Permanent Residence (Moldova)

Overview

Permanent residence is Moldova's settlement status, generally available after about five years of continuous temporary residence, or sooner - around three years - for those holding family-reunification residence with a Moldovan citizen. It gives you secure, longer-term residence and is a stepping stone toward naturalisation, which is a separate process under citizenship law. You evidence your residence history, means of support and health cover to the General Inspectorate for Migration. Good to know: Moldova is an EU candidate, not a member, so this does not give EU-wide rights, and permanent residence is not the same as citizenship.

Eligibility

Application pathway

1. 01

   Check the route fit

   Confirm whether you meet the roughly five-year rule, or the shorter family-reunification track with a Moldovan citizen.

2. 02

   Build the evidence pack

   Compile your residence history, means of support, health cover and passport.

3. 03

   Submit through the official channel

   Apply to the General Inspectorate for Migration and pay the fees.

4. 04

   After approval

   Maintain the conditions on continued residence and, if you wish, pursue citizenship later as a separate process.

Also explored by

Compare Republic of Moldova with

• 🇸🇲 Republic of San Marino
• 🇯🇪 Jersey (British Crown Dependency)
• 🇬🇪 Georgia

Related routes

• Temporary Residence for Employment (Moldova)

  If you have a job with a Moldovan employer, this is the main route - temporary residence tied to your work, decided by the migration authority.

• Temporary Residence for Family Reunification (Moldova)

  If a close family member already lives lawfully in Moldova, this route lets you join them and build toward settlement together.

• Temporary Residence for Investors (Moldova)

  If you make a qualifying investment in a Moldovan business, this route grants temporary residence tied to that investment.