Moldova is the latest country to launch a Citizenship by Investment programme.

The Republic of Moldova is a land-locked country in Eastern Europe bordered by Romania to the west and Ukraine to the north and east. A former member of the Soviet Union, Moldova gained independence from the USSR in 1991 and was admitted to the United Nations in March 1992.

To qualify for citizenship, single applicants must make an economic contribution of €100,000 to Moldova’s Public Investment Fund for Sustainable Development, rising to €145,000 for a family of four and €155,000 for a family of five or more. The scheme follows a thorough four-tier due diligence system, costing €6,000 for the main applicant and €5,000 for spouses, dependent parents and dependent children over the age of 16. Other fees, including a €35,000 service fee for each application, also apply. Assuming no problems with the due diligence process, a certificate of naturalisation can be completed within three months from the date of the full application.

One of the attractions of the Moldova CBI programme is having visa-free access to 122 countries including Russia and the Schengen countries within Europe. Once obtained, citizenship is also transferable to future generations without restrictions.