In recent years, Moldova has increasingly appeared in news headlines as a strategic point on the path to European citizenship. Thanks to its favorable geographic location and relatively liberal immigration laws, the country has become an attractive transit hub for those seeking access to the EU.

By “transit,” people most often mean obtaining Moldovan citizenship as an intermediate step before applying for a passport from an EU country — especially Romania, with which Moldova shares close historical and legal ties. This approach generates mixed reactions within the EU: on the one hand, it is a legal strategy; on the other, it may be perceived as a "backdoor" to a European passport.

In this article, we’ll explore how this mechanism works, how it is viewed in Europe, and what legal and geopolitical implications the spread of this practice may carry.

How Does “Transit” Through Moldova to EU Citizenship Work?

The term “transit citizenship” in the context of Moldova refers to the strategic use of a Moldovan passport as an intermediate step toward obtaining citizenship of an EU member state — most commonly Romania, Bulgaria, or even Austria. This scheme relies on legal opportunities provided by both Moldovan and European legislation.

Main paths to acquiring Moldovan citizenship:

  • Repatriation — the fastest route for individuals whose ancestors lived in present-day Moldova.
  • Naturalization — possible after 8 years of residence (or 5 years in case of marriage to a Moldovan citizen).
  • Investment programs — previously available for fast-track access, but placed under moratorium since 2020.

After obtaining Moldovan citizenship, applicants gain access to several benefits:

  • Visa-free travel to the Schengen Area, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and more.
  • Simplified process for acquiring Romanian citizenship, if ancestral ties to historic Bessarabia can be proven — relevant for many new Moldovan citizens.
  • Opportunities to do business, study, and travel freely across Europe.

Why is this attractive?

For many citizens from CIS countries, the Middle East, or Asia, going through Moldova is a legal and relatively fast route toward enjoying the rights of EU citizenship. This is especially relevant amid growing political and economic instability in various regions.

Geopolitical Risks and EU Interests

The rising popularity of Moldova as a transit country for EU citizenship is causing concern in European capitals. The issue is not just the growing number of new citizens with potential "backdoor" access to the Schengen Area, but also deeper geopolitical dynamics where Moldova acts as a buffer between the EU and the post-Soviet space.

Precedents That Worry Brussels:

  • Cyprus, Malta, Bulgaria — were previously criticized and pressured by the European Commission for “golden passports,” where EU citizenship was granted in exchange for investment without thorough applicant vetting.
  • The EU fears that the Moldovan transit model could become a new route for mass acquisition of European rights with minimal oversight.

Moldova’s Strategic Role:

  • Moldova lies at the crossroads of EU, Russian, and Romanian interests.
  • The country’s growing alignment with the EU (including membership prospects) makes migration flow control a highly sensitive issue.
  • The existence of transit citizenship channels may be used to influence political stability both within Moldova and in neighboring countries.

Reactions from European Countries:

  • Several states have already called for stricter oversight of dual citizenship.
  • There are ongoing discussions at the EU level about restricting rights for those who gained citizenship via "intermediary" countries.

Legal Consequences and Regulation Within the EU

The European Union does not directly regulate the citizenship policies of its member states — this remains the exclusive prerogative of national governments. However, citizenship of any EU country automatically grants access to core union-wide rights such as freedom of movement, employment, residence, and social benefits. That’s why “backdoor” citizenship schemes are viewed as a threat to the integrity of the EU legal system.

The EU’s Approach:

  • The EU cannot revoke citizenship granted by a member state, but it can restrict the associated rights within the Union.
  • There have already been cases where the EU imposed restrictions on countries abusing “investment citizenship” schemes, such as Cyprus and Malta.

Potential Measures:

  • Audits of citizenship programs in EU candidate countries, including Moldova.
  • Development of a unified framework for verifying citizenship origin for Schengen access.
  • Enhanced mutual recognition and document verification among border and immigration authorities.

Risks for New EU Citizens via Moldova:

  • The risk of passports being labeled as “of questionable origin” — potentially leading to restrictions on travel or work rights.
  • Tightening of visa policies for Moldovan citizens if the transit citizenship route is deemed risky.

Moldova: The Official Approach and Government Position

Amid growing attention to citizenship and migration issues, Moldovan authorities aim to demonstrate adherence to European standards of transparency and legality. It’s important to note that most legal pathways to Moldovan citizenship are clearly defined in national legislation and do not fall into a "gray area."

Legal Framework:

  • The foundation is the Law on Citizenship of Moldova, which governs:

    • Repatriation for individuals of Moldovan origin;

    • Naturalization through residence;

    • In exceptional cases — granting citizenship “in the interest of the state.”

  • The citizenship-by-investment program was suspended in 2020 and later officially canceled — under pressure from the European Union.

Government Position:

  • Moldovan officials emphasize that all passport issuance procedures comply with international standards.
  • At the same time, the country actively cooperates with the EU on migration flow control and is striving for deeper European integration.

Response to Criticism:

  • Authorities acknowledge the interest of foreign nationals in Moldovan citizenship as a transit option, but stress that responsibility for obtaining a second passport (e.g., Romanian) lies beyond Moldova’s jurisdiction.
  • Measures are being taken to enhance document verification and applicant screening, particularly within the repatriation process.

The Future of “Transit Citizenship” Through Moldova

Amid increased European control over migration and growing concerns about security, the future of Moldovan transit citizenship is becoming uncertain. On one hand, Moldova is pursuing EU integration and must demonstrate political loyalty and procedural transparency. On the other, it seeks to attract investment, boost its population, and strengthen its diaspora.

Possible Changes:

  • Stricter verification during repatriation — additional documentation requirements may be introduced to prove Moldovan origin.
  • Complete elimination of fast-track procedures, except in exceptional cases approved at the presidential or parliamentary level.
  • Creation of digital registries and stronger cooperation with EU databases to minimize abuse.

EU Reaction — A Key Factor:

  • If transit citizenship is seen as a threat, Moldova may face visa restrictions, slowed EU accession, or even a freeze in negotiations.
  • Conversely, if transparency is maintained and cooperation with the EU continues, the country could use flexible citizenship models as a soft power tool in the region.

What This Means for Applicants:

  • The path to citizenship through Moldova will remain possible but will become more regulated and less predictable.
  • Applicants must consider not only legal procedures but also the political context, international climate, and the country’s reputation.
  • Potential candidates should seek guidance from reputable legal consultants and closely monitor legislative changes.

Conclusion

Moldova remains a key location on the map of migration strategies, especially for those who see it as a stepping stone toward EU citizenship. Thanks to its historical ties, geopolitical position, and relatively accessible passport acquisition process, the country continues to attract an increasing number of foreign applicants. However, this practice raises concerns among European partners and may have consequences — both for Moldova and for new EU citizens.

Today, it is especially important to consider not only the legal framework but also the political context: the EU is paying closer attention to the transparency of migration processes. Therefore, before pursuing the path of transit citizenship, it is crucial to carefully assess the risks, consult with experts, and stay informed about changes in both Moldovan and European legislation.