Moldova is a young Eastern European country, landlocked by Romania and Ukraine. 1994 saw a violent conflict that created the Transnistria Republic. Agriculture production is Moldova’s strong point. The culture is influenced by Slavic, Latin and Russian cultures, displaying some similarities especially with their cuisine. But, their wine industry is to be reckoned with. If you’re visiting or relocating to this petite nation, read the information we’ve put together.
- Expat Clubs
- Schools
- Local News Sources
- Country Information
- Resident and Work visa information
- How to get a driving license
- Where to live and about the accomodation types
- Healthcare information including Hospitals and Insurance
Expat Clubs
International Women's Club of Moldova
The club was started in April 1997 by Georgia Stewart, the wife of the American ambassador who was also the first president. An executive board was established to manage the club and its activities. Initially, IWCM was for expatriates to provide them opportunities for charitable work and insights into the life and culture of Moldova by inviting speakers to meetings and taking trips in the country. The club is now open to all women.
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.iwcm.md/
International Schools
QSI International School of Chisinau
Founded in 1996, QSI International School of Chisinau is an independent, non-profit, coeducational day school, which offers an educational program from PK (3-year-old class) through Secondary IV (17- year-old class) for students of all nationalities. School enrollment is approximately 70 students for the 2013-2014 school year, representing 21 nationalities.
Curriculum:
Address: 48/3 Nicolae Costin Street, MD-2071 Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
Tel: +373 22 588-346, +373 22 588-347
Fax: + 373 22 588-353
Email: [email protected], [email protected]
Website: chisinau.qsischool.org/
Local News in English
Moldova.org
This is an English-language news site that covers Moldovian news and events, including top world stories.
Website: www.moldova.org/en
Country Information
Location: Europe
Capital City: Chisinau
Currency: Moldovan leu (MDL)
Language: Moldovian
Calling Code: +373
Internet TLD: .md
Electricity: Moldova runs on 220V 50Hz.
Emergency Numbers:
Country Information
en.wikipedia.org
Country Study
lcweb2.loc.gov/frd
Embassy Information
embassy.goabroad.com/embassies-in/moldova
Residents Visa and Work Permit information
Nationals from countries including the US, EU territories and Australia may enter and stay in Moldova for up to 90 days. The rest must obtain a visa through a Moldovan embassy or consulate in their home or host country.
The Moldovan Ministry of Foreign Affairs has a list of countries and their corresponding visa regulations. The visa used for general tourism is the short-stay visa Type C. This is used mostly by tourists, missionaries, and businessmen.
Stays that exceed 90 days require long-term visas, ‘Type D’. This type of visa is for expats who have secured employment or are establishing a business in the country; students; family member of Moldovan citizens; religious and humanitarian personnel; diplomatic and service officials; and those seeking medical treatment.
Expats who have secured employment in Moldova will require these documents:
- Application Form
- Travel document (passport) valid for at least 3 months after the expiration date of the requested visa;
- A recent mat, colour photo 35mm x 45mm;
- Acceptance of the National Agency for Employment of the Republic of Moldova;
- Proof of the existence of means of support during the stay in Moldova, at least 30 EUR per day, but not less than 300 EUR, for a stay shorter than 10 days (cash, travel checks, credit card, etc.) or, if applicable, the commitment of maintenance and accommodation filled and signed by a person from the Republic of Moldova;
- Medical insurance valid on the territory of the Republic of Moldova (minimum cover of 30.000 euro);
- Invitation issued by the Bureau for Migration and Asylum or, the resident’s permit or valid Visa issued by one member state of the European Union or of States Parties to the Schengen Agreement(except Transit Visa);
- Consular fee – 80 euro.
Please visit the Moldovan Ministry of Foreign Affairs site for more information.
Accommodation
The relatively wealthy capital Chisinau is the central hub of Moldova. It is both a mix of post-Soviet and modern transition reflected by the architecture and civic infrastructures. With a population of nearly 800,000, this is a densely populated city filled with middle, working class citizens and foreigners. Residents live in apartment blocks. The state of these housing structures may be distant from Western standards, however they are safe; the city has a low crime rate. The international airport is also located in the city; the influx of foreign nationals daily make Chisinau a multi-faceted, international area. Rental apartments are cheap, with 1 bedroom units priced at $161 to $253 per month, and 3 bedrooms at $331 to $469.
Driving License
Expats may drive legally with an international driving license. A local Moldovan license can be obtained at Registru, the state information resource center: www.registru.md/en.
Driving in Moldova, expats are advised to carry car registration, insurance, valid driving license and passport. If the vehicle does not belong to the expat, they should additionally obtain a legalized permission from the owner of the car; this document should be translated in Romanian.
Outside urban areas, roads and infrastructures are poor, expats must drive with caution in these areas. The Transnitria region, the de facto state independent of Moldova should be avoided.
Healthcare
The standard of medical care in Moldova are not up to Western standards. They are also limited. Expats are advised to seek medical attention outside of Moldova, for critical, complex and serious cases. Medications are also scarce, so stocking up on personal prescription medicine is highly recommended.
Insurance Companies
Cigna Global Health Options
Cigna Global Health Options specialise in providing expatriate health plans that are designed to give comprehensive overseas medical cover for people who are living and working abroad. They provide medical evacuation insurance cover.
Website: www.cignaglobal.com/
Hospitals
Medpark International Hospital
Address: Andrei Doga 24, Chisinau, Moldova
Tel: +373 22 40 00 40
Fax: +373 22 40 00 04
Municipal Clinical Emergency Hospital
Address: 1 Toma Ciorba Street, Chisinau, 2004, Moldova
Tel: +373 2 24 84 35
Fax: +373 2 22 33 86
