Opportunity for Property Owners: The Legalization Deadline Has Been Extended
Owners of individual houses and household annexes in the Republic of Moldova, built without a construction permit or with deviations from the project documentation, have received significant news. Through a recent legislative amendment (Law No. 334 of December 29, 2025), the state has decided to extend the "window of opportunity" for the simplified registration of these properties.
While the previous deadline was set for January 30, 2026, the new law gives owners an additional two years—until January 30, 2028. This measure aims to support thousands of citizens whose property exists physically but remains "invisible" or problematic from a legal standpoint.
Which Constructions Qualify for the Simplified Procedure?
It is essential to understand that this procedure is not a general amnesty for all types of buildings. The law imposes strict criteria to ensure safety and urban order. Therefore, you can legalize a property only if it was built after 1996 and was functional as of January 30, 2024.
Eligible property categories include:
- Individual residential houses with no more than two floors, located within town limits (intravilan);
- Household annexes related to these houses (garages, sheds, summer kitchens);
- Holiday houses (villas) with no more than two floors, located in gardening associations;
- Household annexes located on lands within gardening associations.
When is Legalization Impossible? Restrictions and Risk Zones
Even if your property fits the categories above, there are situations where the law strictly prohibits registration. These restrictions primarily concern public safety and environmental protection. Registration will not be approved if the construction is located in:
- Zones with a high risk of flooding or landslides;
- Protected zones or historical monuments without the approval of the competent authorities;
- Protection zones of roads or utility networks (water, gas, electricity lines);
- On land belonging to other persons (private or state) without the written consent of the landowner.
Required Documents: Where to Start the Process?
Although the procedure is called "simplified," it requires careful preparation of the file. To initiate the legalization process, you will need the following fundamental documents:
1. Notarized Declaration
The owner must submit a declaration, authenticated by a notary, through which they assume full responsibility for complying with technical requirements and for the safety of the construction during its operation.
2. Certificate of Construction
This document is issued by the local Mayor’s office (Primăria) where the property is located and confirms the existence of the building.
3. Neighbors' Consent
This is mandatory in cases where the construction does not respect the minimum legal distances (setbacks) from the boundaries of the neighboring plot.
After the file is submitted and processed, the property is entered into the Real Estate Registry. It is important to note that a special mention regarding the nature of the construction (without permit or with deviations) will appear in the registry, but this does not prevent you from exercising your rights as an owner.
Risks of Delay: What Happens After January 30, 2028?
The 2028 deadline may seem far away, but bureaucratic processes and obtaining the necessary approvals can take months. If you do not take advantage of this facility before the deadline expires, you expose yourself to major risks:
- Transaction Blockage: You will not be able to officially sell, donate, or leave the property as an inheritance.
- Inability to Secure Loans: No bank will accept a building that is not properly registered as collateral for a mortgage.
- Administrative Sanctions: You risk fines or even demolition orders in extreme cases.
Legalization is not just a formality; it is an investment in the legal security of your family.
If you own an unregistered house or annex, we recommend consulting a specialist as soon as possible to check compliance with the law and correctly prepare the set of documents.