The document establishes the basic rules related to the acquisition, retention and loss of Moldovan citizenship. It specifies the rules for acquiring Moldovan citizenship, which can be obtained by birth, recognition, adoption, restoration of citizenship or naturalization.
The law stipulates the condition of Romanian language proficiency and knowledge of the Constitution for acquiring citizenship. However, this requirement does not apply to children under 14 years of age, to persons with severe or pronounced disabilities that make it difficult to learn the language and the provisions of the Constitution, as well as to persons whose citizenship is granted in the interest of Moldova.
The new wording of the law established rules regarding the loss of Moldovan citizenship – due to renunciation, deprivation of citizenship, as well as on grounds arising from international treaties to which Moldova is a party. For example, citizenship can be revoked by the president of the country. This measure is allowed if a person acquired Moldovan citizenship fraudulently, joined illegal armed formations, committed especially grave acts detrimental to the interests of Moldova, has links with terrorist groups or supported them in any form.
Also, citizenship can be deprived of people who are subject to international restrictive measures adopted or acceded to by the Republic of Moldova.
It is stipulated that in Moldova it is allowed for one person to have the citizenship of two or more states, while a person with multiple citizenship is a citizen subject to military duty.
The law prescribes the procedure for acquisition and loss of Moldovan citizenship. Applications for acquiring citizenship, as well as proposals for deprivation of Moldovan citizenship are considered within a period of up to 12 months.
The new law will come into force in three months – on December 24.
