A project in Moldova?
Moldova isn't yet part of our established network of local contacts. We assess every project case by case, though, and can bring in a trusted local partner (lawyer, accountant) if needed to create and direct your structure.
The path to creating a SRL in Moldova, step by step
These timelines assume a complete file (ID documents, supporting evidence, governance decisions made): an incomplete file is the single most common cause of delay, ahead of the administrative timelines themselves. Once the file is genuinely complete, expect generally 1 to 3 business days (5 to 7 days in full practice) for the legal process itself.
Minimum share capital: MDL 1 — symbolic capital.
Project scoping & complete file
Gathering ID documents, mandate, governance decisions and choice of bank — the essential groundwork for the legal timelines below to actually start running.
Notarial incorporation deed
The articles are drafted before a Moldovan notary and signed in their presence by all founders.
Apostille and translation
Each foreign founder's documents must be notarised in their home country, apostilled, then certified-translated into Romanian.
Notarised power of attorney
An apostilled power of attorney allows a local representative to file, obtain the IDNO, submit the UBO declaration and complete tax registration.
Opening the bank account
Generally requires an in-person signing at a bank branch in Chișinău, even if the rest of the process is handled remotely.
Safety margin — opening the bank account
On top of the legal timelines above, allow one week of banking margin: KYC checks, extra documentation or a branch appointment can extend account opening, particularly for a non-resident director.
VAT
| Taux | ||
|---|---|---|
| Standard rate | 20% | |
| Reduced rates | 12% | accommodation, catering (HoReCa) |
| Reduced rates | 8% | certain agricultural and food products |
Corporate tax
12% on taxable profit.
Is a visa required?
For a director wishing to relocate, investor residence permits or IT-specialist visas exist under the MITP framework, as well as employment-based permits.
Information provided for guidance (July 2026), subject to change depending on local regulation, the bank and the relevant authority. We confirm the precise timeline with you during the initial assessment of your project.
Opening a bank account
Is presence in Moldova required?
Incorporation can be handled entirely remotely via a notarised and apostilled power of attorney. Opening the bank account remains the step where physical presence in Chișinău is most often needed.
Observed timeframe to open the account
A separate step from incorporation: it generally requires an in-person signing at a bank branch in Chișinău, even if the rest of the file is handled remotely.
Share capital deposit
Minimum share capital: MDL 1 — symbolic capital.
Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) register
Every director or shareholder must be declared as an Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) in the national register — a requirement stemming from EU anti-money-laundering directives (or equivalent standards outside the EU). Bank scrutiny is heightened in two situations common among international clients: when a shareholder or director is a US citizen or US tax resident (FATCA then imposes extra reporting obligations on the bank, which can slow down or complicate account opening); and when a shareholder is based in an African country rated higher-risk by the FATF (extra proof of the origin of funds, longer KYC validation times). We anticipate this with you from the initial assessment if your structure involves such profiles.
Information provided for guidance (July 2026), subject to change depending on local regulation. We confirm the applicable detail with you during the initial assessment of your project.
Selling on-site and clearing customs
Securing a premises or retail location
Commercial lease and registering the establishment with the Public Services Agency (ASP).
On-site sales & till
An approved fiscal cash register is mandatory for any retail sale involving cash payment.
Cash register suppliers
- myPOS
- SumUp
- Zettle (PayPal)
- Shopify POS
- Lightspeed
Payment providers for small businesses
- PayPal Business
- Stripe (couverture partielle)
- maib ecommerce (acquéreur local)
- Adyen
- Victoriabank e-commerce
Indicative, non-exhaustive list of examples of solutions present on the local market — availability and terms change quickly; we help you select the best-suited offer during the assessment of your project.
Customs & ATA carnet
To exhibit or sell equipment at a trade fair, the ATA carnet allows temporary import of goods — professional equipment, samples, stand fittings — without advancing customs duties or import VAT, provided they are re-exported within the allotted period (generally 12 months, sometimes 6 months for fair equipment). The carnet is issued by the chamber of commerce in the country of departure and recognised across the international network of ATA Convention countries, a network that covers Moldova.
Importing products from outside the European Union
To import goods from a non-EU country (China, the US, etc.), an EORI number is essential for any customs procedure. Customs duties depend on the tariff code (combined nomenclature) and the product's origin; import VAT is then due at the rate applicable in the destination country, generally recoverable if the business is VAT-registered. Depending on trade agreements in force, some products benefit from reduced or zero duties on presentation of a certificate of origin. The competent authority for these procedures is Moldovan Customs Service.
On-site consumer rules
As Moldova is not an EU/EEA member, consumer-protection rules (right of withdrawal, price display, warranties) fall under national law and can differ significantly from the harmonised European framework. We check this point with you based on your on-site sales activity.
Information provided for guidance (July 2026), subject to change depending on local regulation. We confirm the applicable detail with you during the initial assessment of your project.