The new limit will take effect one month after the law is published in the “Official Gazette of the Republic of Moldova.” As of January 1, 2028, it will be increased to 250,000 euros.
The draft law amending foreign exchange legislation—developed to bring it into line with European Union rules on the free movement of capital—is scheduled to be considered at a government meeting on Wednesday, August 12.
The changes will allow residents to carry out a number of transactions within established limits without permission from the National Bank of Moldova (NBM), including purchasing foreign financial instruments, granting loans and credits, issuing guarantees, making certain types of donations, and opening accounts at foreign banks.
Another important change concerns the elimination of the requirement to notify the NBM of loans and credits received by residents from non-residents. According to the bill’s authors, this measure will reduce the administrative burden and facilitate the inflow of foreign capital into Moldova. The repeal of the notification requirement is scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2027.
Non-residents will be able to pay for hotels in foreign currency
The bill also expands the list of cases in which payments in foreign currency are permitted within Moldova. Non-residents will be able to pay for hotel services in foreign currency. In addition, foreign currency payments will be permitted at certain retail outlets located in international airports beyond customs and border control areas, on board aircraft operating international flights, and at international border crossing points.
Currency exchange offices and certain hotels will be able to provide payment services on behalf of and at the expense of licensed payment companies or electronic money issuers after registering as agents. According to the bill’s authors, this measure will help expand the public’s access to financial services, including money transfers, as well as cash deposit and withdrawal transactions.
At the same time, the liberalization of foreign exchange transactions does not eliminate requirements for preventing and combating money laundering and terrorist financing. Banks and financial service providers will continue to verify the origin of funds and the purpose of transactions.
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