Updated Rules of Stay for Ukrainians in Moldova: What Has Changed?

Reference: from February 25, 2022, the Republic of Moldova adopted a number of decisions that simplify the residence regime for Ukrainians. Their provisions, in particular, established a special regime regarding periods of stay, employment and access to medical care.

Actual changes: on May 10, 2023, the Emergency Situations Commission of the Republic of Moldova adopted Resolution No. 68, aimed at returning to the usual rules of stay for foreigners in Moldova, in particular - for citizens of Ukraine. The main changes are the following:

• The 90-day rule will apply again from May 15, 2023 for people who came from Ukraine to escape the war. This means that citizens of Ukraine can stay in Moldova without temporary protection for no more than 180 days during the year (90 days during each 6-month period). However, the period of stay until May 15, 2023 will not apply
• In order to have the right to work in Moldova, citizens of Ukraine must have temporary protection. Those without temporary protection can only be employed with a residence permit (before these changes, employment could take place without a residence permit or special status). The state fee (1140 Moldovan lei) for granting a temporary residence permit for the purpose of employment will be charged again
• The General Inspectorate for Migration will no longer accept applications for temporary residence permits from citizens of Ukraine without a criminal record
• Citizens of Ukraine and stateless persons recognized as such by Ukraine will be required to submit a document confirming the availability of means of subsistence in the event of submitting an application for the right to temporary residence for the purpose of education.