Rules for transliterating first and last names into Romanian



Writing First and Last Names in Romanian in the Republic of Moldova: Rules, Legislation, and Practical Aspects

I. Introduction: The Importance and Challenges of Personal Identification in Moldova

A personal name, consisting of a surname and a given name, is a fundamental element of a person’s identification in modern society. In the Republic of Moldova, it is mandatory to enter it into civil status records and other official documents in strict accordance with current legislation. According to the Civil Code of the Republic of Moldova, every individual has the right to respect for their name, and also acquires and exercises rights and fulfills obligations under their own name. Protection against any actions infringing on this right within the territory of the Republic of Moldova is ensured in accordance with its legislation.

Civil status records are recognized as authentic state documents confirming facts and events that influence the creation, modification, or termination of citizens’ rights and obligations, as well as characterizing their legal status. This dual nature of a name – as a simple identifier and as a key legal instrument – means that any inaccuracies, errors, or ambiguities in its transliteration or registration can have direct and serious legal consequences. This can potentially affect a person’s ability to exercise their fundamental rights, whether in real estate transactions, inheritance, international travel, or obtaining citizenship. Thus, the accuracy and consistency of name transliteration go beyond a purely linguistic or administrative matter, becoming a critically important aspect of legal certainty, personal security, and access to rights. This explains why issues concerning “incidents” or problems are so relevant.

This report aims to provide a comprehensive and expert analysis of the current rules for writing and transliterating first and last names from Cyrillic to Romanian in the Republic of Moldova. It will detail the key legislative acts and regulatory documents governing these processes, as well as examine common practical problems arising from the complexities of transliteration and discrepancies in documents. The report will also offer practical recommendations for resolving or preventing such situations.

II. Legislative Framework for Regulating First and Last Names in the Republic of Moldova

The regulation of writing first and last names in the Republic of Moldova is based on a multi-level legislative system that provides both general principles and detailed rules of transliteration.

Key Legislative Acts

Law of the Republic of Moldova “On Civil Status Acts” (No. 100 of 26-04-2001) is the cornerstone in the regulation of personal names. This organic law defines the powers of bodies responsible for the state registration of civil status acts (civil registry offices), establishes the procedure for registration, modification, correction, restoration, and annulment of civil status records, and regulates the formation and storage of relevant registers. It is important to note that only acts registered with civil registry offices are recognized as valid.

The Civil Code of the Republic of Moldova provides the fundamental principles on which the legislation on civil status acts is based. In particular, the Civil Code regulates the right to a name: Article 2589 establishes the right to a name and its protection, and Article 369 regulates the use of a name by an individual in various legal relationships.

Order of the Ministry of Justice (OMJ) No. 566/2016 is the main by-law that details and specifies the rules for transliterating Cyrillic into the Romanian language for first and last names entered into civil status acts. This order serves as a practical guide for applying transliteration rules.

Law No. 3462 of 31.08.1989 “On the Return of the Moldovan Language to Latin Script” has fundamental historical and legal significance. It established the transition of the Moldovan language from Cyrillic to Latin script. This decision, adopted by the Supreme Soviet of the MSSR after mass demonstrations demanding the recognition of the Romanian language based on Latin script, fundamentally changed the system of official writing for all proper names and surnames.9 Article 2 of this law not only approved the new alphabet but also explicitly allowed the use of the letters K, Q, W, Y in proper names and international neologisms, which is an important provision for the transliteration of foreign names.

This multi-level legal structure indicates that for a comprehensive understanding of the transliteration rules, it is necessary not only to familiarize oneself with the specific Order OMJ 566/2016 but also to understand its legal basis within the broader civil legislation. This also implies that any future changes to higher-level codes (e.g., the Civil Code) may require a revision of the specific transliteration rules, ensuring legal consistency but also potentially leading to additional complexities and challenges in adaptation.

The historical transition to the Latin script in 1989 was a profound political and cultural event. Before 1989, the Moldovan language used the Cyrillic alphabet. This historical shift directly affects how names recorded during the Soviet era (in Cyrillic) are officially rendered in the Latin script today. The fact that the 1989 law specifically permitted the use of K, Q, W, Y in proper names indicates an early recognition of the need to accommodate diverse names within the new Latin system. This historical language policy is a fundamental reason for many issues related to name transliteration. Individuals born before 1989, or those whose ancestral documents date back to the Cyrillic era, will almost certainly encounter transliteration issues when obtaining new documents in the Latin script. This historical context explains why specific, detailed transliteration rules (such as OMJ 566/2016) are necessary to bridge the gap between Cyrillic and Latin records, and why discrepancies between historical and modern documents are a common and complex problem that citizens must address.

III. Transliteration Rules from Cyrillic to Romanian: A Detailed Analysis

The process of transliterating Cyrillic first and last names into Romanian in the Republic of Moldova is the result of significant historical and linguistic changes and is governed by detailed regulatory acts.

Historical Context of the Transition to the Latin Script

Until 1989, the Moldavian language in the Moldavian SSR officially used the Cyrillic alphabet. However, on August 31, 1989, the Supreme Soviet of the Moldavian SSR proclaimed Moldavian as the state language and adopted Law No. 3462 “On the Return of the Moldavian Language to the Latin Script.” This decision was a direct consequence of mass demonstrations demanding the recognition of the Romanian language based on the Latin script. This transition to the Latin alphabet became fundamental for the official writing of all personal names and surnames in the Republic of Moldova. Law No. 3462/1989, Article 2, not only established the new alphabet but also explicitly allowed the use of the letters K, Q, W, Y in personal names and international neologisms, which is an important provision for the transliteration of foreign names.

Detailed transliteration rules according to the Order of the Ministry of Justice OMJ566/2016

The Order of the Ministry of Justice OMJ566/2016 establishes detailed rules for the transliteration of Cyrillic into Romanian for names and surnames in civil status records. Transliteration is applied upon the request of the interested person if the civil status record was originally drawn up in Russian.

Below is a detailed table of transliteration rules for Cyrillic letters and letter combinations into Romanian, based on the provisions of OMJ566/2016 and additional data:

Cyrillic Symbol/Combination Romanian Transliteration Notes/Conditions Examples
Ё, Е (with the phonetic value “yo”) Io Matrena-Matriona, Alena-Aliona, Semen-Semion, Pyotr-Piotr, Fyodor-Fiodor, Artyom-Artiom, Kerescu-Chiorăscu
К C, Ch, K C before most vowels; Ch before e, i; K is allowed in names of foreigners or of foreign origin, as well as in exceptional cases for citizens of the Republic of Moldova with documentary evidence Cara, Calomfir, Caragiu (C); Cheptea, Chibac, Chelaru (Ch); Kirov, Puşkin, Spivakov, Tretiakov, Koţiubinski (K)
Ч C, Ci C before e, i; Ci before o, u, before consonants and at the end of a word Ceraru, Cerbu, Cernat (C); Ciobu, Ciocîrlie, Ciuchitu, Ciubuc, Cicalov, Fomici (Ci)
Ча Cea Ceapă, Bădiceanu, Brăviceanu, Bocceagiu, Sprinceană, Ghercea, Goncearov, Cearîev
Shch Şc, Şci Şc before e, i; Şci before o, u, and at the end of a word Şcerbacov, Şcetinin, Andruşceac (Şc); Şciuca, Perevoşcicov, Şciuriacov, Şciuchin, Borşci (Şci)
Shcha Şcea Andruşceac
Ь (soft sign) I Before the letter “e”. Not used as a palatalization sign. Melentiev, Grigoriev, Ulianov (I); Мельник-Melnic (not used)
Ья, Иа, Ия Ia Третьяков-Tretiacov, Марианна-Mariana, Евгения-Evghenia
Э (initial) E Ela, Eduard, Ernest, Elmira
Ю Iu Liuba, Iurcu, Iurii, Liudmila
Я Ia, Ea Ia in initial position and after a vowel; Ea after consonants, in the middle and at the end of a word. Exceptions: Chiaburu, Ghiauru, Caraghiaur, Diaconescu, Diacov. Яна-Iana, Боян-Boian, Iacob, Bîzîiac, Goia (Ia); Рябов-Reabov, Водяну-Vodeanu, Удря-Udrea, Bureac, Mocreac, Ivancea (Ea)
Ий I Юрий-Iuri, Василий-Vasili, Валерий-Valeri, Анатолий-Anatoli, Gheorghii, Iurii, Valerii
Дж Dj Анджела-Andjela, Джорж-Djorj
Ъ (hard sign) Not transliterated Has no phonetic value
Ь (soft sign) Not transliterated Has no phonetic value
Ѣ (yat) Е, Ea
Ї (i with diaeresis) I Marïa-Maria
Ѳ (fita) T Exceptions are cases of palatalization of names (Agaθia-Agafia, Eθrem-Efrem, Eθtimia-Eftimia) Aθena-Atena, θeodor-Teodor, θoma-Toma

Order OMJ566/2016 demonstrates a complex approach to transliteration, often differentiating rules based on the letter’s position (beginning, middle, end of a word) and its phonetic environment (before/after vowels/consonants). For example, ‘я’ may be rendered as ‘ia’ or ‘ea’ depending on the context. This indicates a combination of graphemic (letter-by-letter mapping) and phonetic (approximate sound) considerations, aiming to achieve a balance between preserving the connection to the original Cyrillic spelling and approximating Romanian pronunciation. Special allowances for ‘k’ and ‘dj’, as well as the general rule against consonant doubling (with specific exceptions), further emphasize this delicate balance, taking into account both linguistic principles and international naming conventions. The inclusion of rules for archaic letters such as ‘ѣ’, ‘Ї’, ‘θ’ is crucial for processing historical documents.

This inherent complexity means that simple automated transliteration tools or a superficial understanding of the rules may not always yield legally correct or accurate results. It requires a deep understanding of the provisions of OMJ 566/2016, which can lead to problems when translations are performed by unqualified individuals or services. The explicit exceptions (e.g., for ‘k’ or doubled consonants) indicate a recognition of the need for flexibility to accommodate names of foreign origin or specific individual preferences, but this flexibility can also introduce ambiguity if not properly documented and justified.

Spelling Features:

  • Consonant Doubling: In first and last names, consonants are generally not doubled. However, doubling of letters is permitted in the case of first and last names of foreign citizens or surnames and first names of foreign origin, as well as upon the request of citizens of the Republic of Moldova (e.g., Iovvu, Grossu, Emma, Ghennadii, Inna).
  • Form of Surnames for Masculine and Feminine Gender: Surnames have one form for the masculine and feminine gender. The use of the feminine form is permitted for persons of a nationality other than Moldovan, if it is indicated in this way in civil status records (e.g., Rodnaia, Antonova, Popova, Cijevscaia).

When transliterating foreign names entered into civil status records with or without the use of diacritical marks, these names are recorded using the basic letters with diacritical marks (e.g., “Väläs”).7

IV. Common Cases and Problems Arising in Transliteration

Despite the existence of clear rules, in practice, difficulties often arise when transliterating first and last names in the Republic of Moldova, which can lead to serious legal and administrative problems.

Inconsistencies in Transliteration Across Different Documents

The main problem is related to discrepancies between the spelling of first and last names in foreign documents (e.g., passports of the Russian Federation or ID cards of Ukraine) and their transliteration in Moldovan or Romanian documents. Since October 15, 2019, the National Authority for Citizenship (ANC) of Romania, and by analogy, Moldova, which seeks harmonization with European standards, only accepts documents with legalized translations that use Latin transliteration corresponding to the applicant’s foreign passport. This means that translators should not change the surname to a “Romanian style”; it must be written exactly as it appears in the applicant’s current foreign passport.

Difficulties arise when already issued Romanian documents (citizenship certificate, birth certificate, marriage certificate) are written differently than the applicant’s current passport of the Russian Federation or Spanish residence permit.

The Problem of “Romanianizing” Surnames and Outdated Practices

The previously common practice of translating full names by adding “fiul lui” (son of) or “fiica lui” (daughter of) for patronymics, or adapting surname endings to Romanian grammar (“Romanianization”), is now undesirable and may lead to the rejection of documents. This practice, once considered “correct,” now directly contradicts the official position of the ANC, which since 2019 has required strict correspondence of the spelling in translations to the spelling in the applicant’s foreign passport.

This is especially relevant for citizens of the Russian Federation, where the transliteration of surnames in passports often changes (e.g., “Y” to “ii”, “x” to “ks”), creating discrepancies between the original surname (e.g., from a grandfather’s birth certificate) and the current transliteration in the Russian passport.

The ANC policy, which only accepts documents with Latin transliteration matching the applicant’s foreign passport, is a key change. This “passport” policy aims to standardize personal identification on an international scale. However, this modern principle directly conflicts with older, previously accepted practices of “Romanianizing” names and creates significant problems for individuals whose historical Moldovan or Romanian documents (e.g., birth certificates, ancestral records) may have been issued with such “Romanianized” names or according to different transliteration rules. This fundamental change is the main cause of current issues. Individuals face a dilemma: either their old Moldovan/Romanian documents do not match their current foreign passport, or the transliteration in their current foreign passport diverges from their ancestral Moldovan/Romanian documents. This requires complex and often lengthy administrative or even judicial procedures to resolve these discrepancies. The need for a “transcription of the deed of change of name/surname” from abroad into the Moldovan registers is a direct mechanism for addressing these cross-jurisdictional inconsistencies.

Discrepancies in Archival Records and Their Legal Consequences

Sometimes in archival records (e.g., birth or death certificates of ancestors), a person’s name may be written with one letter, while they lived their entire life with all passports and died with a different spelling (e.g., “N” instead of “NN”). Such discrepancies create problems when confirming kinship and processing documents. Documents issued by competent authorities of foreign states have evidentiary force in the Republic of Moldova only after they are entered (transcribed) into the civil status registers of the Republic of Moldova, which is the moment when such inconsistencies are identified and recorded.

Specific Challenges for Citizens of the Russian Federation and Ukraine

  • For citizens of the Russian Federation: Frequent changes in the rules for transliterating surnames in Russian passports lead to discrepancies with historical documents or documents of ancestors, which complicates the process of restoring citizenship or obtaining new documents.
  • For citizens of Ukraine: Recently, Ukrainian citizens have been issued internal passports in the form of ID cards, where the spelling of the surname and first name is in Latin script. This can lead to discrepancies with Romanian documents, especially if translators previously attempted to “Romanianize” surnames in translations.

The problems described in the report affect not only Moldovan or Romanian transliteration rules but also the administrative practices of other countries, particularly Russia and Ukraine, regarding transliteration in passports. Recommendations to “negotiate with the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine” or “ask the authorities of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Federal Migration Service of Russia to maintain the previous transliteration” clearly show that the problem extends beyond Moldova’s internal legal system. Although in some cases minor discrepancies (up to three letters) are tolerated for travel, such informal tolerance is not guaranteed for official document processing, which underscores the strictness of official requirements. Thus, the accurate spelling of names in Moldova is not only a matter of domestic legislation but is also closely linked to the principles of private international law and the administrative practices of other sovereign states. Discrepancies can seriously hinder international travel, citizenship applications (e.g., for Romanian citizenship, which is often sought by Moldovan citizens), and legal recognition of identity abroad. This requires a comprehensive and internationally-oriented approach to name management, taking into account all relevant national and international documents and their transliteration standards.

Common Issues Related to Translation Quality

Mistakes made by unprofessional translators who do not follow current and strict transliteration rules or attempt to “Romanianize” names lead to documents being rejected by state authorities and the loss of funds paid for notarization. Moldovan legislation recognizes “difficult pronunciation of the first and/or last name, the presence of obscene words in them, cacophony, absurdity of the first and/or last name, as well as cases of their transformation (distortion) during translation” as valid reasons for changing the last and/or first name.16 This indicates that transliteration issues can be so serious as to require an official name change.

V. Procedure for Changing and Correcting the Last and/or First Name in the Republic of Moldova

The procedure for changing and correcting the last and/or first name in the Republic of Moldova is a multi-stage administrative process requiring careful adherence to established rules.

Application Submission Procedure

An application to change the last and/or first name is submitted depending on the applicant’s location:

  • Within the country: The application is submitted to the civil status registration authority (ZAGS) at the applicant’s place of residence. This can be done, including, through a multifunctional center of the Agency for Public Services.
  • Abroad: The application may be submitted to diplomatic missions or consulates of the Republic of Moldova (DMC). If there is no DMC in the applicant’s country of residence, this application may be submitted to any other DMC.

The application may be submitted personally by the applicant or through their authorized representative acting on the basis of a notarized power of attorney or representative authority based on an electronic signature (MPower).

Required Documents and State Fee

When changing a surname, a state fee is charged in accordance with the provisions of the Law on State Duty No. 213/2023. There are exceptions for persons benefiting from free state civil status services. Payment of the fee for the requested service is made through the government electronic payment service MPay. Documents important for registering the record of the change of surname and/or given name are attached to the application. Although a complete list is not provided, in the context of transcribing foreign acts, marriage/birth certificates of parents, the applicant’s identity document, a power of attorney, a divorce certificate/court decision on divorce with an apostille and notarized translation are mentioned.

Stages of processing and reviewing the application by the Agency for Public Services

The process of processing and reviewing an application for changing a surname and/or given name includes the following stages:

  1. Acceptance of application and documents: The initial stage, where the completeness of the submitted materials is checked.
  2. Search for civil status records: Carried out in the archival fund of civil status registers to verify data.
  3. Compilation of a personal file: Formation of a set of documents on the change of surname and/or given name and its transfer.
  4. Issuance of a decision: A decision is made to approve or reject the personal file.
  5. Transfer of the file for review: The personal file is transferred to the competent departments of the Department of Civil Status for further analysis.
  6. Approval or rejection of the Civil Status Service Conclusion: The conclusion of the Civil Status Service on the change of surname and/or given name is approved or rejected.
  7. Registration of the act record: After approval, the record of the act of changing the surname and/or given name is registered in the information resources.
  8. Issuance of the act and certificate: The final stage, at which the applicant is issued an act of change of surname and/or given name and the corresponding certificate.

This multi-stage procedure for changing a name is extensive and involves several authorities (local Civil Registry Office, diplomatic missions/consulates, the Public Services Agency, the Department of Civil Status) and numerous internal checks (archive search, creation of a personal file, multi-level approval/rejection decisions). This internal complexity means that correcting transliteration errors or resolving name discrepancies is not a simple or quick task. It requires significant time, sustained effort, and possibly financial costs (due to state fees and likely legal/translation assistance). This bureaucratic hurdle can deter people from seeking necessary corrections, thereby perpetuating existing discrepancies and leading to ongoing problems in other legal contexts (e.g., real estate transactions, inheritance, international travel, or subsequent citizenship applications). The explicit recognition of “distortion during translation” as a valid reason for name change underscores that transliteration errors are a legitimate and serious basis for official correction, indicating the critical importance of accuracy from the very beginning.

The emphasis on “searching for civil status records in the archival fund of the civil status registers” and the requirement for approval by the “Department of Civil Status” points to a centralized and historically rooted system of maintaining civil records in Moldova. The need for “transcription” of foreign civil status acts (e.g., regarding name changes) into Moldovan registers further confirms this. Reliance on extensive archival records means that historical accuracy and proper documentation are paramount for the entire system. Discrepancies in old, Cyrillic documents or inconsistencies arising from past transliteration practices can significantly complicate modern processes, as the new Latinized or corrected name must be reconciled with the historical record. This also explains why the transcription of foreign acts of name/surname change is a recognized procedure – it ensures that changes made abroad are properly integrated and confirmed in the centralized Moldovan archives, maintaining the integrity of the national civil status system.

Valid Reasons for Data Changes Recognized by Law

The legislation of the Republic of Moldova recognizes a number of valid reasons for changing a surname and/or given name:

  • Difficult pronunciation of the name and/or surname.
  • Containing obscene words.
  • Dissonance or absurdity of the name and/or surname.
  • Cases of transformation (distortion) of the name and/or surname during translation.

VI. Practical Recommendations and Strategies for Avoiding Problems

To minimize the risks of problems related to the spelling and transliteration of names and surnames in the Republic of Moldova, it is recommended to adhere to the following practical strategies:

Tips for Ensuring Transliteration Consistency Across All Official Documents

  • Passport Priority: Always verify the transliteration of your first and last name against your current international passport. Since October 15, 2019, the Romanian National Authority for Citizenship (ANC) only accepts legalized translations that strictly match the Latin transliteration indicated in the applicant’s passport.
  • Unified Translation Approach: Insist that translators use the same transliteration as in your international passport. Categorically avoid any “Romanianization” of surnames that may be suggested, as this could lead to documents being rejected.
  • Obtain an International Passport Before Submitting Documents: If you only have an internal passport (e.g., a Russian one), it is recommended to first obtain an international passport. This will determine the official Latin transliteration of your first and last name, which should then be used in all subsequent translations and applications for Moldovan or Romanian documents. This helps avoid unwanted transliteration performed by a translator.

These recommendations consistently emphasize the importance of proactive steps: “always verify the transliteration against your current international passport,” “insist that translators use the same transliteration,” “first obtain an international passport,” and “carefully check translations.” This indicates a crucial shift from a reactive approach (fixing problems after they arise) to a proactive one (preventing them from occurring). This means that individuals seeking to interact with the civil status authorities of Moldova or Romania (especially for long-term goals such as citizenship or permanent residence) must adopt a strategic and forward-looking approach to their personal documentation. It is no longer sufficient to simply submit documents; one must actively manage the consistency of their identity across different legal jurisdictions and over time. This implies a higher responsibility for the individual to understand and comply with complex and changing regulations, making informed decision-making critical.

Actions to Take When Discrepancies Are Found in Already Issued Documents

  • Long-term solution for Romanian documents: If Romanian documents (citizenship certificate, birth certificate, marriage certificate) already contain discrepancies, you can submit a request to the ANC to change the data in the file, then in the order, and then replace the corresponding certificates to synchronize all Romanian documents with the desired (and passport-compliant) transliteration. This process can be lengthy, taking from 1 to 2 years.
  • For citizens of Ukraine/Russia:
    • Citizens of Ukraine: It is recommended to negotiate with the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine so that the spelling of the surname and first name in their national documents (ID cards) matches the spelling in Romanian documents. Alternatively, first obtain Moldovan documents and then, based on them, Ukrainian documents.
    • Citizens of Russia: When replacing a Russian passport, you can ask the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Federal Migration Service of Russia to maintain the previous transliteration, especially if you have foreign diplomas or other documents with a specific spelling of your surname. Also, when replacing a foreign passport, you can request a specific spelling of the surname and first name, provided it does not violate transcription/transliteration rules. Alternatively, first obtain Moldovan documents and then, based on them, Russian documents.
  • Obtaining an internal Romanian passport: If you encounter discrepancies, it is recommended to obtain an internal Romanian passport in Bucharest. This will allow you to become a “full” citizen of Romania and significantly simplify subsequent document replacement, as all further changes will be made according to Romanian standards.
  • Consultation with specialists: In particularly complex cases, for example, when there are discrepancies in surnames due to archival records or historical inconsistencies, it is strongly recommended to consult with lawyers or civil law specialists. They can analyze the documents and propose optimal solutions, including the possibility of changing data in archives or providing a legal justification for the current spelling.

Recommendations for interacting with translators and notaries

  • Choose only professional and competent translators who are well-versed in the current transliteration rules of the Republic of Moldova and Romania. Unprofessional translation can lead to serious problems.
  • Always thoroughly check the translations of your documents before they are notarized. The notary will not refund your money for certifying an incorrect translation, and you will have to pay for the service again.

The constant recommendations to “choose only professional and competent translators” and “consult with specialists” emphasize that the complexity of transliteration rules and the nuances of name change procedures often exceed the knowledge and capabilities of an ordinary person. The financial and time costs associated with errors further underscore this necessity. This creates significant demand for specialized legal and linguistic services in Moldova. Relying on unqualified assistance can lead to substantial financial and time losses, as well as prolonged legal complications. This also indicates that many of the issues discussed often arise from a lack of access to expert guidance or an inability to use it, rather than solely from administrative errors or malicious actions by authorities.

Appealing Actions of State Authorities

If your application for a transliteration change is not accepted, or if your surname in the new document is written differently than you requested (despite providing supporting documents), you have the right to appeal the actions of the employees of the Bureau for Migration and Asylum of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. In such situations, it is recommended to immediately contact the head of the department.

VII. Conclusion: The Importance of Compliance for Legal Purity

The spelling of first and last names in Romanian in the Republic of Moldova is regulated by a complex but clearly defined legislative framework. This includes the fundamental Law “On Civil Status Acts” (No. 100 of 26-04-2001), provisions of the Civil Code, and the specialized Order of the Ministry of Justice OMJ566/2016, which details the rules for transliterating Cyrillic. The historical transition of the Moldovan language to the Latin script, established by Law No. 3462 of 31.08.1989, is a key factor necessitating strict and detailed rules for the transliteration of Cyrillic first and last names.

The most frequent problems arise from transliteration inconsistencies between different documents (especially foreign passports and Moldovan/Romanian civil status acts), as well as from outdated practices of “Romanianizing” surnames, which are now officially rejected and may lead to the refusal of document acceptance. The procedure for changing a first and/or last name in the Republic of Moldova is multi-stage, requires meticulous compliance with all legal requirements and payment of a state fee, and can also take a significant amount of time.

Accurate and consistent spelling of first and last names in accordance with Moldovan legislation is critically important for ensuring the legal purity of documents, preventing legal issues, and ensuring the unimpeded exercise of civil rights, both domestically and abroad (especially when preparing documents for obtaining Romanian citizenship or in international interactions).

The analysis showed that inaccuracies or non-compliance with transliteration rules can lead to significant loss of time (e.g., queues of up to 4 months), as well as direct financial costs (e.g., payment for notarial services for incorrect translations, state fees for corrections). The process of correcting existing discrepancies can be extremely lengthy, potentially taking from 1 to 2 years. This clearly demonstrates the “cost of inaccuracy” for citizens. This is not just a minor administrative inconvenience, but a substantial burden in terms of time, financial resources, and emotional stress. This underscores the central message of the report: strict adherence to transliteration rules and proactive document management are not mere bureaucratic formalities, but necessary investments in ensuring legal certainty, protecting individual rights, and avoiding significant personal and financial consequences.

Proactive management of personal documents, thorough verification of all translations, and, if necessary, timely consultation with qualified legal and linguistic specialists are key strategies for minimizing the risk of problems and successfully resolving existing situations. The historical transition from Cyrillic to Latin script and the current practical difficulties with transliteration from Russian/Ukrainian documents highlight Moldova’s unique geopolitical and linguistic position. Moldova is a country with deep historical and cultural ties to both the Slavic (Cyrillic) and Romance (Latin) linguistic worlds. The complexities of name transliteration are a direct manifestation of this dual heritage. Thus, the issue of name spelling in Moldova is not only a technical legal matter but also one with significant cultural and national identity implications. The existing rules and the problems they aim to solve represent an attempt to harmonize these diverse influences and facilitate Moldova’s integration into the broader European linguistic and legal space, while simultaneously managing its historical legacy.

Incorrect Transliteration of First and Last Names

Incorrect transliteration of first and last names can lead to serious consequences beyond mere inconvenience. First and foremost, it can result in rejection of documents by government authorities, delaying or completely blocking important processes such as obtaining citizenship, applying for visas, registering a marriage, or inheritance. Additionally, it entails financial losses, as fees for notarial services for incorrect translations are non-refundable, and you will have to pay again for translation and notary services. Time costs are also significant: correcting errors can take 1 to 2 years, and queues for document submission can reach 4 months. In international contexts, incorrect transliteration can cause problems at border crossings and lead to legal misunderstandings in business or personal relationships abroad. In some cases, if a first or last name has been distorted during translation, this may become a valid reason for an official name change, which is a lengthy and complex administrative procedure.