Moldovan citizens working in Switzerland will now qualify for pensions and other social benefits following the signing of a landmark Social Security Agreement between Moldova and the Swiss Confederation today in Bern.
Minister of Labor and Social Protection Alexei Buzu, who led the negotiations over the past two years, confirmed the agreement will benefit more than 10,000 Moldovans residing in Switzerland. These individuals can not combine work periods from both countries to qualify for pensions and social protections.
“Thanks to this agreement, Moldovan citizens who have worked in both Moldova and Switzerland will be able to accumulate contribution periods and access pensions and other benefits,” Buzu stated. “I’m proud that we’ve reached this important milestone and can now offer greater protection to our citizens, regardless of where they work.”
FOR THE MOST IMPORTANT NEWS, FOLLOW US ON TWITTER!
The agreement covers old-age pensions, disability due to general illness, workplace accident or occupational disease benefits, and survivors’ pensions. These benefits will be calculated based on the principle of proportionality, reflecting work periods in each country. Following the signing, both Moldova and Switzerland will begin internal ratification procedures.
Around 3,300 Moldovan citizens living abroad receive pensions under international Social Security Agreements. As of January 1, 2025, most recipients live in Germany (1,054), Romania (551), Bulgaria (168), Belarus (127), the Czech Republic (134), and Lithuania (90).
Moldova has signed Social Security Agreements with 19 countries, of which 18 are in force. These include agreements with Romania, Bulgaria, Portugal, Luxembourg, Austria, Estonia, the Czech Republic, Belgium, Poland, Hungary, Lithuania, Germany, Turkey, Belarus, Italy, Greece, Spain, and Latvia.