Who Needs a Work Permit in Moldova
In Moldova, foreign nationals who intend to work for a Moldovan employer or start a business must apply for a work permit. Work permits are typically required for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens. If an employee is from the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland, they do not need a work permit. However, they may still need to register with the authorities if they plan to stay for an extended period. Employers hiring non-EU nationals must ensure they obtain the proper work permit before the employee can begin their employment in Moldova.
Foreign workers are generally required to have a work permit regardless of the length of stay or type of work, with a few exemptions such as intra-company transfers, diplomats, and specific types of international organizations.
Types of Work Visas in Moldova
Moldova offers several types of work visas depending on the nature of the work and the employee’s nationality. These work visas are designed to facilitate the employment of foreign nationals in Moldova, with different categories based on the duration and nature of employment.
Visa Type | Description |
Short-Term Work Visa | For employees intending to work in Moldova for less than 90 days in a calendar year. |
Long-Term Work Visa | For foreign employees who will be employed for more than 90 days, generally for one year or more. |
Intra-Company Transfer Visa | For employees being transferred from a foreign branch to a Moldovan subsidiary or branch. |
Self-Employed Visa | For foreign nationals who wish to start their own business or become self-employed in Moldova. |
Common Hiring Scenarios for Moldova
When hiring talent in Moldova, employers typically choose one of three pathways depending on the role, duration, & legal requirements. Below are the most common models.
Use Case 1: Sponsoring a Foreign Employee via Work Permit or Visa
This is the most common route for companies hiring full-time foreign talent in Moldova. To sponsor this visa, an employer (or Playroll as the Employer of Record) must have a registered legal entity in-country and issue a compliant offer of employment.
Key Employer Considerations:
- Sponsorship is required — contractors or freelancers cannot apply under this visa.
- Employees must remain in the approved work location unless authorized to relocate or change employers.
- Processing timelines vary (approximately 2-4 weeks), depending on the consulate or embassy.
This is best for: Long-term roles with in-office or hybrid presence in Moldova.
Use Case 2: Hiring a Foreign Contractor in Moldova
Independent professionals in Moldova can legally work with international clients without employer sponsorship, but must comply with local tax registration and reporting laws.
With Playroll’s Contractor Management solution, you can:
- Draft fully compliant local contractor agreements.
- Automate contractor invoicing and cross-border payments, in Moroccan Dirham (MAD) or USD.
- Mitigate risk of permanent establishment and contractor misclassification.
This is best for: Freelancers, consultants or project-based roles, especially if the worker already lives in Moldova.
Use Case 3: Relocating an Existing Employee to Moldova
Transferring an existing team member to Moldova? You’ll still need to navigate the same visa and payroll setup process. Even if the employee works for you elsewhere, a local employer of record is required to stay compliant.
EOR’s, like Playroll, handle all local steps, including:
- Work permit sponsorship and immigration paperwork,
- Registration with local authorities and payroll systems,
- Enrollment in mandatory benefits and statutory schemes.
This is best for: Internal transfers or remote-first companies looking to expand into Africa, or talent retention offerings for global mobility programs.
Requirements For a Work Permit in Moldova
The requirements for a work permit in Moldova depend on the type of work and the applicant's nationality. In general, foreign nationals must meet specific criteria to obtain a work permit, including having a valid job offer, meeting educational and professional qualifications, and securing health insurance.
- Job Offer: The foreign national must have a signed employment contract with a Moldovan employer.
- Qualifications: Depending on the job, the foreign employee must demonstrate relevant qualifications, experience, and education.
- Health Insurance: Proof of health insurance coverage is required for the applicant for the entire duration of stay in Moldova.
- No Local Candidate Available: Employers must show that there are no suitable local candidates for the position, particularly for highly specialized roles.
Moldova Work Permit Application Process
Applying for a work permit in Moldova follows a structured process. Employers should be prepared to provide detailed information about the foreign employee and the position. The process typically includes the following steps:
- Submit a work permit application to the Moldovan authorities (Employment Agency or Immigration Department).
- Provide documentation, including the employee’s passport, employment contract, proof of qualifications, and health insurance.
- The authorities will review the application, conduct a labor market test to verify if a local candidate is unavailable, and issue the permit if all criteria are met.
- Once approved, the employee can apply for a visa or residence permit, depending on the work permit’s duration.
- The employee enters Moldova and begins work upon arrival.
Process for Visa Sponsorship In Moldova
Visa sponsorship in Moldova is an essential part of the work permit application process. Employers must act as sponsors for foreign employees, ensuring that the worker complies with Moldovan immigration laws. The employer is responsible for submitting the visa application, providing supporting documents, and paying any applicable fees. The employer must also ensure the worker adheres to the legal work permit regulations during their stay in Moldova.
What Are the Fees for a Work Permit or Visa in Moldova
The fees for work permits and visas in Moldova can vary based on the type of permit or visa. Below is a general overview of the fees associated with work permits and visas in Moldova.
Visa Type | Application Fee |
Short-Term Work Visa | €50 |
Long-Term Work Visa | €100 |
Intra-Company Transfer Visa | €80 |
Self-Employed Visa | €150 |
Processing Time for a Work Permit Or Visa in Moldova
The processing time for work permits and visas in Moldova typically ranges from 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the complexity of the application and the type of visa or work permit. For specialized or high-demand positions, the process may take longer if additional documents or justifications are required. It is advisable for employers to submit applications well in advance to allow for sufficient processing time.
Work Permit Renewal Periods in Moldova
Work permits in Moldova are generally issued for one year but can be renewed if the foreign employee continues to meet the criteria. Employers must apply for a renewal before the expiration of the current permit. In some cases, renewal may be granted for additional years depending on the position and the foreign national's employment status.
Visa Requirements For Digital Nomads in Moldova
Digital nomads planning to work remotely for a foreign employer while staying in Moldova may be eligible for a short-term work visa. While Moldova does not currently offer a specific "digital nomad visa," digital workers can apply for a short-term work visa or a self-employed visa, depending on their business status.
- Requirement 1: Proof of sufficient income or financial resources to support their stay in Moldova.
- Requirement 2: Proof of employment or business ownership outside Moldova.
- Requirement 3: Health insurance valid for the duration of their stay.
Common Challenges and Tips for Employers Hiring in Moldova
Hiring foreign employees in Moldova can come with challenges, particularly navigating the regulatory landscape, dealing with language barriers, and ensuring that work permits are processed correctly. Employers should be mindful of these potential issues and take steps to ensure compliance with Moldovan immigration and labor laws.
- Challenge 1: Navigating the Work Permit Application Process – Employers need to ensure that the required documentation is complete and submitted on time.
- Challenge 2: Language Barriers – Moldovan is the official language, which may cause difficulties for non-Moldovan speakers in terms of communication with government authorities.
- Challenge 3: Availability of Local Talent – Employers must demonstrate that no suitable local candidate is available for specialized positions.