Citizenship application and naturalization

To apply for Moldovan citizenship by origin (OPG), if born after 1991 with Moldovan parents, you'll need translated documents and potentially an autobiography. The process typically involves: 1. Obtaining a certificate of no criminal record (translated and notarized if required for your specific case). 2. Getting documents translated into Romanian by a notary. 3. Submitting applications at the Public Services Agency (ASP) or equivalent local office (like the Primăria in Comrat). 4. An autobiography might be required; it should detail your life, parents' background (birthplace, citizenship, etc.), education, work history, and family. The format should be structured and factual. Specific requirements can vary, so checking with the ASP is recommended. Some sources suggest that if you were born in Moldova and your parents were citizens, the process might be simpler and might not require a notarized translation of the criminal record, but always verify.

As of 2026, a spouse of a Moldovan citizen can apply for Moldovan citizenship after approximately four years. This process requires passing citizenship exams and demonstrating physical residency in Moldova for at least six months each year during this period. These legislative changes are part of Moldova's efforts to synchronize its laws with European Union standards. The exact enforcement mechanisms for the residency requirement are currently unclear.

Outline the requirements for Moldovan citizenship by naturalization. This includes the need for a period of legal residence (e.g., 10 years of temporary residence permit), passing language and constitution exams, and potentially other criteria such as continuous residency in Moldova for at least six months per year.

Applying for Moldovan citizenship by birth in Chisinau currently takes from 1.5 years. If born in Moldova but emigrated, passing language and constitution exams is required, which can only be done at the state university in Chisinau. Previously, this was not required for individuals under 30 years old.

The application process for Moldovan citizenship and residency is governed by specific laws and regulations. Changes to these laws, such as the new citizenship law (No. 253/2025) effective December 2025, can impact procedures, including the elimination of certain application pathways like 'Origine prin filiație' (ОПГ) in its previous form. The competent authority for processing citizenship applications is typically the Agency for Public Services (ASP), while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) oversees consular services. Government decrees (PP) often supplement the laws, but the law itself holds higher authority. Delays in government decrees can affect the implementation of new procedures.

Provide current information on the cost and process of obtaining Moldovan citizenship and passport in Moscow. Detail the fees (in RUB and MDL), the timeline, and the new requirements under the citizenship law (language and constitution exams). Compare this to past procedures and mention the possibility of needing to take exams. Include the embassy's website for detailed information.

For Moldovan citizenship applications (e.g., by descent), the following documents are typically required: applicant's passport, autobiography, certificate of no criminal record, applicant's birth certificate, parents' birth certificates, parents' marriage certificate (if applicable), and parents' Moldovan ID card (buletin). Most documents can be submitted as simple copies, except for the certificate of no criminal record, which requires an original with a wet stamp. It is crucial to ensure name consistency across all documents.

The procedure for determining Moldovan citizenship (OPG) for individuals born in Moldova but lacking Moldovan identity documents is a lengthy process. Required documents typically include: original birth certificates of the applicant and parents, parents' marriage certificate, autobiography, and criminal record certificates from both Russia and Moldova. Documents in Russian must be translated into Romanian and notarized. The process can take up to one year and may require applicants to pass Romanian language and constitutional knowledge exams.

To check the status of a Moldovan citizenship application filed in Moscow after almost two years without a response via email, you can visit the Moldovan consulate at Pushkin Street 42 in Chisinau. You will need to present the payment receipt (квитанция от оплаты) given to you upon application submission. If the original receipt is lost, a bank statement showing the payment might be an alternative, but its acceptance is not guaranteed.

As of the current period, the processing times for Moldovan citizenship applications, particularly those based on birthright and submitted through the Embassy in Moscow, are significantly extended. Contrary to previous expectations of six months, applicants should anticipate a wait of 1.5 to 2 years. For example, applications submitted in March of the previous year are still being processed. August is typically a period when government departments may operate with reduced staff due to holidays, further impacting processing speed.

The oath for Romanian citizenship is typically taken in Romania. While some консульства may facilitate certain preliminary steps, the final oath ceremony usually requires presence in Romania. Be prepared for a conversational check of your Romanian language skills, as fluency is often assessed, sometimes through video-recorded interviews. The process can be stringent, and rejection is possible if language proficiency is insufficient or other requirements are not met.

For individuals over 18 seeking Moldovan citizenship after being born abroad, a standard naturalization process with a language exam may apply. However, if one parent was a Moldovan citizen at the time of birth, a citizenship determination procedure might be available, potentially simplifying the process.