In the latest expansion of the citizenship by investment industry, the much-anticipated Moldova Citizenship by Investment Programme has officially been launched this week at the 12th Global Residence and Citizenship Conference in Dubai. With its untarnished countryside and internationally-renowned wine industry, the charming landlocked country of Moldova is now looking towards more innovative ways of strengthening its economy.
Speaking at the conference, Moldova’s Minister of Economy and Infrastructure, His Excellency Chiril Gaburici was confident that The Citizenship Acquisition Program, as it is officially known, will propel economic growth, support local industries, as well as aid in the more general development of society. By attracting reputable investors to the country through the programme, the Moldovan government hopes to encourage strategic and sustainable development within the country, while enriching the local pool of talent and wealth. In fact, the Moldova Economic Ministry is determined to generate an accumulative value of €1.3 billion through the Moldova Citizenship by Investment Programme over the next five years.
Investment Requirements for the Moldova Citizenship by Investment Programme
In order for an investment to qualify for the Moldova Citizenship by Investment Programme, a single applicant must make a non-refundable EUR100,000 contribution towards the country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) for Sustainable Development. Furthermore, a contribution of EUR115,000 is required for a couple, EUR 145,000 for a family of four, and EUR 155,000 for a family of five or more. As the programme consolidates itself, further investment options are also anticipated to be introducing, namely investment options of EUR250,000 in real estate or government bonds.
The Moldova Citizenship by Investment Programme also follows a thorough four-tier due diligence system ensuring the uppermost quality of successful applicants. Due diligence fees stand at EUR6,000 for the main applicant and EUR5,000 each for the spouse and dependent children over the age of 16 and dependent parents. Furthermore, a service fee of EUR35,000 is required with each application. Other government and biometric fees also apply.
Eligibility for the Moldova Citizenship by Investment Programme
In order to be eligible for the Moldova Citizenship by Investment Programme, main applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Eligible dependents include the spouse, dependent children up to 29 years of age, and dependent parents- of both the main applicant and the spouse- who are 55 years of age or older.
All applicants, including dependents, are required to have a clean criminal record. Applicants who have had their assets ordered to be frozen by the EU will not be accepted into the programme, as will not persons who have been denied a visa to countries/territories with which Moldova has visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel arrangements.
Benefits of the Moldova Citizenship by Investment Programme
One of the main draws of the Moldova Citizenship by Investment Programme is the visa-free access to the 121 countries granted to a holder of a Moldovan passport. From access to the Schengen area to Russia, Moldovan citizenship surely offers greater ease of travel to many interested applicants. Moldova’s active pursuit of EU membership also presents significant prospects. The Moldova Citizenship by Investment Programme comes with a quick and efficient application process. The certificate of naturalisation is issued with three months following the submission of the application, provided all the criteria are met and no due diligence issues arise.
Furthermore, no residency requirements are specified in order to obtain Moldovan citizenship through the programme, which is also granted for life and can be transferred to future generations without restriction. Moldova also allows dual citizenship, meaning that any previous citizenships (subject to the countries’ laws) need not be renounced upon the obtainment of Moldovan citizenship.