More than 60,000 residents of the breakaway Moldovan region have applied for Russian citizenship in three months, though new fee hikes pose a challenge.
Key facts
- •Transnistria is an unrecognized republic located in northeastern Moldova that declared independence in 1990.
- •Approximately 500,000 people currently reside in the Transnistria region.
- •Before the recent surge in applications, 220,000 residents already held Russian citizenship.
- •The region's independence is recognized only by South Ossetia and Abkhazia.
- •The new $600 citizenship fee applies to all applicants at consular offices outside of Russia.
Residents of Transnistria, a self-proclaimed republic within Moldova, have submitted over 60,000 applications for Russian citizenship in the last three months. Vadim Krasnoselsky, the leader of the region, confirmed the figures to the outlet Izvestia. The surge follows a mid-May decree signed by Vladimir Putin that simplified the naturalization process for those living in the territory.
By the numbers
Simplified citizenship requirements
The decree signed by Vladimir Putin exempts Transnistria residents from several standard requirements for Russian citizenship. Applicants are no longer required to demonstrate Russian language proficiency, knowledge of Russian history, or familiarity with the basics of Russian legislation. Additionally, the mandate for permanent residency in Russia has been waived for these applicants.
New administrative fees
Despite the simplified process, applicants now face increased costs. Krasnoselsky noted that Russian authorities have raised the fees for obtaining or renouncing citizenship. Effective August 1, the cost for applicants at consular offices outside of Russia will increase to $600, a significant rise from the previous fee of $65.
Timeline
- 1990The Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic was proclaimed.
- Mid-MayVladimir Putin signed a decree simplifying the citizenship process for Transnistria residents.
- August 1The new $600 fee for citizenship applications at consular offices outside Russia took effect.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Meduza (English).
