Moldova: Eastern European Gateway with EU Aspirations

Moldova is a landlocked Eastern European nation positioned between Romania and Ukraine, offering a unique combination of low taxation, simplified business procedures, and strategic access to both EU and CIS markets through its Association Agreement with the European Union.

Living in Moldova

With a population of approximately 2.6 million, Moldova offers an affordable cost of living compared to Western Europe. The capital Chișinău provides the main business infrastructure, with Romanian and Russian widely spoken alongside the official Romanian language. The continental climate brings warm summers and cold winters.

Healthcare is available through both public and private facilities, with costs significantly lower than Western Europe. The country has been modernizing its infrastructure, though rural areas may have limited services. Internet connectivity has improved substantially, with good coverage in urban areas.

Doing Business in Moldova

Moldova operates under a civil law system with a flat 12% tax rate applying to both corporate profits and personal income. This competitive rate, combined with EU Association Agreement benefits, makes Moldova attractive for businesses seeking cost-effective Eastern European operations.

The Moldovan Leu (MDL) is the local currency, though some currency controls may apply for larger transactions. The country has been implementing reforms to improve the business environment and combat corruption.

Company Formation and Registration

Company registration is handled through the State Registration Chamber (Camera Înregistrării de Stat) with a relatively straightforward process. Limited liability companies (SRL - Societate cu Răspundere Limitată) are the most common structure, requiring minimum one shareholder and one director with no minimum capital requirement.

The formation process typically completes within 1-2 weeks. Annual filing requirements include financial statements and tax returns. Moldova's public registry provides transparency, though beneficial ownership information is not publicly disclosed.

Crypto License Opportunities

As of January 2026, Moldova does not have a specific cryptocurrency licensing framework in force. The Finance Ministry, National Bank, and AML authority are jointly drafting the country's first crypto law, expected to pass late 2026 with enforcement beginning in 2027. The legislation will align with EU MiCA regulations.

Currently, owning and trading cryptocurrencies is permitted, but using crypto for payments is prohibited. Profits from crypto transactions are subject to the standard 12% income tax rate. Entrepreneurs seeking immediate regulatory clarity should note that formal VASP licensing is not yet available.

Gambling License Framework

Moldova has regulated gambling since 2016, including online gambling. The National Lottery of Moldova (Loteria Națională a Moldovei) oversees licensing for casinos, sports betting, lottery, and slot machine operations. Foreign operators must typically partner with local licensed entities.

License fees vary by category, with casino licenses starting around EUR 100,000 and sports betting from EUR 50,000. Gaming tax ranges from 15-18% on gross gaming revenue. Distance requirements from schools and churches apply to physical gaming venues.

Financial Services

The National Bank of Moldova (NBM) regulates banking, payment institutions, and electronic money issuers. Bank licenses require minimum capital of EUR 5 million, while payment institutions need EUR 125,000 and EMIs require EUR 350,000.

Moldova is FATF-compliant through its MONEYVAL membership. The country has been strengthening its AML/CFT framework as part of EU integration efforts.

Special Tax Regimes

Moldova offers reduced tax rates for specific business types:

• Farming enterprises: 7% CIT rate
• IT Park residents: 7% single tax on turnover
• SMEs (non-VAT registered, meeting criteria): 4% on aggregated income

Considerations

Banking access is developing but may be limited for certain international operations. The business environment is improving but bureaucratic challenges remain in some sectors. Political and economic stability concerns persist, though EU integration efforts continue.

This jurisdiction suits businesses seeking low-cost Eastern European operations, companies targeting EU and CIS markets, IT and tech companies eligible for IT Park benefits, or entrepreneurs comfortable with emerging market conditions.