What conditions I must meet to enter and legally stay in the Republic of Moldova
Necessary conditions for foreigners to enter the Republic of Moldova
- Possess a valid travel document recognized or accepted by Moldova unless otherwise stipulated by international treaties to which Moldova is a party.
- Hold a visa (to find out if you need a visa, you can consult information regarding visa regimes here) or, if applicable, possess a valid residence permit or identity card for refugees or beneficiaries of humanitarian protection unless otherwise established by international treaties to which Moldova is a party.
- Not be included in the category of foreigners against whom an entry ban has been imposed or who declared undesirable.
- Not pose a danger to national security, public order, or public health.
- No entry prohibition has been issued against them.
In exceptional cases, at the request of the border police to justify the purpose of entering Moldova, foreigners may be asked for additional documents.
More information is available here.
Types of visas and documents required to obtain a visa (if applicable)
If the investor belongs to a state requiring a visa upon entry into Moldova, they can consult useful information about types of visas and required documents available here.
Legal duration of stay in Moldova for foreigners who have crossed the border
Foreigners/stateless persons holding visas and those who are not required to obtain an entry visa into Moldova may enter the country and stay for up to 90 calendar days within any 180-day period, which involves considering the last 180-day period preceding each day of stay.
More information is available here.
How do I obtain a state identification number (IDNP)?
After crossing the border into Moldova
After crossing into Moldova (regardless of transport), an IDNP is automatically assigned to foreigners. This IDNP is sent automatically to the Public Services Agency (ASP). The automated IDNP is valid once confirmation is obtained.
This confirmation is necessary for foreigners who wish to start a business, work, or engage in other activities requiring legal relations with the state.
Confirmation certificates regarding IDNP for foreign citizens can be obtained both online and physically at any Regional Directorate of the General Inspectorate for Migration(IGM) (according to territorial principles), either by the applicant or through their authorized legal representative.
Necessary documents for obtaining confirmation:
- Application according to standard form (the form can be accessed here)
- Copy of applicant's passport
- Copies of identity card and power of attorney (if an authorized representative submits the application).
For more details on how to obtain it physically or through legal representation, regarding time and cost for IDNP confirmation, please visit:
- About IDNP confirmation certificates here and here;
- About obtaining identity documents here.
Before crossing into Moldova
An investor may also obtain an IDNP without entering Moldova. If a foreigner does not enter Moldovan territory but requests an IDNP assignment, there are three options available:
- Assigned by consular offices and subdivisions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs using electronic means and integrated information systems under Law No. 242/2010 regarding consular fees (art. 4. letter (a) and p));
- Accessing and using Government Service for identity and mobile electronic signature.
- Assigned by a competent authority based on an application submitted by a representative acting on behalf of the foreigner using an electronic signature issued by investors through an Automated Informational System called “Electronic Authorization System using e-signature (Mpower)”.
More information on documentation regarding identity documents can be accessed here.
How can I obtain an electronic signature?
After obtaining IDNP, foreign investors can acquire an electronic signature just like Moldovan citizens by following these steps:
- Access portal https://semnatura.md/
- Select an option according to your status (natural person or legal entity)
- Complete steps according to the selected option
- Save and print documents generated from the portal mentioned above
- With signed documents package (handwritten signature), payment confirmation, and valid identity card, investors must physically present themselves at Information Technology and Cyber Security service headquarters in Chișinău (31 August street nr. 82) or at certification service offices outside Moldova
https://semnatura.md/Content/Documents/locatii_prestare_servicii_stisc.pdf after prior agreement with office representatives.
An electronic signature can also be obtained through an authorized representative based on power of attorney:
- Suppose an investor wishes to obtain an electronic signature as an individual but cannot present themselves physically. In that case, they can do so through representation by preparing notarized power appointing someone responsible for their representation before Information Technology and Cyber Security Office.
- The appointed person will present the documents, sign the contract and certification form, and take the signature(all these actions should be expressly mentioned in the power of attorney).
More information about competent institutions that issue electronic signatures is available here.
