Launched in the latter part of 2018, Moldova offers access to a stable economy at a low investment price tag of EUR 100,000 for its Moldova Citizenship by Investment program. It grants applicants enhanced global mobility, a Plan B, and access to a business-friendly economy.
The Requirements for Moldovan Citizenship by Investment
Moldova is a small country in Europe, formerly part of the Soviet Union, it borders Romania and Ukraine. It was ranked 47 among 190 economies in the ease of doing business, according to the latest World Bank annual ratings. It has a population of 3.5 million and its economy has remained robust 2018, reaching 4.5% due to its agricultural output, remittances received and public and private wage increases.
In order to benefit from Moldovan Citizenship, applicants must ensure that they:
Contribute a minimum non-refundable contribution to the Moldova Public Investment Fund:
- EUR 100,000 for a single applicant
- EUR 115,000 for a couple
- EUR 145,000 for a family of four
- EUR 155,000 for family of five or more
- The applicant must also pay government fees ranging from EUR 5,000 to EUR 12,500 for a family of four. An applicant may include dependent parents and pay an additional EUR 5,000 per parent over 55.
- Moldova has a stringent due diligence system in place, as pressure from the EU mounts, they have committed to uphold the integrity of the RCBI industry and implemented a four tier DD process. The Due diligence Fees are EUR 6,000 per applicant and EUR 5,000 per dependent included in the application (excluding children under 16).
- In addition to having a clear criminal record, the applicant(s) must demonstrate clear source of funds and are not eligible if they have been denied a visa to any country which has visa-free/visa-on-arrival arrangements in place with Moldova. Currently these include 120+ countries.
What’s Unique About Moldova?
- The processing time is 3 months, one of the swiftest processes in the industry, especially in Europe.
- The entry cost at EUR 100,000 is one of the lowest in Europe.
- Residency isn’t required in Moldova to obtain the passport.
- Upon receipt, Moldovan citizenship is transferable from generation to generation.
- No real estate needs to be kept in perpetuity (as is the case in Cyprus)
- Strong ties with European and Asian neighbours
In the long run, Moldova is set to strengthen its ties with Europe, having signed an association and free trade zone agreement with the European Union in June 2014. Subject to how these relations strengthen in the long-run, it could take steps forward to EU membership yet this is till a debated political matter and will not be a short-term outcome.
Read more: The Ever Growing Investment Migration Industry
The Benefits of Moldovan citizenship by investment
What Moldovian Citizenship by Investment does offer is the opportunity of a new start for non-EU investors seeking an exit from their current location/country of birth. Dual citizenship does offer business owners and investors a gateway to the world.
Moldova is a stable economy, offers its passport holders a globally mobile lifestyle (120+ visa free countries) and the opportunity to relocate to Moldova if needed/desired and take advantage of its numerous tax initiatives, tax-free zones and business-friendly environment.
Moldovais strengthening its economy and hopes that its Citizenship Investment programme will aid to the nation’s development. Most importantly it has positioned itself as a leading jurisdiction for entrepreneurs in the technological sectors. It is also opening its economy up to trade with the EU, Turkey, CIS and China hence in the coming years it is expected that the economy will continue to flourish.
Read more: The Kleindienst Blunder and its ripple effect on the investment migration industry
