A new law on cash payments, which brings changes for individuals and legal entities making payments on the territory of the Republic of Moldova, enters into force on April 1, 2025. The new regulations limit cash payments and bank transfers in order to improve transparency and prevent large cash transactions, IPN reports.

The law applies to economic agents, non-commercial organizations and individuals that carry out commercial activities.

Transactions between individuals who do not carry out entrepreneurial activities are also regulated, especially in the case of the sale and purchase of real estate and means of transport.

In the case of transactions for the sale and purchase of real estate, cash payments will be allowed only if the price does not exceed the equivalent of 100 average monthly salaries in the economy, which is about €81,700. For means of transport, the limit is 50 average monthly salaries, or approximately €40,800.

For transactions exceeding these limits, payments must be made by bank transfer. At the same time, an amount of up to 200,000 lei can be paid in cash, even when the price exceeds the mentioned limits.

According to the authorities, these measures are meant to facilitate the fight against the underground economy and tax evasion.

The new law also introduces regulations on bank fees for cash withdrawals. Thus, the fees for withdrawing cash from sale-purchase transactions between individuals cannot exceed 0.1% of the amount transferred, provided that the withdrawal is made at the bank's counter, and the necessary documents certify the origin of the funds.

The law also brings changes regarding the term of release of cash from the entity's cashier for operating expenses. Thus, economic agents and individuals working in the fields of justice and healthcare can release cash for a maximum period of 30 days, except for expenses for international travel. Unused cash must be returned to the cashier within 5 working days.

Penalties for non-compliance with the regulations are also included. For example, if economic agents exceed the cash payment limits set by law, they will be penalized with fines of up to 10% of the amount exceeding the limit. There are also penalties for non-compliance with the deadlines for returning unused cash, which can reach 18% of the unrefunded amount. If the fine is paid within 3 days of receiving the decision on the fiscal violation, the penalized person can pay half of the fine.

For individuals who face difficulties in complying with the new regulations, the National Commission for Financial Markets provides consultancy on the "consumer's phone", on 022 85 95 95.