoMarket.
