Ukrainian refugees could generate 60 million lei a year in Moldova
Ukrainian refugees have contributed about 1.6 billion lei to Moldova’s public budget since 2022 through taxes and social contributions. They have also launched more than 200 businesses in the local market.
The data were presented at a recent meeting of the Economic Council under the Prime Minister of Moldova.
However, although national law allows refugees access to the labor market, full integration remains a complex process, limited by language barriers, difficulties in recognizing qualifications, and adapting to local requirements, participants noted.
According to estimates by UNHCR and UNDP, about 2,080 refugees could choose the independent entrepreneur regime by 2027. This measure could generate around 60 million lei annually in tax revenue and economic benefits, with minimal administrative costs.
Participants also reviewed work permit procedures and mechanisms for recognizing professional qualifications, given that more than 47,000 Ukrainian refugees have extended their temporary protection status since the start of the year, while another 4,700 have submitted new applications.
Members of the Economic Council reiterated their commitment to developing effective policies for economic inclusion, and business actors were encouraged to comply with legal hiring frameworks and ensure protection of foreign workers’ rights.
Since Russia’s invasion of the neighboring country, about two million Ukrainian refugees have transited through Moldova, and more than 100,000 have remained in the country.
Nearly 2,700 people have obtained Moldovan citizenship, and more than 2,970 applicants born in Ukraine to Moldovan parents have been officially recognized as citizens of the Republic of Moldova.
