Publication date: 14.08.2025
How to Obtain Moldovan Citizenship for a Child in 2025
Obtaining Moldovan citizenship for a child opens real European opportunities — visa-free travel, access to education, healthcare, and long-term mobility. While children’s cases are usually simpler than adults’, success still depends on proper eligibility assessment, flawless documents, and correct filings. This extended guide by “Legal Marketplace Consultant” provides a complete, step-by-step roadmap for 2025.
Who Can Apply for Moldovan Citizenship for a Child?
At least one parent is a Moldovan citizen (by birth, by descent, or naturalization).
Child born in Moldova to foreign parents who have the right to Moldovan citizenship (case-by-case evaluation).
Derivative citizenship: child is included in a parent’s pending or approved citizenship application.
Moldovan descent up to the 2nd generation (parents/grandparents) — with archival proof.
Adoption by a Moldovan citizen — subject to recognition of the adoption in Moldova.
Key Benefits for the Child
Visa-free travel to the Schengen Area after passport issuance (within the 90/180-day rule).
Access to European education/exchange programs and recognition pathways.
Dual citizenship permitted by Moldovan law (check the other country’s rules separately).
Social protection, healthcare access in Moldova; EU healthcare during short stays via insurance.
National ID/passport for cross-border mobility and consular protection abroad.
Eligibility Scenarios Explained
1) One Moldovan parent
- Provide evidence of the parent’s Moldovan citizenship (passport/ID/citizenship certificate) and the parent-child link (birth certificate).
2) Both Moldovan parents
- Fastest track; ensure names/dates match across all documents to avoid re-checks.
3) Born in Moldova
- Confirm birth in Moldova, legal status of parents at birth, and any descent rights; consult if parents are foreign nationals.
4) Adoption
- Foreign adoption must be legally recognized in Moldova. Provide court/adoption orders, apostille/legalization, translations.
5) Descent (up to 2nd generation)
- Collect archival records (birth/marriage registers, internal passports, residence registers) tying the child to Moldovan ancestors.
Step-by-Step Process (What to Do First)
- Verify eligibility: map the applicable legal ground (parental citizenship, descent, adoption, derivative via parent).
- Compile the document set:
- Child’s birth certificate (full version with parents’ details)
- Parents’ passports/IDs
- Proof of Moldovan citizenship of parent(s) or ancestors
- Marriage/divorce orders; custody/guardianship papers if relevant
- Photos of the child (per biometric requirements for passport)
- Notarized consent of both parents if one is a foreign national or not accompanying
- Legalization & translations: apostille or consular legalization for foreign documents; notarized Romanian translations.
- Submit the application: at a Moldovan consulate (abroad) or the competent authority in Moldova.
- Processing & checks: verification of documents; interviews are not typical for minors but may occur for complex lineage cases.
- Approval & issuance: citizenship certificate for the child; then apply for a child’s passport/ID.
Where and How to File
Outside Moldova: Moldovan Embassy/Consulate — convenient for families residing abroad.
In Moldova: file with the competent civil status/migration authority; book appointments in advance.
Digital options: monitor updates for e-filing of certain forms and pre-uploads where available.
Timelines and Costs (2025)
Processing time: typically 2–4 months (can vary with archives/legalizations).
State fees for minors: usually €50–100 for citizenship issuance; passport fee extra (depends on urgency).
Additional costs: apostille/legalization, translations, courier/notary, consular fees if abroad.
Is an Oath Required for a Child?
No. Applicants under 18 are not required to take the oath; it applies to adults only.
Special Family Situations (What to Prepare)
Single parent: provide sole custody order or proof of the other parent’s inability to consent, per local law.
Divorce/separation: add court orders on custody/visitation; ensure names in all documents match post-divorce.
Guardian/curator: present guardianship decision; consent rules follow the court order.
Surrogacy/IVF: include full birth records and legal parentage proof recognized by Moldovan authorities.
Name change: add official name-change certificates; translate/legalize if foreign.
Translations & Legalization (Apostille)
Foreign documents generally require apostille or consular legalization.
Provide notarized Romanian translations; keep spellings consistent (names, places, dates).
Validate expiry windows for police/registry certificates (often 90–180 days).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Filing close to deadlines → certificates expire; start early.
Name/date/address mismatches across certificates and forms.- Missing apostille/legalization on foreign records.
- Non-notarized or inaccurate translations.
No proof of the second parent’s consent/custody basis when required.
After Approval: Passport & ID for the Child
Apply for a child’s passport and, if applicable, a national ID.
Follow biometric photo rules and age-specific passport validity (minors have shorter validity).
Schedule renewals well before expiry; update data after name changes.
Dual Citizenship & Travel Tips
- Moldova allows dual citizenship; verify the other country’s stance (duties, renunciation risks, military obligations later in life).
When traveling, carry both passports if dual national (entry/exit by the correct document).
Maintain travel/health insurance for Schengen trips; observe 90/180-day calculation.
How We Help: End-to-End Legal Support
Case Audit & Eligibility
- We confirm the optimal legal ground and map out a clear strategy with timelines.
Documents, Apostille, Translations
- We handle archival searches, legalization, and notarized Romanian translations without errors.
Filing & Communication
- We prepare/submit forms, track processing, and arrange passport/ID issuance.
FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions
Can newborns get Moldovan citizenship?
Yes — especially if at least one parent is a Moldovan citizen. Prepare the long-form birth certificate and the Moldovan parent’s proof of citizenship.
How long does it take?
Typically 2–4 months; archival checks and foreign legalizations may extend the timeline.
Is an oath required for minors?
No. The oath is for adult applicants only.
Can we apply for a passport immediately after approval?
Yes. Once citizenship is granted and registered, you can apply for the child’s passport/ID.
What if one parent cannot consent?
Provide a court order granting sole custody or evidence satisfying the authority’s consent rules. Seek legal guidance for your jurisdiction.
Will dual citizenship cause issues later?
Moldova allows it, but other countries may have restrictions or obligations. Always check local law for the second nationality.
Moldovan citizenship for a child is a high-value, lower-friction pathway to European mobility and opportunity. The strongest cases rely on precise eligibility mapping, complete documents, and correct legalization/translation.
Want a smooth, fast process? Contact “Legal Marketplace Consultant” — we’ll assemble the file, manage legalizations, file correctly the first time, and assist through passport issuance.
