Citizenship application procedures

Russian citizens born in the Moldavian SSR (MSSR) are recommended to obtain permanent residency in Moldova via repatriation before June 1, 2026. After this date, PMR passports may cease to be accepted as valid entry documents. Currently, a PMR passport serves as a valid entry document for individuals born there.

To expedite Russian citizenship application for children under 14 at Russian consulates in Germany, applicants face significant delays (e.g., 6 months wait, 1700th in line in Bonn). While paid expedited slots are no longer available, it's possible to apply at any Russian consulate worldwide. Additionally, regularly checking the online appointment system (1-2 times daily) for available slots can sometimes help advance the queue. Consular staff shortages in Europe due to sanctions contribute to longer waiting times. Consider applying in Kaliningrad, Russia, via Gdansk, Poland, as an alternative.

To obtain Moldovan citizenship as a resident of Transnistria (PMR), seek consultation, preferably in Varnita, where a specialist advises on citizenship applications. Be prepared for queues. If born in the Moldavian SSR, consider pursuing permanent residency via repatriation before June 1, 2026, as PMR passports may lose their entry privileges afterward. The process is complex and depends on parental citizenship status at the time of your birth, birth registration (PMR vs. MSSR), and marriage documents. Legalization of your birth certificate is a primary step. Consultations at Moldovan civil registry offices (ZAGS) are recommended. Note that the rules for citizenship by descent (e.g., based on parents or grandparents) can be intricate and may have changed over time.

Historically, prior to 2022, there was a perception that applying for Israeli repatriation at consulates in countries neighboring Russia might be faster due to shorter queues. Post-2022, queues at Russian consulates, particularly in Moscow, extended to six months or more. Currently (as of mid-202X), the situation has normalized: applicants can complete an online application, receive a self-scheduling link within 2-4 days, and book an appointment for the following month (e.g., August if applying in July). The main difference between consulates is now primarily appointment waiting times, which have significantly improved in Russia.

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.

Upon obtaining Russian citizenship, Kazakhstani citizenship is considered renounced. You must enter Kazakhstan using your Russian passport. The Kazakhstani passport should be surrendered within 30 days of acquiring Russian citizenship. Continued use of the Kazakhstani passport after obtaining Russian citizenship may result in penalties.

Obtaining Russian citizenship based on Transnistrian (PMR) citizenship is not directly possible under current decrees. The process usually involves other specific criteria, such as ancestry, residency, or other qualifying factors.