For general requirements, see our complete residence permit guide.
Moldova is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for foreign entrepreneurs seeking EU-border access, competitive taxation, and simplified corporate regulation. One of the most practical ways to legally relocate to Moldova is through company formation followed by obtaining a temporary residence permit.

This 2026 guide explains how business immigration works, what documents are required, how long the process takes, and what foreign founders must consider before applying.

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Can You Obtain Residency in Moldova by Opening a Company?

Yes. Foreign nationals can apply for a temporary residence permit in Moldova based on business activity. The most common route is registering a Moldovan company (usually an SRL – limited liability company) and acting as founder and/or administrator.

Company formation is the first step. If you have not yet registered a business, see our detailed guide on how to register a business in Moldova.

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Step-by-Step Process: Business Immigration to Moldova

Step 1: Register a Company

• Choose legal form (typically SRL)
• Prepare incorporation documents
• Register with the Public Services Agency
• Obtain company registration certificate

Full procedure explained in our Complete Guide to Company Registration in Moldova (2026 Update).

Step 2: Secure a Legal Address

Your company must have a registered legal address in Moldova. This can be a leased office or a legally provided registered office service.

Step 3: Open a Corporate Bank Account

A functioning company typically requires a Moldovan corporate bank account. Read more in our article on Opening a Bank Account in Moldova for Foreign Companies.

Step 4: Prepare Immigration Documents

The residence application is submitted to the General Inspectorate for Migration. Required documents usually include:

• Valid passport
• Company registration documents
• Proof of legal address
• Documentary proof that the required investment has been made (e.g., capital contribution confirmation, bank transfer statements, updated company registry extract reflecting share capital, accounting records, or audited financial statements)
• Business activity justification
• Proof of income or financial sustainability
• Health insurance
• Criminal record certificate (legalized and translated)

Document requirements may vary depending on nationality and structure of ownership.

Step 5: Apply for Temporary Residence Permit

Residence permits for foreign investors in Moldova are issued based on the scale of investment or job creation. Depending on the contribution to the local economy, the permit can be granted for a period ranging from 2 to 8 years. Permits may be renewed if the company remains active, compliant with legal requirements, and continues to meet the minimum investment or employment thresholds.
Our lawyers can help you quickly obtain a residence permit in Moldova with full legal support.

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How Long Does the Process Take?

Approximate timeline:

• Company registration: 3–5 working days
• Document preparation: 1–3 weeks (depending on legalization)
• Immigration processing: 15–30 days

Delays may occur if foreign documents require apostille or consular legalization.

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Tax Considerations for Foreign Entrepreneurs

Before applying for residency, founders should understand Moldova’s tax regime. Standard corporate income tax is 12%, while IT companies registered in Moldova IT Park benefit from a 7% unified tax regime.

See our detailed breakdown in Corporate Taxes in Moldova (2026 Guide).

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Minimum Investment Requirements (Legal Basis)

Temporary residence through investment in Moldova is regulated by
Law No. 200/2010 on the Regime of Foreigners in the Republic of Moldova (Art. 36¹).
The law establishes clear financial and employment thresholds that foreign investors must meet.

A foreign national may obtain temporary residence if he or she:

• Holds shares in one or more Moldovan companies with a total investment value equal to at least
  30 average monthly salaries in the national economy, or
• Has created at least one full-time job with a salary not lower than the national average monthly wage.

If several foreign investors participate in the same company, the minimum investment requirement may be considered fulfilled collectively, provided that the total investment reaches the required threshold and other shareholders have not applied separately under the same basis.

Residence Duration Based on Investment or Job Creation

The duration of the temporary residence permit depends on the scale of economic contribution:

Investment Level (in Average Salaries) OR Jobs Created	Residence Permit Duration
30–200 salaries or at least 1 job	Up to 2 years
200–600 salaries or at least 8 jobs	Up to 3 years
600–2,000 salaries or at least 15 jobs	Up to 4 years
2,000–4,000 salaries or at least 25 jobs	Up to 5 years
More than 4,000 salaries or at least 50 jobs	Up to 8 years

The “average monthly salary” refers to the officially forecasted national average wage for the relevant year, as approved by the Moldovan government. Since this figure changes annually, the required investment amount varies accordingly.

Authorities may request supporting documentation confirming capital contribution, accounting records, employment contracts, and proof of salary payments.

Important: Moldova does not operate a traditional “golden visa” program. Residence is granted based on measurable economic contribution and compliance with immigration and corporate legislation.

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Can Family Members Obtain Residence?

Yes. After obtaining your temporary residence permit, family reunification is possible. Spouses and minor children may apply for dependent residence status.

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Common Reasons for Refusal

• Incomplete documentation
• Lack of real business activity
• Insufficient financial justification
• Problems with document legalization

Professional legal structuring significantly reduces refusal risks.

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Is Moldova a Good Option for Business Immigration?

Moldova offers:

• Low corporate taxes
• No strict capital requirements
• Relatively fast processing
• Strategic location between EU and CIS markets
• IT Park 7% unified tax regime

For entrepreneurs seeking a cost-efficient European base with simplified regulation, Moldova remains one of the most flexible jurisdictions in Eastern Europe.

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FAQ: Business Immigration to Moldova

Can I get permanent residence?

Permanent residence may be available after several years of continuous legal stay.

Do I need to live in Moldova full time?

No. Foreign investors who obtain a residence permit through company formation have the right to stay in Moldova, but they are not required to reside in the country full time. Continuous presence is not mandatory, as long as the company remains active and compliant with legal obligations.

Can I buy property instead of opening a company?

Buying property alone does not automatically grant residency. Learn more in our article: Can Foreigners Buy Real Estate in Moldova?

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Conclusion

Business immigration to Moldova through company formation is a structured and achievable process for foreign entrepreneurs. While the legal framework is relatively flexible, success depends on correct documentation, proper corporate setup, and compliance with immigration rules.

If you are considering relocation or business expansion to Moldova, professional legal guidance ensures smooth registration, tax planning, and residence approval.