Moldova will introduce its first national cryptocurrency regulatory framework by the end of 2026, Finance Minister Andrian Gavriliță announced, marking a significant step toward formal oversight of the digital asset sector.
As an EU candidate country, Moldova is designing the legislation to align closely with the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regime, aiming to harmonize domestic rules with European standards.
What the Law Will Allow and What It Won’t
Under the proposed framework, Moldovan citizens will gain explicit legal rights to hold, trade, and convert cryptocurrencies within a regulated environment.
MOLDOVA TO INTRODUCE CRYPTO LAW BY 2026
Moldova is preparing its first comprehensive crypto law by end-2026, aligning its framework with the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), according to the finance minister.
— Coin Bureau (@coinbureau) January 17, 2026
However, the government plans to prohibit the use of cryptocurrencies for payments for goods and services, drawing a clear line between investment activity and day-to-day commerce.
Taxation and Compliance Rules
The draft sets a straightforward tax approach: crypto holdings themselves will not be taxed, but profits from transactions will be subject to a 12% income tax. The law will also establish licensing requirements for crypto-related businesses, alongside strict Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and transparency standards enforced by financial regulators.
Strategic Aim: EU Integration With Risk Controls
Officials say the MiCA-aligned framework supports Moldova’s broader EU integration agenda, with Estonia’s regulatory model cited as a reference for clarity and simplicity. At the same time, authorities emphasize risk management. Gavriliță has repeatedly characterized crypto as “speculative,” underscoring the government’s intent to legalize the sector without encouraging excessive exposure or enabling illicit finance.
Joint Drafting Across Institutions
The legislation is being developed collaboratively by the Ministry of Finance, the National Bank of Moldova, the National Commission for Financial Markets, and the country’s AML authority. The move follows years of warnings from the central bank about risks in the previously unregulated crypto space, signaling a shift from cautionary guidance to comprehensive oversight.