Moldova: Digital Nomad Visa Introduced

The situation

As expected, effective September 20, 2025, Moldova commenced a digital nomad visa program.

A closer look

• Eligibility. Foreign nationals who either work remotely for employers registered outside Moldova or are shareholders in such entities.
• Validity. Two years (with the possibility of renewal).
• Other criteria. Applicants will need to be able to show proof of a working relationship with the foreign employer (if relevant), a history of a remote-work based salary based on the regulations, valid health insurance, and accommodation in Moldova, among other requirements.
• Application details. Applications are submitted to the Bureau of Migration and Asylum either online or in person, and applications take 30-45 calendar days to process. Applicants must pay a EUR 80-100 fee, and then must register with the migration police in person, upon approval. Requirements and the application process are subject to change.
• Dependents. Dependents can be sponsored under this visa type. A higher income threshold may be required for dependents.
• Local work. Local work is not allowed under the visa.

Impact

This new category provides an immigration pathway for remote workers, which was previously not available.

Background

• Continuing trend. Although digital nomad visas and permits are not being introduced as rapidly as when the trend first started, we still see such tailored digital nomad statuses being introduced over the past months, with more in the pipeline.

• Remote work visa warning. In countries where remote work is unregulated, workers and employers may unknowingly put themselves at risk of noncompliance with many aspects of the law, exposing them to possible fines or other penalties, depending on the country. Importantly, noncompliance with regulations could result in employers losing their rights to hire foreign labor. Additionally, this type of work arrangement may have employment or tax law impacts. It will become increasingly important as such policies are developed (and in many countries where remote work is unregulated) for employers to analyze strategies and assess risks associated with implementing and/or continuing remote work policies with a trusted immigration partner.

Looking ahead

Remote work and non-traditional non-sponsored statuses remain of high interest to corporate and public stakeholders globally as talent shortages affect employers worldwide. Fragomen will report on related developments.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].