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Moldova

Capital: Chișinău

Last verified: 2026-02-20

Fees, fines, and deadlines are approximate and may change. Always verify with official sources.

Key Registrations & Procedures

Registration of Residence (Înregistrarea la locul de trai)

General Inspectorate for Migration (IGM)

Deadline: Register within 3 business days of arrival for stays over 10 days
Processing Time: Same day if documents are in order. Processing may take up to 5 business days.
💰Fees: Free for initial registration
📅Appointment: Walk-in at IGM offices. In Chișinău, appointments recommended during peak periods.
Required Documents:
  • Valid passport with entry stamp
  • Completed registration declaration form
  • Proof of accommodation (rental contract, hotel confirmation, or host declaration)
  • Migration card (if applicable)
Where to Do It:

General Inspectorate for Migration (IGM) offices. In Chișinău: IGM headquarters, str. Bogdan Petriceicu Hașdeu 63. Regional offices in Bălți, Cahul, Comrat, and other district centers.

If You Don't Do It:

Fines of approximately MDL 1,500–3,000 for late registration. Without registration you may not be able to extend your stay, apply for a residence permit, or access certain services.

Regional Variations: Same process nationwide. Chișinău handles the highest volume. Regional offices may have limited hours. Documents in Romanian are preferred; translation may be required for other languages.
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Temporary Residence Permit (Permis de ședere temporară)

General Inspectorate for Migration (IGM)

Deadline: Apply before your visa-free 90-day period expires
Processing Time: 30 calendar days processing. Permit valid for 1 year, renewable.
💰Fees: Approximately MDL 1,080 (state fee) + MDL 350 (card issuance)
📅Appointment: Appointment required at IGM. Book by phone or in person.
Required Documents:
  • Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity remaining)
  • Completed application form
  • Two passport-sized photos (3×4 cm)
  • Proof of purpose of stay (employment contract, university enrollment, family reunification)
  • Proof of accommodation (rental contract or property ownership)
  • Health insurance valid in Moldova
  • Proof of sufficient financial means (minimum MDL 2,500/month equivalent)
  • Medical certificate (including HIV test from Moldovan medical institution)
  • Criminal record certificate from country of origin (apostilled and translated into Romanian)
Where to Do It:

IGM headquarters in Chișinău or regional IGM offices. Main office: str. Bogdan Petriceicu Hașdeu 63, Chișinău. Applications can only be submitted at IGM, not at other government offices.

If You Don't Do It:

Residing without a valid permit may result in fines of approximately MDL 3,000–5,000, deportation, and entry bans of up to 5 years. Always ensure your documents remain valid.

Regional Variations: Applications processed centrally by IGM. Regional offices accept applications but forward them to Chișinău for processing, which may add processing time.
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Personal Identification Number (IDNP — Numărul de Identificare Personal)

Public Services Agency (ASP)

Deadline: Issued automatically with residence permit. Apply separately if needed for employment before permit is ready.
Processing Time: Issued with residence permit. Standalone applications: 5–10 business days.
💰Fees: Free when issued with residence permit. Standalone: approximately MDL 100.
📅Appointment: Walk-in at ASP offices. In Chișinău: main ASP office on str. Pușkin 42.
Required Documents:
  • Valid passport
  • Temporary or permanent residence permit (or application receipt)
  • Registration of residence confirmation
Where to Do It:

Public Services Agency (ASP) offices. Main office in Chișinău: str. Pușkin 42. District ASP offices available in all raion centers.

If You Don't Do It:

No direct fine for not having an IDNP, but without it you may not be able to be legally employed, access the healthcare system, open a bank account, or register for social security in Moldova.

Regional Variations: Same process nationwide. The IDNP is a 13-digit number that serves as your personal identifier for all government and financial interactions.
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Tax Registration (Înregistrarea fiscală)

State Tax Service (SFS)

Deadline: Required before starting employment or business activity
Processing Time: 3–5 business days
💰Fees: Free
📅Appointment: Walk-in at SFS offices. Online registration possible via servicii.fisc.md for some categories.
Required Documents:
  • Valid passport
  • IDNP (Personal Identification Number)
  • Residence permit or registration confirmation
  • Employment contract or business registration documents (if applicable)
Where to Do It:

State Tax Service (SFS) offices. In Chișinău: SFS headquarters, str. Constantin Tănase 9. District SFS offices in all raion centers.

If You Don't Do It:

Working without tax registration may result in fines for both employee and employer. Without tax registration you may not be able to receive legal salary payments or access social benefits.

Regional Variations: Same tax system nationwide. Online filing available via servicii.fisc.md. All tax correspondence is in Romanian.
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