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What You Need to Know When You’re Moving to Chisinau

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  • Ivan Dlouhy

    When I was offered a posting in Chisinau, I was skeptical at first. But this expat community made settling in so much easier.

Relocating to Chisinau

About the City

Located in the middle of the country on the bank of the Bîc river, Chisinau is the largest and capital city of Moldova. The city experienced high levels of migration from other parts of Moldova after the country declared independence in 1991, and today is home to nearly 500,000 people, making it the most populous area in the country. Of its population, the vast majority are native Moldovans, who account for almost 70% of the overall population, but there also large groups of Russians, Romanians, Ukrainians, and Bulgarians living in the city, as well as many expatriates. Although Orthodox Christianity is the primary religion, and is practiced by nearly 90% of the population, Chisinau also has a significant Jewish community. The official language of Moldova is Romanian, as specified in the 1991 declaration of independence, but many people will speak Moldovan, which is essentially a subset of Romanian. As Chisinau is an international city, you will find that some people also speak English, Russian, and Ukrainian, but learning some Romanian/Moldovan phrases is advised.

The Climate in Chisinau

Expatriates moving to Chisinau will need to adjust to a humid continental climate that is characterized by hot, dry summers, and cold, wet winters. During the summer months, the average daily temperature is around 25°C (77°F), but it is not uncommon for it to reach between 35 and 40°C (95 and 104°F) at the height of summer in the busiest parts of the city. The high temperatures, however, are offset by the low humidity in the city during the summer months, although rain storms are a usual occurrence. In the winter, the temperature drops down to 0°C (32°F), but can plummet below zero — however, it is rarely colder than −10°C (14°F). The winter brings far more precipitation than the summer, but snow is not expected.

Visas for Moldova

Expatriates and foreigners of all nationalities will need a visa to move to Chisinau. The most common visa applied for by expatriates moving to Chisinau is the Type D visa, which allows foreigners to live in Chisinau for up to 12 months, after which it can be renewed. The Type D visa is usually for the purposes of working or studying in Moldova, but expatriates moving to Chisinau for work will also need to apply for a work permit alongside this visa. You must make your application for a Type D visa from your home country through your local Moldovan embassy or consulate, for which you will be required to provide official documentation such as your passport, criminal record, prospective place of residency in Chisinau, and employment history; these documents may need to be translated into Romanian. You are advised to contact your local embassy or consulate for details on visas for moving to Chisinau.

Sep 30, 2023, 4:00 PM
26 attendees
A Feast for All Senses in Chisinau We extend a warm invitation to you to join us for a vibrant Oktoberfest celebration in the heart of Chisinau! This event promises an unforgettable experience that t
Aug 3, 2023, 5:30 PM
26 attendees
Chill, Connect & Refresh: Hugo Spritz Summer Soirée – After Work Edition! Get ready for an exciting summer after-work gathering with the Internations Chisinau Community at our upcoming event - Summer
Jul 23, 2023, 12:00 PM
23 attendees
Join us and enjoy the Summer Lake BBQ Party! We'll provide a sizzling grill and refreshing water. All you need to do is bring your own food, or if you'd like to share something culturally special with
Join us for an evening of relaxed networking and delightful flavors at Brews, Ribs & Cheers: A Flavorful Networking Affair event, hosted at the Beer Pub Craft Baza located at Str. Constantin Tănase

See all upcoming events for expats in Chisinau

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  • Ivan Dlouhy

    When I was offered a posting in Chisinau, I was skeptical at first. But this expat community made settling in so much easier.

  • Kim Demers

    My expat friends from InterNations helped me discover Moldavia's historical and cultural heritage!

Our Global Partners

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