Establishing a Company

In the Republic of Moldova, the following legal forms of profit-making entities may be established:

  • Limited Liability Company (LLC / SRL)
  • Joint-Stock Company (JSC / SA)
  • General Partnership (SNC)
  • Limited Partnership
  • Cooperative

The chosen legal form does not generally restrict the type of economic activity that may be carried out. However, certain regulated sectors (such as banking and insurance) may operate exclusively as Joint-Stock Companies and only under a specific license.

Both SRLs and SAs are widely used corporate structures in Moldova. Foreign individuals and legal entities may establish companies either as sole founders or jointly with local partners, with the right to own up to 100% of the share capital.

SRLs and SAs are liable for their obligations only within the limits of their own assets, while shareholders/participants are not personally liable for the company’s debts.

Share Capital

  • The share capital of an SRL is determined by the founders and must be fully paid within six months from the date of registration.
  • A JSC must have a minimum share capital of 20,000 MDL, as required by law.

Registration with the Public Services Agency (ASP)

The state registration of legal entities is carried out by the Public Services Agency (ASP).

  • The standard registration term is 24 hours, counted from the next working day after submission of all required documents.
  • An urgent (4-hour) registration service is also available depending on ASP procedures.

Required Documents

To register a legal entity, the following documents are submitted:

  • identity documents of the founders/representatives and the administrator;
  • the official ASP registration application;
  • the founders’ resolution and the incorporation documents (Articles of Association / constituent act);
  • special authorizations or approvals, where required (e.g., from the National Financial Market Commission for insurance companies, pension funds, etc.);
  • for entities with foreign founders:
    • an extract from the foreign commercial register (translated and notarized), and
    • the incorporation documents of the foreign legal entity.

ASP Verification

ASP verifies several aspects during registration:

a) Company Name

It must be clearly distinguishable from all existing names.
A name may be reserved for a period of up to six months.

b) Founders

Verification includes identity checks, prior involvement in companies with outstanding obligations, and legal residence status for foreign nationals.

Foreign founders must present:

  • proof of legal entry into Moldova;
  • residence permits (for stays exceeding 90 days).

c) Business Activity

The activity codes must comply with the Moldovan Classification of Economic Activities (CAEM) and relevant authorization legislation.

d) Registered Office

The company must have a legally valid and clearly identifiable address.
Original ownership documents are not mandatorily required, but the address must be accurate and verifiable, with the owner’s consent.

Documents Issued After Registration

Once registered, the company receives:

  • the ASP registration decision;
  • the registered incorporation documents;
  • an extract from the State Register of Legal Entities;
  • the company seal (optional, depending on founders’ preference).

One-Stop Shop (Ghișeul Unic)

ASP automatically forwards the company’s information to:

  • the State Tax Service,
  • the National Social Insurance House, and
  • the National Health Insurance Company.

This mechanism simplifies the post-registration administration and eliminates additional filings.

Licensing Requirements

Certain business activities may only be conducted under a license or special authorization in accordance with Law No. 160/2011 on the Regulation of Entrepreneurial Activity Through Authorization.
Examples include transport, financial services, energy, and other regulated sectors.