From 20 November 2026, residents can carry out foreign exchange transactions of up to €100,000 without NBM authorization

Individuals and companies resident in the Republic of Moldova will be able to carry out certain foreign exchange transactions of up to €100,000 without authorization from the National Bank of Moldova (NBM) from 20 November 2026, compared with €10,000 at present. The change is provided for by Law No. 226 of 24 September 2026, published in the Official Gazette on 20 October 2026.

At a glance

• Law No. 226 of 24 September 2026 raises the €10,000 threshold to €100,000 in several articles of Law No. 62/2008 on foreign exchange regulation, and to €250,000 from 1 January 2028.

• Law No. 226/2026 enters into force one month after its publication in the Official Gazette on 20 October 2026—that is, on 20 November 2026—according to the NBM.

• The monthly limit for cash withdrawals in foreign currency abroad using cards issued in the Republic of Moldova will rise from €10,000 to €100,000 per account from 20 November 2026.

• The requirement to notify the NBM about loans received by residents from nonresidents will be abolished from 1 October 2027, under Law No. 226/2026.

Which transactions can be carried out without NBM authorization?

Law No. 226/2026 raises the threshold in several articles of Law No. 62/2008 on foreign exchange regulation. Below the new threshold of €100,000 (or its equivalent in another currency), residents will no longer need NBM authorization for:

• purchasing foreign financial instruments, such as shares, bonds or fund units;

• granting loans, credit and donations to nonresident individuals or companies;

• providing guarantees in favour of nonresidents, including in the form of a security deposit;

• opening accounts with banks abroad for security deposits or to receive loans, credit and guarantees from nonresidents;

• transfers to nonresidents for services required before a transaction is concluded;

• foreign exchange transactions abroad and certain transfers between residents for donations and loans.

What does this mean in practice for an individual or a company?

The NBM gives the example of a resident individual who will be able to grant a €100,000 loan to a nonresident individual without authorization. At present, such a transaction involving more than €10,000 requires NBM authorization. Residency status depends on the place of residence confirmed by an identity document, not on citizenship, while a company is resident if it is incorporated and has its registered office in the Republic of Moldova.

Separately, from 20 November 2026, residents can purchase foreign financial instruments offered on Moldova’s capital market without authorization, regardless of the amount. Investment companies, non-bank lending organizations and insurers can grant loans to nonresidents without NBM authorization, while people emigrating can open accounts abroad and transfer their assets.

What will not change?

Law No. 226/2026 does not amend Article 29 of Law No. 62/2008, which sets out how much cash a person can take out of the country: up to €10,000 per person per trip without supporting documents, and up to €50,000 with documents. The NBM says that the increase in the card limit does not change the rules for taking cash across the border.

Banks and other payment service providers will continue to monitor transactions and may request documents showing the origin of funds, in accordance with anti-money-laundering rules, the NBM also notes.

What other changes does the law introduce?

From 20 November 2026, hotels can accept payment in foreign currency from nonresident individuals, while residents can pay in foreign currency at shops in international airports beyond customs control, when leaving the country. Currency exchange offices and hotels licensed to conduct currency exchange can provide payment services as agents of payment institutions or electronic money issuers. The NBM may refuse to authorize a transaction that risks leading to the loss of correspondent banking relationships or to international sanctions.

The law partially transposes Articles 63–66 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, in the chapter “Capital and Payments”. The NBM has six months from publication to adapt its regulations, while on 28 October 2026 the Ministry of Finance consulted on negotiating positions for Chapter 4 of EU accession, “Free Movement of Capital”.