IGM paperwork for hiring foreign workers: steps, documents, timelines

What permit does a foreign worker need

A foreign citizen may work in the Republic of Moldova on the basis of a temporary residence right for work and a residence permit. The procedure is governed by Law No. 200/2010 on the regime of foreigners. Applications are filed with the General Inspectorate for Migration (IGM).

Seasonal agricultural work has a simplified procedure — see below.

The steps in brief

1. The employer selects the candidate and signs an individual employment contract.
2. The file is prepared: documents from the employer and the worker.
3. The file is submitted to IGM and the state fee is paid.
4. After a positive decision, the worker obtains a visa (if required) and travels to Moldova.
5. The worker receives the residence permit and starts work.

Employer documents

• standard application for a residence right;
• individual employment contract stating the monthly salary;
• proof of accommodation in Moldova: real estate register extract or registered lease / free-use agreement.

Worker documents

• valid national passport;
• criminal record certificate from the home country, legalised or apostilled and translated into Romanian;
• if the worker lived legally for at least 2 years in another country — the criminal record from that country too;
• one 3×4 colour photo.

Official list: IGM "Immigrant worker" sheet.

Minimum salary for a foreign worker

Since July 2025, the contract salary cannot be lower than 50% of the forecast average monthly salary in the economy. For 2026 the forecast average is 17,400 MDL, so the minimum is about 8,700 MDL per month (source). Seasonal work follows the national minimum wage.

Timelines and fees

Fees are set by Law No. 213/2023 and may change. We check the current rates when filing each application.

Visa and invitation

Citizens of Nepal and Bangladesh need a visa to enter Moldova. For some countries an IGM-approved invitation is also required. Citizens of India and Nepal have been exempted from the invitation requirement. We check the exact regime for each candidate.

Seasonal agricultural workers

For picking fruit and grapes, greenhouse work and other seasonal farm work:

• the employer files a sworn declaration with IGM no later than 5 working days after work starts;
• work may last up to 9 months in any 12-month period;
• pay is at least the national minimum wage.

Source: IGM presentation for employers.

Employer obligations after arrival

• notify the migration authority within 5 working days if the contract ends early;
• file the extension application in advance, before the residence right expires;
• ensure the worker's integration and the contract conditions;
• the worker has the same rights and obligations regarding compulsory health insurance as Moldovan citizens.