Securing a business visa and residence permit in Moldova as an EU citizen is a relatively straightforward process with the right preparation. This guide sets out the short-stay rules, the long-stay residence permit track, and the document set that EU founders need when moving deeper into business activity in Moldova.
Visa-free entry for short stays
EU citizens do not require a visa to enter Moldova for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The exemption covers tourism, family visits, and short business trips such as initial meetings, due diligence visits, and contract signings. No additional paperwork is required for entry within that window, and the visa-free regime has been in place reciprocally between Moldova and the EU since 2014.
Short-stay business visa (Type C)
A short-stay visa is not normally required for EU citizens, but for certain extended business purposes documentation may still be needed:
- A completed application form
- A valid passport
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Proof of accommodation and round-trip travel arrangements
- Evidence of sufficient financial means (at least €30 per day)
- Travel medical insurance covering at least €30,000
- Consular fee (currently €40)
When a residence permit is required
For longer stays, ongoing entrepreneurial activity, or formal employment with a Moldovan entity, a long-stay (Type D) visa and a subsequent residence permit are required. The required documents are:
- Completed application form
- Valid passport
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Proof of investment in a Moldovan legal entity or shareholder status in a local company
- Criminal record certificate from the country of origin, apostilled and translated into Romanian
- Medical insurance covering at least €30,000
- Consular fee (currently €40)
The investor residence threshold is at least 30 forecast average monthly salaries invested in shares or equity in a Moldovan legal entity, with at least one created job at the average forecast monthly salary. In practitioner shorthand, that is around €100,000 in equity and one local hire.
Bilateral specifics
Some EU member states have bilateral agreements with Moldova that may simplify procedures or alter consular fees. Confirm before submission whether anything specific applies to your nationality. For non-EU citizens, see the non-EU business visa and residence permit guide.
How Incorpore can help
We prepare the dossier, manage the invitation through the Bureau for Migration and Asylum where required, and coordinate with the consulate. Our team handles the paperwork, liaises with the relevant authorities, and confirms compliance with local rules so founders can focus on the business. The founder acts under a power of attorney notarised and apostilled in their country of residence; supporting documents are accepted as scans or as physical copies, whichever the client prefers.
For the broader services, see residence in Moldova and company formation in Moldova. The structure and the right residence track are discussed on the discovery call before any documents are drafted.