Asylum and Temporary Protection
This page provides answers to the most frequently asked questions in the field of asylum and statelessness.
Persons who are not considered nationals by any state under the operation of its laws are stateless persons.
The main difference between refugee status and temporary protection lies in the nature of the protection granted and the conditions under which these forms of protection are provided.
● Refugee status offers long-term protection based on a well-founded fear of persecution by the authorities of the country of origin.
● Temporary protection is emergency protection granted to persons affected by crisis situations, for a limited period and with more restricted rights compared to refugee status.
If a person is in the process of applying for asylum, they are not allowed to leave the country during the examination of their asylum application, until a final decision is made by the competent authorities. If the person leaves the country, it is considered that they no longer need this protection, and the asylum procedure may be terminated or suspended, with the risk of losing the rights granted as an asylum seeker.
Foreigners who wish to apply for asylum must personally contact one of the regional offices of the General Inspectorate for Migration or other competent authorities, such as the Border Police under the Ministry of Internal Affairs, police stations, institutions subordinated to the National Administration of Penitentiaries, or provisional detention facilities under law enforcement authorities.
The procedure for recognizing stateless status may be initiated ex officio by the General Inspectorate for Migration or upon the request of a person who claims to have no citizenship. Depending on the case, the General Inspectorate for Migration will issue either a decision recognizing stateless status or a decision rejecting the request for recognition.
If you have returned to the country, your temporary protection status can be verified by scanning the QR code on your identity document you possess. If the document is no longer valid, you must go through the pre-registration procedure in order to obtain temporary protection again.
Any foreign national or stateless person can apply for asylum in the Republic of Moldova.
Yes, you can leave the Republic of Moldova if you have not yet received temporary protection and have decided not to proceed with your application. However, to avoid potential legal complications, it is recommended that you formally notify the authorities (GIM) about your decision to withdraw the application.
If you wish to travel to the European Union, ensure that you meet the legal requirements for travel (passport, visa, etc.) and are aware of your rights regarding international protection in case you decide to apply for asylum.
Persons who do not meet the conditions outlined in Government Decision No. 21/2023, including:
● Citizens of countries that are not in crisis
● Individuals who pose a threat to state security
● Persons who have committed serious crimes
● Persons who already have refugee status in another country
● Persons who cannot demonstrate a significant risk of persecution or danger
The renunciation request must be submitted in writing, clearly explaining the reasons for wanting to renounce temporary protection. You can do this in person at the General Inspectorate for Migration (IGM) headquarters.
The request should include your personal information (full name, temporary protection document number, etc.).
The submission of requests to renounce temporary protection on behalf of beneficiaries of temporary protection is allowed by authorized representatives, provided that a notarized power of attorney is attached. Through this document, the person being represented must clearly express their will regarding the actions to be undertaken by the authorized representative.
The application form can be downloaded here.
If you hold a residence permit in the Republic of Moldova, you cannot apply for temporary protection because temporary protection is a status granted to persons who do not have legal residence status and are in an emergency situation, such as an armed conflict or a large-scale crisis. Temporary protection is mainly intended for refugees and people facing a massive influx of humanitarian migrants.
In order to receive financial assistance under temporary protection in the Republic of Moldova, it is important to contact local authorities and organizations that provide support to refugees and protection seekers. They can offer social aid, emergency and integration assistance, as well as other forms of financial support depending on your needs.
Information available at the following links:
If a person already benefits from temporary protection in another country (e.g. the Czech Republic), he/she can remain protected in that country, but will not be able to apply for temporary protection in another country, e.g. the Republic of Moldova, unless certain conditions are met.
It is important to update your information in the database of the competent authorities. You must report to the GIM within 10 days with proof of your new address (e.g. rental agreement, a recent utility bill, etc.).
According to Law No. 270/2008 on Asylum, there are only two procedures provided:
● Administrative: A decision is issued within up to 6 months;
● Accelerated: After the interview, a decision is issued within up to 15 days.
In the Republic of Moldova, the procedures for determining refugee status are regulated by Law No. 270/2008 on Asylum and the internal regulations of the IGM.
Any foreign national or stateless person who expresses the intention to seek a form of protection may apply for asylum.
Temporary protection in the Republic of Moldova constitutes a legal guarantee of residence and access to essential rights for a limited period. In this context, a foreigner who opts for temporary protection is entitled to a 30-day period from the scheduled date of effective documentation. If the documentation is not completed within this period, the registration expires and becomes null and void.
Authorization to cross the state border, including exit from the territory of the Republic of Moldova, falls under the competence of the Border Police. In the case of a foreigner who has crossed the border illegally, it is essential to verify whether the administrative procedure concerning this act has been completed and whether any legal measures restricting the right to free movement have been imposed.
To obtain temporary protection for a newborn child, you must first obtain the child's birth certificate, and then follow the steps established for acquiring temporary protection in the Republic of Moldova.
Temporary protection is an exceptional form of protection granted on the territory of the Republic of Moldova in the case of a massive and spontaneous influx of displaced persons who cannot return to their country of origin.
We recommend consulting the categories of persons who, according to Government Decision no. 21/2023, can benefit from the granting of temporary protection in the Republic of Moldova.
As a holder of a residence right, you have the opportunity to request its extension for a new term. Upon meeting the legal conditions, you will benefit from legal and continuous residence for well-determined periods.
If you are among the displaced persons from Ukraine and are looking for shelter or accommodation, we recommend that you call the UNHCR (United Nations Refugee Agency) Green Line at 0 800 800 11.
Yes, to do this you must withdraw your asylum application and apply for temporary protection.
You have rights and obligations provided by the legislation on the legal status of foreigners in the Republic of Moldova — more details can be found on the website of the General Inspectorate for Migration (IGM), under the “Immigration” section.
You may apply for international protection if you fear persecution, if your human rights are being seriously or systematically violated, or if there is an armed conflict in your country or region of origin. In any of these situations, you can apply for asylum and receive appropriate information, assistance, and free counselling. Details about the asylum procedure in the Republic of Moldova can be found on the IGM website, under the “Asylum” section.
Persons accommodated in temporary placement centers for people in difficulty must present a housing admission statement issued by the administration of the center.
You do not need a lawyer. Any foreigner who wishes to register their status as a beneficiary of temporary protection can receive free guidance by calling the General Inspectorate for Migration’s Green Line — 0800 015 27, or the Refugee Response Green Line — 0800 800 11.
Additionally, you can request free legal support and assistance from the Lawyers’ Law Centre (CDA): 060574848; 068828180.
Obtaining temporary protection status and the issuance of the identity document are completely free services provided by the General Inspectorate for Migration.
Yes, you can return to your country of origin at any time.
Please note that the temporary protection beneficiary’s document does not replace your national passport.
Yes. You may return to the territory of the Republic of Moldova as long as your temporary protection period has not expired and you meet the entry requirements. Upon your return to Moldova, you will continue to benefit from temporary protection until the end of its validity period.
During the period of temporary protection, Ukrainian citizens arriving directly from Ukraine are allowed to enter the Republic of Moldova based on one of the following documents:
- For adults – a valid passport for foreign travel, national ID card, or internal passport;
- For minors – a valid or expired ordinary passport for foreign travel, national ID card, internal passport, as well as a birth certificate or a certificate confirming the child’s birth issued by a medical institution.
Minors who arrive at the state border without identity documents, with expired or damaged documents, or only with copies are subject to the procedures established by Law No. 140/2013 on the special protection of children at risk and children separated from their parents.
Adults crossing the state border with a national identity document (ID card or internal passport) may benefit from only one exit and re-entry to/from Ukraine.
Yes. After registering as a beneficiary of temporary protection in the Republic of Moldova and receiving your identity document, you have the right to travel freely to EU countries, provided that you meet the travel requirements.
Before traveling, always check the entry conditions and required documents with the embassy of the country you plan to visit.
Please note that the identity document issued to temporary protection beneficiaries by the General Inspectorate for Migration is valid only within the territory of the Republic of Moldova. It is not a travel document and does not replace your national passport.
Yes. All beneficiaries of temporary protection are required to undergo a medical examination for public health reasons. If there are serious reasons to believe that your health condition may pose a risk to public health, you will be directed to undergo a mandatory medical examination, which is provided free of charge.
If you do not have any identity documents, you cannot benefit from temporary protection.
To establish your legal status in the territory of the Republic of Moldova, you must contact the General Inspectorate for Migration.
If you are recognized as stateless under Ukrainian law, you can submit an application to request temporary protection in the territory of the Republic of Moldova.
The request for temporary protection for persons displaced from Ukraine does not depend on their place of residence within Ukraine. The categories of persons eligible to apply for temporary protection are defined in the Government Decision on granting temporary protection and include:
- Ukrainian citizens who were residing in Ukraine before 24 February 2022;
- Ukrainian citizens who were already on the territory of the Republic of Moldova before 24 February 2022;
- Stateless persons and third-country nationals, other than Ukraine, who were benefiting from international protection or equivalent national protection in Ukraine before 24 February 2022 and who cannot safely return to their country or region of origin;
- Family members of any of the groups mentioned above.
The application must be completed using Latin alphabet characters. However, all applications are reviewed, regardless of the alphabet used by the applicant.
The identity document of a temporary protection beneficiary contains the State Identification Number (IDNP) assigned to the person in the Republic of Moldova. The data in the document are also recorded in the State Population Register, and therefore can be used as proof of the person’s legal stay in Moldova.
However, the temporary protection identity document does not replace your national passport.
No. A phone number can be used only once in the registration system.
A beneficiary of temporary protection is required to undergo photographing and fingerprint registration. Fingerprinting will be carried out only for adults (18 years of age and older).
All individuals applying for a temporary protection beneficiary document must be present at the scheduled date and time for registration, including children.
Each family member included in the pre-registration form will receive their own identity document as a beneficiary of temporary protection.
If your application for temporary protection has been denied, you can seek advice from the Integration Center for Foreigners within the General Inspectorate for Migration (IGM) or from the NGO “Lawyers’ Rights Center.” If you disagree with the decision regarding your case, you can submit a complaint to the General Inspectorate for Migration to receive an official response.
You should select “Rented property” from the options provided online, regardless of whether you are paying rent or staying for free with the host family.
Temporary protection is an exceptional form of protection granted in the territory of the Republic of Moldova in the case of a sudden and large influx of displaced persons who cannot return to their country of origin. Temporary protection takes effect from the moment a person expresses their intention to benefit from this type of protection.
The asylum procedure is more complex and involves several procedural steps, including an individual assessment of each case, and often takes longer. During the asylum process, you are required to surrender your travel document and are not allowed to leave the territory of the Republic of Moldova.
A beneficiary of temporary protection can confirm their residence in the Republic of Moldova by presenting one of the following documents:
- Declaration of occupancy issued by the owner or co-owners of the dwelling (natural person).
- Request for occupancy issued by the owner or co-owners of the dwelling (legal entity).
- Document certifying ownership or usage rights over the dwelling, according to point 106 of the Regulation on the issuance of identity documents and population records in the Republic of Moldova (Government Decision no. 125/2013), such as:
- Property deed registered with the cadastral authority.
- Housing allocation receipt for public property eligible for privatization, issued by the local public authority (municipality) after November 29, 2015, or reconfirmed if issued before that date, or another official document from the municipality confirming the right of use.
- Lease agreement concluded under Law no. 75/2015 on housing (for dormitory placements, a copy of the educational institution’s decision and the housing allocation order).
- Sublease or lease agreements under Law no. 75/2015.
- Leasing agreement, or comodate (loan-for-use) agreement, concluded according to the law.
- Final court decision recognizing the right of use of the dwelling.
- Extract from the Household Register confirming the registration of the dwelling and household members.
- Official request from a social assistance institution, specialized medical institution, family or residential placement service, penitentiary, military unit, educational institution (including those under the Ministry of Internal Affairs or Ministry of Defense), placement centers, or other specialized institutions providing housing, when a lease agreement is not required.
In short, any official document issued by the property owner, local authority, or competent institution that confirms your right to live at the address can serve as proof of residence.
If you want, I can make an easy-to-use checklist version of this for beneficiaries to present to the municipality. It would simplify which document to ask for. Do you want me to do that?
No. A beneficiary of temporary protection can submit an asylum application at any time. The asylum procedure is more complex, involves an individual assessment of each case, and often takes longer. During the asylum process, you are required to surrender your travel document and are not allowed to leave the territory of the Republic of Moldova.
You can find all details about the eligibility criteria for financial assistance by visiting: https://help.unhcr.org/moldova/ro/
The request for accommodation is issued by the legal entity (such as the organization, institution, or placement center). The completed request will include the address where the temporary protection beneficiary will reside and will reference the legal document that confirms the organization’s ownership or right to use the property.
Beneficiaries of temporary protection are allowed to temporarily bring private vehicles into the territory of the Republic of Moldova. The customs regime for temporary admission of these vehicles, for the same use and under the responsibility of the same permit holder, is valid for up to 12 months.
The Customs Service may extend the period of use for a reasonable duration upon submission of a justified request by the permit holder, in accordance with Article 319 of the Customs Code of the Republic of Moldova (Law no. 95/2021).
Beneficiaries of temporary protection can submit a renunciation request online or in person.
Online submission:
- The request must comply with the legal requirements for electronic documents (Law no. 91/2014 on electronic signature and electronic documents).
- Online requests can be sent to: nord@igm.gov.md, sud@igm.gov.md, migratie@mai.gov.md
In-person submission:
- Requests can be submitted at IGM offices in: Bălți: Str. Moscovei 9, Cahul: Str. Ioan Vodă cel Cumplit 79, Chișinău: Bd. Ștefan cel Mare 124, 4th floor, IGM Secretariat.
- A renunciation form must be completed. For families with minor children, one parent completes the form and includes information about the children. Copies of identity documents of all beneficiaries included in the request must be attached.
The renunciation request will be processed within 30 calendar days. After processing, the person will receive a confirmation that they have renounced temporary protection.
Persons who have renounced temporary protection are required to regularize their stay in the territory of the Republic of Moldova. If they do not do so, they must leave the country.
Identity documents issued to beneficiaries of temporary protection are valid until 1 March 2025.
For persons displaced from Ukraine who obtained temporary protection before 1 March 2024, their temporary protection identity document has been automatically extended until 1 March 2025, without the need to visit an IGM office.
The validity of the document can be verified by scanning the QR code on the back of the ID.
If the QR code cannot be scanned, you can visit the IGM office where the document was issued to obtain a new identity document.
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