"Italy–Moldova pensions: what the new Social Security Agreement offers from September 1, 2025"
The Bilateral Agreement on social security between the Republic of Moldova and the Italian Republic, which was signed in October 2024 in Rome, will take effect starting on September 1, 2025. This is a significant development for the thousands of Moldovan citizens who have worked legally in Italy. The agreement allows them to combine their work periods from both countries to determine their pension eligibility. Additionally, they will be able to submit their applications directly from the Republic of Moldova, eliminating the need to travel to Italy.
What does the cumulation of contribution periods entail?
A key provision of the bilateral agreement is the ability to combine contribution periods accumulated in both the Republic of Moldova and Italy. This means that Moldovan citizens who have not gathered enough contribution periods in a single country can still become eligible for a pension by totalling their work experience in both countries.
Each country will pay a pension proportionally based on the contribution periods completed within its system, as stated by the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Republic of Moldova.
Where and how can applications be submitted to benefit from a pension?
Starting September 1, 2025, applications for pensions can be submitted in the Republic of Moldova at the headquarters or territorial subdivisions of the National Social Insurance House (CNAS). Alternatively, applications can also be submitted in Italy at the National Institute of Social Security (INPS). This arrangement eliminates the need for Moldovan citizens who have returned home to travel to Italy.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova announced that in September and October 2025, public information sessions will be held for Moldovan citizens in Italy. These sessions will feature specialists from the National Institute of Health Insurance. They will be organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Moldova in Rome, as well as the consulates in Milan and Padua. Further details regarding the program and locations of these meetings will be shared soon.
Required documents and eligibility criteria
To receive a pension from the Italian state, Moldovan citizens must meet the specific eligibility conditions for each benefit. For instance, to qualify for the old-age pension, applicants must have reached the standard retirement age according to Italian law, which is 67 years for both men and women. Different criteria apply for disability or survivors' pensions based on the legal provisions of each participating state.
Applicants must present several documents, including an identity card, work record book, diploma, proof of contribution periods, and bank details (IBAN, SWIFT). Each type of pension—old-age, disability, or survivors'—has specific rules dictated by the internal legislation of each country. It's important to note that the agreement only applies to contributory pensions and does not cover the Italian social pension (“assegno sociale”).
Payment of pensions and the possibility of transferring social payments
Another significant aspect of the agreement is regarding pension transfers. Moldovans who worked in Italy and returned to the Republic of Moldova will be able to receive their Italian pensions directly into their bank accounts at home, eliminating the need to travel to Italy to withdraw their money.
Each country will transfer pensions based on the contributions made to their respective systems.
How many Moldovans will benefit and can the pension be recalculated?
As of 2022, over 271,000 Moldovan citizens had contributed to the Italian pension system, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova. It is estimated that by 2034, around 25,000 people will benefit from pensions from Italy. Individuals who are already receiving Italian pensions will have the option to request a recalculation based on the new rules in the agreement, but this will only apply to the periods following its implementation.
Retroactive application and limits of the agreement
While the agreement provides significant opportunities, it does not allow for retroactive application. Previous work periods will not be automatically recalculated, and rights will only be established from September 1, 2025. Nonetheless, this agreement is viewed as a significant step forward for the social rights of the Moldovan diaspora in Italy.
The bilateral agreement was signed on October 31, 2024, in Rome by the Moldovan Minister of Labor and Social Protection, Alexei Buzu, and the Italian Minister, Marina Elvira Calderone. The document is the result of extensive negotiations and commitments made under the Declaration of Intent signed in September 2024. This agreement reflects the dedication of both governments to ensure social protection for citizens who have worked in both countries.
