Citizenship application and naturalization

Advise a Russian citizen with a Moldovan birth certificate on their ability to enter Moldova using their Russian passport for a visit to family gravesites. Additionally, provide information on how to obtain Moldovan citizenship in Moscow, including the process at the embassy, required documents (birth certificate, non-conviction certificate), fees, and estimated processing time.

Individuals born in Moldova to Moldovan parents are eligible for Moldovan citizenship. Even without a Moldovan ID (buletin) or prior registration, citizenship can be acquired. Amendments to the citizenship law effective May 27, 2024, may require language and constitution exams, though certain categories (e.g., born to a Moldovan citizen, or born in Moldova with no other citizenship) are exempt. Check current regulations for application procedures and timelines as the new procedures are being implemented.

Gaining Moldovan citizenship through marriage requires: 3 years of residency (at least 6 months per year), obtaining a Residence Permit (VNJ), passing language and constitution exams, and transitioning to Permanent Residency (PMJ). Residency requirements are strictly monitored.

Clarify the possibility and procedure for obtaining Moldovan citizenship by recognition based on prior residence in the Moldavian SSR (MССР). Specifically address the case of someone born in Ukraine in 1981, who continuously resided in Dnestrovsk (MССР) from 1983 and was also residing there on June 23, 1990. Detail the current legal grounds, processing times, costs, and required documentation (archival records, translations, etc.).

To determine Moldovan citizenship, one can visit the Public Services Agency (Serviciul Public Comunitar de Evidență a Persoanelor) at Pushkin Street 42 in Chisinau. The process can be completed quickly, often within a couple of hours.

In the process of obtaining a Moldovan passport after citizenship approval, the police clearance certificate (criminal record check) is no longer required for the passport office application. Applicants should proceed directly to the passport issuance authority with the certificate of citizenship and their re-registered civil status documents (birth/marriage certificates).

The law regarding Moldovan citizenship acquisition by birth states that a child is considered a Moldovan citizen if at least one parent was a Moldovan citizen at the time of birth. This applies regardless of where the child was born. However, the specific legal framework and conditions, particularly concerning individuals born in the Moldavian SSR before the current citizenship law (enacted July 4, 1991), may have nuances. It's important to note that one parent cannot be a Moldovan citizen 'after the law on citizenship' - implying that at least one parent must have been a citizen prior to or upon the law's enactment for the child to be recognized as a citizen by birth under that specific provision.

When applying for Moldovan citizenship, particularly through the 'Origine prin filiație' (ОПГ) process, a Moldovan ID card (buletin) is generally required. If an applicant does not possess a current Moldovan ID card, they may need to obtain one. For individuals under 27 years old, holding a Moldovan ID card may also lead to mandatory military service.

The application for Moldovan citizenship by birth is currently processed for individuals who applied in February-March of the previous year. The government is experiencing budget shortfalls, potentially delaying further processing.

A child born in Moldova is generally eligible for Moldovan citizenship if at least one parent held Moldovan citizenship at the time of the child's birth. If parents were Moldovan citizens and the child was born in Moldova, the child likely holds Moldovan citizenship by birth, even if they later acquired Russian citizenship and moved to Russia. The child's Moldovan birth certificate should contain their Moldovan identification number (IDNP). If the child did not obtain a Moldovan passport before leaving Moldova, they may need to apply for one. This can be done at the Moldovan embassy in Moscow or in Moldova.

Provide detailed information on the process of obtaining Moldovan citizenship by birth ('po rozhdeniyu') under the current legislation. Explain the requirements, including language and constitution exams, residency (if applicable), processing times, and associated fees. Contrast this with previous procedures and mention the relevant website for the Moldovan Embassy in Moscow.

Individuals born in the Moldavian SSR in 1981 with parents who are Moldovan citizens may be eligible for Moldovan citizenship. However, the process can be complex, especially if the applicant also holds Russian citizenship and has entered Moldova using a Russian passport. Eligibility for citizenship without exams typically expired on December 24, 2025. Applicants born in Moldova or with Moldovan parents may qualify through birthright, but the application might be scrutinized, particularly regarding simultaneous citizenship and entry documentation. It's advisable to consult with Moldovan immigration authorities or a legal expert for specific guidance.

The process of obtaining Moldovan citizenship, particularly by birth, can be lengthy. Applications submitted in 2023 might take until 2025 or later for processing. Prior to February 2023, obtaining citizenship was significantly faster, sometimes on the same day. Current processing times, even with power of attorney, can range from 1.5 years or more. For individuals applying after turning 18, a citizenship confirmation process may follow. It is advisable to submit applications well in advance of any deadlines.

As of August 3, 2026, the consular fee for applying for Russian citizenship for residents of Transnistria (PMR) will increase to $620 USD. This significant price hike has caused concern. The application process involves an exam on the Romanian language and Moldovan Constitution, with registration being difficult and exams unavailable in August. Obtaining a duplicate birth certificate can take approximately 1.5 months, plus additional waiting time for appointment scheduling. It is rumored that the process might be faster in Chisinau than in Tiraspol. Previously, applications could be submitted in both Chisinau and Tiraspol, but this is no longer the case. A new decree comes into effect on August 1, and there is hope that local officials will negotiate changes with Moscow.

Documents for state registration (OPG) in Moldova can potentially be submitted in regional centers like Ungheni, not exclusively in Chisinau. However, it is advisable to confirm the specific procedures and requirements on the official State Agency for Public Services (ASP) website, as submission protocols and office functionalities may vary.