Effective January 1, 2026, Moldovan citizens returning for permanent residence can benefit from a full exemption from import duties on personal belongings and one vehicle. The new provisions are introduced under Law No. 319/2025, which officially entered into force on this date (Monitorul Oficial, 2025, No. 659 – 661, Art. 794).
According to the Customs Service of the Republic of Moldova, the law also amends the Contravention Code and is designed to facilitate the return of Moldovan citizens from abroad by simplifying customs procedures and reducing relocation costs.
This legislative update creates favorable conditions for reintegration, supports family reunification, and encourages long-term relocation to Moldova.
Vehicle Import to Moldova Without Customs Duties (2026)
Under the new regulations, eligible Moldovan citizens may import one passenger vehicle (tariff heading 8703) without paying customs duties, provided that all of the following conditions are met:
● The vehicle must be no more than 10 years old
● The customs value must not exceed 550,000 MDL
● The engine capacity must not exceed 3000 cm³
● The vehicle must have no visible damage or defects
● The vehicle must be intended exclusively for personal use (no commercial or industrial use permitted)
This measure significantly reduces the financial burden of relocation and ensures access to reliable personal transportation upon return to Moldova.
Import of Personal Belongings to Moldova
In addition to a vehicle, returning citizens are entitled to import personal belongings without paying import duties.
Key conditions include:
● Items must not indicate a commercial purpose
● The list of eligible goods is determined by the Government of Moldova
● Eligible items typically include furniture, household goods, clothing, personal electronics, and other property necessary for daily living
This exemption supports a smoother transition and settlement process for returning families.
Eligibility Criteria for Import Duty Exemption
To qualify for the Moldova import duty exemption in 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
● Be 18 years of age or older
● Hold confirmed citizenship of the Republic of Moldova
● Prove long-term residence abroad, defined as:
● At least 36 months within the last 60 months, or
● A minimum of 10 years prior to application
● Submit a complete set of required documents and declarations under personal responsibility
● For vehicle import: possess a valid driver’s license of the appropriate category
● Commit to residing in Moldova for at least 183 days per year for three consecutive years following the import of the vehicle or personal property
Meeting these criteria ensures lawful access to the customs duty exemption and supports full social and economic reintegration.
Application Procedure: How to Apply for the Moldova Customs Exemption
Applications and supporting documents must be submitted by email to: revenire@customs.gov.md
Important deadlines and processing timelines:
● Documents must be submitted at least 30 working days before import
● Confirmation of receipt is issued within 2 working days
● Application review takes up to 20 working days
● Customs clearance with duty exemption is granted only after a positive administrative decision
All documents issued abroad must be accompanied by a certified Romanian translation.
Important Residency Requirement
Beneficiaries of the import duty exemption are legally required to reside in the Republic of Moldova for at least 183 days per year for three years following the import of the vehicle or personal belongings.
Failure to comply with this requirement may result in legal consequences under applicable legislation.
Official Information and Ongoing Updates
The Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Moldova in Dnipro continues to provide updates on legislative changes, customs regulations, and state support measures for citizens returning for permanent residence.
For detailed guidance, including step-by-step instructions for vehicle import to Moldova, please refer to the official materials and visual guides accompanying this announcement.
