How to Restore Moldovan Citizenship After It Was Lost?

Moldovan citizenship is not only a legal connection to the state but also a gateway to numerous benefits: free movement within the EU, business opportunities, work, and lifestyle advantages. However, there are situations where citizenship is lost — due to personal reasons, specific circumstances, or bureaucratic procedures.

The good news is that Moldovan law allows for the restoration of citizenship. This article explains who is eligible, what documents are required, and how to correctly follow all steps of the process to avoid rejection.

Who Is Eligible to Restore Moldovan Citizenship

According to Article 16 of the Moldovan Citizenship Law, individuals who previously lost their citizenship — whether voluntarily, automatically, or due to family circumstances — may be eligible for restoration. This may involve emigration, acquiring another citizenship, or officially renouncing the Moldovan passport.

Citizenship may be restored to:

  • Individuals who voluntarily renounced their Moldovan citizenship;
  • Those who lost it automatically (e.g., through adoption or acquiring foreign citizenship without authorization);
  • Former citizens of the USSR who were registered in the Moldavian SSR;
  • Children of former Moldovan citizens;
  • Individuals who lost their citizenship due to emigration or political reasons.

Note: Restoration is only possible if there are legal grounds and no disqualifying circumstances, such as revocation due to serious offenses.

Legal Grounds for Restoring Citizenship

Before submitting your application, it's essential to identify the legal basis for restoring your Moldovan citizenship. This determines the required documents and the processing procedure.

Most common grounds:

  • Voluntary renunciation — if you previously submitted an official request to renounce your citizenship, you now have the right to apply for restoration;
  • Automatic loss — if citizenship was lost due to circumstances such as acquiring another nationality during a period when dual citizenship was not permitted;
  • Revocation of citizenship — restoration may be possible if revocation did not occur under disqualifying legal provisions (e.g., for anti-state activities);
  • Family-based grounds — if one of your parents was a Moldovan citizen, you may apply through a simplified procedure.

Regardless of the ground, you must prove your previous citizenship, lawful reason for its loss, and a substantial connection to the Republic of Moldova.

How to Apply for the Restoration of Moldovan Citizenship

The process of restoring Moldovan citizenship consists of several stages. It’s crucial to follow the proper order and prepare all documents according to legal requirements to avoid delays or rejection.

Where to submit your application:

  • To local branches of the Public Services Agency (ASP) in Moldova;
  • To consulates or embassies of Moldova — if residing abroad;
  • Through a legal representative with a notarized power of attorney — if personal presence is not possible.

Main steps of the process:

  1. Collect required documents and complete the application form;
  2. Submit to the relevant institution (ASP or consulate);
  3. Preliminary verification and forwarding to the Citizenship Commission under the President;
  4. Decision made by the President of the Republic of Moldova (decree issued);
  5. Notification and issuance of the certificate of restored citizenship.

The entire process can take from several months to a year depending on case complexity and document accuracy.

Required Documents for Citizenship Restoration

The specific list of documents depends on the grounds for restoration, but most applicants must provide a basic standard set.

Mandatory documents:

  • Application for restoration of citizenship (in Romanian);
  • Autobiography detailing life history and reason for citizenship loss;
  • Proof of former Moldovan citizenship (old Moldovan passport, certificates, archive extracts);
  • Valid passport or another identity document;
  • Criminal record certificate from country of residence;
  • Marriage and family status certificates (if applicable);
  • Color passport-style photographs;
  • Receipt for state fee payment.

Additional documents may include:

  • Name change certificates (if applicable);
  • Proof of legal residence abroad;
  • Parents' birth or citizenship certificates — for family-based applications.

All foreign documents must be translated into Romanian and notarized. If required, they must also be apostilled or consular legalized.

Common Mistakes and Risks in Citizenship Restoration

Although the procedure may seem straightforward, applicants often face rejection due to errors in document preparation or misunderstanding of legal requirements. Here are the most frequent issues:

Incorrect legal basis for restoration

Some applicants confuse restoration with naturalization. For example, individuals whose citizenship was revoked under Article 23, point (c) — for actions against the state — cannot restore citizenship and must apply as new applicants.

Incomplete or inaccurate document package

Missing criminal record certificate, improperly translated documents, or lack of proof of previous citizenship are common reasons for application denial.

Inconsistencies in personal data

Discrepancies in surname spelling, birth dates, or residence history without supporting documents can raise red flags and delay the process.

Errors in the autobiography

Omitting periods of residence, gaps in the biography, or inaccurate education/work history may be seen as attempts to hide information.

Ignoring legalization requirements

Documents issued abroad must be apostilled or legalized — otherwise, they won’t be accepted by the Moldovan authorities.

Recommendation: To minimize risks, it’s advisable to consult a migration law specialist and have all documents pre-checked before submission.

Specifics for Applicants Living Abroad

If you reside outside of Moldova, the citizenship restoration process includes certain specifics that should be considered in advance.

Submitting via consulate

You may submit your application and all required documents at the nearest Moldovan consulate or embassy. This is an official and legally recognized option.

Submission via authorized representative

If you are unable to travel to Moldova, your documents can be submitted by a representative with a notarized power of attorney. The power of attorney must be valid under both Moldovan and local laws.

Translation and legalization

All foreign documents must be translated into Romanian, notarized, and, if required, apostilled or legalized according to international standards.

Dual citizenship

Moldova allows dual citizenship, so restoration does not require renunciation of your current nationality (if permitted by your country's law).

If you reside abroad, proper preparation of documents is critical, as fixing mistakes remotely can be time-consuming and costly.

Processing Time and State Fee

The process of restoring Moldovan citizenship takes time, as it involves data verification, interdepartmental requests, and a final decision at the state level.

Processing time:

  • The average time for reviewing the application is 6 to 12 months from the date of full submission;
  • The timeframe may be extended if additional requests or international document verifications are required;
  • Once approved, a Presidential Decree of the Republic of Moldova is issued.

State fee:

  • The fee is approximately 180 MDL (subject to annual adjustments);
  • It must be paid before submitting the application and confirmed with a receipt;
  • Additional costs include notary services, translations, and legalization of documents.

To save time and avoid repeat visits, it is best to check the current fees and timelines on official websites or consult with professionals in advance.

Conclusion

Restoring Moldovan citizenship is a real and legal opportunity to reclaim your legal status, regain lost citizenship, and restore all associated rights. Whether due to emigration, voluntary renunciation, or automatic loss — most former citizens have a chance to reconnect with their homeland.

The key to success lies in careful document preparation, choosing the correct legal basis, and following all procedures. Even one mistake can result in rejection or long delays. Therefore, it is vital to double-check your data, understand the legal requirements, and seek expert assistance if needed.

If you want to complete the procedure quickly and without unnecessary stress — seek legal support. Experienced migration consultants can help ensure everything is done correctly and significantly increase your chances of a successful outcome.