2025 Moldova Company Registration Guide: Policies, Procedures and Practical Steps

This practical guide explains how to register a company in the Republic of Moldova in 2025, summarizes recent policy developments and official interpretations, and lays out step-by-step operations and key precautions . It is written for entrepreneurs, foreign investors and advisors seeking a clear, SEO-friendly roadmap. Always verify fees and forms with the Public Services Agency (Agenția Servicii Publice, ASP) or an accredited local advisor before submitting documents.

Quick overview: Entity types and what changed by 2025

Most new businesses in Moldova choose the SRL (limited liability company) because of its flexibility and limited shareholder liability. Other forms include joint-stock companies, representative offices, branches and sole proprietorships. In 2024–2025 Moldova continued digitalization of company services, improved electronic filing, and strengthened beneficial ownership and anti-money-laundering (AML) checks to align more closely with EU recommendations.

Key policy trends and interpretations in 2025

• Expanded e-services: Online registration, electronic signatures and document uploads are now widely supported by ASP and related authorities, shortening processing times.
• Beneficial ownership transparency: Authorities continue to tighten rules on declaring ultimate beneficial owners (UBOs). Expect stricter verification and documentation requests.
• AML/KYC enforcement: Banks and registration authorities apply stronger KYC checks for foreign founders and high-risk jurisdictions.
• Faster tax integration: Electronic exchange between the Commercial Register and the State Tax Service speeds tax identification registration after incorporation.
• Sector-specific licensing: Certain regulated activities (financial services, gambling, pharmaceuticals, telecoms, etc.) still require separate permits; plan these in parallel.

Step-by-step registration process (operational workflow)

1. Decide entity type and name: Choose SRL or alternative form; search the Commercial Register for name availability to avoid rejection.
2. Prepare founding documents: Draft the Articles of Association (statute) or founding agreement. For SRLs include shareholder structure, share value, management rules and registered office.
3. Appoint directors and beneficial owners: Identify statutory managers and list UBOs with supporting ID and ownership evidence.
4. Registered address: Obtain a local legal address (office rental agreement or service address). Many providers offer virtual office solutions compliant with registration rules.
5. Notarize and legalize foreign documents: Foreign passports, powers of attorney and certificates of incorporation must be notarized and apostilled/legalized and translated into Romanian or Russian as required.
6. Open a bank account (if required): Some registration steps or licensing require a bank account. Banks perform stringent KYC — have passport copies, proof of address, company documents and UBO info ready.
7. File application with ASP / Commercial Register: Submit forms and documents online or in person. Pay state registration fees and provide electronic signature (e-sign) if using the e-service.
8. Obtain company registration certificate and fiscal ID: After approval, receive the registration certificate and a fiscal registration code (tax ID). Register with the State Tax Service for VAT and payroll when thresholds or activities require it.
9. Post-registration formalities: Register with the social insurance authority, set up accounting records, and if needed, obtain sector licenses or permits.

Documents checklist

Timelines and fees (practical guidance)

Typical registration can take from a few days to several weeks depending on whether documents are complete, whether foreign documents require legalization, and whether any sector licenses are needed. Electronic filings with correct e-signatures are usually faster. Registration fees and bank charges change periodically—check current ASP and bank fee schedules.

Post-registration obligations

• Tax registration: Notify the State Tax Service; apply for VAT registration if turnover or activity requires it.
• Payroll and social contributions: Register employees with the National Social Insurance House and submit monthly declarations.
• Accounting and financial reporting: Maintain books according to Moldovan accounting standards and submit annual financial statements.
• UBO updates: Keep beneficial ownership data current and report any changes in a timely manner.

AML, KYC and beneficial ownership — what to expect in 2025

Moldovan authorities and banks are enforcing more robust identity verification and beneficial ownership checks. Expect requests for enhanced due diligence if founders are non-resident, politically exposed persons (PEPs), or from high-risk jurisdictions. Keep records of the source of funds and transaction narratives to reduce delays during bank onboarding and licensing.

Notes (Precautions and common pitfalls)

• Do not submit incomplete or inconsistent documents — mismatches in names, addresses or IDs are common causes of rejection.
• Legalize and translate foreign documents in advance; last-minute apostille requests delay processing.
• Prepare clear UBO evidence — indirect ownership chains require documentation that traces ultimate control.
• Consider local counsel or a registered agent for language, compliance and navigation of sector licensing.
• Plan banking and KYC early — bank account opening can be the slowest step for foreign founders.
• If you use a virtual office service, ensure the address provider is accepted by the Commercial Register and State Tax Service.
• Be mindful of sanctions lists and restricted activities — licensing and international compliance checks are increasingly strict.

Cases and practical examples

Case 1: Local entrepreneur, SRL for IT services

A Moldovan developer formed an SRL using the ASP online portal, provided the required statute and proof of address, and completed e-signing. The company received registration and tax code within a week and completed VAT registration within a month after submitting turnover projections.

Case 2: Foreign investor establishing a subsidiary

An EU-based investor set up a Moldovan SRL as a subsidiary. They notarized and apostilled corporate documents, appointed a local manager via power of attorney and engaged a licensed accountant. The bank required enhanced source-of-funds evidence; once provided, the account opened and license applications proceeded.

Remote assistance and service partners

For cross-border founders who need remote support, consider professional providers. Example: SailGlobal offers out-of-sea human service assistance to help coordinate legalization, translation and local representation during the registration process.

Practical checklist before you start

1. Confirm target entity type and draft Articles of Association.
2. Collect ID and beneficial owner documents; legalize and translate if foreign.
3. Secure a Moldovan registered office address.
4. Arrange a bank that supports non-resident corporate accounts and prepare KYC materials.
5. Decide on local representation or use a professional agent.
6. Check sector licenses and begin parallel applications if needed.

Final recommendations

While Moldova’s procedures are increasingly streamlined thanks to e-services, careful preparation avoids delays. Keep UBO data transparent, prepare enhanced KYC documentation for foreign founders, and consult local legal and accounting advisors for compliance and tax optimization. Always cross-check the latest ASP, State Tax Service and sector regulator guidance since fees and technical requirements can change.

For tailored remote support and coordination of legalization, translations and local filing services, consider specialist providers such as SailGlobal to reduce delays and ensure compliance.