Temporary protection: Moldova
🛰️ Varta monitors 9 official sources for this country — checked daily.
Legal basis: Law No. 270/2008 on asylum in the Republic of Moldova (temporary protection mechanism) + government decisions activating it from 01.03.2023 and extending it (latest — decision of 28.01.2026, valid until 01.03.2027; procedure per GD No. 93/2025) • status valid until 01/03/2027
Steps
- 1
Enter Moldova
Ukrainian citizens enter visa-free (90 days within 180). Temporary protection lifts the 90-day limit. Entry may also be possible with internal documents — check with border authorities (border.gov.md).
📍 Border crossing points💳 Free - 2
Submit the online application
Register at protectietemporara.gov.md with a Moldovan phone number (SMS code from “IGM PT”). Fill in your details in Latin letters, state your last entry date, your address in Moldova, upload document photos (max 5 MB) and add all family members. Step-by-step guide: dopomoga.gov.md/protectie-temporara-help.
📍 protectietemporara.gov.md (online)⏰ Within your lawful stay💳 Free - 3
Book your IGM appointment
The system offers appointments no earlier than 14 days after submission (slots 8:30–16:30, weekdays). The portal generates a PDF appointment confirmation. Mobile teams are available only for medical reasons.
📍 Via the portal⏰ At least 14 days after submission💳 Free - 4
Attend the IGM with your whole family
ALL persons listed in the application must attend in person with original documents. Photos and fingerprints are taken, after which the temporary protection document is issued.
📍 IGM, str. Lev Tolstoi 41, Chișinău⏰ On your appointed day💳 Free - 5
Register for assistance
With the protection document you can work, study and access social and medical services. For UNHCR cash assistance, enrol at an enrolment centre (see help.unhcr.org/moldova); utility compensation and other programmes — via dopomoga.gov.md.
📍 UNHCR enrolment centres / dopomoga.gov.md💳 Free - 6
Renew your status online each year
Protection has been extended until 01.03.2027. From 2026, renewal is ONLY via an online request at protectietemporara.gov.md in the 1 February – 30 April window. Review takes up to 90 days; upon approval the status updates automatically in the system, no visit needed. Those who miss the window keep the right to protection but must reapply under the standard procedure.
📍 protectietemporara.gov.md (online)⏰ 1 February – 30 April💳 Free
Documents
Identity document (passport, ID card, birth certificate)
requiredNon-biometric documents are accepted. The online application needs readable photos of each family member’s documents (png/jpg/jpeg/bmp/pdf, max 5 MB each).
Active Moldovan mobile number
requiredA 5-digit SMS code from “IGM PT” is sent to it to access the portal.
Proof of your address in Moldova
requiredRental agreement, property deed or the owner’s written consent (photo uploaded to the portal).
Details of your last border crossing
requiredDate of your last entry into Moldova — from the passport stamp.
Family members’ documents
if availableAdded to one application; ALL listed persons must attend the interview.
Ukrainian Embassies and Consulates
Map
Document samples and how to fill them
An active MOLDOVAN number; enter the 5-digit code from the “IGM PT” SMS.
In LATIN letters exactly as in the passport; date of birth and nationality — from the list.
From the stamp of your last border crossing into Moldova.
Current address plus a photo of the rental agreement, property deed or owner’s written consent.
Readable photos of all family members’ documents: png/jpg/jpeg/bmp/pdf, max 5 MB per file.
Pick a slot (8:30–16:30, weekdays) at least 14 days ahead; save the PDF confirmation.
❌ Using a Ukrainian phone number instead of a Moldovan one ❌ Files over 5 MB or unreadable photos ❌ Name spelling not matching the passport ❌ Not all listed family members attending the visit
Only from 1 February to 30 April. Outside the window renewal requests are not accepted.
With the same phone number as your original application (SMS code).
Enter the details of your current temporary protection document.
The status updates automatically in the system — no IGM visit required.
❌ Missing the 01.02–30.04 window (you will have to reapply) ❌ Losing access to the phone number from the original application ❌ Waiting for a paper invitation — everything happens online
One of three options: rental agreement, property deed or the owner’s written consent.
Owner’s name and the address — matching the address field of your application.
List all family members who will live at the address.
A clear photo/scan in png/jpg/jpeg/bmp/pdf up to 5 MB.
❌ Address in the application not matching the document ❌ Consent without the owner’s signature ❌ Blurry, unreadable photo
Benefits
UNHCR cash assistance
Ukrainians who fled after 24.02.2022: new arrivals — 2 months of initial assistance based on vulnerability; afterwards — with a legal status (temporary protection etc.).
How to apply: Enrol at an enrolment centre (Mon–Fri 9:00–17:00): data, photo, fingerprints; card issued if eligible
Utility bill compensation (“Ajutor la contor”)
Households in Moldova, refugees included, upon programme registration.
How to apply: Register via dopomoga.gov.md / compensatii.gov.md
Healthcare services
Temporary protection beneficiaries have access to medical and social services.
How to apply: Via a family doctor where you live; programmes — on dopomoga.gov.md
Education for children
Children of temporary protection beneficiaries.
How to apply: Contact the local school/kindergarten; info — dopomoga.gov.md
Wise — transfers without hidden fees
A multi-currency account and transfers between Ukraine and Europe at the real exchange rate. Handy for receiving salary and sending money to family.
Open a Wise accountThe price for you does not change; the commission supports our free guides.
Where to apply
Inspectoratul General pentru Migrație (IGM) — General Inspectorate for Migration
Temporary protection portal (online application)
IGM green line (free within Moldova)
Contacts
What happens after protection ends
After temporary protection ends (currently 01.03.2027, further government decisions possible): a temporary residence permit via the IGM based on work, study, family or business; or an asylum/refugee application under Law No. 270/2008. Many Ukrainians use Moldova as transit — if you move on to the EU, that EU country’s temporary protection rules apply.
What happens when protection ends
These are options for the future — you will need to choose ONE, and not now.
These routes are available outside temporary protection — work, study, family, business, etc.
The description below is a general scheme, similar across countries. Check exact requirements, fees and timelines via the official link in each card — they differ by country and change over time.
💼 Work-based residence — Moldova
Those with a valid employment contract in this country.
Passport; employment contract; proof of residence. Authority: Inspectoratul General pentru Migrație (IGM) — General Inspectorate for Migration.
- Foreign passport
- Employment contract
- Proof of residence
- Health insurance (optional)
Inspectoratul General pentru Migrație (IGM) — General Inspectorate for Migration
The employer or the applicant files; the immigration authority decides.
Before the current status or permit expires.
- Collect the card/decision
- Register address and social number
Renewable together with the contract.
Processed per national rules; often before entry.
🎓 Study — Moldova
Enrolment at an accredited institution.
Acceptance letter; proof of funds; housing; insurance.
- Foreign passport
- Acceptance letter
- Proof of funds
- Health insurance (optional)
Inspectoratul General pentru Migrație (IGM) — General Inspectorate for Migration
Apply via the institution or the immigration authority.
Before the semester starts.
- Register at the institution and locally
Yearly with continued studies.
Processed per national rules; often before entry.
👨👩👧👦 Family reunification — Moldova
Spouse, children or relatives of a resident or citizen.
Marriage/birth certificates; housing; sponsor income.
- Foreign passport
- Marriage/birth certificate
- Sponsor income proof
- Proof of residence
Inspectoratul General pentru Migrație (IGM) — General Inspectorate for Migration
The sponsor or family files; documents need apostille and translation.
Before the current status expires.
- Collect the family member card
Renewable; a path to permanent residence.
Processed per national rules; often before entry.
🏢 Self-employment/business — Moldova
Company or self-employment registration; business plan or contracts.
Registration documents; tax number; funds; housing.
- Foreign passport
- Company/self-employment registration
- Business plan or contracts (optional)
- Proof of residence
Inspectoratul General pentru Migrație (IGM) — General Inspectorate for Migration
Register the business, then apply for residence as an entrepreneur.
Before the current status expires.
- Tax registration and bank account
Tied to the company activity.
Processed per national rules; often before entry.
🏠 Permanent residence — Moldova
Usually after 5 years of continuous legal residence.
Stable income; housing; integration/language per national rules.
- Foreign passport
- Income proof
- Proof of residence
- Language/integration certificate (optional)
Inspectoratul General pentru Migrație (IGM) — General Inspectorate for Migration
Apply once the required residence period is met.
After the required residence period is met.
- Obtain permanent resident status
Permanent status; card replaced periodically.
Temporary protection time often counts towards the period (per national rules).
Opportunities: housing, jobs, grants
6 verified programmes: housing support, job portals, business grants, free courses — with direct official links and verification dates. Available with Varta.
Forms & samples (PDF)
FAQ
Until when is temporary protection in Moldova valid?
Until 01.03.2027 — per the government decision of 28.01.2026. Protection in Moldova is granted by government decisions (not the EU directive), so watch for further extensions on dopomoga.gov.md.
How do I renew? What if I missed the window?
From 2026 renewal is only via an online request at protectietemporara.gov.md in the 1 February – 30 April window. Review takes up to 90 days and the status updates automatically, no visit. If you missed the window — you keep the right to protection but must reapply under the standard procedure (online application + IGM visit).
I have a non-biometric passport or only a birth certificate
Not a problem: the portal accepts a passport, ID card, birth certificate or stateless person’s passport. What matters is readable document photos (max 5 MB) and originals at the IGM visit.
Can I work with temporary protection?
Yes. Temporary protection entitles you to stay legally, take up employment, study and access social and medical services. Job listings and employment programmes — on dopomoga.gov.md.
Can I travel to Ukraine?
The border with Moldova is open, and trips to Ukraine do not automatically cancel the status — temporary protection in fact lifts the 90-day rule. However, a long-term return to Ukraine may end your status; before extended trips check via the IGM green line 0 800 015 27.
- Уряд Молдови — продовження тимчасового захисту до 1 березня 2027 року ✓
- dopomoga.gov.md — Protecție temporară (офіційний портал уряду) ✓
- dopomoga.gov.md — покрокова інструкція подачі ✓
- protectietemporara.gov.md — портал онлайн-подачі IGM ✓
- igm.gov.md — Inspectoratul General pentru Migrație ✓
- UNHCR Moldova — Help (грошова допомога, притулок)
This information is for reference only and is not legal advice.