1. What is the process of obtaining citizenship by investment in Moldova?

The process of obtaining citizenship by investment in Moldova typically involves the following steps:

1. Choose an authorized agent: The first step is to choose an authorized agent who will guide you through the entire application process and help you with the necessary paperwork.

2. Make the investment: The next step is to make the required investment in one of the approved investment options, such as a donation to the Public Investment Fund or purchasing government bonds.

3. Prepare documents: You will need to gather and prepare all necessary documents, including personal identification documents, proof of source of funds, and any other relevant documentation required by your chosen investment option.

4. Submit application: Your authorized agent will submit your application and all supporting documents to the Moldovan Citizenship Commission for processing.

5. Background check: The Commission will conduct a thorough background check on all applicants, including due diligence checks on their financial history and criminal record.

6. Residence permit: While your application is being processed, you must obtain a temporary residence permit in Moldova, which allows you to stay in the country until your citizenship is approved.

7. Approval and fees: If your application is approved, you will then need to pay all applicable fees, including government processing fees and any additional costs associated with your chosen investment option.

8. Oath of allegiance: Once all fees are paid, you must take an oath of allegiance to the Republic of Moldova before a notary public or other designated authority.

9. Issuance of Certificate of Naturalization: Upon completion of all steps and requirements, you will be issued a Certificate of Naturalization which serves as proof of your Moldovan citizenship.

2. What are the approved investment options for obtaining citizenship by investment in Moldova?

Currently, there are two approved investment options for obtaining citizenship by investment in Moldova:

1. Donation to Public Investment Fund (PIF): Applicants can make a non-refundable donation directly to Moldova’s Public Investment Fund. The amount of the donation varies based on the number of family members applying and ranges from €100,000 (for a single applicant) to €155,000 (for a family of four).

2. Purchase of government bonds: Applicants can also choose to invest in government bonds with a minimum investment of €250,000. The investment must be held for at least five years.

3. What are the requirements for obtaining Moldovan citizenship by investment?

To obtain Moldovan citizenship by investment, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Be at least 18 years old.

2. Have a clean criminal record.

3. Provide proof of legal source of funds for the investment.

4. Make the required investment in one of the approved options.

5. Hold a valid temporary residence permit during the application process.

6. Take an oath of allegiance to the Republic of Moldova.

7. Show a willingness to integrate into Moldovan society and respect its laws and traditions.

8. Demonstrate proficiency in either Romanian, Russian or English language.

4. How long does it take to obtain citizenship by investment in Moldova?

The processing time for obtaining citizenship by investment in Moldova varies and can take anywhere from 3-6 months on average. This timeline is dependent on factors such as the completeness and accuracy of your application, background checks, and any additional documents or information required by the Citizenship Commission.

2. What are the main benefits of obtaining citizenship through investment in Moldova?

1. Fast Processing Time: The Moldovan Citizenship by Investment Program has a relatively fast processing time compared to other citizenship by investment programs, with an average processing time of 3-4 months.

2. Visa-free travel: With Moldovan citizenship, you can enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to over 122 countries, including the Schengen Area, Russia, Turkey and Hong Kong.

3. Business opportunities: Moldova is strategically located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, making it an ideal location for business expansion. As a citizen of Moldova, you can capitalize on this unique advantage and explore business opportunities within the European Union and beyond.

4. Right to live and work in Moldova: Obtaining citizenship through investment grants you the right to live, work and study in Moldova without any restrictions.

5. No residence requirements: Unlike some other citizenship by investment programs, there are no mandatory residence requirements for Moldova’s program. This allows you to maintain your current lifestyle while enjoying all the benefits of Moldovan citizenship.

6. Family benefits: Your spouse, children (under 29 years old), parents (above 55 years old) and grandparents can also obtain citizenship through your investment in Moldova.

7. Access to healthcare and education: As a citizen of Moldova, you will have access to its high-quality healthcare system and affordable education options for yourself and your family.

8. Diversification of Assets: By investing in Moldovan real estate or businesses, you can diversify your assets beyond your home country’s borders.

9. Dual Citizenship allowed: Moldova allows dual citizenship which means that you can retain your current nationality while also holding a second passport from Moldova.

10. Low investment requirement: The minimum required investment for obtaining citizenship in Moldova is significantly lower than many other countries offering similar programs, making it an attractive option for individuals looking to expand their global citizenship portfolio.

3. How much is the minimum required investment for citizenship in Moldova?

The minimum required investment for citizenship in Moldova is €250,000.

4. Are there any residency requirements for citizenship through investment in Moldova?

Yes, there are residency requirements for citizenship through investment in Moldova. Investors must physically reside in Moldova for at least six months during the first year of obtaining citizenship, and at least 10 days per year in the following four years. Failure to meet these requirements may result in revocation of citizenship.

5. What types of investments are accepted for citizenship in Moldova?

The government of Moldova accepts investments in the following categories in order to obtain citizenship:

1. Real Estate Investment: Applicants can invest a minimum of €250,000 in a designated real estate project, located in a development area or the city center of Chisinau, with a minimum investment term of five years.

2. Business Investment: Applicants can invest a minimum of €100,000 in a business or enterprise and create at least 10 new jobs for Moldovan citizens.

3. Government Bonds Investment: Applicants can invest a minimum of €250,000 in non-interest bearing government bonds which must be held for a period of five years.

4. Donation to the Public Investment Fund: Applicants can make a one-time non-refundable donation of €100,000 to the Public Investment Fund.

5. Combining Investments: Applicants can combine investments from any of the above categories, as long as their total investment amounts to at least €250,000.

6. Is dual citizenship allowed in Moldova?

Yes, Moldova allows for dual citizenship. However, there are some restrictions on who can obtain dual citizenship, such as individuals who have acquired citizenship through investment programs or have married a Moldovan citizen and been granted citizenship through marriage.

Additionally, individuals who acquire dual citizenship must declare their foreign citizenship to the Moldovan government within one year of obtaining it. Failure to do so could result in revocation of Moldovan citizenship.

7. Are there any language or cultural requirements for obtaining citizenship through investment in Moldova?

Yes, applicants for citizenship through investment in Moldova must have a basic understanding of the Moldovan language and culture. This is demonstrated through an interview with the authorities during the application process. However, individuals who have completed their higher education or have been living in Moldova for at least 10 years are exempt from this requirement.

8. Do I need to have a job offer or business plan to qualify for citizenship by investment in Moldova?

Yes, applicants for citizenship by investment in Moldova are required to have a job offer or a detailed business plan outlining their proposed investment in the country. This is to demonstrate that the applicant intends to contribute to the Moldovan economy and society. The job offer or business plan must be approved by the relevant government authorities before the application can be considered.

9. Can my family members also obtain citizenship through my investment in Moldova?

Yes, your spouse and children under the age of 18 can also obtain citizenship through your investment in Moldova, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria. They must be included in your application for citizenship by investment and you must provide proof of their relationship to you. If they are over 18, they can apply for citizenship independently but must meet the eligibility requirements on their own.

10. What is the timeline for obtaining citizenship by investment in Moldova?

The timeline for obtaining citizenship by investment in Moldova typically takes between 3-6 months. This includes the application process, due diligence checks, and processing of the citizenship documents. However, it may vary depending on individual circumstances and processing times at the relevant government agencies.

11. Can I invest in any industry or sector for citizenship purposes in Moldova?

No, there are specific industries and sectors designated by the Moldovan government for investment as part of the citizenship by investment program. These include real estate, business development, infrastructure projects, and healthcare. Interested individuals should consult with a designated agent or immigration lawyer for more information on eligible investments.

12. Is there a limit on the number of people granted citizenship by investment each year in Moldova?

Yes, there is a limit on the number of people granted citizenship by investment each year in Moldova. The government has set a cap of 5,000 individuals per year who can obtain citizenship through the Moldova Citizenship by Investment Program. This limit is designed to ensure that the program remains exclusive and attracts high-quality investors. Additionally, the government may choose to adjust this limit based on demand and other factors.

13. What level of due diligence is conducted when applying for citizenship through investment in Moldova?

The level of due diligence conducted when applying for citizenship through investment in Moldova is thorough and comprehensive. The government of Moldova screens all applicants and conducts background checks to ensure that only qualified investors with no history of criminal activity or involvement in illegal activities are granted citizenship.

The due diligence process includes:
1. Verification of the applicant’s identity: This includes a detailed check of all official documents such as passport, birth certificate, and other forms of identification.

2. Source of funds verification: Moldova requires all citizenship by investment applicants to prove that their investment funds come from legitimate sources, such as business income, inheritance, or investments.

3. Source of Wealth: Applicants must also disclose the origin and nature of their wealth, including documentation related to assets, income sources, and financial statements.

4. Criminal record check: A thorough background check is conducted in all jurisdictions where the applicant has resided for the past ten years to ensure there is no history of criminal activity.

5. Politically Exposed Persons (PEP) screening: The government will conduct an extensive search against domestic and international lists to identify politically exposed persons (PEPs).

6.The Identity verification procedure under AML rules requires that residence’s passports should be submitted upon application .

7.The use of Interpol databases:The Moldovan government also uses Interpol database searches as part of its due diligence process to screen for any red flags or potential security risks associated with an applicant.

8.Interviews: Applicants may also be required to attend an interview as part of the due diligence process before final approval is given for citizenship by investment.

The level of due diligence required for citizenship by investment in Moldova ensures that only individuals with a clean personal and financial history are granted citizenship. It aims to maintain the integrity and reputation of the country’s citizenship program.

14. Are children born to citizens through investment automatically granted citizenship?

It depends on the specific laws and regulations of the country where the investment is made. In some countries, children born to citizens through investment may be automatically granted citizenship, while in others they may still need to meet certain eligibility requirements and go through an application process. It is important to research the citizenship laws of the country in question before making an investment for this purpose.

15. Are there any restrictions on which countries can apply for citizenship by investment in Moldova?

Citizenship by investment in Moldova is open to individuals from all countries, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria and invest the required amount. There are no specific restrictions on which countries can apply for citizenship by investment.

16. Does receiving citizenship through investment grant me voting rights and access to government services?

Yes. As a citizen, you will have voting rights and access to government services just like any other citizen of that country.

17. Is it possible to lose my newly acquired citizen status if I fail to maintain my initial investment?

It depends on the specific regulations and laws of the country where you acquired citizenship. In some cases, failing to maintain your initial investment or fulfilling certain requirements may result in revocation of your citizenship status. It is important to carefully review the terms and conditions of your citizenship acquisition and consult with a legal professional if you have any concerns.

18. Can I include dependents such as parents or siblings on my application for citizenship by investment in Moldova?

No, you can only include your spouse and children under the age of 29 on your application for citizenship by investment in Moldova. Parents or siblings cannot be included as dependents on your application.

19. Does holding another passport affect my eligibility for gaining full citizen status through investing in Moldova?

No, holding another passport should not affect your eligibility for gaining full citizen status through investing in Moldova. The citizenship by investment program in Moldova is open to all eligible individuals regardless of their current citizenship status. However, you may want to consult with an immigration lawyer or the government of Moldova for specific requirements and guidelines related to dual citizenship.

20. Are there any tax implications associated with gaining economic residency and/or full nationality through investing in Moldova?

Yes, there may be tax implications associated with gaining economic residency and/or full nationality through investing in Moldova. It is recommended to consult with a tax professional for specific advice. Generally, acquiring economic residency or citizenship through investment may trigger capital gains tax on the investment amount, as well as potential income tax implications for any future income earned in Moldova. In addition, there may be reporting requirements for foreign investments and assets held in Moldova for taxation purposes.