Introduction

Obtaining a criminal record certificate in Moldova is often required for employment, immigration, residence permits, citizenship applications, or business purposes. This document officially confirms whether a person has a criminal history in the Republic of Moldova.

In this guide, we explain who needs it, how to apply, and the available methods—including obtaining it through a representative.

What Is a Criminal Record Certificate in Moldova?

A criminal record certificate (also known as a police clearance certificate) is an official document issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Moldova confirming whether an individual has any registered criminal convictions.

This document may be required for:

• Employment (local or abroad)
• Immigration and visa applications
• Residence permit applications
• Citizenship procedures
• Compliance checks

Who Can Apply?

The certificate can be requested by:

• Moldovan citizens
• Foreign citizens who plan to live in Moldova
• Foreign citizens who have lived in Moldova
• Former residents of Moldova
• Authorized representatives (via power of attorney)

Ways to Obtain a Criminal Record Certificate

1. Personal Application in Moldova

You can apply directly by visiting the competent authority, usually through the Information Technology Service of the Ministry of Interior.

Required documents:

• Valid ID or passport
• Application form

Processing time:

• Standard: a few working days
• Urgent: available for an additional fee

2. Online Application

In some cases, Moldovan citizens may apply online via government platforms such as the Public Services Agency of Moldova.

However, this option is generally limited and may not be available for foreign applicants.

3. Through a Representative (Power of Attorney)

One of the most practical and widely used methods—especially for foreigners—is obtaining the criminal record certificate through a representative in Moldova.

This is particularly useful if you:

• Do not reside in Moldova
• Cannot travel
• Need the document urgently

How it works:

• You issue a power of attorney (PoA) to a lawyer or authorized person in Moldova
• The PoA must usually be notarized and, depending on the country, apostilled or legalized
• The representative submits the application and collects the certificate on your behalf

Advantages:

• No need to travel to Moldova
• Faster and more convenient
• Full legal compliance

This method is commonly used by individuals applying for residence permits, citizenship, or employment abroad.

Required Documents

• Passport copy
• Application form
• Power of attorney (if applying via representative)

Additional documents may be required depending on the case.

Processing Time

• Standard processing: 3–5 working days
• Urgent processing: 1–2 working days

When applying through a representative, the timeline may also depend on document delivery, translation and notarization.

Legalization and Apostille

If you intend to use the criminal record certificate abroad, it may need:

• Apostille (for countries part of the Hague Convention)
• Consular legalization (for other countries)

Moldova is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, so in most cases, an apostille is sufficient.

Why Use Legal Assistance?

Working with a local lawyer can simplify the process, especially for foreign applicants. Legal professionals can:

• Prepare the power of attorney
• Handle submission and collection
• Arrange apostille and translation
• Ensure compliance with local requirements

Conclusion

Obtaining a criminal record certificate in Moldova is a straightforward process, but for non-residents, the most efficient solution is often to apply through a representative using a power of attorney.

This approach saves time, avoids travel, and ensures that the document is issued correctly and ready for use abroad.

Need Assistance?

If you need help obtaining a criminal record certificate in Moldova, including via power of attorney, our legal team can assist you quickly and efficiently.