With the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, millions of people crossed into neighbouring countries. A large number chose Moldova as their primary destination.

372Kborder entries in March 2022 alone

Not everyone chose to stay in Moldova. The larger part moved on to România or elsewhere, many by air.

87%of March 2022 departures went to countries other than Ukraine

Even as new refugees kept arriving from Ukraine, movements grew more complex: many people travel back and forth to check on their homes and families. At the same time, Ukrainians who had settled in other European countries have relocated to Moldova.

1.50Mcumulative entries from countries other than Ukraine, now more than the 1.38M from Ukraine

144Kindividuals present in Moldova, , according to Border Police records

Arrived from

Women, men, girls and boys

30%are moving pendularly*
70%stay longer term*

*Expert estimation; updated infrequently.

In March 2023 the Government of Moldova introduced Temporary Protection (TP), taking over from the emergency regulations. The number of people who have obtained it grew steadily.

88Kpeople cumulatively obtained TP, 1 March 2023 – , per the Inspectorate General for Migration

In February 2026 the Government launched the extension of Temporary Protection, which also served as a validation of who remains in the country. The exercise closed at the end of April 2026.

59.1Kactive TP holders as of
47.6Kactive TP holders after the extension ()
+11.5Kadded since the end of the extension exercise

So how does this relate to the 144K Ukrainians present in Moldova? The population divides into three main groups.

~35KNo known status: not yet regularized
~66KTemporary protection, residence permits or asylum
~43KPendular movements*
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Ukrainian refugees in MoldovaPopulation movements, 2022–2026

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UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency

For more information, please visit https://www.unhcr.org/md/

About the data