All persons residing in Moldova — including foreign nationals — must register their place of residence with the local public authority (primaria) within 10 days of taking up residence. Registration establishes your official address in the Moldovan State Population Register and is required before applying for a Temporary Residence Permit and Personal Identification Number. This guide explains the registration process, required documents including a valid rental or ownership agreement, processing time, and the registration certificate issued after successful registration.
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Registration of Residence (Inregistrarea la locul de trai)
Moldova
Last verified: 2026-02-20
Fees, fines, and deadlines are approximate. Always verify with official sources.
Key Registrations & Procedures
Registration of Residence (Inregistrarea la locul de trai)
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 Chisinau, 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 Chisinau: IGM headquarters, str. Bogdan Petriceicu Hasdeu 63. Regional offices in Balti, 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. Chisinau 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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