Obtaining Moldovan Citizenship Through Marriage: All the Key Details of the Process

Obtaining Moldovan citizenship through marriage is one of the simplified naturalization methods, offering a faster path compared to other grounds. The main advantage of this process is the reduced mandatory residency period, making it an attractive option for foreigners married to a Moldovan citizen.

In this article, we will cover all the key aspects of the procedure, including required documents, processing steps, important nuances, common reasons for rejection, and why now is the best time to apply for Moldovan citizenship.

How Can You Obtain Citizenship Through Marriage, and How Does It Differ From Other Forms of Naturalization

The process of acquiring Moldovan citizenship through marriage is a simplified naturalization procedure, available only to individuals legally married to a citizen of the Republic of Moldova. Unlike the standard naturalization process, which requires 10 years of residency, applicants married to a Moldovan citizen can obtain citizenship after only 3 years of living together in Moldova.

Key Differences From General Naturalization:

Criterion General Naturalization Naturalization Through Marriage
Residency Requirement 10 years 3 years
Mandatory Knowledge of Romanian Yes Yes (basic level)
Proof of Financial Stability Yes Yes (based on spouse’s income)
Additional Background Checks Yes Less strict

Thus, acquiring citizenship through marriage is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to legalize residency, as long as the marriage is genuine and the applicant meets all legal requirements.

What Documents Are Required and How to Apply

To apply for Moldovan citizenship through marriage, the following documents must be prepared:

Required Documents for the Applicant:

  • Passport (foreign)
  • Birth certificate (notarized and translated into Romanian)
  • Marriage certificate proving marriage to a Moldovan citizen
  • Proof of cohabitation (rental agreement, utility bills, residency certificate)
  • Police clearance certificate from the country of citizenship and Moldova
  • Proof of financial stability (spouse’s income, bank statements)

Required Documents for the Moldovan Citizen Spouse:

  • Moldovan internal passport (ID card)
  • Proof of residence in Moldova
  • Proof of Moldovan citizenship (passport or ID card)

Steps to Obtain Citizenship:

  1. Collect and prepare documents – translations, notarizations, and obtaining certificates from government institutions.
  2. Submit the application – either in person at the Public Services Agency (ASP) or through a Moldovan consulate abroad.
  3. Application review process – document verification, potential interviews.
  4. Decision-making – processing takes 6 to 12 months.
  5. Receiving citizenship and a Moldovan passport.

Important Aspects to Consider

  • Proof of a Genuine Marriage: Authorities may request additional proof of cohabitation, including joint photographs, travel records, and shared expenses. Officials may also interview neighbors and conduct home visits.
  • Romanian Language Requirement: The applicant must demonstrate basic proficiency in Romanian (A2 level). Although the requirements are more lenient compared to standard naturalization, basic communication skills are necessary.
  • Application Deadlines: The application can only be submitted after 3 years of marriage, and all documents must be up to date at the time of submission.
  • Financial Independence: The applicant must prove financial stability, either through personal income or the spouse’s financial support.

Reasons for Rejection and Potential Issues

Despite the simplified process, applicants may face rejections due to:

Suspicion of a Fake Marriage

  • If the marriage lacks real cohabitation, citizenship may be revoked even after approval.

Errors and Inconsistencies in Documents

  • Discrepancies in birthdates, names, or place names may cause delays or rejection.

Lack of Proof of Cohabitation

  • If the couple lives separately or abroad, proving a shared household can be challenging.

Insufficient Knowledge of the Romanian Language

  • Although fluency is not required, basic communication skills are mandatory.

Why Is Moldovan Citizenship Important in 2025

Due to ongoing political and economic changes, Moldovan citizenship is becoming increasingly valuable. Key benefits include:

  • Proximity to the EU – Moldova is actively moving toward EU accession, which will bring more opportunities for its citizens.
  • Visa-free travel to the Schengen Area – A Moldovan passport allows unrestricted travel to EU countries.
  • Favorable tax conditions – Low taxes for businesses and individuals.
  • Future access to the EU labor market after potential integration.

Expected Challenges in the Future – Why Apply Now

As Moldova moves closer to the EU, the citizenship process is expected to become more complex and lengthy. Anticipated changes include:

  • Stricter immigration laws
  • Introduction of language and cultural tests
  • Longer residency requirements
  • More rigorous checks on cohabitation proof
  • Tighter control over fraudulent marriages
  • Longer processing times – Current waiting times may increase from 1 year to 2-3 years.

Given these expected changes, it is strongly recommended to apply now while the requirements remain relatively lenient.

Conclusion

Obtaining Moldovan citizenship through marriage is an effective and expedited naturalization process, offering reduced residency requirements and fewer bureaucratic hurdles. However, the process requires thorough preparation, proof of a genuine marriage, and legal knowledge.

Don't wait – take advantage of the current conditions and start your application today!