Moldovan Passport through Naturalization: Requirements and Timelines

A Moldovan passport through naturalization is one of the legal ways to obtain citizenship of the Republic of Moldova for foreign nationals residing in the country or having a stable legal connection with it. This path is particularly relevant for those without Moldovan roots who wish to officially become citizens. In this article, we’ll cover the requirements, the necessary documents, and the timeframe for the process.

Naturalization grants you access to all the rights of a Moldovan citizen, including freedom of movement within European countries (based on existing agreements), access to social protection, and the right to participate in the political life of the country.

What is Naturalization

Naturalization is a legal process through which a person who is not a citizen of a country by birth can acquire its citizenship. In the context of Moldova, naturalization allows foreign nationals and stateless individuals to officially become citizens of the republic, provided they meet the legal requirements.

This pathway is suitable for those who have lived in Moldova for a long time, have a strong connection to the country, or wish to integrate into Moldovan society as full-fledged citizens. Unlike other ways of obtaining citizenship, such as restoration by descent or marriage to a Moldovan citizen, naturalization requires actual residence in the country and compliance with legal norms.

It is important to understand that naturalization is not just a formality. It is a way to demonstrate your loyalty to the state, knowledge of its language and culture, and integration into Moldova’s legal and social environment.

Naturalization Requirements

To obtain Moldovan citizenship through naturalization, applicants must meet a number of legal criteria. Requirements may vary depending on the applicant’s category, but there are also general conditions.

General Requirements

Age: at least 18 years old at the time of application.
Permanent legal residence in Moldova for a specified period.
Basic knowledge of the official language (Romanian), certified by a language certificate.
Knowledge of the Constitution of the Republic of Moldova – verified by a special test.
Legal source of income: employment, business, pension, or other lawful means of support.
No criminal record and no threats to national security.
Respect for the laws and Constitution of the country.

Special Grounds and Reduced Residency Periods

The required length of residence in Moldova depends on the applicant’s situation:

10 years – standard period for foreign nationals.
8 years – for recognized refugees or stateless persons.
5 years – if the person resided in Moldova before the age of 18.
3 years – for spouses of Moldovan citizens living together in the country.
3 years – if the applicant has parents or children who are Moldovan citizens.

These periods are counted from the moment the applicant receives a permanent residence permit.

Required Documents

To apply for Moldovan citizenship through naturalization, you must prepare a full set of documents confirming your compliance with legal requirements. Mistakes or missing documents may result in the rejection of the application.

Here is the main list:

Basic documents

Completed application form as per official template;
Passport of the foreign citizen or identity document for stateless persons;
Residence permit (permanent or temporary, depending on category);
Proof of income or documents confirming legal sources of subsistence;
Certificate of Romanian language proficiency;
Certificate of knowledge of the Constitution of the Republic of Moldova;
Autobiography (in Romanian language);
Criminal record certificate from Moldova and the country of citizenship;
Passport-size photographs (usually 4 pieces);
Receipt of state fee payment.

Additional documents

Birth certificates of children (if applying with minors);
Marriage certificate (if applicable);
Notarized consent of the second parent – if applying on behalf of a child;
Documents confirming grounds for reduced residency period (e.g., marriage to a Moldovan citizen).

Important: All documents issued abroad must be translated into Romanian and legalized (or apostilled), unless otherwise provided by international agreements.

Application Processing Time

The naturalization process in Moldova is not immediate — it involves multiple verification stages and takes a certain amount of time. Applicants should consider this when planning their path to citizenship.

Standard timeline

According to official data, an application for citizenship by naturalization is reviewed within up to 1 year from the submission of a complete file. However, in practice, this period may vary depending on:

the workload of migration authorities;
the need for additional verifications;
accuracy of the submitted information;
requests sent to other agencies or countries (e.g., background checks).

Extended timeline

In certain cases — especially for applicants from complex categories (e.g., refugees or stateless persons) — the review period may be extended up to 18 months. Applicants are officially notified in such situations.

Recommendations

Prepare your documents in advance, including translations and legalizations.
Check the validity of all certificates — some documents have expiration dates.
Monitor notifications from the Public Services Agency (ASP) after submission.

Fees and State Duties

Obtaining Moldovan citizenship through naturalization involves certain financial costs. These include state duties, service charges, and possible additional expenses related to document preparation.

Primary Fees

State fee for submitting the application – approximately 1650 MDL (amount may vary);
Issuance of the citizenship certificate – between 250 and 500 MDL, depending on urgency;
Consular fee – if documents are submitted through a Moldovan consulate abroad.

Additional expenses

Translations and notarizations of documents issued in another country;
Apostille or legalization (if the country of origin has no agreement with Moldova);
Language and Constitution proficiency certificate – may require extra payment in some cases;
Legal assistance or representation (if needed).

Important

All fees should be confirmed with the Public Services Agency (ASP) at the time of application, as rates may change.

Procedure Overview

The process of obtaining Moldovan citizenship through naturalization involves several consecutive steps. It is essential to follow the correct procedure and carefully prepare each stage to reduce the risk of rejection or delays.

Step 1: Document preparation

Gather the complete set of documents as required by law. Ensure that all certificates are valid, translations are notarized, and apostilles are applied where needed.

Step 2: Submitting the application

Applications can be submitted:

in person at the Public Services Agency (ASP) in Moldova;
through a Moldovan consulate abroad (if you are not in the country);
via a representative with a notarized power of attorney.

The application must be submitted in Romanian. Applicable fees are paid at the time of submission.

Step 3: Passing examinations

The applicant must pass:

a Romanian language test;
a test on the Constitution of the Republic of Moldova.

If the tests are not passed, retakes are allowed after a set period.

Step 4: Document verification

Migration and competent authorities verify the authenticity of submitted documents, the absence of a criminal record, the level of integration, and language proficiency.

Step 5: Final decision

After all checks, the President of the Republic of Moldova issues a decree granting citizenship.

Step 6: Receiving citizenship and passport

Once the decree is issued, the applicant must:

obtain the citizenship certificate;
submit an application for a Moldovan passport.

Possible Challenges and Application Rejection

The naturalization process in Moldova is well-regulated, but in practice, there may be cases where an applicant is denied citizenship. Being aware of potential risks helps avoid issues in advance.

Reasons for Rejection

Incomplete or inaccurate documentation
– missing translations, expired certificates, errors in forms.
Unsatisfactory test results
– failure to demonstrate knowledge of Romanian or the Constitution.
Criminal record
– even a past conviction may be a barrier, especially if it involves violence, corruption, or national security threats.
Threat to national security or public order
– affiliation with extremist, terrorist, or other dangerous organizations.
Fake marriage or fraudulent grounds
– attempts to deceive the authorities may not only result in denial, but also in potential deportation.

What to Do in Case of Rejection

The applicant receives an official notice explaining the reason for refusal.
Appeal is possible through administrative or court proceedings.
If refusal is based on formal issues (e.g., document errors), a new application may be submitted after corrections.

Tips for a Successful Process

Work with a lawyer or consultant, especially if your case is unusual.
Always check the latest requirements on asp.gov.md.
Don't delay taking the tests or paying the fees — this may slow down the process.

Special Considerations for Certain Applicant Categories

Moldovan law provides eased naturalization conditions for specific categories of applicants. This facilitates the process for those with a stronger connection to the state or those in vulnerable situations.

Spouses of Moldovan Citizens

Eligible after 3 years of living together in Moldova;
The marriage must be valid and officially registered;
Authorities consider shared household, children, and integration.

Persons who lived in Moldova before age 18

Children who lived in Moldova for at least 5 years before turning 18 may apply;
Parental or guardian consent is required when applying on behalf of a minor.

Parents or Children of Moldovan Citizens

Those with close relatives who are Moldovan citizens may qualify for a reduced residency period (from 3 years);
Proof of family relationship must be provided.

Refugees and Stateless Persons

They benefit from a reduced residency requirement — 8 years;
Must have official refugee status;
Application is submitted via migration offices after obtaining residence permit.

Important

In all cases, applicants must meet basic requirements: language knowledge, no criminal record, legal income sources, and respect for Moldovan laws.

Conclusion

Obtaining Moldovan citizenship through naturalization is a real and transparent way to become a full-fledged citizen. Despite the formalities, the process is achievable for those who genuinely reside in the country, are integrated into society, and follow the law.

In this article, we covered:

who is eligible to apply for a Moldovan passport through naturalization;
what requirements must be met;
what documents to prepare and how long the process takes;
how much it costs and what challenges may arise.

If you want to follow this path confidently and avoid mistakes, prepare in advance: study the requirements, gather all necessary documents, and consult professionals if needed.

Want to get a Moldovan passport through naturalization with minimal hassle?
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