VAT on foreign online purchases
The Moldovan government has decided that, starting this autumn, citizens will be required to pay VAT on parcels ordered from foreign online stores.
Finance Minister Adrian Gavrilita described the measure as “convenient for people.” However, in the context of no salary increases for public sector workers and only minimal pension growth, many are questioning whether the state is effectively reaching into citizens’ pockets at the worst possible time.
Implementation timeline
According to the Finance Ministry, the mechanism will be introduced in two stages: testing will begin on September 1, and full implementation is expected on October 1, 2026.
Although the measure is formally included in tax policy changes planned for 2027, the government intends to roll it out earlier. Meanwhile, salary increases for public sector employees have been postponed until 2027, creating what critics describe as an uneven policy approach.
How the tax will work
Authorities say consumers will not need to file customs declarations themselves. Instead, the VAT will be automatically withheld by online platforms at the point of purchase and transferred directly to the state budget, similar to systems used by major international retailers.
Officials argue this will prevent additional bureaucracy for consumers receiving parcels.
Public sector wages remain stagnant
Criticism is also linked to broader fiscal policy. The 2026 state budget keeps the base salary in the public sector at 2,500 lei (≈ €130), without inflation adjustment. Teachers, healthcare workers, and social service employees will continue to receive the same nominal income, effectively reducing real wages.
Pension indexation remains limited
From April 1, 2026, pensions will be indexed by 6.84%, along with a fixed increase of around 51 lei (≈ €2.65). This brings the minimum old-age pension to 3,264 lei (≈ €170).
However, critics note that even with this adjustment, many pensioners struggle to cover basic expenses, especially during the heating season. Additionally, Moldova’s social insurance system is under demographic pressure, with nearly one pensioner per working contributor, raising long-term sustainability concerns.
Broader economic concerns
The introduction of VAT on foreign parcels adds to existing concerns over rising living costs. As household budgets remain under pressure, the new tax is expected to further increase expenses for consumers who rely on cheaper goods from international online marketplaces.
