In 2025, Moldova becomes one of the most attractive countries for obtaining a second citizenship - with transparent procedures, accessible requirements and wide opportunities. Find out how to obtain Moldovan citizenship in 2025: main methods, conditions, required documents and step-by-step application process

Moldova is a small European country with a favorable geographical location, a stable legal system and visa-free access to more than 120 countries around the world. In 2025, interest in Moldovan citizenship is growing among Ukrainians, Romanians, Belarusians and citizens of other countries who seek to expand their opportunities in Europe.

Obtaining Moldovan citizenship opens the way to legal residence, work, study, medical care and participation in European cooperation programs. Below is a detailed guide that will help you understand what methods, conditions and steps exist to obtain a Moldovan passport in 2025.

If you are moving to Moldova or applying for citizenship, a medical policy is your key to peace of mind and security.

It covers outpatient and inpatient treatment, emergency care and even medical evacuation.

The policy can be issued remotely, with a guarantee of validity throughout the EU.

Why is it worth getting Moldovan citizenship?

Moldovan citizenship is not just a legal status, but an opportunity to discover a new level of freedom and stability. It combines the advantages of a European lifestyle with affordable registration conditions. Main advantages:

- Visa-free travel to over 100 countries around the world, including the Schengen zone, Turkey and Israel.

- Dual citizenship - no need to give up your valid passport.

- Financial freedom - the ability to open accounts in European banks and use EU banking services.

- Legal employment and business within Europe.

- High-quality education for children and youth in prestigious European institutions.

- Social protection and medical insurance, access to a healthcare system at the level of European standards.

The main ways to obtain Moldovan citizenship in 2025

In 2025, there are several legal grounds for obtaining Moldovan citizenship:

- Naturalization - for those who have been living in the country for a long time.

- Origin - for persons whose relatives were born in the territory of Moldova or Bessarabia.

- Marriage or residence before 1990 - simplified grounds for certain categories of applicants.

- Special merits - for those who have made a significant contribution to the development of the state.

Moldova has announced the introduction of a visa for remote workers. Read here everything about the new digital nomad visa in Moldova in 2025: who can apply, what documents are required, how the application procedure works and why the country is becoming an attractive destination for remote professionals and freelancers.

Moldovan citizenship through naturalization

This is the most common way for foreigners already living in Moldova. To apply, you must:

- Have lived in Moldova for at least 8 years legally;

- Have a stable income;

- Know the Romanian language at a basic level;

- Have no criminal record;

- Take the oath of a Moldovan citizen.

For spouses of Moldovan citizens, the period is reduced to 3 years of marriage (or 1.5 years if the couple lives in Moldova permanently).

In 2025, a simplified procedure for investors and specialists in short supply will also be in effect - the consideration of applications takes up to 6 months.

Required documents for obtaining Moldovan citizenship through naturalization: passport, residence permit, certificate of good conduct, proof of income, marriage certificate (if necessary), photos, receipt for payment of the fee.

Moldovan citizenship by descent

This path is the fastest and most convenient, as it does not require residence in the country or passing a language test. The right to citizenship is granted to:

- Children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren of Moldovan citizens or persons born in Bessarabia before 1940;

- Persons who can confirm their family relationship with documents.

Advantages of Moldovan citizenship by descent:

- short period of consideration of applications - from 4 to 8 months;

- dual citizenship is allowed;

- documents can be submitted through the consulate or by power of attorney of a lawyer;

- no language test or financial confirmation is required.

The main documents for obtaining Moldovan citizenship by descent: the applicant's passport, birth certificates of relatives, archival certificates, confirmation of family ties, certificate of no criminal record, translations with an apostille.

If archival records are missing, lawyers can help find or restore them through the state archives of Moldova.

Important! From December 24, 2025, it will no longer be possible to apply for Moldovan citizenship by descent remotely.

Step-by-step process for obtaining Moldovan citizenship

Step 1 – Determine the basis for obtaining

First of all, you need to find out on what basis you can apply for citizenship. This can be:

- birth or descent (if your relatives were born in Moldova or Bessarabia);

- naturalization (long-term residence in the country);

- marriage to a Moldovan citizen;

- restoration of previous citizenship;

- special services to the state.

Each option has its own legal requirements, so at this stage it is advisable to consult a migration lawyer to avoid unnecessary time and documentation errors.

Step 2 – Prepare a complete package of documents

The list of documents varies for each method, but usually includes:

- passport and copies of all pages;

- birth certificate;

- documents confirming family ties (for origin);

- certificate of good conduct from the country of residence;

- certificate of income (for naturalization);

- passport-sized photographs;

- officially certified translations of documents into Romanian with an apostille.

If certain documents are lost or have not been preserved, you can make inquiries to the state archives of Moldova or seek the help of legal professionals.

Step 3 – Submit an application

You can submit documents in person in Chisinau or through a Moldovan consulate abroad. It is also allowed to issue a power of attorney for a representative (for example, a lawyer) who will submit an application on your behalf.

When submitting, you will be given a case registration number, by which you can track the status of the consideration.

Step 4 – Pay the state fee

The amount of the fee depends on the type of procedure and urgency:

- standard filing – approximately 150–200 euros;

- urgent procedure – up to 250 euros.

Payment can be made cashless or at the consulate’s cash desk. Keep the receipt – it will be attached to the file.

Step 5 – Pass the check and interview

Applicants for naturalization or restoration of citizenship are subject to a check of compliance with the requirements – legal residence, knowledge of the state language, no criminal record.

In some cases, you may be invited to a short interview at the body considering the application to clarify details or confirm your motivation.

Step 6 – Take the oath

After your application is approved, you will be asked to take the oath of citizenship of the Republic of Moldova. The ceremony may take place in Chisinau or at the consulate if you are abroad.

Only after taking the oath is citizenship considered officially granted.

Step 7 – Receive your citizenship documents

After taking the oath, you will be issued: a certificate of acquisition of citizenship, a passport of a Moldovan citizen, (if necessary) an identity card.

With this document, you acquire the full rights and freedoms of a Moldovan citizen – including the rights to travel, employment, social services and participation in EU programs.

Moldova in 2025 offers open and understandable conditions for obtaining citizenship - both for those who already live in the country and for the descendants of former citizens. This is a real opportunity to legally integrate into the European space, travel without visas and take advantage of all the benefits of a stable legal status.

Obtaining Moldovan citizenship is not only a legal process, but also a chance to reconnect with your roots and open up new prospects for yourself and your family.

Are you planning to apply for Moldovan citizenship?

Our partners are licensed migration specialists and lawyers who will help you collect documents, translate, submit an application and go through the procedure without errors.

Reminder! Germany has canceled “turbo citizenship”: it is no longer possible to obtain a German passport in three years. We have already told you what exactly has changed, how this will affect migrants and what requirements are now in force for obtaining a German passport.

Photo – Freepik

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