Moving from Moldova to Spain: Complete Guide for Moldovan Citizens
Key Facts for Moldovan Citizens
- Visa Required: No (90 days visa-free, ETIAS from 2026-2026)
- Most Common Visas: Digital Nomad, Non-Lucrative, Work, Student
- Processing Time: 15-45 days (Schengen), 1-3 months (residence)
- Spanish Consulates: Bucharest (Embassy) + Chisinau (Honorary)
- Citizenship Timeline: 10 years
- Tax Treaty: Yes
- Dual Citizenship: Allowed (Moldova permits)
Why Moldovan Citizens Choose Spain
Moldova became an EU candidate in June 2022, but full membership is still years away. Many Moldovans don’t want to wait. Spain offers immediate access to European quality of life, a strong job market, and eventual EU citizenship. The climate is appealing, the cost of living reasonable outside major cities, and there’s an established Moldovan community already here.
There’s also the Romanian option. If your ancestors lived in Bessarabia (modern Moldova) between 1918-1940, you may qualify for Romanian citizenship, which gives you full EU rights immediately. Both paths are worth exploring.
Visa Options for Moving from Moldova to Spain
Moldovan citizens with biometric passports can visit Spain visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. ETIAS authorization (€7, valid 3 years) will be required starting in 2026-2026. For stays beyond 90 days, here are your options:
Already have Romanian citizenship? If you’ve obtained Romanian nationality through ancestry, you’re an EU citizen. You don’t need a visa. You can live and work in Spain freely under EU free movement rules. We help with the registration process (NIE, empadronamiento) instead.
Not sure which visa fits your situation? Each path has different requirements, timelines, and tax implications. Book a consultation and we’ll map out the optimal visa and tax strategy for your move.
Spanish Consulates for Moldovan Citizens
Spain doesn’t have a full embassy in Moldova, but there’s an Honorary Consulate in Chisinau and the Spanish Embassy in Bucharest handles most services. Spain is in the process of upgrading its Chisinau diplomatic office to a full embassy.
Bucharest – Spanish Embassy (Primary)
Spanish Embassy
Bucharest, Romania
Website: exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/bucarest
Covers: Romania and Moldova
Note: Most Moldovan visa applications processed here. Schengen visas can also be submitted through Czech Embassy in Chisinau.
Chisinau – Honorary Consulate
47/1-5A Puskin St.
Chisinau MD 2005, Moldova
Tel: +373 22 21 20 31
Email: [email protected]
Services: Limited consular assistance
Tax Considerations for Moldovans in Spain
Tax Treaty: Moldova-Spain
Spain and Moldova have a double taxation agreement in force. This prevents you from being taxed twice on the same income and provides clear rules for cross-border situations.
Key Points:
- Beckham Law: Flat 24% tax on Spanish income for 6 years. Excludes worldwide income.
- Moldova rates: 12% flat on personal and corporate income
- Relief method: Spain uses credit or exemption; Moldova uses credit method
- Pensions: Generally taxed in country of residence
Moldova’s 12% flat tax is attractive for remote workers. If you’re transitioning to Spain, timing your move correctly and potentially qualifying for the Beckham Law can optimize your tax situation. We plan visa and tax strategy together.
Required Documents
Required Documents:
- Passport biometric, valid 1+ years, issued within last 10 years
- Criminal Record from Moldova, apostilled
- Medical Certificate from authorized doctor
- Proof of Income (bank statements, contracts, pension statements)
- Health Insurance from Spanish-authorized provider, full coverage
- Application Form completed and signed
- Photos passport size, white background
- Visa Fee
Moldova is a Hague Apostille Convention member (since 2007), so documents need an apostille rather than embassy legalization. Moldova issues electronic apostilles with QR verification. We provide complete document preparation to ensure everything meets Spanish consulate requirements.
The Romanian Citizenship Option
This is important for many Moldovans. If your ancestors lived in territories that were part of Romania (including Bessarabia, which is modern Moldova) between 1918-1940, you likely qualify for Romanian citizenship by descent.
Article 10: Children and grandchildren of former Romanian citizens
Article 11: Great-grandchildren of those born in former Romanian territories
Processing takes 2-3 years through standard restoration, or 6-9 months through the “confirmation” procedure if your ancestors never legally lost citizenship.
Why this matters: Romanian citizenship = EU citizenship. With a Romanian passport, you can live and work anywhere in the EU, including Spain, without any visa. This is often the faster path to Spanish residency if you’re eligible.
Path to Spanish Citizenship
Moldovan citizens can apply for Spanish citizenship after 10 years of continuous legal residence:
Year 1: Arrive on long-term visa, apply for TIE (residence card)
Years 2-5: Renew residence, maintain employment/income
Year 5: Eligible for permanent residence
Year 10: Apply for Spanish citizenship
On dual citizenship: Spain requires a renunciation declaration for Moldovans (not on the exemption list). However, Moldova fully allows dual citizenship and doesn’t recognize the Spanish renunciation. In practice, you keep both passports. Use your Spanish passport for travel after naturalizing.
Alternative path: If you obtain Romanian citizenship first, you’re an EU citizen. After 5 years of legal residence in Spain as an EU citizen, you can apply for Spanish citizenship, and Spain allows dual citizenship with other EU countries. This can actually be faster than the standard 10-year path.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Moldovan citizens need a visa to visit Spain?
No, Moldovan citizens with biometric passports can visit Spain visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. ETIAS authorization (€7) will be required starting 2026-2026. For stays over 90 days, you need a long-term visa.
Where do Moldovan citizens apply for Spanish visas?
At the Spanish Embassy in Bucharest, Romania. There’s an Honorary Consulate in Chisinau for limited services. For Schengen short-stay visas, you can also apply through the Czech Embassy in Chisinau.
Should I get Romanian citizenship before moving to Spain?
If you’re eligible (ancestors in Bessarabia 1918-1940), it’s worth considering. Romanian citizenship gives you full EU rights immediately: no visa needed, freedom to work, and a faster path to Spanish citizenship (5 years instead of 10). Processing takes 6 months to 3 years depending on your case.
Can I keep my Moldovan passport when I become Spanish?
Yes. Spain requires a renunciation declaration, but Moldova allows dual citizenship and doesn’t recognize the Spanish renunciation. In practice, you keep both passports. Use your Spanish passport for travel after naturalizing.
Is there a tax treaty between Moldova and Spain?
Yes, Spain and Moldova have a double taxation agreement. It prevents double taxation and clarifies which country taxes different types of income. Combined with Spain’s Beckham Law, you can optimize your tax situation when relocating.
We Handle Everything
Spanish bureaucracy is relentless. Visa applications, tax residency, NIE appointments, ongoing compliance. Getting any of it wrong costs time and money. We handle the paperwork and planning so you can focus on actually building your life here.
This guide provides general information about moving from Moldova to Spain. Requirements can change. Contact us for personalized advice on your situation. Information accurate as of January 2026.