Housing
The Chisinau rental market at the end of 2024 remains balanced. While prices have decreased from 2022 levels, they are still above pre-pandemic rates. The influx of Ukrainian refugees has driven demand primarily in the budget housing sector, while the luxury market continues to face a shortage of high-quality properties meeting European standards.
Average monthly rates in Chisinau
Studio
$550–$770
$950–$1,900
$2,000–$2,500
$2,500+
Two-bedroom
apartment
apartment
One-bedroom
apartment
apartment
$700–$1,300
Three-bedroom apartment
Townhouse
Key Trends:
- Moldova’s EU aspirations are accelerating market and business development.
- Alignment with European standards is fostering new projects and attracting expert investment.
- Popular areas for expats in Kishinev include Centru, known for its proximity to amenities and cultural attractions, Telecentru for its quiet, residential vibe, and Buiucani, which offers a family-friendly environment with residential and green spaces.
Challenges:
- The political climate poses a headwind to economic growth.
- The luxury rental market lacks high-quality properties that meet European standards.
Immigration
Citizens of 103 countries and special administrative territories are eligible for visa-free entry and short-term stays in Moldova for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This list includes all European and CIS countries, as well as many other states. While Moldova does not have extensive consular representation worldwide, the state compensates for this with a well-developed e-visa system, which allows for the issuance of all primary visa types, including a D visa for work or entrepreneurial purposes.
To obtain the right to stay in Moldova for a longer period, a foreign national must apply for a temporary residence permit. This document also serves as a substitute for a work permit for those employed in Moldova under a local labor contract, simplifying the process from a bureaucratic standpoint. The temporary residence permit is issued for a 1-year term, with the possibility of extension, and is relatively easy to obtain, as there are no excessively strict requirements such as language proficiency tests or higher education prerequisites.
To obtain the right to stay in Moldova for a longer period, a foreign national must apply for a temporary residence permit. This document also serves as a substitute for a work permit for those employed in Moldova under a local labor contract, simplifying the process from a bureaucratic standpoint. The temporary residence permit is issued for a 1-year term, with the possibility of extension, and is relatively easy to obtain, as there are no excessively strict requirements such as language proficiency tests or higher education prerequisites.
Moving
Transportation: Moldova primarily uses road freight for household goods. Main seaport is Constanța, Romania. The primary airport is Chișinău International Airport (KIV).
Customs Duties: import duties are calculated based on the value of the goods and transport costs. Since 2024, Moldova allows deferred payment for import duties.
Customs clearance typically takes 2-5 business days.
Customs Duties: import duties are calculated based on the value of the goods and transport costs. Since 2024, Moldova allows deferred payment for import duties.
Customs clearance typically takes 2-5 business days.
