Social security pacts secure pensions for Moldovans abroad
The Republic of Moldova currently operates 18 international social security agreements, ensuring that citizens working abroad can access pensions from both Moldova and their host countries.
Elena Țîbîrnă, Director of the National Social Insurance House (CNAS), confirmed that these bilateral frameworks allow for the recognition of contribution periods. Five additional agreements are currently undergoing signing or ratification.
The proportionality principle
Most agreements are governed by the principle of proportionality. Each state pays a fraction of the pension corresponding to the social insurance contributions paid within its borders.
A Moldovan citizen who has legally worked in both Moldova and an EU state like Italy or Germany will receive two separate pension payments. Each amount is calculated based on the specific contributions and legal criteria of each respective country.
Aggregating contribution periods
These legal frameworks prevent citizens from losing their pension rights due to fragmented careers. If a worker does not meet the minimum contribution period in one country, the periods from both states are aggregated to establish eligibility.
However, the final payout remains strictly proportional to the actual contributions. "Without these agreements, many individuals would simply fail to meet the minimum legal threshold for a pension," Țîbîrnă explained.
Application procedures
The application process depends on the claimant's current residence. Individuals living in Moldova can apply for foreign pensions through CNAS, while those residing abroad must contact the relevant social security institution in their country of residence.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
