Moldovan retail outlets face July deadline for cashless systems
Certain commercial enterprises in Moldova must accept cashless payments at retail locations that generated annual revenues exceeding €25,500 (approx. 500,000 MDL) during the previous calendar year. The official compliance deadline is set for July 1, 2026.
The State Tax Service emphasized that these targeted businesses must offer digital payment solutions. Commercial enterprises must integrate systems verified by payment service providers licensed by the National Bank of Moldova.
Exemptions and regulatory scope
The new fiscal regulations exclude business locations where all transactions occur exclusively through cashless means, except for commercial banks.
Rural retail outlets situated within villages and communes remain exempt from the mandate. However, this exemption does not apply to rural locales that administratively form part of larger towns, cities, or municipalities. Furthermore, savings and loan associations alongside non-banking credit institutions are excluded from the new requirements.
Penalties and enforcement
The State Tax Service warned that failure to comply with the updated legislative framework will result in direct administrative sanctions.
Non-compliance with the statutory provisions will trigger legal fines ranging from €204 to €306 (4,000 to 6,000 MDL) for each recorded violation. The State Tax Service retains full authority to audit businesses, monitor compliance, and issue corporate penalties across the country.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
