The visa-free regime between the countries remains in effect. At the same time, new digital border control mechanisms are being introduced, and a special legal regime is in effect under Presidential Decree No. 520, which provides Moldovan citizens with significant benefits regarding legalization of stay and work activities. Below we explain in detail the rules: how entry to Russia is currently carried out and what documents are needed.
General rules for entry to Russia for citizens of Moldova
From June 30, 2025, entry to Russia for visa-free foreigners, including Moldovans, introduces a new digital border control element. Before traveling, it is necessary to create an account on Gosuslugi RuID. Upon registration, a QR code is generated, which must be presented when crossing the border. As of 2025, this measure is considered voluntary, and the absence of a QR code is not an obstacle to entering Russia.
Required documents
To cross the Russian border, a citizen of Moldova needs a valid identity document. Entry is permitted with a national passport of the Republic. Also, upon entry, it is necessary to fill out a migration card and present the QR code generated in the Gosuslugi RuID application. Additionally, it is recommended to have medical insurance for the entire period of stay, as medical care for foreigners in Russia is paid.
Who may be denied entry
Despite the visa-free regime, Russian border guards may prohibit entry to certain categories of Moldovan citizens. This applies to persons who have previously violated migration legislation, if such violations do not fall under Decree No. 520, as well as those who pose a threat to public or national security.
Benefits and concessions do not apply to citizens of Moldova who have past convictions related to drugs, extremism, etc. In these cases, previously issued decisions on entry bans, deportation or expulsion remain in force.
Migration card
A migration card is issued each time the Russian border is crossed. This document justifies the legitimacy of a foreigner's stay in the country. The card consists of two parts: one remains with the border authorities, the second — with the foreign citizen and must be kept until departure.
In case of loss or damage to the migration card, a Moldovan citizen must file a statement with the local MVD office within three days to obtain a duplicate. Violation of this rule may lead to a fine and complications in further status registration.
Registration at place of stay
After entering Russia, a Moldovan citizen must complete a simple procedure to register with migration authorities. The standard rule requires registration within 7 working days from the moment of arrival. Registration is carried out through the receiving party — the apartment owner, legal entity (employer), hotel or hostel.
In a standard situation without additional permits, a Moldovan citizen can stay (within a calendar year) for 90 days. However, in 2025–2026, a special procedure is in effect. Citizens of Moldova who left Russia after July 25, 2025 and re-entered starting from October 1, 2025, have the opportunity to extend the period of temporary stay, obtain a temporary residence permit or permanent residence permit by contacting migration authorities no later than January 1, 2026. During this period, a legalization assistance regime is effectively in place.
What to do if the stay period has expired
If the stay period was exceeded before Decree No. 520 came into force, but the Moldovan citizen falls under its provisions, previously issued decisions on deportation, expulsion, readmission or reduction of the stay period cease to be effective. It is important that the violation is not related to exceptions involving criminal records or security threats.
To resolve the status, one should contact the territorial MVD office; in Moscow, such issues are handled by specialists at the MMC 'Sakharovo'. After fingerprinting, photographing and medical examination, an appropriate mark is placed on the migration card.
Common mistakes and advice for migrants from Moldova
In practice, difficulties most often arise due to formal errors: incorrect purpose of entry, lack of registration, missed deadlines for contacting the MVD or incomplete documents. Even under the preferential regime, it is important to timely record your intention to legalize — submit an application, undergo identification procedures and receive marks in migration documents.
It is also recommended to check the status of your application in Gosuslugi RuID in advance before traveling and save all confirmations of biometric and medical examination completion.