Nationality of Moldova: all obtaining pathways
Moldova requires ten years of legal residence for ordinary naturalization; marriage to a Moldovan citizen opens it at three years of union. The citizenship-by-investment program appears in the rules but is suspended, and birth citizenship combines ius sanguinis and ius soli.
1Naturalization by residence
Naturalization by residence
Requirements
- Have legally resided in Moldova for at least 10 years (8 years for refugees and stateless persons)
- Hold a residence permit
- Command of the Moldovan (Romanian) language at a sufficient level
- Knowledge of the Constitution of Moldova
- Have lawful means of subsistence
- No serious criminal record
- Waive the previous citizenship or present proof of renunciation
Documentation
- Application to the Presidency of Moldova
- 10-year legal residence certificate
- Moldovan language command certificate
- Constitution knowledge certificate
- Criminal record certificate
- Proof of means of subsistence
- Declaration renouncing the previous citizenship
- Valid passport
- Birth certificate
2Naturalization through marriage
Naturalization through marriage
Requirements
- Married to a Moldovan citizen for at least 3 years
- Legally residing in Moldova for at least 3 years
- Command of the Moldovan language
- Knowledge of the Constitution
- No serious criminal record
Documentation
- Marriage certificate
- Passport of the Moldovan spouse
- Legal residence certificate
- Moldovan language proficiency certificate
- Criminal record certificate
3Citizenship by birth (ius sanguinis and ius soli)
Citizenship by birth (ius sanguinis and ius soli)
Requirements
- At least one parent is a Moldovan citizen (ius sanguinis)
- Born in Moldova to stateless parents (ius soli)
- Born in Moldova without acquiring another citizenship at birth
Documentation
- Birth certificate
- Parents' passports
- Proof of the parents' Moldovan citizenship
4Citizenship by investment (CBI - suspended program)
Citizenship by investment (CBI - suspended program)
Requirements
- Real-estate investment of at least 250,000 EUR in rural zones or 300,000 EUR in urban zones (with a 5-year commitment)
- Alternative: non-refundable deposit of 100,000 EUR to the public investment fund
- Alternative: investment in State securities of 250,000 EUR with a 5-year commitment
- Note: this program was suspended in 2024 and is currently not active
Documentation
- Application to the competent authority
- Proof of the investment made
- Criminal record certificate
- Valid passport
- Birth certificate
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Moldova
How many years of residence does Moldova require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Moldova (Naturalization by residence), the term is 10 years. The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Does Moldova allow dual nationality?
Waive the previous citizenship or present proof of renunciation
Can the nationality of Moldova be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Naturalization through marriage pathway (3 years of marriage). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Moldova require?
The Naturalization by residence pathway requires: Application to the Presidency of Moldova; 10-year legal residence certificate; Moldovan language command certificate; Constitution knowledge certificate; Criminal record certificate; among 4 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Moldova?
Moldova provides 4 pathways: Naturalization by residence, Naturalization through marriage, Citizenship by birth, Citizenship by investment.
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