The measure is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027. However, expanded access to social benefits for them will be possible only if they voluntarily pay a higher contribution to the state social insurance fund. These provisions are included in a draft bill containing amendments to six regulatory acts and approved by the government.
The scheme also applies to freelancers
As Logos Press previously reported, in the fall of 2025, the government supported a bill under which freelancers would be eligible for all insurance benefits—including maternity benefits—by voluntarily paying a higher contribution.
The draft approved by the Cabinet of Ministers in the fall noted that, if they so desire, individual entrepreneurs will also be able to receive all social insurance benefits under this scheme.
Thus, individual entrepreneurs, founders of peasant farms, persons engaged in independent activities in the retail trade and the procurement of crop and horticultural products, as well as patent holders, will now be able to voluntarily switch to a full social insurance package.
Applications are submitted online
To do so, an application must be submitted online to the State Tax Service by January 25 or within 20 days of registering the business. After switching to the expanded social benefits package, self-employed individuals will be entitled to all types of benefits.
The document also prohibits discrimination based on gender in the establishment, operation, and development of businesses; clarifies a number of terms in employment legislation; and improves the mechanism for ensuring gender equality in government agencies.
The new social guarantees will be funded through additional insurance contributions from the self-employed, without drawing on additional state budget funds.
According to the State Tax Service, in 2024, 50,870 self-employed individuals registered as payers of state social insurance contributions in Moldova. Of these, 27,000 are women who do not have access to maternity benefits.
