--- title: "Moving to Moldova 2026: visas, requirements and tax" url: https://settleanywhere.com/countries/moldova/ lang: en updated: 2026-10-12 --- Orheiul Vechi monastery on the cliffs above the Răut river # Moving to Moldova 19 ways to move to Moldova in our guide: 1 nomad / remote-work visa, 5 investor routes, 10 work visas, 1 student visa, 2 spouse visas. Remote workers: [Digital nomad residence](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/moldova/digital-nomad/), MDL 52k+ a month ≈ $2,920. Smallest investment: [Investor · 30-200 wages](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/moldova/investor-30-200/), MDL 522k+ ≈ $29k. Checked against official sources on 12 October 2026. **Nomad visa: income needed:** **MDL 52k+ a month ≈ $2,920** Digital nomad residence **Smallest investment needed:** **MDL 522k+ ≈ $29k** Investor · 30-200 wages **Longest first stay:** **8 years** Investor · 4,000+ wages Moldova offers a set of residence routes for remote workers, investors, IT specialists and employees of local companies. The rules are set out in the migration law, and each route has its own conditions and duration. Remote workers with a steady foreign-source income Investors ready to put capital into a Moldovan company IT specialists and managers joining the IT park Employees with a job offer from a Moldovan employer People who want a family-reunification route later ## Nomad / Remote work · 1 ### [Digital nomad residence](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/moldova/digital-nomad/) **Income needed:** MDL 52k+ a month ≈ $2,920 Stay 2 yrs, renewable Can work: limited Needs health cover [Details](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/moldova/digital-nomad/) ## Investing · 5 ### Investor **Investment needed:** from MDL 522k ≈ $29k - [30-200 wages MDL 522k+ ≈ $29k](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/moldova/investor-30-200/) - [200-600 wages MDL 3.5M+ ≈ $195k](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/moldova/investor-200-600/) - [600-2,000 wages MDL 10.4M+ ≈ $584k](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/moldova/investor-600-2000/) - [2,000-4,000 wages MDL 34.8M+ ≈ $1.9M](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/moldova/investor-2000-4000/) - [4,000+ wages MDL 69.6M+ ≈ $3.9M](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/moldova/investor-4000-plus/) ## Work · 10 - [Immigrant worker permit **Income needed:** MDL 8,700+ a month ≈ $490](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/moldova/work-immigrant-worker/) - [IT Visa · specialist **Income needed:** MDL 17k+ a month ≈ $970](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/moldova/it-specialist/) - [IT Visa · manager **Income needed:** MDL 17k+ a month ≈ $970](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/moldova/it-manager/) - [Free economic zone work **Income needed:** MDL 17k+ a month ≈ $970](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/moldova/work-free-economic-zone/) - [Priority occupation work **Income needed:** MDL 17k+ a month ≈ $970](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/moldova/work-priority-occupation/) - [Teaching, health and sport work **Income needed:** MDL 17k+ a month ≈ $970](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/moldova/work-teaching-culture-health-sport/) - [National investment project work –](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/moldova/work-national-investment-project/) - [Highly qualified worker –](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/moldova/work-highly-qualified/) - [Foreign-investment manager –](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/moldova/manager-foreign-investment-company/) - [Posted worker permit –](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/moldova/work-posted-worker/) ## Student · 1 ### [Student permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/moldova/student/) Needs health cover [Details](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/moldova/student/) ## Spouse visas · 2 For people married to, or in a partnership with, a citizen or permanent resident. ### Spouse of a citizen Needs health cover **Details** Temporary residence for family reunification with a citizen of Moldova - Applicant is the spouse or child of a citizen of Moldova - Marriage certificate transcribed in the Moldovan civil status register - Valid identity card of the Moldovan citizen Residence for the foreign spouse or child of a Moldovan citizen. (sources 1, 2, 3) #### What you must show and pay - A fee of MDL 500 (≈ $28) · Temporary residence permit card (IR): IGM fee MDL 350 (≈ $20) plus state fee MDL 150 (≈ $8) for the standard 20-working-day issue; faster issue costs more (up to MDL 1,750 (≈ $98) plus MDL 150 (≈ $8) for same-day). (source 3) #### Requirements - Applicant is the spouse or child of a citizen of Moldova. (source 1) - Marriage certificate transcribed in the Moldovan civil status register. (source 1) - Valid identity card of the Moldovan citizen. (source 1) - Criminal-record certificate, health insurance valid for at least 3 months and proof of housing. (source 1) - Both spouses must appear in person; extensions are filed 30 days before expiry. (source 1) - After at least 3 years of family-reunification residence, permanent residence can be requested. (source 2) #### Stay - Residence right for a fixed term; extendable. - Renewable, subject to the conditions in force at renewal. First checked against official sources on 11 Oct 2026 [Change log](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/) [Official site ↗](https://old.igm.gov.md/imigrare/sederea-provizorie/dreptul-de-sedere-provizorie-pentru-reintregirea-familiei/) ### [Spouse of a resident](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/moldova/spouse-of-permanent-resident/) Needs health cover [Details](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/moldova/spouse-of-permanent-resident/) ## Tax Resident individuals pay income tax at the rate in the records on annual taxable income. Residents are taxed on Moldovan-source income and on foreign-source income earned for activity in Moldova, while foreign-source investment and financial income are treated separately. Residence is decided by permanent domicile or by presence for at least the number of days stated in the records during the fiscal year, and the State Tax Service issues residence certificates on proof of entries and exits. Special regimes exist for independent entrepreneurs and for IT park residents. Standard rules ### [Personal income tax: 12% of annual taxable income, MDL 29,700 personal exemption in 2026](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/moldova/tax/#tax-md-pit-ordinary) **Details** - On: Annual taxable income of natural persons - Limit: MDL 360k/yr ≈ $20k Resident individuals pay income tax at 12% of annual taxable income after a personal exemption of MDL 29,700 (≈ $1,660) a year in 2026; employees pay a 9% mandatory health premium out of gross pay and the employer pays social contributions on top. Residents are taxed on Moldovan-source income and on foreign-source income earned for activity in Moldova. #### Taxed on Annual taxable income of natural persons; resident foreign nationals working in Moldova are taxed on income from Moldovan sources and on foreign-source income for their activity in Moldova, except foreign-source investment and financial income. #### Who it applies to - A natural person is resident with permanent domicile in Moldova or by staying in Moldova more than 183 days in the fiscal year. - Residents can claim the personal exemption within the annual taxable income ceiling of MDL 360,000 (≈ $20,100): MDL 29,700 (≈ $1,660) a year in 2026 (MDL 2,475 (≈ $140) a month), or MDL 34,620 (≈ $1,940) a year for the increased personal exemption. - Income tax on salary is 12% of taxable income, which is gross salary minus the 9% health premium and the exemptions. - Employees pay only the 9% mandatory health premium, deducted by the employer from gross pay; the employer pays state social insurance contributions in addition to gross pay, 24% in the private sector (29% for budget-funded employers). #### Exclusions - Non-residents are taxed only on income from sources in Moldova. - Diplomats, international-organisation officials, and persons present exclusively for treatment, vacation, study, a business trip or transit are not residents by presence. #### Limits - MDL 360,000 a year (≈ $20,100) · Annual taxable income ceiling for using the personal exemption - MDL 29,700 a year (≈ $1,660) · Personal exemption for 2026 (MDL 2,475 (≈ $140) a month) - MDL 34,620 a year (≈ $1,940) · Increased personal exemption for 2026 #### Days in the country - More than 183 days in fiscal year · Presence in Moldova for more than 183 days in total during the fiscal year makes a foreign national resident. #### Tax residence Residence is decided by permanent domicile or by presence of more than 183 days in the fiscal year; the State Tax Service issues residence certificates on proof of entries and exits. #### Visas The immigration status does not itself make a person tax resident. #### Other taxes VAT registration is mandatory above MDL 1.5 million (≈ $83,900) of annual supplies from 2026 (raised from MDL 1.2 million (≈ $67,100)); the employer pays social contributions of 24% of the payroll (29% for budget-funded employers) on top of gross pay; dividends are taxed at 6%. On 8 September 2026 the Government approved a fiscal policy package for 2027 that proposes a personal exemption of MDL 40,020 (≈ $2,240) and a dividend rate of 8% for profits from 2027; these are proposals, and the 2026 figures in this record stay in force until the law changes. Checked against official sources on 12 Oct 2026 [Change log](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/) [Full page →](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/moldova/tax/) Special regime ### [Independent entrepreneur single tax: 15% up to MDL 1.2 million, 35% above](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/moldova/tax/#tax-md-independent-entrepreneur-2026) 15% tax **Details** - On: Income from independent economic activity in services during the fiscal period - Limit: MDL 1.2M/yr ≈ $67k From 1 January 2026, registered independent entrepreneurs providing listed services pay a single tax of 15% of income up to MDL 1,200,000 (≈ $67,100) a year and 35% on the excess. #### Taxed on Income from independent economic activity in services during the fiscal period. #### Who it applies to - Independent entrepreneur registered with the Public Services Agency in an activity area listed in the annex to chapter 104 of Title II. - The single tax includes income tax, state social contributions, compulsory medical insurance premiums and local taxes. #### Exclusions - Income above MDL 1,200,000 (≈ $67,100) a year is taxed at 35%. #### Limits - MDL 1,200,000 a year (≈ $67,100) · Annual income up to which the 15% rate applies - MDL 2,572 a year (≈ $140) · Fixed amount of medical insurance premiums for 2026; any shortfall is paid separately #### Tax residence Applies to entrepreneurs registered in Moldova. #### Visas A residence permit that allows self-employment is needed for foreign nationals. #### Other taxes Entrepreneurs keep no accounts but must use a cash register; the tax service issues monthly payment notices. Checked against official sources on 10 Oct 2026 [Change log](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/) [Full page →](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/moldova/tax/) Special regime ### [IT park residents: 7% single tax](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/moldova/tax/#tax-md-it-park-single-tax) 7% tax **Details** - On: Turnover of the IT park resident company - Who: Company is a resident of an information technology park - Limit: MDL 5,220/mo ≈ $290 Residents of the Moldova Innovation Technology Park pay a 7% single tax on turnover, which includes the mandatory state social insurance contributions. #### Taxed on Turnover of the IT park resident company. #### Who it applies to - Company is a resident of an information technology park. - Employees on the IT Visa routes work for such a resident. #### Exclusions - Activities outside those allowed by Law 77/2016 are not covered. #### Limits - MDL 5,220 a month (≈ $290) · Minimum single tax per employee: 30% of the forecast average monthly salary (30% x MDL 17,400 (≈ $970) for 2026). #### Tax residence Applies to registered IT park resident companies. #### Visas Linked to the IT Visa routes, which require an IT park resident employer. #### Other taxes The single tax is reported on the Single Tax Return; residents still file the withholding declaration for employee income and pay social contributions under the general rules on income of people working under civil contracts. Checked against official sources on 11 Oct 2026, some details partly verified [Change log](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/) [Full page →](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/moldova/tax/) Checked against official sources on 12 Oct 2026 [Change log](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/) **Path to permanent residence · 1** - **PR after 3 years** · Permanent residence right ## Arriving in Moldova: first steps 1. Check which residence route fits your situation and gather the documents listed for it. 2. Arrange health cover as required for your route and keep proof of it. 3. Secure housing in Moldova and keep proof of ownership or use of the address. 4. Open a Moldovan bank account if your route requires bank statements or salary evidence. 5. File your application at the single desk for foreigners before your current legal stay ends, respecting the deadline for your route. 6. Register your residence and keep your permit and documents up to date for extensions or family reunification. ## Questions people ask ### What is the Moldova digital nomad visa income requirement in 2026? Moldova has 1 nomad or remote-work visa. [Digital nomad residence](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/moldova/digital-nomad/) asks for an income of at least MDL 52,200 a month (≈ $2,920) and gives a first stay of 2 years that can be renewed. ### How much do you need to invest for residency in Moldova? Moldova has 5 investor routes. [Investor · 2,000-4,000 wages](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/moldova/investor-2000-4000/) asks for an investment of at least MDL 34,800,000 (≈ $1,950,000) and gives a first stay of 5 years that can be renewed. [Investor · 200-600 wages](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/moldova/investor-200-600/) asks for an investment of at least MDL 3,480,000 (≈ $195,000) and gives a first stay of 3 years that can be renewed. [Investor · 30-200 wages](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/moldova/investor-30-200/) asks for an investment of at least MDL 522,000 (≈ $29,200) and gives a first stay of 2 years that can be renewed. ### What work visas does Moldova offer foreigners? Moldova has 10 work visas. [IT Visa · specialist](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/moldova/it-specialist/) asks for a salary of at least MDL 17,400 a month (≈ $970) and gives a first stay of 2 years that can be renewed. [IT Visa · manager](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/moldova/it-manager/) asks for a salary of at least MDL 17,400 a month (≈ $970) and gives a first stay of 4 years that can be renewed. There is also [National investment project work](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/moldova/work-national-investment-project/). ### How do I get a student visa for Moldova? Moldova has 1 student visa. It is [Student permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/moldova/student/). ### Can I join my spouse or partner in Moldova? Yes. Moldova has 2 spouse visas. There is also Spouse of a citizen and [Spouse of a resident](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/moldova/spouse-of-permanent-resident/). ## Compare with [🇵🇹 Portugal](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/portugal/) [🇪🇸 Spain](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/spain/) [🇬🇪 Georgia](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/georgia/) [🇮🇹 Italy](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/italy/) [🇬🇷 Greece](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/) [🇩🇪 Germany](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/germany/) [🇫🇷 France](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/france/) [🇬🇧 United Kingdom](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-kingdom/) ≈ USD figures are approximate: daily reference rates from ExchangeRate-API, dated 12 Oct 2026, refreshed when the site is updated. **Sources (3)** ## Official sources 1. [Temporary residence for family reunification](https://old.igm.gov.md/imigrare/sederea-provizorie/dreptul-de-sedere-provizorie-pentru-reintregirea-familiei/) · General Inspectorate for Migration, Ministry of Internal Affairs of Moldova · checked 2026-10-11 2. [Permanent residence right](https://old.igm.gov.md/sederea-permanenta/) · General Inspectorate for Migration, Ministry of Internal Affairs of Moldova · checked 2026-10-11 3. [Documentation of foreigners with identity documents: permit fees and issue times](https://old.igm.gov.md/documentarea-cu-acte-de-identitate-pentru-straini/) · General Inspectorate for Migration (IGM), Ministry of Internal Affairs · checked 2026-10-11