The Moldova digital nomad visa lets remote workers and international entrepreneurs live in Moldova for up to two years while working for foreign employers or running foreign‑registered businesses. The program launched in September 2025 as part of Moldova’s push to attract global talent and stimulate the digital economy.
The Moldova digital nomad visa opens a practical, affordable pathway for international entrepreneurs and remote workers who want to base themselves in Eastern Europe while running businesses or working for foreign employers. This guide gives you the essentials up front: who qualifies, the documents you’ll need, typical processing times, and the practical steps that make an application smooth.
Whether you’re a solo freelancer, a founder scaling a remote startup, or a location‑independent consultant, this introduction frames the program’s core benefits—low cost of living, growing digital infrastructure, and straightforward residency options—alongside the key compliance points you must not overlook, such as proof of stable foreign income, valid international health insurance, and properly apostilled background checks.
Read on for a clear, step‑by‑step walkthrough that prioritizes what immigration officers and migration services actually look for, plus an actionable checklist you can use to prepare documents before you apply. This guide is written to save you time, reduce application risk, and help you decide whether Moldova is the right base for your next chapter as a digital nomad or international entrepreneur.
Key visa facts at a glance
| Validity | Processing time | Fee | Typical income proof | Local work allowed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 2 years | 30–45 days | €80–€100 | Bank statements, contracts | No |
Who qualifies and core requirements
Eligible applicants are foreign nationals who work remotely for employers registered outside Moldova or who own shares in such companies. Typical requirements include proof of remote income, an employment letter or company documents, valid international health insurance, accommodation evidence, and an apostilled criminal record—prepare translations where required.
Documents and preparation
Key documents to prepare early: passport, passport photos, 6+ months of bank statements or invoices, employer letter or company registration, international health insurance policy, lease or booking confirmation, and an apostilled criminal record translated into Romanian or Russian if requested. Apostille and translation steps often cause delays, so start them well before submission.
Application process and timeline
Applications are submitted to Moldova’s migration authority online or in person; expect 30–45 days for processing and a fee typically between €80 and €100. After approval, you must register with local migration police on arrival; dependents can be sponsored but may face higher income thresholds.
Practical tips for entrepreneurs and nomads
- Document readiness: apostille and certified translations are common stumbling blocks—get them done early.
- Income proof: provide recurring invoices or payroll and at least 6 months of bank statements to show stability.
- Insurance: buy a policy that explicitly covers Moldova and emergency evacuation.
- Tax planning: the visa generally does not permit local employment; consult a tax advisor about residency and reporting obligations in your home country and Moldova.
Risks and verification
Regulations can change; always verify details with official migration authorities or legal counsel before applying. Missing apostilles, incorrect translations, or insufficient income proof are the most common causes of delays or denials.
Starting a Remote Business in Moldova
Start a remote business in Moldova by registering an SRL (LLC), preparing apostilled documents, and using the Public Services Agency’s remote registration portal for fast, low‑cost incorporation. Follow the step‑by‑step checklist below to launch legally and minimize delays.
Moldova is fast and cost‑efficient for foreign founders, offering digital-first company registration, low capital requirements, and streamlined e‑services that let you incorporate remotely via the Public Services Agency (ASP). The most common and practical structure for remote businesses is an SRL (limited liability company) because it balances liability protection with simple governance.
Step‑by‑step process
1. Choose the right legal form
- SRL (LLC) — best for startups and small remote teams.
- SA (Joint Stock) — for larger ventures planning to issue shares.
- Branch/subsidiary — if you want a local presence for a foreign company.
- Individual entrepreneur — simplest for solo freelancers.
2. Reserve and approve your company name
Reserve a unique name through ASP; prepare 2–3 alternatives to avoid delays.
3. Prepare documents and remote registration
Gather passport copies, articles of association, founder IDs, and power of attorney if incorporating remotely. Moldova supports remote state registration with qualified electronic signatures and online submission—many registrations complete within days.
4. Open a corporate bank account
After registration, open a local corporate account. Expect standard KYC checks; non‑resident founders may need notarized documents and translations.
5. Tax registration and social contributions
Register with tax authorities and obtain a tax ID. Moldova offers predictable tax regimes and special incentives for IT companies (e.g., Moldova IT Park) that may benefit remote tech businesses.
6. Licenses, permits, and ongoing compliance
Check sector‑specific licensing (if applicable), maintain accounting records, and file periodic tax and social reports. Use local accountants to ensure compliance with Moldovan accounting standards.
Practical tips and pitfalls
- Use ASP’s remote registration to save time—urgent options can shorten processing to hours in some cases.
- Get apostilles and certified translations for founder documents before applying; these are common causes of delay.
- Consider Moldova IT Park if you’re in software/services—special regimes can reduce tax burden and simplify exports.
- Hire a local lawyer or incorporation agent for bank introductions and to navigate sector licenses.
| Legal form | Best for | Capital | Residency requirement | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SRL | Startups, SMEs | Low | None | Low |
| SA | Large firms, investors | Higher | None | High |
| Branch | Foreign company presence | N/A | Depends | Medium |
| Individual entrepreneur | Solo freelancers | N/A | None | Very low |
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