Legal Procedure
Entrance on the territory of the state
Invitation issuance for visa applicants
Registration of foreign nationals entering the Republic of Moldova
Legalization of documents for foreign nationals
I. The border crossing points are divided:
By status:
1. INTERNATIONAL – for crossing the state border by persons and transport means of any state.
2. INTERSTATE – for crossing the state border by persons and transport means from the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine (Romania) only.
3. LOCAL – (are located only on Moldovan-Ukrainian segment of state border) for crossing the state border by citizens of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine that permanently reside in administrative border raions on the basis of identity cards or passports and for crossing the state border by transport means which maximum weight does not exceed 3.5 tones.
By type:
1. LAND – used for crossing the border with transport means
2. RAILWAY – used for crossing the state border by train (railway transportation of passengers and shipments)
3. NAVAL – used for crossing the Moldovan-Ukrainian border by naval means (for passenger transportation during day time by boat, ship, jetty)
4. AIR – used for crossing the state border by plane (for passenger and shipment transportation)
5. PORT– used for crossing the state border by sea vessels (for passenger and shipment transportation).
MAP OF STATE border CROSSING points
The Republic of Moldova has four international airports: Chisinau – Airport, Balti – Airport, Cahul – Airport, Marculesti – Airport, but only Chisinau – Airport is currently functional to transport passengers and shipments. Other airports service charter flights.
The Republic of Moldova has also one international port – Giurgiulesti – for international transportation of passengers and shipments.
II. Crossing Moldovan-Romanian Border
For citizens of the Republic of Moldova:
It is required to have a passport with valid visa that allows the entry into Romania.
The transport means cross the state border of the Republic of Moldova based on valid documents that allow crossing the border.
Valid documents for transport means registered in the Republic of Moldova:
– Certificate of Vehicle Registration issued on the name of the driver.
– If the vehicle is temporarily used by another person, it is necessary to have the Certificate of Vehicle Registration on the name of the driver with such remarks as “Special remarks”, “Rental until…”, “Leasing until…”, “Free of charge use until…”.
Small border traffic
Residents of the border area between Romania and Moldova can cross the border on the basis of small border traffic permit and valid passport.
List of territorial administrative units located in the border area and other additional information regarding this chapter can be found in the following agreement.
III. Crossing Moldovan-Ukrainian Border
For citizens of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine:
A valid passport or identity card is required (for residents of border area) depending on and in accordance with the rules stipulated by the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Moldova and the Government of Ukraine on Moldovan-Ukrainian border crossing and simplification of formalities when crossing the state border by the residents of border area signed on 11 March 1997 in Chisinau, Moldova.
IV. List of border raions of the Republic of Moldova whose residents can cross the border in a simplified way
1. Briceni
2. Ocnita
3. Donduseni (residents cross the state border in a simplified way through the border crossing points located in Ocnita)
4. Soroca
5. Camenca
6. Ribnita
7. Dubasari
8. Grigoriopol
9. Slobozia
10. Stefan Voda
11. Causeni
12. Basarabeasca
13. Cimislia
14. Autonomous Territorial Unit Gagauzia
16. Taraclia
17. Cahul
V. List of border raions with Ukraine whose residents can cross the border in a simplified way
Cernautsi region:
1. Novoselitskii
2. Chelmenetskii
3. Sochireanskii
Vinnitsa region:
4. Moghiliov-Podoliskii
5. Iampoliskii
6. Pescianskii
Odessa region:
7. Codymskii
8. Cotovskii
9. Crasnoocnianskii
10. Frunzovskii
11. Velikomihailovskii
12. Rozdelnianskii
13. Beliaevskii
14. Belgorod-Dnestrovskii
15. Saratovskii
16. Tarutinskii
17. Belgradskii
18. Reniiskii
19. Teplodar city (residents cross the state border in a simplified way through the cross-border points located in Beliaevsk Raion).
The transport means cross the state border of the Republic of Moldova based on valid documents that allow crossing the border.
VI. Valid documents for the transport means registered in the Republic of Moldova
– Certificate of Vehicle Registration issued on the name of the driver.
– If the vehicle is temporarily used by another person, it is necessary to have the Certificate of Vehicle Registration on the name of the driver with such remarks as “Special remarks”, “Rental until…”, “Leasing until…”, “Free of charge use until…”.
Laws regulating border crossing in the Republic of Moldova
Invitation issuance for visa applicants
List of documents necessary for obtaining the invitation from an INDIVIDUAL PERSON:
1.Application form completed legibly and fully in latin characters, signed by the applicant (It can be downloaded from the official web – site of the Bureau for Migration and Asylum of the Republic of Moldova: bma.gov.md).
2.Written declaration in free form – regarding purpose of entry in the Republic of Moldova, signed by the applicant.
3.The copy of the document on the right of the foreigner to the frontier crossing, with validity period not less than six months. The copy of previous visas obtained for Moldova and / or other countries.
4.Proof of means of support in the amount of 30 euro/day during the stay in the Republic of Moldova and to return to their country of domicile, but not less than 300 euro from the applicant or invited.
5.Identification card / residence of the person who invites, in original and copy.
6.Besides the general documents mentioned above, the applicant should submit the documents confirming the purpose of the trip:
a.Detailed information on the relations between the applicant and the invited with the indication of when, where and how they got acquainted. In case of the visit to relatives – all certificates proving family ties:
-Birth certificate of the applicant and / or the foreigner, in original and copy;
-Marriage certificate, in original and copy;
-Birth certificate of the common child, in original and copy.
b.Medical certificate confirming the medical condition of a close relative.
c.Applicant’s passport with the visa of entry – exit / the residence permit in the country where they were known with invited, original and copy.
d.Copy of the visa or residence permit of the foreigner in the country of residence, unless residing another country than that of which is a citizen.
NOTE:
Right to invite foreign have legal persons who have registered in the Republic of Moldova under the law and individuals with permanent or temporary residence in the Republic of Moldova, who have reached the age of 18, have full legal capacity, except for foreigners arriving to study or treatment.
Obtained invitation are presented in the original by the invited to the diplomatic missions or consular offices of the Republic of Moldova to obtain the visa of entry – exit to Moldova
The invitation issued by the competent authority for foreigners is one of the CONDITIONS to obtain a visa for entry into the Republic of Moldova by certain categories of foreigners.
Documents submitted by the individual person
Application form for invitation request for individual person
SAMPLE application form for invitation request for individual person
List of documents necessary for obtaining the invitation from a LEGAL ENTITY:
1.Official letter – Application form completed legibly and fully in latin characters, signed by the administrator, with wet stamp application (It can be downloaded from the official web – site of the Bureau for Migration and Asylum of the Republic of Moldova: bma.gov.md).
2.Official letter of application / motivation written in free form – regarding purpose of entry in the Republic of Moldova, with registration number, the date and signed by the administrator, with wet stamp application.
3.The copy of the document on the right of the foreigner to the frontier crossing, with validity period not less than six months. The copy of previous visas obtained for Moldova and / or other countries.
4.Documents of the legal entity (the certificate of registration of the legal entity or non – profit organization, the extract from the state register of legal entity or non – profit organization, activity license of the applicant), the original and the copy.
5.Proof of means of support in the amount of 30 euro/day during the stay in the Republic of Moldova and to return to their country of domicile, but not less than 300 euro from the applicant or invited.
6.Mandate – in case when filing by an authorized employee of the administrator, to which shall be annexed the ID card / the residence permit valid, in original and copy.
7.Besides the general documents mentioned above, the applicant should submit the documents confirming the purpose of the trip:
a.copy favorable opinion the National Agency for Employment concerning the inviting foreigners in purposes of employ.
b.copy of confirmation the right of admission to studies released by the Ministry of Education.
c.confirmation of function invited person.
d.confirmation of the existence of business relations (contracts, transportation orders).
e.confirmation of hotel reservation and full payment. This confirmation (which can be sent by fax or e-mail) must be issued by the hotel and contain its contact data (address, phone number). In case a touristic agency arranges the trip, the applicant should submit the touristic voucher and the contract with the touristic agency in original and a copy. Detailed description of travel plans: route, purpose, dates and places.
f.invitation letter of participation in conference, seminar, training, cultural activity, sport events stating the topic, location and time of the event, in original and a copy.
g.copy of the visa or residence permit of the foreigner in the country of residence, unless residing another country than that of which is a citizen.
NOTE:
Right to invite foreign have legal persons who have registered in the Republic of Moldova under the law and individuals with permanent or temporary residence in the Republic of Moldova, who have reached the age of 18, have full legal capacity, except for foreigners arriving to study or treatment.
Obtained invitation are presented in the original by the invited to the diplomatic missions or consular offices of the Republic of Moldova to obtain the visa of entry – exit to Moldova
The invitation issued by the competent authority for foreigners is one of the CONDITIONS to obtain a visa for entry into the Republic of Moldova by certain categories of foreigners.
Documents submitted by the legal person
Demarche for invitation request for the legal persons
SAMPLE for invitation request for the legal persons
1. Foreign citizens who don’t need visa for entry on the territory of the Republic of Moldova
2. The foreign citizens who need invitation to obtain a visa for the Republic of Moldova
3. List of foreigners who are obliged to possess a visa for Republic of Moldova
4. Types of Visas / List of required documents:
· Airport Transit Visa – Type A
· Transit Visa – Type B: List of foreigners who are obliged to possess a visa for Republic of Moldova
5. Short Stay Visas – Type C:
· Mission
· Tourism
· Visit
· Business
6. Long Stay Visas – Type D:
· Long stay visa for entrepreneurial activity
· Long stay visa for employment
· Long stay visa for family reunification
· Long stay visa for religious and humanitarian activities
· Long stay visa for diplomatic and service activities
· Long stay visa for medical treatment
8. The prolongation of the visa
9. Application forms for visa to Republic of Moldova: Romanian version / English version
10. Commitment of maintenance and / or private accommodation filled and signed by a person from the Republic of Moldova: Romanian version / Russian version
11.Commitment of maintenance and / or private accommodation filled and signed by a person from the Republic of Moldova: Romanian version / Russian version
Visa extension
For more information, please follow this link: http://bma.gov.md/en/content/6592
Registration of Foreign Nationals entering the Republic of Moldova
Registration of foreign nationals who enter or exit the territory of the Republic of Moldova is done at the moment of crossing the state border of the Republic of Moldova by applying a respective stamp in the national passports and by introducing the information from the passports in the Automated Integrated Informational System “Migration and Asylum”.
Foreign nationals and stateless persons who enter the Republic of Moldova via the Moldovan-Ukrainian Border segment that is not monitored by Moldovan authorities shall register with any Office for Population and Documents Registration of the Ministry of Information Technology and Communications within 72 hours from crossing the state border with Ukraine. The applicant shall submit the national passport on the basis of which he/she crossed the border of the Republic of Moldova to be registered with the authorities. The Ministry of Information Technology and Communication will issue an annex to the national passport of these people which will serve as ground for legal residency in the Republic of Moldova.
Residence Permits
For more information please follow this link: http://bma.gov.md/en/content/6593
Detailed information about import and export of goods into and out of the territory of the Republic of Moldova by natural persons is stipulated by the following normative acts:
· Government Decision on Approval of the Regulations with respect to the import and export of goods into the territory of the Republic of Moldova by natural persons No.1185 of 30 September 2003
· Order of the Customs Service with respect to the Approval of the Regulations regarding customs cleareance of goods introduced into the Republic of Moldova by natural persons, and other standard forms No.56-O of 21.02.2008
· Order of the Customs Service with respect to the quanity of food products introduced by natural persons that are qualified as “food products for personal use” No.456-O of 15.12.2008
List of duty-free goods for single introduction by natural persons into the Republic of Moldova
| Code | Title | Quantity |
| 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 2203 | Malt beer | 5 litres |
| 2204-2208 90 | Natural grape wine including wine with alcohol; grape mash other than the mash stipulated under 2009 line; vermouth; strong alcoholic beverage, liqueurs and other alcoholic beverage | 2 litres |
| 2402 | Cigars and cigarillos | 50 pieces |
| Tobacco or tobacco substituent cigarettes | 200 pieces | |
| 27 | Combustible | The combustible from the standard fuel tank of the vehicle that crosses the border of the Republic of Moldova |
| 42 | Leather objects: travel bags, handbags and other similar items | 3 units |
| 43 | Natural fur and fur items; artificial fur | 1 unit |
| 61 | Knitted or laced clothing items and accessories | 3 units |
| 62 | Other clothing items and accessories but not knitted or laced | 3 units |
| 64 | Footwear | 2 pairs |
| 8471 | Automated data processing devices and their spare parts | 1 unit |
| 8520 | tape recorder, radio-tape-recorder, auto radio-tape-recorder, audio player | 1 unit |
| 8521 | Video recording devices or video device with video sign receptor | 1 unit |
| 8525 | Cameras and video cameras | 1 unit |
| 8525 20 910 | Devices for the reception of cellular radio frequency (mobile phone) | 2 units |
| 90 | Optic, photographic and cinematographic instruments and devices | 1 unit each |
| 91 | Watches of all types | 3 units |
| 9004 | Glasses (for vision, for protection or other) and similar articles | 4 units |
Information for citizens travelling across the border
Rules of crosing the Ukranian border
Information for Travellers who Travel to European Union Member States
New rules on duty and tax free imports entered into force on 1 December 2008.
The new rules in force since 1 December 2008 stipulate:
· Increased current monetary threshold from EUR 175 to EUR 430 for air and sea travellers and to EUR 300 for land and inland waterway travellers; the lower threshold for the latter takes account of the special situation of Member States that have borders with countries where prices are significantly lower than in the EU;
· Abolishment of the quantitative limits on perfume, eau de toilette, coffee and tea (which means that such items now come under the monetary threshold);
· Increased quantitative limit for still wine from 2 to 4 litres;
· Introduction of a quantitative limit of 16 litres on beer imports;
· Giving Member States the option of reducing the quantitative limits on tobacco products (e.g. for cigarettes: from 200 to 40) in support of health policies.
| First option | Second option | |
| Tobacco products | 200 cigarettes or
100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco |
40 cigarettes or
20 cigarillos or 10 cigars or 50 grams of tobacco |
| Alcoholic beverage | – a total of 1 litre of alcohol and alcoholic beverages of an alcoholic strength exceeding 22% vol, or non-denatured ethyl alcohol of at least 80% vol and over. or a total of 2 litres of alcohol and alcoholic beverages of an alcoholic strength not exceeding 22% vol. – In addition, 4 litres of still wine and up to 16 litres of beer (only for VAT and excise duty). |
|
| Fuel | For any means of motor transport, the fuel contained in the standard tank and a quantity of fuel not exceeding 10 litres contained in a portable container. | |
| Other goods, including perfume, coffee or tea | Up to a value of €430 for air and sea travellers and up to a value of €300 for other travellers | |
As an example, an air traveller arriving in the EU from a non EU country could import 200 cigarettes duty and tax free, 1 litre of spirits, 4 litres of wine, 16 litres of beer and €430 of other goods (toys, perfume, electronic devices, etc).
Taxes and customs duties will be applied on the value of goods exceeding those limits. The value of an individual item may not be split up.
As for the monetary means, we would like to remind that in order to prevent money laundry and financing of terrorist acts, the travellers entering and leaving the EU and carrying €10 000 or more in cash (or its equivalent in other currencies or easily convertible assets such as cheques drawn on a third party) have to make a declaration to the customs authorities.
Additional information is available at the following link:http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/index_en.htm
New rules on introduction of personal consignments of meat and milk products into the EU countries
As of 1 May 2009, the European Union has introduced new rules on the introduction of animal products by travellers.
According to the new rules of the Commission Regulation (CE) No. 745/2004 of 16 April 2004, the travellers are not allowed to import meat and milk products in personal consignments and by post into the European Union. The exception is the import of meat and milk products from Croatia, France, Faeroe Islands, Greenland, and Island on the condition that the quantity of these products does not exceed 10 kg.
Travellers are allowed to bring in infant or specialist food required for medical purposes. It is allowed to bring in only 2 kg of these products providing that:
– such products do not require refrigeration before opening,
– such products are packaged proprietary brand products for direct sale to the final consumer, and
– the packaging is unbroken unless in current use.
The travellers will be allowed to bring in up to 20 kg of fishery products. Other products such as honey, live oysters and snails are restricted to up to 2 kg.
These rules do not apply to animal products transported between the 27 Member States of the EU, or for animal products coming from Andorra, Liechtenstein, Norway, San Marino, and Switzerland.
This rule is applied by the European authorities to prevent the spreading of animal diseases that could pose a risk on human and animal health; it has been ascertained that the introduced animal products can be potential sources of diseases and dangerous pathogens. By prohibiting the introduction of meat and milk products, the European Union authorities pay special attention to the public’s role in insuring population’s safety.
Posters containing special information about the restrictions that were enforced on 1 May 2009 with respect to introduction of meat and milk products are being distributed in airports and cross-border points of Member States of European Union and are accessible to public.
Source: www.customs.gov.md
General principles of currency control regulation in the Republic of Moldova, rights and obligations of people carrying money when entering and exiting the country, including the cash in foreign and national currencies are stipulated in the Law on Currency Regulation No.62-XVI of 21.03.2008 (Chapter III).
Rules for resident and non-resident natural persons
| Form of declaration | Amount in foreign currency or equivalent in national currency | |
| Written declaration | Upon entry | Upon exit |
| Optional | Up to EUR 10000 | Up to EUR 10000 |
| Compulsory | More than EUR 10000 | From EUR 10000 up to EUR 50000 (*) |
(*) by providing the customs bodies with confirmative documents for the amount that exceeds EUR 10000 (or its equivalent), and namely:
· Customs documents that confirms the introduction of money into the Republic of Moldova;
and/or
· Permission to remove the money from the Republic of Moldova issued by licensed banks, and/or authorizations to remove the money from the Republic of Moldova issued by the National Bank of Moldova.
Entering into the Republic of Moldova
There is no limit for introducing cash in national currency as well as travelers cheques in foreign currency in the Republic of Moldova.
Cash declaration when entering the country
Travellers must declare in written the amounts that exceed EUR 10000 (or their equivalent) per person/travel to the customs bodies. Travellers have the right to declare in written form the amounts that do not exceed EUR 10000 (or their equivalent) per person/travel.
According to the Law on Customs Duty No. 380 of 20.11.97, the national and foreign currencies (except for the numismatic one), as well as securities are duty free.
Exiting the Republic of Moldova
· Amounts not exceeding EUR 10000 (or its equivalent*)
(*) travellers have the right to remove cash in national currency as well as travelers cheques in total amount that does not exceed EUR 10000 (or its equivalent) per person/travel without presenting confirmative documents to the customs authorities.
· Amounts exceeding EUR 10000 (or its equivalent*) but that do not exceed EUR 50000 (or its equivalent*)
(*) travellers have the right to remove cash in national currency as well as cash and travelers cheques in foreign currency in the amount that exceeds EUR 10000 (or its equivalent) but which does not exceed the amount of EUR 50000 (or its equivalent) per person/travel by presenting confirmative documents to the customs authorities for the amount that exceeds EUR 10000 (or its equivalent), and namely:
a) customs documents that confirm the introduction of financial means into the Republic of Moldova; and/or
b) permission to remove the money from the Republic of Moldova issued by licensed banks, and/or authorizations to remove the money from the Republic of Moldova issued by the National Bank of Moldova.
· Amounts that exceed EUR 50000 (or its equivalent *)
An amount that exceeds EUR 50000 (or its equivalent) can be transferred from the Republic of Moldova as currency and capital transaction, payments and money transfers from/to other countries between residents and non-residents, in accordance with the provisions of Arts. 17, 18, and 23 of theLaw on Currency Regulation No.62-XVI of 21.03.2008.
Cash declaration when exiting the country
Travellers must declare in written form the amounts that exceed EUR 10000 (or their equivalent) per person/travel to the customs bodies.
Failing to comply with this rule shall lead to accountability according to the legislation in force.
Travellers have the right to declare in written form the amounts that do not exceed EUR 10000 (or their equivalent) per person/travel.
· It is forbidden to bring in/remove cash in national currency as well as cash and cheques in foreign currency into/from the Republic of Moldova in the luggage unsupervised by the traveler.
* the equivalent in other currency shall be calculated based on the official rate of MDL set forth by the National Bank of Moldova valid on the day of crossing the state border of Moldova.
Legal entities
Legal entities can bring in/remove cash in national currency and travelers cheques in foreign currency into/out of the Republic of Moldova in accordance with Article 30 of the Law on Currency Regulation No.62-XVI of 21.03.2008 .
Bringing in/removing of cash into/out of the Republic of Moldova shall be done by individuals representing legal entities.
Source: www.customs.gov.md
Legalization of documents for foreign nationals
Documents issued by foreign authorities – that are not signatory parties to the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents, International Commission Convention of Civil Status on the issue of multilingual extracts from acts of civil status or of foreign authorities that objected to the accession of the Republic of Moldova to these Conventions – will be recognized and used in the Republic of Moldova only after these are legalized by the ministries of foreign affairs or other authorised state bodies and additionally legalized by the Diplomatic Missions or Consular Offices of the Republic of Moldova worldwide.
Foreign documents brought in into the Republic of Moldova without being legalized by Consular Offices of the Republic of Moldova worldwide shall be legalized beforehand by the Consular Office of the Republic of Moldova in the state of origin then by the Department of Consular Offices.
Documents necessary for the legalization procedure:
- The document that has to be legalized, in original, legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Diplomatic Mission of the respective state accredited in the Republic of Moldova;
- Identity card, passport or power of attorney, if the documents are submitted by another authorised person, legalized by the MFA or Diplomatic Mission of the given state. Immediate family – mother, father, brother, sister, spouse – do not need power of attorney to submit the documents.
Consular legalization of a foreign document by Diplomatic Missions and Consular Offices of the Republic of Moldova costs:
a) For individuals – EUR 30
b) For companies – EUR 60
Consular legalization of a foreign document by the Department of Consular Affairs of the MFAEI costs:
a) For individuals – MDL 200
b) For companies – MDL 600
NOTE: Period of applications processing submitted is 2-3 days.
Documents that can be legalized:
· Notary documents and court resolutions (powers of attorney, affidavits, applications, contracts, wills, photocopies of documents, court decrees, etc.);
· Civil status and business registration documents (birth, marriage, divorce, death, civil status, change of name and/or surname certificates; excerpts from birth, marriage, divorce, death certificates; notifications on change of name or surname, on cancelation, amendment and/or completion of civil status document; business registration certificates; etc.);
· Education papers (diplomas, analytical notes annexed to diplomas, baccalaureate diplomas, annexes of baccalaureate diplomas);
· Police clearance certificates (criminal track record).
For more information, please consult: http://migratie.md/en/coming/entrance-territory-state#visas
