# How to get a residence permit in Moldova

> How to get or extend a residence permit in Moldova: choose your ground, gather the documents, apply to the IGM and collect the permit, step by step.

Web page: https://getdocs.md/en/guides/residence-permit  
Published: 2026-11-13  
Checked on 2026-11-13

## What a residence permit is, in brief

- A residence permit is the document that confirms your right of residence in Moldova. To live here long term, you need both the right of residence and this permit.
- The right of residence is granted on a specific ground, such as work, studies or family reunification. Foreign investors and managers of companies with foreign investment also get it for work, under a separate list of documents. The documents differ from one ground to another.
- Applications are filed with the General Inspectorate for Migration (IGM).
- If you have temporary protection, you can move to a residence permit. At the free consultation we tell you which ground fits your case.

## What documents do you need for a Moldovan residence permit?

The IGM's lists differ from one ground to another, but almost every one includes:

- [ ] The standard request from the employer or company; for studies, the educational institution's request together with the standard application form
- [ ] A valid national passport
- [ ] Documents that confirm your ground of residence (for example, an individual employment contract or proof of enrolment in studies)
- [ ] A document proving you own or may use your accommodation (an extract from the Real Estate Register or a registered lease)
- [ ] One 3x4 colour photo
- [ ] Proof that the state fee has been paid

For a first application on most grounds you also need the original criminal record certificate from your country of origin, apostilled or legalised. For work, the IGM list also asks for a translation into Romanian certified by a notary or a consulate. The studies and investor lists allow an alternative: if you have lived legally for at least two years in a country other than the one whose citizenship you hold, you file that country's criminal record certificate (or a document with the same legal value), translated and apostilled or legalised, together with proof of your right of residence there. For an extension, add your current residence permit.

The other documents depend on your ground and your situation. You don't start from a generic list: we draw up yours, free of charge, at the first consultation.

## How do you get the residence permit, step by step?

1. **Settle your ground.** It determines the documents, the fee and how long the permit lasts.
2. **Prepare the file.** Documents issued in another country may need a notarised translation and an apostille or legalisation.
3. **Apply to the IGM.** We tell you the exact cost and timing within 1 business day, before we start.
4. **Collect the permit.** Keep it valid: an extension is applied for before the current permit expires. For work and studies, the IGM's lists ask for the documents 30 calendar days before your permitted stay ends. EU citizens file at least 15 days before, as the investor and manager lists also state, and filing late is an administrative offence.

> **Have temporary protection?** Moving to a residence permit is a separate procedure. We help you choose the ground and prepare the file.

Want us to prepare the documents for you? See the service [Residence permit in Moldova: application, renewal](https://getdocs.md/en/services/residence-permit).

## Sources

- General Inspectorate for Migration, [documents for a residence right for work](https://igm.gov.md/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SP_Lucrator-imigrant.pdf) (PDF, in Romanian).
- General Inspectorate for Migration, [documents for a temporary residence right for studies](https://igm.gov.md/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SP_studii.pdf) (PDF, in Romanian).
- General Inspectorate for Migration, [documents for a residence right for foreign investors](https://igm.gov.md/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SP_investitii.pdf) (PDF, in Romanian).
- General Inspectorate for Migration, [state fee amounts](https://igm.gov.md/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Cuantumurile-taxei-de-stat_adaptat-2026-1.pdf) (PDF, in Romanian).

This guide is for information only and does not replace legal advice. We look at your specific situation free of charge at the consultation.

## No time, or the case is complicated?

We prepare the file, book the appointment and go with you. Your first consultation is free.

[Residence permit in Moldova: application, renewal](https://getdocs.md/en/services/residence-permit) — price: Price and timing within 1 business day, after a free consultation

## Useful links

- [How to get or replace a Moldovan passport](https://getdocs.md/en/guides/moldovan-passport)
- [Free step-by-step guides](https://getdocs.md/en/guides)
- [For Ukrainians](https://getdocs.md/en/for-ukrainians)

## Contact

- Phone: +373 67 777 795 (Telegram, Viber, WhatsApp)
- Our office in Chișinău: 51/A Alexandru cel Bun Street, Chișinău, MD-2012, Republic of Moldova
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