In 2023, only 11 people were granted stateless status out of a total of 108 applications submitted. The New Citizenship Law introduced stricter requirements, including mandatory Romanian language and Constitution tests, clearer procedures for application and refusal, and a system designed to promote transparency, accountability, and civic responsibility, while maintaining the principle of multiple citizenship. Its overarching objectives are to enhance national security, ensure legal clarity, and support the integration of new citizens into Moldovan society; however, the new legal framework has also resulted in increased obstacles to accessing citizenship for vulnerable groups, particularly stateless persons and other individuals at risk of exclusion. Restrictive Residence Requirements for Naturalisation The new Citizenship Law maintains existing residence requirements for naturalisation: ten years for general applicants, eight years for refugees and stateless persons, and three years for spouses, parents, or children of Moldovan citizens. While unchanged, the law missed an opportunity to address gaps affecting vulnerable groups. In particular, the framework does not allow periods of lawful stay under Temporary Protection to be counted toward residence requirements where individuals can demonstrate effective residence in Moldova, such as through employment, education, or housing. A case-by-case approach could support integration without introducing automatic eligibility. The law also retains an eight-year residence requirement for refugees and stateless persons, which remains relatively long compared to practice in many European countries, where facilitated naturalisation often allows access after three to five years. While international standards do not prescribe specific timeframes, they encourage facilitated naturalisation for these groups, making the decision not to shorten the residence period a missed opportunity to promote durable integration. . Mandatory Romanian Language and Constitution Tests The new law introduces, for the first time, a requirement that applicants seeking recognition or reacquisition of citizenship must pass Romanian language and Constitution tests, in addition to standard naturalization applicants. Exemptions apply only for children under 14 or people with severe disabilities. Tests are administered by the National Agency for Curriculum and Assessment. These requirements promote civic integration and knowledge of national values. However, they may disadvantage older applicants, refugees, and stateless people with limited access to language education or learning resources. The lack of broader exemptions risks excluding otherwise wellintegrated residents, while the administering authority faces additional logistical and resource pressures. After fleeing Ukraine, Andriana rebuilt her life in Moldova and recently transitioned from temporary protection to a spousal residence permit. As she looks ahead to citizenship, new legal requirements entering into force in December 2025 may make that path longer and more complex showing how policy changes can affect families seeking stability and long-term integration. Photo: Anna Celac/NRC Income Requirements Under the previous law, applicants were required to demonstrate a source of income, which was broadly defined. The new law tightens this requirement, mandating that applicants earn at least the minimum wage for the past three years. Combined with the extended residence periods, this change www.nrc.no