In recent years, Moldova has become a focal point not only on the map of Eastern Europe but also in migration strategies. More and more people consider obtaining a Moldovan passport as a stepping stone toward the citizenship of an EU country. This path seems logical: Moldova has a visa-free regime with the EU, and its citizens often apply for Romanian citizenship — which grants full access to the European Union.

But how legal is this approach? How do EU countries react to such a practice? And can “transit citizenship” through Moldova lead to restrictions or denials? In this article, we will explore the geopolitical and legal context, examine the official positions of European states, and assess the real risks involved.

Geopolitical Significance of Moldova on the European Map

Moldova is a small country with significant geopolitical weight. Located between Ukraine and Romania, it holds a key position at the crossroads of East and West. Although Moldova is not a member of the EU, it has signed an Association Agreement with the European Union and has enjoyed visa-free access to Schengen countries since 2014. This makes the Moldovan passport attractive not only to CIS citizens but also to those from countries with limited travel opportunities.

Since the outbreak of war in Ukraine, Moldova's strategic importance has grown dramatically. It has become not only a refuge for displaced persons but also a route for those seeking legal pathways into Europe. Against this backdrop, interest in Moldovan citizenship has increased — especially among those planning to obtain a Romanian passport later on, and with it, EU access.

European countries are closely monitoring these developments. For them, Moldova is not just a neighboring country, but a potential channel through which individuals may bypass strict EU migration filters. The issue of “transit” via Moldova is increasingly raised in political and immigration discussions.

Legal Aspect: How “Citizenship via Moldova” Works

There are several legal grounds for obtaining Moldovan citizenship: by birth, descent, marriage, or through naturalization — after long-term legal residence in the country. In recent years, another path has gained popularity — citizenship restoration based on ancestry, particularly among citizens of Ukraine, Russia, and the Caucasus, whose ancestors lived in Moldova before 1940.

In practice, however, many applicants use the Moldovan passport as a tool for the next step — applying for Romanian citizenship. This is possible under Law No. 21/1991, which allows descendants of former Romanian citizens to reclaim their Romanian citizenship. Thus, obtaining a Moldovan passport formally brings a person “closer” to Romania — and thereby to the European Union.

While such a scheme does not directly violate the law, it raises concerns among European partners. There are suspicions that some applicants exploit simplified procedures for acquiring Moldovan citizenship to bypass strict EU immigration filters. Of particular concern is the high number of applications submitted through intermediaries, legal firms, and so-called “citizenship packages.”

Moreover, there have already been cases in the EU where individuals with newly obtained Moldovan passports were denied entry or subjected to additional scrutiny — due to doubts about the authenticity of their citizenship status. All of this turns the issue of “transit citizenship” into not just a legal matter, but a political one.

How EU Countries React to “Transit” Citizenship via Moldova

European states are increasingly attentive to who obtains passports from countries neighboring the EU and how. Moldova is under particular scrutiny due to its involvement in “ancestry-based citizenship” schemes and close ties with Romania.

Romania: Support with reservations

Romania is the only country that formally grants citizenship to descendants of Romanian nationals before 1940, including Moldovan citizens. However, in recent years, Romanian authorities have tightened document checks, requiring clean criminal records and interviews to assess language and cultural knowledge. There have been cases of denial when applications were suspected of being based on false grounds or forged documents obtained through intermediaries.

Germany, France, and Belgium: Stricter enforcement

Some EU countries have begun thoroughly verifying the background of new citizens, especially those who obtained Moldovan passports shortly before applying for Romanian citizenship. Reports have emerged of additional border interviews, visa cancellations, and even entry bans. The reasons cited include “evasion of migration controls” or “doubtful citizenship status.”

European Commission: Growing concern

While the EU does not directly intervene in member states' citizenship policies, the European Commission has noted in multiple reports that “citizenship-by-investment” or “simplified reacquisition” programs may pose security threats if not paired with transparent checks and controls. Moldova has already received recommendations to tighten its procedures.

In summary, EU countries tend to view “Moldovan transit” citizenship with caution and growing skepticism. While such schemes are not yet prohibited, they are increasingly under the spotlight of regulators.

Risks and Consequences for Applicants: What Could Go Wrong

Although the “Moldova → Romania → EU” route may initially seem like an attractive alternative to long and expensive immigration procedures, it carries several legal and practical risks.

1. Denial of Citizenship

If documents for Moldovan or Romanian citizenship are submitted with irregularities — via intermediaries, incomplete, or inaccurate data — there’s a high risk of rejection. This is especially true for applications lacking real residence, language proficiency, or verified ancestry.

2. Revocation of Citizenship

Romania has actively revoked citizenships obtained through false documentation or procedural violations. These cases result not only in the loss of a passport but may also affect residence permits, employment, and even mortgages.

3. Border Issues

Even if citizenship is legally obtained, rapid shifts in EU immigration policy may lead to stricter checks. People with recently acquired Moldovan or Romanian citizenship may face additional scrutiny, especially at airports in Germany, France, or Austria. This can impact visa records or lead to entry bans.

4. Reputational and Legal Consequences

Applying through intermediaries or participating in “package” citizenship schemes may result in criminal charges — for fraud or involvement in illegal migration. Moreover, such practices damage the overall credibility of Moldovan nationals.

Conclusion: Should You Use Moldova as a Pathway to the EU?

Moldova does offer certain legal mechanisms for acquiring citizenship, which, in theory, may facilitate access to Romanian citizenship — and, consequently, EU citizenship. However, the reality is that European states increasingly view such schemes as potential risks rather than legal norms.

If you're seriously considering the route via Moldova, it’s crucial to understand: the more superficial and formal your process appears, the more likely you are to face scrutiny, refusals, or even legal consequences. Transparency, legality, valid grounds, and adherence to official procedures are the only secure path to European citizenship.

Other alternatives include naturalization, residency by investment, study programs, or family reunification. While these options require more time and effort, they offer a stable legal status that is less likely to raise concerns from EU authorities.

Bottom line: Moldova is not a magical portal to the European Union. It is merely one possible step — one that requires caution, legal awareness, and a willingness to go through the full process legitimately and honestly.