Moldova

Moldova Investment Immigration Programs Overview

Moldova’s government has set a moratorium on its CBI program until Sept. 1, 2020.

The republic of Moldova is presenting another option to increase global mobility for investors: its first citizenship-by-investment (CBI) program. The landlocked Eastern European country will be providing one of the cheapest pathways to Europe through its Regulation on Acquisition of Citizenship by Investment. With a minimum non-refundable contribution of 100,000 euros to a sustainable development fund, qualifying investors, together with their spouses, dependent children and parents, can be granted Moldovan citizenship and passports that would enable them to travel visa-free to all Schengen Area countries. A second option for investors who seek potential returns on their investment is investing a minimum of 250,000 euros in strategic development areas defined by the government.

HOW TO APPLY

The program is relatively affordable compared with other CBI offerings in Europe. The Moldovan government has introduced a strict due-diligence processes to select the most qualified candidates. Every applicant’s financial situation, reputation, criminal records and other factors will be scrutinized by government-contracted due-diligence agencies. The due-diligence procedure applies equally to every dependent older than 16.

The required investment funds, if choosing the Public Investment Funds for Sustainable Development donation route, must be paid in Moldovan leu, Swiss francs, euros or U.S. dollars.

All candidates are required to file their applications in the Moldovan language to a commission comprised of representatives from major governmental bodies of Moldova. Documents written in other languages will need to be translated and notarized. The submitted materials should include proof confirming that the basic investment conditions have been fulfilled, and in case of an investment in the strategic development areas, that the investment plan is reliable and would be maintained for at least five years.

In addition to the initial vetting process conducted upon the filing of the application, under the investment route the commission would monitor the investment activities throughout the required five-year period. The progress or status of the investment will be assessed at the end of each calendar year and the fulfillment of the investment plan. The stipulated 250,000 euros will also be verified at the end of the five-year period.

MOBILITY:

Moldovan passport holders enjoy visa-free access to 121 destinations around the world, including a maximum stay of 90 days in all 26 countries within the Schengen Area. Moldovan citizens can also travel to Russia and Turkey without applying for a visa. Moldova is not a member of the European Union but has entered into an association agreement with the EU and is aiming for membership.

COUNTRY:

Before the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Moldova used to be the largest wine producer in the region. Its fine tradition of winemaking has extended into the 21st century, with 367,000 acres of vineyards and an estimated annual export of 67 million bottles.

Moldova’s continental climate not only promotes the growth of a large variety of grapes, but also helps create a charming countryside of sunny plateaus and green plains that attract travelers every year.

The official language of Moldova is Moldovan, which is considered the same as Romanian but profoundly influenced by Russian expressions.