Moldova Joins EU’s ‘Roam Like at Home’ Regime from January 1st, 2026
In a move that promises to reshape digital mobility across Europe’s eastern frontier, the European Union has officially confirmed that Moldova will join the “Roam Like at Home” regime starting January 1st, 2026. This marks a significant milestone not just for telecom users but for Moldova’s broader journey toward deeper integration with the EU. Find out more Moldova EU roaming news below.
From that date, Moldovan citizens traveling to the EU—and EU residents visiting Moldova—will enjoy free EU roaming without additional charges for mobile calls, SMS, or data. This development builds upon a 2023 agreement between Moldova and the EU to gradually align their telecom markets and marks the latest tangible benefit of Moldova’s growing alignment with European standards.
For travelers, digital nomads, business professionals, and families staying connected across borders, this change will mean greater convenience, reduced costs, and improved connectivity. For Moldova, it represents another step closer to EU digital harmonization and a significant improvement in mobile freedom.
What This Means for Travelers and Residents
This change eliminates roaming surcharges when Moldovan citizens travel within the EU and when EU citizens visit Moldova. Both prepaid and postpaid users will benefit from:
- No additional charges for calls, SMS, or data while traveling
- Seamless mobile experience for business and leisure travel
- Fair use policies to prevent abuse, similar to those applied within the EU
A Milestone in EU-Moldova Relations
The inclusion of Moldova in the RLAH framework marks a major step forward in the country’s European integration efforts. It follows the signing of a roaming agreement in 2023 between Moldova and the EU, and reflects deepening digital and economic cooperation.
European Commission officials have emphasized that this move supports digital inclusion, strengthens the single market, and brings tangible benefits to Moldovan citizens.
What Mobile Users Need to Know
- For Moldovan Users: Starting in 2026, if you’re traveling in any of the 27 EU member states, your existing plan will work without extra roaming fees. You’ll be able to use your minutes, SMS, and data as if you were at home in Chișinău.
- For EU Visitors to Moldova: Whether you’re visiting for business or tourism, you’ll enjoy the same RLAH privileges. Your home-country SIM will work in Moldova under the same conditions.
- Fair Use Applies: As with other RLAH countries, the EU’s fair use policy ensures that users don’t abuse the system through permanent roaming. Occasional travel is fine; long-term stays might trigger review by operators.
A Boost for Tourism, Business, and Digital Mobility
This update is expected to boost tourism, trade, and cross-border cooperation between Moldova and the EU. The removal of roaming barriers also encourages remote work, cross-border e-commerce, and mobile connectivity, especially for Moldovan diaspora communities living across Europe.
What’s Next?
Moldovan mobile operators are expected to adjust their plans and infrastructure throughout 2025 to ensure full compliance by January 1, 2026. Consumers may start seeing EU-style mobile packages and transparent data usage tools appear in late 2025.
Final Thoughts about Moldova EU roaming
The expansion of the Roam Like at Home regime to include Moldova is more than a technical upgrade—it’s a political and digital milestone. As Europe works toward deeper integration, this move brings Moldova one step closer to everyday benefits felt directly by citizens and travelers alike.