Publication date: 30.07.2025
How Long Does It Take to Obtain Moldovan Citizenship?
Obtaining Moldovan citizenship is not only a legal step but also a strategic decision for those who wish to live, work, or travel in Europe. This is especially relevant for citizens of Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, and other CIS countries who seek to legalize their stay in the EU through the easy access to a Moldovan passport.
The duration of the citizenship application process in Moldova depends on the basis on which the application is submitted. On average, the process can take from 6 to 18 months. The fastest path is **restoring citizenship by descent**, which is possible if one of your ancestors was a citizen of Moldova or Romania. In such cases, the procedure usually takes around 6–9 months, provided that the documentation is correctly prepared and supported legally.
If you are applying for **citizenship through naturalization** (after several years of residence in Moldova), the procedure may take up to 18 months or more, as it includes additional steps — verification of residence conditions, knowledge of the state language, absence of a criminal record, etc.
It's important to understand that even under the simplified procedure, preparation takes time — translations, notarization of documents, confirmation of kinship, or legal analysis of the grounds. That’s why many people turn to specialized lawyers or agencies that can significantly speed up and simplify the process.
Considering all the advantages — freedom of movement, access to European markets, the ability to live and work in Europe — obtaining Moldovan citizenship is a time investment that fully pays off.
Average Time to Obtain Citizenship
- 4–6 months — by descent (simplified procedure).
- 6–12 months — through naturalization or marriage.
- 12–18 months — in cases requiring additional checks.
What Affects the Timeframe?
- Basis for obtaining — descent, marriage, or naturalization
- Completeness of the document package, translations, and notarization
- Availability of archival documents confirming descent
- Workload of migration authorities
- Criminal records or other restrictions
How to Speed Up the Process?
1. Prepare all documents in advance
2. Consult a lawyer
3. Ensure accurate translations and notarizations
4. Pay all state fees on time
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Determine the basis for your application
- Prepare the documents: certificates, statements, translations
- Submit the documents via consulate or in Chișinău
- Wait for the decision from Moldovan authorities
- Take the oath of allegiance
- Receive your Moldovan passport and ID card
Benefits of Working With Us
Legal marketplace "Consultant" offers:
- Assessment of your chances of obtaining citizenship
- Assistance with archive requests and confirming descent
- Compilation and review of your document package
- Full support until passport issuance
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does citizenship by descent take?
On average — from 4 to 6 months.
Do I need to travel to Moldova?
No, submission is possible through a consulate or by power of attorney.
What if documents are lost?
We can help file archive requests and obtain duplicates.
Does Moldova recognize dual citizenship?
Yes, Moldova officially allows multiple citizenships.
Will Ukrainian citizenship be preserved after obtaining Moldovan?
Yes, Ukraine usually does not automatically cancel citizenship. You can hold both passports.
Do I need to pass a language or history exam?
No, if you apply based on descent — no language test is required.
What documents prove descent?
Birth and marriage certificates, archival statements, ancestors' passports, extracts from Soviet civil registries.
Can my children obtain citizenship with me?
Yes, minor children can be included in your application or apply separately.
Are ancestors from Transnistria considered?
Yes, if documents confirm birth in the territory of Moldova or Bessarabia before 1940.
Are there age limits for applying?
Moldovan citizenship can be obtained by both children and pensioners — there are no age restrictions.
How much does it cost to apply?
The state fee ranges from €100 to €250 depending on the category, plus costs for translation, notarization, and archives.
Can I lose citizenship if I don’t live in Moldova?
No, Moldova does not require permanent residence to maintain citizenship.
Do you help find documents in Moldovan archives?
Yes, our lawyers make official requests to Moldovan and Bessarabian archives and obtain kinship confirmations.
Obtaining Moldovan citizenship is not just a legal process, but a strategic move that opens new horizons for life, business, education, and security. In a world of rapid change and geopolitical instability, a second passport is not a luxury but a necessity for many families.
Moldovan citizenship offers not only mobility within Europe, but also the opportunity to work, study, use the healthcare system, open accounts in European banks, and legally run a business. The country allows dual citizenship, which is especially important for citizens of Ukraine, Belarus, Russia, and other post-Soviet states.
If you have Moldovan roots, this is an opportunity worth seizing. Many people delay the process due to bureaucracy fears, lack of time, or doubts about eligibility. But with the right support, the path becomes not only realistic but also smooth.
The main challenges in the process usually stem not from complex laws, but from carelessness with documentation, translation errors, missing archive confirmations, or incomplete packages. This is why legal support is not just optional — it's a critical factor for a successful outcome.
The "Consultant" Legal Marketplace is a team of professionals specializing in Moldovan citizenship applications. We work with clients from over 25 countries, maintain direct communication with archives, consulates, and government agencies. Our team will assess your eligibility, help gather a complete document package, submit archive requests, handle certified translations, and file your application on your behalf.
