Who qualifies for Moldovan citizenship by descent
Child of a Moldovan citizen: Moldovan by birth, registered at a consulate. Recognition by origin (Law 253/2025): a parent, grandparent or great-grandparent born in Moldova's territory — any generation for the pre-1940 regions and deportees. Adults must pass B2 Romanian and a Constitution test. Applications are accepted only by appointment since 24 December 2025.
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What Law 253/2025 changed
Moldova's new citizenship law took effect on 24 December 2025. It keeps recognition of citizenship for people with Moldovan roots but defines them precisely: a parent, grandparent or great-grandparent born on the territory of the Republic of Moldova — and, for descendants of people from the regions that were part of the country before 1940 and of victims of deportation, no generation limit at all.
It also adds integration requirements: applicants aged 18 and over have to pass a Romanian-language test at B2 level and a test on knowledge of the Constitution. And applications are now accepted only by prior appointment, booked online with the Public Services Agency or a consulate.
Sources: Embassy of Moldova (USA) — acquisition of citizenship by recognition · Moldpres — new law on Moldovan citizenship comes into effect
Fees and timing
The Public Services Agency charges 6,650 lei plus 180 lei for a recognition application filed in Moldova. The legal time limit for examining recognition applications is up to one year.
Sources: Public Services Agency (ASP) — citizenship and identity documents
Moldova or Romania — or both?
Many people with Moldovan roots also qualify for Romanian citizenship by reacquisition, because the region of Bessarabia was part of Romania before 1940. The two are separate procedures under separate laws: Romanian citizenship gives EU rights; Moldovan citizenship doesn't. Both countries allow dual citizenship, so some families pursue both. See our Romania guide for the Romanian route.
Step by step
1. Find your ancestor's birth or baptism record showing birth on Moldova's territory — the National Archives Agency and church records are the main sources. 2. Collect birth and marriage certificates linking each generation, apostilled and translated into Romanian. 3. If you're 18+, pass the B2 Romanian test and the Constitution test. 4. Book an appointment with the Public Services Agency or a Moldovan consulate (no walk-ins since 24 December 2025) and submit the file with the fee. 5. Expect a decision within up to a year.
Worked examples
Irina's grandmother was born in Chișinău in 1950. Irina, 30 and living in Canada, can have Moldovan citizenship recognised after passing the B2 Romanian and Constitution tests.
Pavel's ancestors were deported from Bessarabia in the 1940s. As a descendant of deportees, Pavel faces no generation limit — but as an adult he still needs the B2 Romanian and Constitution tests.
Moldovan requirements at a glance
- A Moldovan parent — or a parent, grandparent or great-grandparent born on Moldova's territory
- No generation limit for descendants from the pre-1940 regions or of deportees
- Applicants 18+: B2 Romanian language test and Constitution test
- Applications only by prior appointment (ASP or consulates)
Documents for a Moldovan claim
- 1Your birth certificate, apostilled and translated into Romanian
- 2Your ancestor's birth or baptism record showing birth on Moldova's territory
- 3Birth and marriage certificates linking each generation
- 4B2 Romanian and Constitution test certificates (adults)
- 5Passport and criminal record certificate
Moldovan processing times
The legal deadline for examining a recognition application is up to one year.
Where Moldovan claims go wrong
- Using pre-2025 guidance: Law 253/2025 replaced the 2000 law and added the language and Constitution tests
- Turning up without an appointment — since 24 December 2025 all citizenship applications are by appointment only
- Confusing Moldovan recognition with Romanian citizenship by reacquisition, which is a separate procedure under Romanian law
Official Moldovan government sources
Moldovan citizenship FAQ
Q1My great-grandmother was born in Bessarabia. Do I qualify?
Very likely: under Law 253/2025 there's no generation limit for descendants of people from the pre-1940 regions. You'll need her birth or baptism record and the linking records for each generation, and B2 Romanian if you're an adult.
Q2Do I really need B2 Romanian?
Yes, if you're 18 or over — and a Constitution test.
Q3How much does it cost?
6,650 lei plus 180 lei for an application filed in Moldova.
Q4How long does it take?
The law allows up to one year to examine an application.
Q5Can I keep my other citizenship?
Yes. Moldova allows dual citizenship.
Q6Which ancestors have no generation limit?
Descendants of people from the historic territories listed in Law 253/2025 (the regions that belonged to the country before 1940) and of victims of deportation. Ask the consulate whether your ancestor's birthplace is covered.
Moldovan nationality law
Law No. 253/2025 on the citizenship of the Republic of Moldova, in force 24 December 2025, which replaced Law No. 1024-XIV of 2000.
Dual citizenship in Moldova
Moldova allows dual and multiple citizenship.
Moldovan application costs
Recognition filed in Moldova: 6,650 lei plus 180 lei (Public Services Agency). Consular fees differ; translations, apostilles and test fees are extra.