On 28 October 2026, the Ministry of Finance organized public consultations on the negotiating positions for Chapter 4: Free Movement of Capital and Chapter 9: Financial Services in the context of Moldova’s EU accession process. The consultations, chaired by State Secretary Natalia Doroftei, involved stakeholders from the banking sector, insurance companies, investment funds, and professional associations. The negotiating positions reflect Moldova’s commitment to align with the EU’s Capital Requirements Directive (CRD IV/CRR), Solvency II, and the Anti-Money Laundering Directives (AMLD). Specific tax-related aspects include the treatment of cross-border interest and royalty payments under the EU Interest and Royalties Directive (2003/49/EC), the elimination of withholding tax barriers for intra-EU payments, and the harmonization of financial transaction taxation. The Ministry aims to finalize the common positions by December 2026 for submission to the EU negotiating framework.
Key Takeaways
- Withholding Tax Alignment: Moldova will amend its Tax Code to exempt interest and royalty payments between associated companies from withholding tax, provided the beneficial owner is a resident of an EU Member State, effective upon accession.
- Financial Services Passporting: The National Bank of Moldova and the National Commission for Financial Markets will implement regulatory frameworks allowing EU-licensed financial institutions to operate in Moldova under the single passport regime, requiring changes to the Law on Financial Services.
- AML/CTF Enhancements: The Ministry of Finance will introduce mandatory beneficial ownership registers for all legal entities, aligning with the EU’s 6th Anti-Money Laundering Directive, with implementation targeted for 2027.
Disclaimer: This article is compiled and summarized by the AI based on publicly available information and is for general information purposes only. It does not constitute any form of formal tax advice, legal opinion, or basis for performance. Please consult a qualified professional tax advisor or legal counsel for tax advice.
Source: Read Official Announcement