Get Birth Certificates in Moldova

A birth certificate (certificat de naștere) in Moldova is an essential civil document required for registering a child in the state register, applying for a passport, enrolling in school, and accessing social services. This guide covers how to get birth certificates in Moldova, including in the capital Chișinău and in Tiraspol.

How Birth Registration Works in Moldova

In Moldova, birth registration is handled by the Agency for Public Services (Agenția Servicii Publice, ASP), through its local civil status registration offices (oficii de stare civilă). When a baby is born in a hospital, the hospital issues a medical birth certificate (certificat medical constatator al nașterii), which parents then use to register the birth at the civil status office within 30 days.

Upon registration, the child is issued a Moldovan birth certificate (certificat de naștere) and assigned a state identification number (IDNP — Numărul de Identificare de Stat al Persoanei Fizice). The IDNP is Moldova’s unique national identifier used in all official documents throughout a person’s life.

Documents Required for Birth Registration in Moldova

To register a birth and receive the certificat de naștere, parents need:

Medical birth certificate issued by the hospital (certificat medical constatator al nașterii)
Identity documents of both parents (Moldovan ID card or passport)
Marriage certificate (certificat de căsătorie) if the parents are married
If unmarried: a joint declaration to establish paternity, signed at the civil status office

Registration must be completed within 30 days of birth. A penalty may apply for late registration. The first birth certificate is issued free of charge.

Getting a Birth Certificate in Chișinău

Chișinău is the capital and largest city of Moldova. The main civil status office for Chișinău is located at the ASP headquarters, with additional offices in each sector of the city (Centru, Botanica, Ciocana, Buiucani, Rîșcani). Parents in Chișinău can visit the sector office corresponding to their district of residence or where the birth took place.

Moldova has been developing its e-Government platform (servicii.gov.md), which allows some civil services to be accessed online. Chișinău residents should check the ASP website for the latest information on digital registration options. In person, the process at the Chișinău civil status offices is generally completed within a few working days.

Getting a Birth Certificate in Tiraspol

Tiraspol is the de facto capital of Transnistria (Pridnestrovie), a breakaway territory on the eastern bank of the Dniester River that operates its own separate administration, civil registration system, and currency. Parents born in Tiraspol or living there face a more complex situation regarding civil documentation.

While Transnistria has its own birth registration system, these documents are not recognized internationally. For legal purposes — including travel, Romanian or Moldovan citizenship, and international recognition — parents of children born in Tiraspol should also register the birth with the Moldovan civil status office in Bender (Tighina) or at a Moldovan consulate. This dual registration ensures the child has internationally recognized documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to register a birth in Moldova?

Births in Moldova must be registered within 30 days. Late registration is possible but may require additional procedures and could incur a penalty.

What is the IDNP in Moldova?

The IDNP (Numărul de Identificare de Stat al Persoanei Fizice) is Moldova’s unique personal identification number assigned to every citizen and resident at birth or upon first registration. It is used in all official documents and records throughout a person’s life.

Can a Moldovan birth certificate be apostilled?

Yes. Moldova is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. Apostilles for Moldovan civil documents including birth certificates are issued by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Moldova.

Can Moldovan citizens also hold Romanian citizenship?

Many Moldovans hold dual citizenship with Romania, as Moldova was historically part of Romania. Romanian citizenship can be applied for at the Romanian Embassy in Chișinău. Having Romanian citizenship grants EU citizenship rights. A Moldovan birth certificate is part of the required documentation for this application.

Conclusion

Getting a birth certificate in Moldova requires registering the birth within 30 days at a local civil status office (oficiu de stare civilă). In Chișinău, parents can visit any sector office of the Agency for Public Services. In Tiraspol, the complex political situation means parents should seek Moldovan registration through Bender or a consulate for internationally recognized documents. The Moldovan birth certificate and IDNP are the foundation of a child’s legal identity in the country.