Overview
Process Server in Moldova: How Service of Process Works
Moldova is a Hague Service Convention signatory, with the Ministry of Justice designated as the Central Authority. Once a submission is reviewed for compliance with both Moldovan law and the Convention, the Ministry forwards it to the appropriate local court or authority, which then serves the documents on the defendant using a method permitted under Moldovan law, such as personal service by a court bailiff or service by registered mail. Documents are generally translated into Romanian, Moldova's official language.
Who serves process
Who Can Serve Legal Documents in Moldova
Moldova is a civil-law country. The Central Authority is the Ministry of Justice in Chișinău, and documents are served by the courts for the area where the person lives.
Moldova objects to postal and private service under Article 10, so U.S. requests for Chișinău must go through its Central Authority. Documents are only accepted if translated into the official language (Romanian). There's no fee, and the Hague Conference lists about four months.
The documents most often bound for Chișinău and the rest of Moldova are a statement of claim with a summons to appear, plus orders, subpoenas and other court notices. Addresses range from Chișinău to the Southern Moldova & Autonomous Regions.
Proof you receive: certificate or sworn affidavit
After delivery in Chișinău or elsewhere in Moldova, you receive the court's record of service from the court, with an English translation if it is issued in Romanian.
Ministry of Justice Central Authority Filing
We submit the Hague request, together with any applicable fees, to Moldova's Ministry of Justice for review and forwarding to the appropriate court or authority.
Bailiff or Registered Mail Execution
Once the Ministry of Justice approves a submission, service is carried out by a local court bailiff or via registered mail, depending on what the case calls for.
Certified Romanian Translation
We prepare certified Romanian translations for documents intended for service in Moldova.
Treaties
Hague Service Convention and Moldova
Moldova is a party to the Hague Service Convention, so documents can be sent to its Central Authority, which arranges service and returns a Certificate of Service. Moldova has made a declaration on Article 10, which limits service by post or by private agents, so we confirm which methods are open before choosing one.
Moldova is also a party to the Hague Evidence Convention, so witness testimony and documents can be requested with a Letter of Request.
