Obtaining Moldovan Citizenship for Refugees and Stateless Persons

For refugees and stateless individuals, acquiring citizenship in the host country is not just a legal formality — it is a path to stability, social protection, and full integration. The Republic of Moldova, having signed key international conventions, offers these groups the opportunity to naturalize under special conditions.

In this article, we will explore who is eligible for Moldovan citizenship, the application procedure, the required documents, and how to avoid common mistakes. We’ll also cover important details about refugee children and the role of humanitarian protection in the naturalization process.

Who is Eligible for Citizenship

According to the Law on Citizenship of the Republic of Moldova No. 1024-XIV of 02.06.2000, foreigners and stateless persons legally residing in the country have the right to apply for citizenship. Refugees and stateless individuals benefit from special conditions and a simplified naturalization procedure.

Refugees

Refugees granted status under Law No. 270 of 18.12.2008 on Asylum in the Republic of Moldova may apply for citizenship after 8 years of permanent residence. This period may be reduced to 5 years in humanitarian cases or for individuals with special merits.

Stateless Persons

Stateless persons officially recognized as such and residing in Moldova with legal status may apply for citizenship after 8 years of permanent residence. Citizenship may also be granted on humanitarian grounds or in cases of significant contribution.

Special Cases

  • Marriage to a Moldovan citizen (residency period may be reduced);
  • Children of refugees born in Moldova — separate simplified procedure;
  • Persons under international protection who cannot return to their country of origin.

Conditions and Requirements for Application

Although based on humanitarian grounds, the procedure for obtaining Moldovan citizenship requires compliance with certain conditions. This ensures the applicant’s good faith and integration into society.

General Requirements:

  • Continuous residence in Moldova for at least 8 years (or 5 years in exceptional cases);
  • Legal basis for stay — refugee status, humanitarian protection, residence permit;
  • No criminal record or threats to national security;
  • Basic knowledge of the Romanian language (written and spoken);
  • Legal source of income (salary, pension, aid, business, etc.).

Certain categories such as minors, persons with disabilities, or those under humanitarian status may be exempt from some requirements, such as the language exam.

Application Procedure

The procedure for applying for citizenship for refugees and stateless persons is similar to the general process but includes specific nuances. It is crucial to choose the correct submission authority and prepare documents according to legal requirements.

Where to Submit Documents:

  • At the Public Services Agency (ASP) — if the applicant is in Moldova;
  • Through regional migration offices — for those with refugee or humanitarian protection status;
  • Through Moldovan consulates — if the person resides abroad and meets the eligibility criteria.

Submission Steps:

  1. Consultation and verification of eligibility;
  2. Collecting the required documents (list — in the next section);
  3. Filling out the application in Romanian;
  4. Submitting the package to the relevant authority and paying the fee;
  5. Passing the language and integration test (if applicable);
  6. Waiting for the decision and the issuance of the Presidential decree granting citizenship.

Required Documents

The list of documents depends on the basis of the application and the applicant’s status, but generally includes the following:

Mandatory Documents:

  • Application for citizenship (in Romanian);
  • Autobiography explaining the reasons for the loss of citizenship and justifying the request;
  • Document confirming refugee or stateless status (decision from the Bureau of Migration and Asylum, UNHCR, certificate of status);
  • Certificate of no criminal record — from Moldova and/or the previous country of residence (if possible);
  • Documents confirming long-term legal residence in Moldova — residence permit, registration, certificate from the Migration Bureau;
  • Translations and notarized legalizations of all foreign documents.

Additionally, the following may be required:

  • Documents proving integration — language proficiency, employment, presence of family in Moldova;
  • Archival documents proving residence in the MSSR before 1991 (for former USSR citizens);
  • Requests or recommendations from social or government institutions (in humanitarian cases).

Application Submission Procedure

The application for Moldovan citizenship by refugees and stateless persons can be submitted personally or through a legal representative. The process includes several steps and requires strict compliance with formalities.

Where to submit the application:

  • To the territorial offices of the Public Services Agency (ASP) based on residence in Moldova;
  • To the consulates and embassies of the Republic of Moldova abroad (in exceptional cases);
  • Through a legal representative — with a notarized power of attorney.

Main steps of the process:

  1. Preparation and collection of all required documents;
  2. Submission of the application and payment of the state fee (if applicable);
  3. Verification of documents and submission of the file to the Citizenship Commission under the President;
  4. If necessary — request for additional information or corrections;
  5. Decision by the President of Moldova and issuance of the decree;
  6. Notification of the applicant and issuance of the citizenship certificate or passport.

The review period can take from 6 to 12 months depending on the complexity of the case and completeness of the documentation.

Documents Required for Submission

The document package for stateless persons and refugees applying for citizenship differs from the standard set, as applicants may lack a national passport. However, they must provide all possible evidence of identity and legal status.

Mandatory documents:

  • Application addressed to the President of the Republic of Moldova (in Romanian);
  • Identity document (if available – residence permit, refugee certificate, stateless person ID);
  • Proof of residence in Moldova for the last 8 years or 5 years – for stateless persons;
  • Certificate of no criminal record from Moldova and previous countries of residence (if possible);
  • Birth certificates and other civil status documents;
  • Color passport-sized photos;
  • Receipt of payment of the state fee (if applicable).

Additionally: documents proving renunciation of another citizenship may be required if the applicant previously held one. All foreign documents must be translated into Romanian and notarized.

Processing Time and Decision-Making

After submitting the full set of documents, the citizenship application is reviewed in several stages, including background checks by authorities and the final decision by the President of Moldova.

Standard timelines:

  • Document verification and preliminary review – up to 30 working days;
  • Submission to the Citizenship Commission under the President – up to 3 months;
  • Presidential decree issuance – within 1–3 months after the decision is made.

Total processing time may vary from 6 to 12 months depending on the case complexity, completeness of documentation, and current institutional workload.

After approval:

  • The applicant receives a notification and an invitation to collect the citizenship certificate;
  • Based on the decree, the internal Moldovan passport is issued, and if needed, a foreign (biometric) passport.

Conclusion

Obtaining Moldovan citizenship for refugees and stateless individuals is a real path to stability, rights protection, and full integration into society. Despite possible difficulties and bureaucratic specifics, the procedure is accessible to anyone who legally resides in Moldova and wishes to become a full-fledged citizen.

Key success factors include proper preparation, legal awareness, and attention to detail. Providing supporting documents, meeting the residence requirement, and correctly completing the application significantly increase the chances of approval.

If you want to avoid mistakes and speed up the process – seek support from professionals. Legal advice and professional guidance will help you confidently go from application to citizenship without unnecessary stress.