Moldovan Citizenship by Descent: Who Is Eligible and How to Apply

Obtaining Moldovan citizenship by descent is one of the most accessible and fastest ways for foreigners with Moldovan roots to get a Moldovan passport. This process is particularly relevant for citizens of Russia, Ukraine, and other CIS countries whose ancestors were born or lived in the territory of present-day Moldova.

With Moldova moving closer to the European Union, interest in this process has grown significantly, as a Moldovan passport offers extensive opportunities for visa-free travel, employment, and residence in EU countries. However, it is important to understand that the procedure requires careful document preparation and knowledge of legal nuances.

Who Is Eligible for Moldovan Citizenship by Descent

The legislation of the Republic of Moldova allows the following categories of individuals to obtain citizenship by descent:

  • Parents or grandparents born in Moldova:
    If your direct ancestors were born in the Moldavian SSR (before 1991) or in Bessarabia (before 1940), you are eligible for citizenship recognition.

  • Persons with ancestors who lived in Moldova before 1940:
    This applies to regions that were part of the Kingdom of Romania and now fall within the borders of the Republic of Moldova.

  • Children of Moldovan citizens, regardless of their place of birth:
    Even if the applicant was born outside the country, having at least one parent with Moldovan citizenship grants the right to apply.

  • Descendants of deported or repressed individuals during the Soviet era:
    If your ancestors were forced to leave Moldova due to deportations, you can reclaim citizenship through repatriation.

What Documents Are Required for Citizenship by Descent

To confirm Moldovan descent, you must gather a complete set of documents, including:

  • Documents proving family ties:

    • Birth certificates of the applicant and their ancestors;
    • Marriage certificates (if there were name changes);
    • Archival certificates confirming the birthplaces of ancestors.

  • Documents confirming Moldovan origin:

    • Soviet-era civil records;
    • Extracts from Moldovan civil registry archives;
    • Deportation certificates (if applicable).

  • General documents:

    • A valid international passport;
    • Criminal record certificates (from Russia/Ukraine and Moldova);
    • Notarized translations of all documents into Romanian.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Citizenship by Descent

  1. Prepare and collect documents:
    Gather all required documents, check them for errors, and have them notarized and translated.

  2. Submit your application:
    Applications can be submitted to:

    • The Agency for Public Services (ASP) in Moldova;
    • Moldovan consulates abroad.

  3. Application review:
    Document verification can take from 6 months to 1 year. During this time, authorities will cross-check the data through Moldovan archives and foreign civil registries.

  4. Receive a decision:
    If approved, a decree recognizing your citizenship will be issued, allowing you to apply for a Moldovan passport.

News and Legal Changes Expected in 2025

As Moldova moves towards EU integration, the government is considering tightening the requirements for citizenship applicants:

  • A mandatory interview on Moldovan history and culture;
  • Higher Romanian language proficiency (A2-B1 level);
  • Longer application processing times due to increased demand.

Recommendation: Apply as soon as possible while the process remains straightforward.

Common Challenges in Obtaining Citizenship by Descent

  • Document inconsistencies:

    • Variations in the spelling of names and birthplaces;
    • Translation errors in documents.

  • Archival issues:

    • Missing original documents requiring additional archival searches;
    • Delays in receiving responses from Russian or Ukrainian authorities.

  • Bureaucratic delays:

    • Long waiting times for document verification;
    • Requests for additional supporting documents.

How to Avoid Problems?

Working with experienced professionals can help you detect and fix document issues early and speed up the process through proper file preparation.

Why Apply for Citizenship Now?

  • Increased popularity of the program means longer processing times;
  • Upcoming legal changes may introduce stricter requirements;
  • Access to archival data may become more restricted in the future.

Now is the perfect time to start your citizenship application!

How Can We Help?

We offer full legal support for obtaining Moldovan citizenship by descent, including:

  • Comprehensive legal consultations;
  • Document review and error correction;
  • Archival searches and document legalization;
  • Full assistance with the application process;
  • Representation before Moldovan authorities.

Contact our legal experts for professional guidance at every stage!

Conclusion

Obtaining Moldovan citizenship by descent is an excellent opportunity for citizens of Russia, Ukraine, and other CIS countries to gain secure legal status in Europe. Despite potential bureaucratic challenges, a well-prepared application can lead to a successful outcome.

Don’t delay — start your citizenship process today