Key Takeaways

  • Foreign nationals require a Permis de Muncă (Work Permit) issued by the National Employment Agency (ANOFM) and a Type D Long-Stay Visa before commencing paid employment in Moldova.
  • EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals are exempt from work permit requirements but must register their residence with the Bureau of Migration and Asylum.
  • Moldova signed an EU Association Agreement in 2014 and is an EU candidate country, bringing its regulatory framework progressively in line with EU standards.

Moldova is a landlocked Eastern European nation bordered by Romania and Ukraine. Chisinau is the capital and main economic centre. Moldova is one of Europe’s smallest economies but has a growing IT and services sector, significant agricultural exports, and a large diaspora that supports the economy through remittances. Moldova signed an EU Association Agreement in 2014 and was granted EU candidate status in 2022, placing it on a path toward European integration. Work permits are administered by the National Employment Agency (ANOFM); immigration and residence permits are managed by the Bureau of Migration and Asylum.

When Is a Work Visa Needed in Moldova?

Under Moldovan immigration law, non-EU/EEA foreign nationals who intend to engage in paid employment must obtain a Permis de Muncă before starting work. The requirement applies to:

  • Non-EU/EEA employees of Moldova-registered companies, including subsidiaries
  • Intra-company transferees from outside the EU/EEA
  • Technical specialists and consultants on contracts exceeding 90 days
  • Foreign directors and key executives of Moldova-registered entities
  • IT sector workers and remote-working professionals engaged by Moldovan employers

Types of Moldova Work Visas and Permits

Type D Long-Stay Visa

The Type D visa is issued for long-term stays in Moldova, including for employment purposes. It is obtained from a Moldovan diplomatic mission abroad before entering the country. The visa is typically issued for the duration of the approved Work Permit. On arrival, the holder must apply for a Temporary Residence Permit from the Bureau of Migration and Asylum.

Permis de Muncă (Work Permit)

The Permis de Muncă is the employment authorisation issued by ANOFM. The employer applies on behalf of the foreign national. It is employer-tied and role-specific. Initial permits are issued for one year, renewable. Moldova has introduced simplified procedures for IT sector workers and intra-company transferees.

Temporary Residence Permit

All foreign nationals residing in Moldova for more than 90 days must hold a Temporary Residence Permit issued by the Bureau of Migration and Asylum. Work permit holders apply for this permit on arrival in Moldova. It is renewed alongside the Work Permit annually.

EU/EEA Freedom of Movement

EU and EEA nationals are exempt from Work Permit requirements in Moldova under the EU Association Agreement provisions. They must, however, register their residence with the Bureau of Migration and Asylum if staying for more than 90 days. They have full work rights and may change employers freely.

IT Sector Simplified Procedure

Moldova has introduced streamlined work permit procedures for IT and technology sector workers to attract global tech talent. Employers accredited by the Moldovan IT Park or the E-Residency programme may benefit from expedited processing and reduced documentation requirements.

How to Apply for a Work Visa in Moldova?

1

Employer Applies for the Permis de Muncă

The employer submits the Permis de Muncă application to ANOFM in Chisinau. Required documents include: the signed employment contract; proof of the employer’s State Registration Certificate and tax registration; a justification for hiring a foreign national; and the foreign worker’s certified qualifications and CV in Romanian or with Romanian translation.

2

Foreign National Applies for the Type D Visa

Once the Permis de Muncă is approved, the foreign national applies for a Type D long-stay visa at the nearest Moldovan embassy or consulate. Required documents include: valid passport; approved Permis de Muncă; signed employment contract; police clearance certificate; and a medical certificate.

3

Compile Full Documentation

Full document package: valid passport (12 months minimum validity); Permis de Muncă; employment contract; certified qualifications (with Romanian translation if needed); police clearance; medical certificate; proof of accommodation in Moldova.

4

Enter Moldova and Apply for Temporary Residence Permit

On arrival in Moldova, the foreign national applies for a Temporary Residence Permit at the Bureau of Migration and Asylum within 30 days. The permit is linked to the Work Permit and is renewed annually alongside it.

5

Register with Social Insurance (CNAS) and Health Insurance (CNAM)

Employers must register foreign workers with the National Social Insurance House (CNAS) and the National Health Insurance Company (CNAM). Contributions are mandatory from the first day of employment and cover pension, disability, unemployment, and health insurance.

6

Annual Renewal

Both the Permis de Muncă and the Temporary Residence Permit must be renewed annually. Renewal applications should be submitted at least 30 days before expiry. ANOFM and the Bureau of Migration and Asylum handle renewals separately, though the processes are coordinated.

Moldova Work Permit Costs and Fees

Fees in Moldova are denominated in Moldovan Lei (MDL):
Permit Type Cost
Permis de Muncă (initial and renewal) MDL 500–1,500
Type D Visa EUR 60–120 (consular fee, varies by nationality)
Temporary Residence Permit MDL 300–800 per year

CNAS and CNAM contributions are ongoing payroll costs rather than one-off fees. Professional service fees add USD 400–1,200. Total first-year employer costs typically range from USD 600 to USD 1,800

Moldova Work Visa Sponsorship

Moldova’s Permis de Muncă is employer-tied. Changes of employer or role require a new permit. Employers must notify ANOFM within 15 days if employment ends before the permit expires.

Employers must comply with the Moldovan Labour Code, including minimum wage obligations (MDL 4,000/month), leave entitlements, and mandatory CNAS and CNAM contribution requirements.

For international companies without a Moldovan entity, an employment of record (EOR) registered in Moldova can sponsor the Permis de Muncă, manage payroll in MDL, and ensure full Labour Code and social insurance compliance.

Work in Moldova with Confidence

Moldova’s progressive alignment with EU standards makes it an increasingly predictable market for international employers. The ANOFM processing times are among the fastest in the region, and the IT sector simplified pathway makes Moldova a particularly attractive destination for tech talent deployment.

Remote People’s Eastern Europe team provides end-to-end work permit management in Moldova, including CNAS and CNAM registration, payroll in MDL, and ongoing compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. EU and EEA nationals are exempt from Permis de Muncă requirements in Moldova under the EU Association Agreement. They must register their residence with the Bureau of Migration and Asylum if staying more than 90 days and comply with the Moldovan Labour Code.

Moldova's IT Park is a special economic zone for technology companies offering a flat tax regime and simplified administrative procedures. Foreign workers employed by IT Park residents benefit from expedited work permit processing and reduced regulatory burden. The IT Park is a significant draw for international tech companies setting up development teams in Moldova.

CNAS (Casa Nationala de Asigurari Sociale) is the National Social Insurance House managing pension, disability, and unemployment contributions. CNAM (Compania Nationala de Asigurari in Medicina) manages mandatory health insurance. Both employer and employee make monthly contributions. All workers in Moldova — including foreign nationals — are required to participate.

Yes. Spouses and dependent children may apply for a Family Reunification Temporary Residence Permit from the Bureau of Migration and Asylum. Dependants wishing to work must obtain their own Permis de Muncă.

Yes. A licensed EOR registered in Moldova can act as the sponsoring employer, manage the Permis de Muncă and Residence Permit processes, payroll in MDL, and CNAS and CNAM compliance on behalf of an international company without a Moldovan entity.

Relocate to Moldova

Remote People provides EOR services in Moldova and across Eastern Europe. We handle Permis de Muncă applications, Temporary Residence Permit coordination, CNAS and CNAM registration, payroll in MDL, and full Moldovan Labour Code compliance.

Contact Remote People to start hiring in Chisinau today.

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