Navigating Citizenship in Moldova:
Legal changes and rights-based implications
Legal changes and rights base implications
Summary
This legal briefing note analyses the key
amendments to the Citizenship Law, which came
into effect in December 2025, highlights areas where
rights or benefits may be at risk or could be
reinforced and outlines potential advocacy avenues
to address those challenges
Background
Moldova is at a pivotal moment in its citizenship
policy. Against the backdrop of regional instability,
migration pressures and evolving European
integration ambitions, Moldova's new citizenship
law amendments, effective December 24, 2025,
significantly tighten the requirements. The reform
aims both to increase national security safeguards
and to modernize the acquisition procedures to
align with European standards and reduce abuse
and fraud. For many foreigners, including stateless
persons, children born in Moldova, long‐term
residents, displaced persons, persons with dual
nationality and refugees — these changes carry
significant
operational
and
rights-based
implications. Applications for Moldovan citizenship
have been steadily increasing, particularly among
Ukrainians and Russians. Ukrainians make up a
significant portion of dual or multiple citizenship
holders, with many seeking Moldovan citizenship
for legal security, mobility, and access to rights.
As of 3 November 2025, according to data provided
by the Inspectorate General for Migration, during
the period 24 February 2022 – 30 September 2025:
4,620
Ukrainians
applied
for
Moldovan
citizenship; 2,692 Ukrainians were granted
Moldovan citizenship; 2,974 Ukrainians were
officially recognized as Moldovan citizens. In
addition, a notable share of approved applications
comes from residents of the Transnistrian region,
reflecting simplified procedures for these areas.
According to the data provided by the Public Service
Agency, in the period from 10 April 2018 to 30 June
2025, 43,505 individuals have been recognized as
citizens of the Republic of Moldova under the
simplified
procedure.
Of
these,
28,197
(approximately 65%) are residents of the Left Bank
of the Nistru River and the municipality of Bender.
As of 1 October 2024, according to the Moldovan
Ombudsman Office, only 5,485 individuals are
registered as stateless in the Republic of Moldova.
www.nrc.no