Publication date: 11.08.2025
Refusal of Moldovan Citizenship: Reasons, Appeals and Protecting Your Rights in 2025
Obtaining Moldovan citizenship is a strategic step for those who want to travel freely, develop business in Europe, and provide stability for their families. However, even if you meet all formal requirements, a refusal is still possible. In 2025, the requirements for documents and verification have become stricter, and the number of refusals is growing — the key to success lies in proper preparation and competent appeal.
In this guide, “Legal Marketplace Consultant” explains why citizenship applications are refused, how to file an appeal properly, what documents to include, how a reapplication differs from an appeal, and how to reduce the risk of refusal in advance.
What is considered a refusal and how to get it in writing?
A refusal is an official written decision by a competent Moldovan authority rejecting your citizenship application. The document must state the specific reason for refusal and the date from which the appeal period begins (usually 30 calendar days).
Main reasons for refusal of Moldovan citizenship
1. Incorrectly prepared or incomplete documents
- Missing notarized translations, no apostille on foreign documents.
- Expired certificates (criminal record, income, residence registration).
2. False or contradictory information
- Different dates of birth/marriage in applications and certificates, mistakes in addresses or names.
3. Lack of legal grounds
- Failure to confirm 8 years of residence, no proof of origin or marriage.
4. Criminal record or pending criminal/administrative cases
- Even abroad: active records and unresolved cases are a common reason for refusal.
5. Insufficient knowledge of the Romanian language
- Unsuccessful interview (unable to answer basic questions about the country, law, and daily life).
6. No proof of income
- No official income statements, tax declarations, or bank statements.
7. Violation of migration rules
- Incorrect departures/entries, no registration, long absences from the country without valid reason.
Common applicant mistakes: how to avoid them?
- Submitting documents “at the last moment” — some certificates are already expired.
- No apostille/legalization on foreign-issued documents.
- Choosing an unsubstantiated basis (e.g., naturalization without the required residence period).
- Using outdated templates instead of consulting a lawyer.
- No payment receipts or proof of state fee payment.
Stages of appealing a refusal of Moldovan citizenship
1. Review the reason for refusal
- Carefully read the refusal letter: its wording and date start the 30-day appeal period.
2. Prepare your appeal
- The appeal must be filed with the competent agency within 30 calendar days from the refusal date.
- Structure your arguments and specify what issues you have addressed.
3. Gather additional documents
- New certificates, archival proofs, corrected translations, financial evidence.
4. Official submission of the appeal
- In person or by registered mail (record the date of sending/receipt).
5. Appeal review
- Usually 1–3 months, longer for complex cases.
6. Court appeal
- If the appeal is denied, file a lawsuit; the process can take up to a year.
How to increase your chances of a successful appeal?
Gather documents in advance and check their validity.
Make notarized translations of all foreign documents and apply apostille.
Conduct a legal review of the case before filing the appeal.
Do not miss the deadline: 30 calendar days from the refusal date.
Engage specialized Moldovan immigration lawyers.
Documents to include in the appeal
- Corrected application forms (if there were typos or technical errors).
- Updated certificates: criminal record, income, residence/registration.
- Archival evidence of family ties/residence that was missing.
- Receipts for payment of state fees.
- Notarized translations and apostille for foreign documents.
- A legally verified statement with arguments and references to laws.
Cost and timeframes: what to expect in 2025
- Appeal timeframe: on average 1–3 months; longer if taken to court.
- State fees and expenses: depend on the volume of legalizations/translations and case complexity.
- Reapplication: possible after eliminating the reasons for refusal and updating your package.
How to avoid refusal at the document preparation stage?
- Collect the full set of documents according to the migration service checklist.
- Confirm your grounds: residence, origin, marriage, investments — with documents.
- Monitor the expiration dates of certificates and renew them in advance.
- Include original receipts for payment of fees.
- Use legal assistance at every stage.
Reapplication or appeal: which to choose?
- Appeal — if you are confident that the refusal is unjustified and can prove it with new documents and arguments.
- Reapplication — if you need to completely rebuild your package and fix the main deficiencies (residence period, translations, apostille, income).
Legal assistance in case of Moldovan citizenship refusal
Case analysis
- Reviewing the reasons for refusal, building an evidence base.
Documents and legalization
- Collecting missing documents, apostille, notarized translations, archival requests.
Appeal strategy
- Preparing an appeal/lawsuit, representation before authorities and in court.
“Legal Marketplace Consultant” guides applicants from refusal analysis to obtaining a passport, minimizing risks and timeframes
FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reapply after a refusal?
Yes. After correcting deficiencies and updating your document package, you have the right to submit a new application.
What are the appeal review timeframes?
Usually 1–3 months; in court, it may take longer depending on the court’s workload and case complexity.
Do I need to be present in person?
Not always. In complex cases and in court, personal presence or a representative’s participation is advisable.
Will a lawyer help avoid refusal?
Yes. Professional preparation can eliminate up to 90% of common mistakes and speed up the process.
The most common reasons for refusal in 2025?
Incomplete package, issues with translations/apostille, lack of proof of income, criminal record, discrepancies in applications.
Which to choose: appeal or reapplication?
If the refusal is disputable and you have evidence — appeal. If you need to “rebuild” the package and fix the core issue — reapply.
A refusal of Moldovan citizenship is not the end. Timely appeal, correct documents, and a well-thought-out strategy open the way to a positive decision. It is important not to delay deadlines and to work with experts.
“Legal Marketplace Consultant” will assist you at every stage: from analyzing the refusal to obtaining your passport. Get a personal consultation and step-by-step action plan today.
Don’t delay! Book a consultation now to protect your right to Moldovan citizenship.
