Moldova IT Park: How to Obtain Resident Status and Save on Taxes

Introduction

Since 2018, Moldova has been home to an IT Park — a virtual zone with preferential taxation for IT companies. Residents pay only 7% of turnover instead of standard taxes. How to obtain resident status, what conditions must be met, and what to expect from the procedure — let's examine the details.

What is Moldova IT Park

Moldova IT Park (MITP) is the first of its kind "electronic park" in the Republic of Moldova. It was created in 2018 with support from the government, USAID, and Sweden as a virtual organizational structure.

Key feature: IT Park is not tied to a specific geographic zone. Residents can work from anywhere in Moldova — physical presence in a special location is not required.

Today, IT Park covers about 80% of the country's IT industry:

IndicatorValue Active residents1,900+ Resident employees20,700+ Companies with foreign capital240 from 39 countries Contribution to Moldova's GDP~4% Share of exports90% of IT exports

Important: The Moldovan government has guaranteed the preferential tax regime until at least December 31, 2035.

Who can become a resident

Company requirements

To obtain IT Park resident status, a company must:

1. Be registered in the Republic of Moldova — as an LLC (SRL) or sole proprietorship
2. Conduct activities in information technology — CAEM codes in section 62
3. Submit an application to the IT Park Administration — with a package of documents
4. Sign an agreement with IT Park — after application approval

Permitted activities

Main CAEM codes for IT companies:

• 62.01 — Computer programming activities
• 62.02 — Computer consultancy activities
• 62.03 — Computer facilities management activities
• 62.09 — Other information technology and computer service activities
• 63.11 — Data processing, hosting and related activities
• 63.12 — Web portal activities

Important: The company must derive revenue specifically from IT activities. If part of the revenue comes from non-permitted activities, resident status may be revoked.

Employee requirements

There are no minimum requirements for the number of employees. IT Park is suitable for both individual entrepreneurs and large companies with hundreds of employees.

Tax benefits for residents

Single tax of 7%

IT Park residents pay a single tax of 7% of turnover, which replaces:

• Corporate income tax
• Personal income tax (for employees)
• Social contributions
• Health insurance
• Local taxes
• Real estate tax
• Road tax

Minimum tax

There is a minimum tax threshold: 30% of the average salary in the economy per employee. This ensures companies pay a fair share of taxes even with low turnover.

Calculation example

Company with turnover of 1,000,000 MDL and 5 employees:

• Single tax: 7% × 1,000,000 = 70,000 MDL
• Minimum tax: 30% × average salary × 5 employees
• If average salary ~15,000 MDL: 30% × 15,000 × 5 = 22,500 MDL
• Total: 70,000 MDL (as it exceeds the minimum)

Simplified reporting

Residents are exempt from:

• Keeping records of deductible and non-deductible expenses
• Following tax rules for depreciation
• Complex tax reporting

Step-by-step registration procedure

Step 1: Register the company with ASP

For LLC (SRL):

1. Choose a name — check availability on the Public Services Agency website
2. Determine activities — CAEM codes in section 62
3. Appoint an administrator — Moldovan citizen or foreigner without criminal record
4. Legal address — owned or rented
5. Share capital — minimum amount for LLC
6. Prepare documents:
   • Identity documents of founders
   • Registration application
   • Decision to establish the company
   • Constituent documents
   • Confirmation of registration fee payment
   • Information about beneficial owner

Registration takes 1-3 business days and can often be completed online.

Step 2: Open bank accounts

After company registration, open bank accounts. The process takes about 3 business days. It is recommended to open:

• Current account in MDL
• Foreign currency accounts (EUR, USD) for working with foreign clients

Step 3: Submit application to IT Park

After registering the business, submit an application for resident status:

1. Complete the form — on the website or through IT Park Administration
2. Provide documents:
   • Company registration certificate
   • Constituent documents
   • Information about types of activities
   • Employee information (if any)
3. Application review — Park Administration verifies documents

Step 4: Sign the agreement

Upon positive decision:

1. Administration sends approval letter
2. Sends draft agreement by email
3. Indicates date and time for signing
4. After signing — Certificate of Resident Registration is issued

Review period: usually 5-10 business days

IT Visa for foreign specialists

Moldova IT Park offers an "IT Visa" program for foreign IT specialists and managers of residents.

IT Visa benefits

• Simplified residence permit procedure
• Duration: 2-4 years with renewal option
• Fast processing — on a priority basis
• Work authorization — without additional permits

Who can obtain it

• Foreign IT specialists working in resident companies
• IT company managers
• Founders of IT resident companies

Common registration mistakes

1. Incorrect activity codes

Mistake: Registering a company with activity codes not related to IT.

Solution: Ensure main CAEM codes are in section 62.

2. Lack of IT revenue

Mistake: Company is registered as IT but receives revenue from other activities.

Solution: Structure your business so that IT activity generates the main revenue.

3. Incomplete document package

Mistake: Submitting application to IT Park without necessary documents.

Solution: Prepare all documents in advance, consult with specialists.

4. Ignoring minimum tax

Mistake: Calculating taxes only as 7% of turnover without considering the minimum threshold.

Solution: Consider minimum tax in financial planning.

Comparison with other countries

CountryTaxMinimum requirements Moldova7% of turnoverCompany registration, IT activity Estonia0% until reinvestment, 20% on withdrawalCompany registration, fund contribution Latvia0% for IT startups for 3 yearsRegistration, startup status Romania1-3% for IT employeesRegistration, minimum salary

Moldova's advantages:

• Virtual park — work from anywhere in the country
• Long-term regime guarantee until 2035
• IT Visa for foreign specialists
• Simplified reporting

Practical recommendations

Before registration

1. Consult a lawyer — specializing in IT law in Moldova
2. Evaluate the financial model — compare standard regime with IT Park
3. Prepare documents in advance — to expedite the process

After obtaining status

1. Track turnover — for calculating single tax
2. Monitor activity types — revenue must come from IT
3. Use IT Visa — to attract foreign specialists
4. Submit reports on time — even simplified ones

Conclusion

Moldova IT Park is one of the most attractive tax regimes for IT companies in the region. Single tax of 7% of turnover, virtual nature of the park, IT Visa for foreign specialists, and guarantees until 2035 make Moldova a competitive destination for IT business.

The registration procedure takes 2-3 weeks and requires a minimal package of documents. The main condition — the company must conduct IT activities and derive corresponding revenue.

Need consultation on IT Park registration or other IT law matters in Moldova? Contact specialists — the right business structure from the start will save significant resources in the future.