Obtain a Crypto License in Moldova

Investors can now safely open a crypto company in Moldova, given that the authorities of this country plan to enact legislation regulating the cryptocurrency industry in 2026, which, up until this year, did not benefit from a comprehensive system. Under the new law, some of the cryptocurrency operators will need to obtain a crypto license in Moldova.

Given that the legislation is in the process of being implemented, we highly recommend you to address our consultants, specialized in company formation in Moldova, for detailed information on any upcoming requirements for incorporation, taxation, licensing, etc.

Is crypto considered a legal tender in Moldova?

No. At the moment, prior to the implementation of the new law, cryptocurrency is not considered a legal tender in this country. However, it must be noted that even after the crypto law becomes applicable, crypto will still not be seen as a legal tender, but the citizens of the country (individuals and companies) will have the right to hold and trade various cryptocurrencies.

The 2026 crypto framework in Moldova

The implementation of the crypto law is part of the “Digital Moldova 2026” program. Concerning cryptocurrency, the Moldavian authorities have set up 3 main targets, which are:

1. the obligation to obtain a crypto license in Moldova;
2. taxation benefits in accordance with the type of entity (individual or company);
3. consumer protection.

Businessmen (residents of Moldova or foreigners) who plan to open a company in Moldova carrying out cryptocurrency operations in 2026 will most likely be required to apply for an adequate license.

According to the coordinates of the proposed legislation, it will be necessary to obtain a crypto license in Moldova provided that the entity is a “cryptocurrency exchange” developing its operations on the Moldavian territory. The license will be issued by the National Bank of Moldova.

Licensing requirements in this case need to satisfy the conditions imposed by the Know Your Customer (KYC) rules and Anti-Money Laundering law regulated at the EU level (please mind that Moldova is aligning its legislation with the EU legal framework (accession negotiations opened in June 2024), given that it has become an EU candidate state in 2022).

The Moldavian crypto law will implement the EU’s Markets in Crypto Assets Regulation (MiCA), on which our consultants can provide further details.

Registration requirements

In order to open a crypto company in Moldova, investors need to follow the standard protocols for company registration. Typically, the process of company incorporation in Moldova implies the following:

• select a company type;
• sign the bylaws;
• assign a trade name, unique at a national level;
• have a registered address in Moldova;
• open a corporate bank account;
• register for taxation;
• obtain permits and licenses (in this case, obtain a crypto license in Moldova).

Taxation matters

Any party who will set up a company in Moldova is liable to taxation, in a form or another (for instance, individuals carrying a business activity in their own name as sole traders are taxed following the personal income tax rules, while companies that have legal personality are taxed based on the principles of corporate taxation).

Crypto businesses must take into consideration the corporate income taxes (corporate tax, withholding taxes, employment taxes, etc.). At the moment, businesses are charged with a rate of 12% on the profits obtained from economic activities, and this tax is also applied to the crypto industry.

The new law plans to provide tax reductions or exemptions to companies involved in blockchain technology, but since the law has not yet entered into force, we recommend you to maintain a close connection with our consultants, who can offer professional legal information on any updates and who can also represent you in the process of company registration in Moldova.