Moldova Inheritance & Gift Tax Guide 2026

Overview — Inheritance & Gift Taxation

Moldova has a favourable tax regime for wealth transfer: there is no inheritance tax, no estate duty, and no death tax. However, lifetime gifts may be subject to gift tax. The absence of inheritance tax makes Moldova an attractive jurisdiction for holding assets. The tax treatment of gifts is governed by the Tax Code. Upon death, there is no deemed disposal of assets — heirs inherit the deceased's tax basis. Succession matters are governed by the Civil Code of Moldova.

Gift Tax — 12% Above MDL 50,000

Gift tax in Moldova applies to the donor (person making the gift) at 12% of the market value of the gift. The first MDL 50,000 of total gifts per year is exempt from gift tax. Gifts to the following persons are exempt from gift tax regardless of value:

• Spouse
• Direct descendants (children, grandchildren)
• Direct ascendants (parents, grandparents)

Gifts to siblings, more distant relatives, and unrelated persons are taxable at 12% on the value exceeding MDL 50,000. The donor must report the gift and pay the tax within the annual tax return. Charitable donations to registered NGOs are exempt from gift tax.

Inheritance — No Tax

Assets received through inheritance are not subject to tax in Moldova. There is no inheritance tax, estate tax, or death duty. The heir inherits the asset at the deceased's tax base (original cost) for capital gains purposes — there is no step-up in basis. This means that if the heir later sells the asset, CGT at 12% is calculated on the full gain from the original purchase price. This is an important consideration for estate planning: holding assets until death avoids gift tax but may result in higher CGT for heirs on eventual sale.

Succession Law

Moldovan succession law is governed by Book IV of the Civil Code. Key points:

• Testate succession — a valid will (notarised) allows the testator to distribute assets freely, subject to reserved portions for certain heirs
• Reserved portions — minor children and disabled spouse are entitled to at least 50% of their intestate share
• Intestate succession — without a will, the estate passes to heirs in order: first class (spouse and children equally), second class (parents and siblings), third class (grandparents and more distant relatives)
• Notarial procedure — inheritance is accepted through a notary within 6 months of death

FAQs

Do I need to pay tax on inherited property if I sell it?

Yes, if you sell inherited property, CGT at 12% applies on the gain (selling price minus the deceased's original cost base — no step-up in basis).

Is there a way to avoid gift tax when transferring assets to family?

Gifts to spouses, children, and parents are exempt from gift tax. The annual MDL 50,000 exemption applies to gifts to other relatives.

Does Moldova recognise foreign wills?

Foreign wills may be recognised in Moldova for assets located in the country, but must comply with Moldovan notarial procedures to be effective. It is advisable to have a separate notarised will for Moldovan assets.

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about Moldovan inheritance and gift tax for the 2026 tax year. Succession law is complex. Always consult with a qualified Moldovan lawyer or tax advisor for advice specific to your situation. InvestmentKit does not provide tax or legal advice.