The Republic of Moldova has announced plans to legalize and comprehensively regulate cryptocurrency activities by the end of 2026, aligning its future legal framework with the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA)regulation as part of its commitments as an EU candidate country, according to officials.
New Legal Framework for Crypto
Moldova’s Finance Minister, Andrian Gavriliță, said the government is working with key state institutions — including the National Bank of Moldova, the National Commission for Financial Markets, and the Office for the Prevention and Combating of Money Laundering — to draft legislation that would establish a clear legal status for cryptocurrencies and related services in the country.
Under the planned rules, Moldovan citizens would be allowed to hold, trade and convert digital assets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum through licensed service providers, although cryptocurrencies will not be recognized as legal tender and will remain prohibited as a means of payment for goods and services.
The draft legislation will define who can legally carry out crypto transactions, how assets can be converted into Moldovan lei or foreign currencies, and which entities will be authorized to offer crypto trading and custody services under a regulated system.
Alignment With EU Crypto Standards
Moldova’s push to regulate digital assets is closely tied to its aspirations for European Union membership. By aligning its legal framework with the MiCA regulation — the EU’s comprehensive crypto rulebook designed to harmonize crypto oversight across member states — Chisinau hopes to strengthen its financial regulatory environment and satisfy part of its EU accession criteria.
MiCA, which entered into force across the EU in recent years, mandates clear licensing, governance, consumer protection, anti-money-laundering (AML) and operational standards for crypto-asset service providers — standards that Moldova aims to implement domestically.
Tax, AML and Risk Controls
In addition to legalizing crypto ownership and trading, the Moldovan government plans to introduce tax and risk management measures. Initial proposals suggest that holding cryptocurrencies would not be taxed, but profits from crypto transactions would be subject to a 12 % income tax, bringing digital asset gains into parity with other income categories.
Authorities also emphasize that the regulatory framework will include strict AML and security risk management rulesto prevent misuse of digital assets for illicit financing or fraud — a concern underscored by recent domestic cases involving large-scale unlawful transfers.
Policy Outlook and Timeline
Moldova’s current ban on crypto payments and its earlier prohibition on certain crypto transactions have left the industry in a legal gray zone, deterring domestic innovation despite high per-capita adoption rates. The new law — slated for adoption in 2026 — seeks to bring clarity, oversight and investor protections to the market.
Officials expect the crypto legislation to be submitted for public consultation and stakeholder input later this year, with the final bill enacted before the end of 2026. This move reflects broader financial modernization efforts tied to Moldova’s economic reforms and European integration goals.
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