Choosing between Moldovan and Romanian citizenship is a relevant issue for thousands of people, especially those with historical roots in the region. Both countries offer relatively accessible ways to obtain a passport, yet they provide different rights, opportunities, and long-term prospects.

Romania is a member of the European Union, offering broad rights to work, live, and move across Europe. Moldova is a neutral state with flexible legislation and simplified procedures for restoring citizenship based on descent. Which passport should you choose? In this article, we compare both options and help you make an informed decision.

Legal Grounds for Acquiring Citizenship

Moldovan Citizenship

Moldova offers a variety of pathways to acquire citizenship, and most procedures have been simplified in recent years:

• By birth: if one or both parents are Moldovan citizens, the child automatically receives citizenship.
• By descent: if your parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents were born in modern-day Moldova, you have the right to restore citizenship through a simplified process.
• Through marriage: it is possible to obtain a passport after 3 years of marriage to a Moldovan citizen.
• Naturalization: available after long-term residency (usually 10 years) and proficiency in the state language.

Romanian Citizenship

Romanian citizenship can be obtained through the following grounds:

• Restoration of citizenship: the most common path — available to descendants of Romanian citizens born or residing in Bessarabia, Bukovina, or other territories that were part of Romania before 1940.
• Naturalization: for individuals legally residing in Romania for at least 8 years (or 5 years if married to a Romanian citizen).
• By birth: if at least one parent is a Romanian citizen, the child automatically becomes a citizen.

It is important to note that applying for Romanian citizenship by descent requires solid documentary proof, archive certificates, and translated civil records, which may take more time and effort compared to the Moldovan process.

Visa-Free Regime and International Mobility

One of the key factors when choosing citizenship is the list of visa-free countries and freedom of movement. There is a fundamental difference between Moldovan and Romanian passports in this regard:

Moldovan Passport

• Visa-free access to over 120 countries
• Free movement within CIS countries, including Russia, Ukraine, Belarus
• Schengen visa-free travel (90 days within a 180‑day period)
• Visa-free access to Turkey, Israel, and Balkan countries

Although the Moldovan passport does not grant residency or work rights in EU countries, it provides ample opportunities for tourism and short business trips.

Romanian Passport

• Visa-free access to more than 170 countries
• Full EU citizenship: the right to live, work, study, and receive healthcare in all EU member states
• Ability to obtain permanent residency and start a business in any EU country without additional permits

Romanian citizenship is a full-fledged “European ticket,” granting nearly unlimited rights across the EU.

Opportunities for Living, Working, and Doing Business

Moldovan Citizenship

A Moldovan passport grants the right to:

• Legally reside and work in the country without additional permits
• Start a business with minimal administrative barriers
• Participate in tenders and access government entrepreneurship support programs
• Benefit from tax incentives for small and medium-sized enterprises

Moldova is attractive for freelancers and startup entrepreneurs due to low taxes, affordable living, and simple corporate procedures.

Romanian Citizenship

As an EU citizen, you gain full rights and freedoms within the European Union:

• Opportunity to live, work, and do business in any EU country
• Access to European investment programs, funds, and startup grants
• Open companies and bank accounts freely across the EU
• Recognition of diplomas and professional qualifications

For those pursuing a global career or business expansion, Romanian citizenship provides significantly broader opportunities.

Social Rights and Guarantees

Moldovan Citizens

Moldovan citizenship grants access to basic social rights:

• Free primary education and subsidized higher education
• State medical care with optional insurance
• State pensions based on age and years of service
• Right to vote and receive social assistance

The social system in Moldova is being reformed to align with European standards, but it still offers lower levels of support compared to the EU.

Romanian Citizens

As a Romanian citizen, you enjoy full social protections of the EU:

• Free, high-quality education in EU schools and universities
• Comprehensive health insurance valid throughout the EU
• Unemployment, maternity, disability benefits, and other support programs
• Pension rights aligned with EU standards

Romanian citizenship ensures a higher level of social security, especially for families, seniors, and students.

Dual Citizenship and Legal Restrictions

Moldova

Moldova officially allows dual citizenship. This means you can retain your current citizenship (e.g., Russia, Ukraine, Israel, etc.) and still become a full Moldovan citizen.

Moreover, Moldovan authorities do not require notification of other countries when acquiring a Moldovan passport. This makes the process convenient and less risky for those seeking a second passport without consequences.

Romania

Romania also permits dual citizenship. You can become a Romanian citizen without renouncing your original citizenship. This is especially important for nationals of countries where renouncing citizenship is difficult or impossible.

However, keep in mind that holding dual citizenship in countries with different legal systems (e.g., the EU and CIS) may lead to legal or tax conflicts — particularly regarding inheritance, military service, or property ownership.

Advantages and Disadvantages: Comparative Citizenship Table

Criterion	Moldovan Citizenship	Romanian Citizenship
Processing time	6–12 months (if of Moldovan descent)	1–2 years (with documented proof)
Eligibility grounds	Birth, descent, marriage, naturalization	Descent, naturalization, birth
Visa-free countries	120+ countries (Schengen, Turkey, CIS)	170+ countries (including EU, Canada, Japan, etc.)
Right to live and work in the EU	No	Yes, in all EU countries
Dual citizenship	Allowed	Allowed
Social guarantees	Basic level (healthcare, education)	European level (social support, pensions, insurance)
Taxation and business environment	Preferential taxation, simplified registration	Access to EU market, more regulation

What to Choose: Recommendations by Applicant Type

The decision between Moldovan and Romanian citizenship depends on your goals, situation, and priorities. Below are brief recommendations for the most common applicant categories:

✅ For Descendants of Bessarabia and Bukovina Residents

If your ancestors were Romanian citizens before 1940, Romanian citizenship makes sense. It grants full EU status, though it requires more effort and documentation.

✅ For Those Who Want to Live and Work in the EU

The Romanian passport is the best choice. It offers legal access to the job market, education, healthcare, and business in any EU country.

✅ For Those Seeking a Quick Second Passport

Moldovan citizenship is ideal for those who want a faster, less bureaucratic procedure. This is especially relevant for citizens of Russia, Ukraine, Israel, and other CIS countries.

✅ For Business Owners and Freelancers

If you want to start a business with minimal taxation, flexible registration, and low regulatory pressure, Moldova is a great option. If you're focused on scaling into the EU market, Romania is the way to go.

Conclusion

Both Moldovan and Romanian citizenships are valuable tools, each with its own advantages. A Moldovan passport suits those seeking flexibility, a fast-track process, and simplified procedures. Romanian citizenship is ideal for those focused on long-term prospects within the European Union.

Before deciding, it’s crucial to evaluate not only legal possibilities but also your personal goals: do you want to move to the EU, retain your current citizenship, or explore new business avenues? Both options remain accessible in 2025 — the key is to act at the right time.