REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA
Mini-integration guide for foreigners
First Time in Moldova?
REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA
GENERAL INFORMATION
| Location | South-eastern Europe, between the Prut and Nistru rivers. Neighbouring countries: Romania and Ukraine |
| Capital | Chisinau (five districts: Centru, Buiucani, Botanica, Riscani, Ciocana) |
| Population | Approx. 2,381,000 (1st of January 2025) |
| Ethnic composition | Moldovans/Romanians, Ukrainians, Russians, Gagauz, Bulgarians and others |
| Official language | Romanian |
| Religion | Orthodox Christianity (majority), other religious denominations |
| Climate | Temperate continental, four seasons |
| Time zone | EEST (GMT+3) |
| Road traffic | Drives on the right |
| Dialling code | +373 |
| Public transport | Trolleybus, bus, minibus, taxi |
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
| Police, Ambulance, Fire brigade/Rescue services | 112 |
| Telephone Information service | 1188 / 1189 |
FORM OF GOVERNMENT
The Republic of Moldova is a parliamentary republic, which has a President, Parliament and Government. Legislative power is exercised by Parliament, executive power by the Government, and the President is elected by direct vote of the country’s citizens according with the Constitution of the Republic of Moldova.
The supreme law is the Constitution of the Republic of Moldova. Through its Constitution, Moldova has proclaimed permanent neutrality – the deployment of military forces from other states on its territory is not permitted.
The supreme law is the Constitution of the Republic of Moldova. Through its Constitution, Moldova has proclaimed permanent neutrality – the deployment of military forces from other states on its territory is not permitted.
CURRENCY
The national currency is the Moldovan leu (MDL). There are banknotes of MDL 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000, as well as coins of MDL 1, 2, 5 and 10. One leu is made up of 100 bani (there are coins of: 5, 10, 25 and 50 bani).
The banking system is well developed. Card payments and ATMs are available throughout the country. Currency exchange can be carried out at banks or authorised exchange bureaux.
The banking system is well developed. Card payments and ATMs are available throughout the country. Currency exchange can be carried out at banks or authorised exchange bureaux.
Avoid exchanging currency on the street with private individuals! Only exchange money at authorised exchange bureaus!
IDENTITY DOCUMENTS
Foreigner – a person who does not hold Moldovan citizenship or who is stateless. Once their stay has been legalised, they will receive a residence card, issued to foreigners who have been granted the right to reside in the Republic of Moldova, to persons who have been recognised as stateless or refugees, and to persons who have been granted humanitarian protection according to the relevant legislation.
Beneficiary of international protection – a foreign national or stateless person who was recognised as a refugee or granted humanitarian protection. They will receive one of the following documents:
Residence card for beneficiaries of humanitarian protection
Residence card for refugees
Identity document for beneficiaries of temporary protection
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR INTEGRATION ACTIVITIES
- Foreign nationals holding a temporary residence permit
- Foreign nationals holding a permanent residence permit
- Foreign nationals who have been recognised as stateless in the Republic of Moldova
- Beneficiaries of international protection or political asylum
ACTIVITIES FOR INTEGRATION
- Sociocultural adaptation sessions
- Romanian language courses (in Chisinau, Balti and Cahul)
- Information and advice on how to access the labour market
- Access to healthcare is provided under the policy. If you are employed under an individual employment contract or if you are resident in the country, you have the same rights and obligations regarding access to healthcare as citizens of the Republic of Moldova. Holding health insurance is compulsory.
- Access to the public social insurance system and social assistance, under the conditions laid down by law, in the same way similar as those for citizens of Moldova
- Access for children to pre-school, primary and secondary education, under conditions similar to those established for citizens. Education is compulsory up to the age of 18.
LEGAL OBLIGATIONS
Compliance with the legislation of the Republic of Moldova is mandatory for all persons within the country’s territory.
Narcotic and psychotropic substances
Any unauthorised activity involving narcotic or psychotropic substances or precursors is illegal, including the cultivation of plants, the production, possession, sale, distribution, import, export, facilitation or organisation of consumption without authorisation.
Smoking
Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed public spaces, including the workplace, on public transport and in private vehicles, in the presence of minors. The ban also extends to open spaces, such as parks and playgrounds, as well as educational and medical institutions, bars and restaurants.
Alcohol consumption
The consumption of alcohol is prohibited in public places: streets, parks, stadiums and on public transport. Consumption is permitted only in authorised venues. Being intoxicated in public places is punishable by law.
Road traffic
It is illegal to drive without a driving licence. The consumption of alcohol and/or drugs before and whilst driving is strictly prohibited.
Family relations
Family relations are governed by the principles of monogamy, marriage by mutual consent between a man and a woman, with spouses having equal rights and obligations, marital fidelity and mutual support.
Obligations towards children
Failure to fulfil obligations regarding the maintenance, upbringing and education of a child renders the adults in whose care the minor is placed liable, including where this leads to vagrancy, begging or dangerous behaviour on the part of the child.
Firearms
The illegal carrying, possession, purchase, manufacture, repair or sale of firearms and ammunition without appropriate authorisation is prohibited and subject to criminal penalties.
Organising illegal migration
It is prohibited and punishable to organise illegal entry, residence or transit, including the use of false documents, obtaining documents through false statements or the use of documents by a person other than the legitimate holder.
Administrative penalties
- Warning
- Fine
- Deprivation of the right to carry out a specific activity or hold certain positions
- Imposition of penalty points
- Deprivation of a specific right (driving, holding firearms)
- Unpaid community service
- Administrative detention
Criminal penalties
- Fine
- Deprivation of the right to hold certain positions or engage in certain activities
- Unpaid community service
- Imprisonment
- Life imprisonment and other possible penalties
Obeying the law contributes to your safety and to peaceful coexistence in society.
Territorial services of General Inspectorate for Migration
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General Inspectorate for Migration
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Northern Integration Centre (Bălți)
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Central Integration Centre (Chișinău)
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