On the occasion of Diaspora Days, the General Inspectorate for Migration (GIM) informs about recent improvements in residence conditions for European Union citizens and their family members in the Republic of Moldova.

1. New legal framework for EU citizens
In 2025, a legal framework was adopted to facilitate the presence and settlement of EU citizens in the Republic of Moldova. The adoption of the new law on free movement and residence introduces, for the first time, a coherent set of rights: Europeans and their family members choosing to live in Moldova can work, study, and access healthcare services under the same conditions as Moldovan citizens. Access to the labor market, education, and social services is now unrestricted, and the requirement to justify the purpose of residence has been removed.

2. Issuance of the residence card – faster and expanded procedure
Starting January 2026, the Residence Card will be issued to all foreigners, regardless of their country of origin, including family members of EU citizens.
One of the most important changes in the new document is the removal of information regarding domicile or temporary residence from the physical card. This change aims to reduce costs for foreign citizens when they change their residence and to simplify administrative procedures.
For the business environment, especially for employers working with foreign citizens, this modification means less bureaucracy and a faster process in managing employees’ identity documents.
Another novelty is the introduction of a qualified certificate for electronic signatures within the new residence card. This will allow foreign citizens to identify themselves electronically and access digital public services, aligning the documentation process with European digitalization standards.

3. Moldova to welcome digital nomads
Until now, legislation did not recognize remote work as a basis for legal residence. With recent changes, the category of “digital nomad” will be introduced – a foreigner working online in the information technology sector for companies outside the country. They will obtain a provisional residence permit of up to 2 years, which can be extended upon meeting legal requirements.

4. Online services for foreign workers and Investors
Previously, applications for obtaining or renewing residence permits were submitted exclusively at GIM offices. Now, they can be submitted online via the platform e-migrare.gov.md, with document upload and electronic signing, eliminating the need to visit GIM offices in person.

The General Inspectorate for Migration continues to improve procedures to provide more accessible and user-friendly services.