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Moldova dual citizenship with Russia: can you keep both passports in 2026

9 min read ·

Moldova has allowed dual citizenship since 2003, and recognition of citizenship by descent does not require giving up a Russian passport. We explain who it is open to, what you must pass and where renunciation is still required.

In short

Yes. Moldova has allowed dual citizenship since 2003, and with recognition by descent the Russian passport is kept. Giving up the previous citizenship, where possible, is required only for ordinary naturalisation.

Previous passport on naturalisationKept
Country ruleDual citizenship has been allowed since 2003
Legal basisLaw No. 1024/2000 on Citizenship of the Republic of Moldova
What Russia requiresnotify the Interior Ministry within 60 days
CheckedOctober 2026

Russia allows a second citizenship, and so does Moldova, so both passports coexist lawfully. The decisive question is the ground on which you acquire Moldovan citizenship: recognition by descent and naturalisation work differently.

What Moldova requires on naturalisation

Moldova's Citizenship Law No. 1024/2000 has allowed dual citizenship since 2003. Citizenship by descent is processed as recognition through the Public Services Agency. It is open to those born in Moldova and those whose parent, grandparent or great-grandparent was born there, as well as those born or living before 28 June 1940 in Bessarabia, Northern Bukovina, the Hertsa region and the Moldavian Autonomous Republic, and their descendants.

Recognition is available from age 18 and only to those who pass a Romanian language exam and know Moldova's Constitution. Giving up the previous citizenship is not required.

Ordinary naturalisation is stricter: 10 years of legal residence, or 3 years after 3 years of marriage for spouses of Moldovan citizens, plus language, the Constitution, lawful income and giving up the previous citizenship where possible.

What Russia requires

Russia allows a second citizenship and does not end its own, but inside the country treats you only as a Russian citizen (Article 10 of Federal Law No. 138-FZ on Citizenship).

  • Within 60 days of receiving the second passport, file a notification with the Interior Ministry (MVD). If you are abroad at that moment, the period runs from the day you enter Russia.
  • Attach a copy of the foreign passport or another document proving the citizenship.
  • Failure to notify falls under Article 330.2 of the Russian Criminal Code: a fine of up to $2,400 or up to one year of income, or up to 400 hours of compulsory work.
  • Late or incomplete notification: a fine of $10-15 under Article 19.8.3 of the Code of Administrative Offences.
  • A residence permit abroad must be reported under the same rules (Article 11 of Law No. 138-FZ).

A Russian citizen with a second passport may not hold state or municipal office, serve in government bodies or stand for election. The duties of a Russian citizen, including military service, remain, and inside Russia the second passport is not taken into account.

How to keep both passports: step by step

  1. Find an ancestor born in Moldova, or a ground based on living in Bessarabia before 28 June 1940.
  2. Gather the chain of documents from you to the ancestor: birth and marriage certificates, archive records, translation into Romanian.
  3. Pass the exam in Romanian and confirm knowledge of the Constitution - usually the longest stage.
  4. File the application with the Public Services Agency in Moldova or a Moldovan consulate; the fee is about $380.
  5. Receive the decision - within 12 months, extendable by 6 - and obtain the ID card and passport.
  6. Notify the Russian Interior Ministry within 60 days of receiving the passport, or within 60 days of entering Russia if you are abroad.

Recognition by descent does not require giving up Russian citizenship. The fee was set by a 2023 law, with possible concessions for some categories.

What happens to children

A child of a Moldovan citizen acquires Moldovan citizenship and, with a Russian-citizen other parent, usually Russian too; the law allows children to hold both. Recognition by descent is available from 18, so adult children apply on their own, while minors are registered through the parent's citizenship.

Taxes and military service

Citizenship alone does not make you a Moldovan tax resident: days in the country and the centre of vital interests decide. If you move, income tax is a flat 12%. More on taxes in Moldova.

Moldova keeps conscription for male citizens, so the rules are checked before moving. The military duty of a Russian citizen also remains with two citizenships.

Common mistakes

  • Underestimating the exam. Those starting Romanian from scratch usually need 4-6 months of study.
  • Filing with surname discrepancies. The most common problem, fixed through registry offices or court before filing.
  • Thinking a Moldovan passport gives the right to live in the EU. It only gives visa-free travel; a Romanian passport, for example, gives the right to live and work in the EU.
  • Choosing naturalisation over recognition when you have roots: renunciation may then be required.
  • Missing the Russian Interior Ministry notification: 60 days, with criminal liability for not filing.

How to get Moldovan citizenship

The shortest route for Russian citizens is recognition by descent: 6-12 months, a fee of about $380 and a Romanian exam. Without roots there is naturalisation through residence and 10 years in the country. Recognition terms are on Moldovan citizenship by descent.

Requirements, timelines and costs are on the page Moldovan citizenship.

You can check any pair of countries with the dual citizenship checker and compare all countries in the overview dual citizenship in 2026.

The main risk is getting stuck on the exam and archives

The law does not stop you applying for recognition of Moldovan citizenship on your own. But mistakes cost more than the fee: discrepancies in ancestors' surnames, an unconfirmed place of birth, a Romanian exam without preparation. We rebuild the family tree, request documents from archives and registry offices, fix discrepancies and support the filing. We guarantee professional work and a transparent process.

The cost of support depends on the archive search and the household; a consultant will calculate it in the chat.

Talk to a consultant now

This topic in other countries

Dual citizenship rules with Russia in other countries:

More on this country:

You can check any pair of countries with the dual citizenship checker and compare all countries in the overview dual citizenship in 2026.

FAQ

Can you hold Moldovan and Russian citizenship at the same time?
Yes. Moldova has allowed dual citizenship since 2003, and with recognition by descent the Russian passport is kept. Giving up the previous citizenship, where possible, is required only for ordinary naturalisation.
Do I need to notify the Russian Interior Ministry about Moldovan citizenship?
Yes. A Russian citizen notifies the Interior Ministry of a second citizenship within 60 days under Article 10 of Law No. 138-FZ; failing to notify carries criminal liability under Article 330.2 of the Russian Criminal Code.
Does Moldova allow dual citizenship?
Yes, since 2003 under Citizenship Law No. 1024/2000. Recognition by descent does not require giving up the previous citizenship.
Can you hold Moldovan and Russian citizenship at once?
Yes. Both countries allow a second citizenship; a Russian citizen must notify the Interior Ministry of the Moldovan passport within 60 days.
Do you need Romanian for Moldovan citizenship?
Yes, the application includes a Romanian language exam certificate and proof of knowing the Constitution.
How much does Moldovan citizenship by descent cost?
The state fee is about $380. The exam, archive records, apostilles and translations are paid separately.
Does a Moldovan passport give the right to live in the EU?
No, only visa-free travel, including the Schengen area for 90 days in any 180.

Don’t want to figure this out alone?

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