The paper examines the tendencies and characteristics of NEET young people in the Republic of Moldova based on a complex research approach that included analysis of statistical data, secondary data analysis of School-to-Work Transition Survey, in-depth interviews with NEET youth and with relevant stakeholders. The share of NEET youth in Moldova is high, about one third of young people aged 15-29 years are not integrated into any form of education and training or employment. This indicator is higher, both in relation to the neighbouring countries and with other countries in the region. The research has revealed systemic problems that favour the maintenance for a long period of a high NEET rate despite the reducing the number of young people of this age category. The study highlighted that a significant proportion of the NEET youth have a low level of education that limits the young people’ access to the labour market. They are at the highest risk of being always unemployed or being poorly remunerated later, as well to take over deviant or addictive behaviours, or to face health problems. The research also found that in the Republic of Moldova, the gender gap of the NEET indicator is more critical than in other countries in the region. This gap highlights the lack of fair opportunities for women to integrate into the labour market even if they have higher level of education than men. As well there are substantial disparities between urban and rural area, mainly explained by the acute shortage of jobs in rural areas.