EU NEIGHBOURS east. As of 6 October 2025, the Republic of Moldova has become an operational part of the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA).
SEPA is the European framework that allows euro transfers between payment systems among participating countries, under the same cost, security and processing time, regardless of borders. SEPA brings together all the member states of the European Union, as well as the United Kingdom, countries of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and the Vatican.
“Moldova’s integration into SEPA is a historic moment for the national financial system and confirms the country’s European path,” said Anca Dragu, governor of the National Bank of Moldova. “This achievement eliminates administrative barriers and brings direct European standards in the daily life of people and businesses in the Republic of Moldova.”
Moldova’s accession to SEPA brings immediate and tangible benefits for citizens, diaspora, companies and the entire economy.
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For citizens and families in the diaspora, transfers in euro become faster, secure and at much lower costs, sometimes even with zero commission, depending on the services of the participating banks. If previously an international transfer could cost between €20 and €200, now it will be processed at the same standards and tariffs as in the European Union, for only a few euros or even for free. Thus, remittances will arrive home faster and at a lower cost.
For business, SEPA removes administrative barriers and brings Moldovan companies to the level of equality with European ones. Over 60% of Moldova’s exports are oriented towards the EU, while low trading costs increase competitiveness and facilitate trade and investment. Statistics show that in 2024, about 830,000 transactions were made between Moldova and SEPA countries with a total value of €11.8 billion, that is, daily over 3,200 payments worth €45 million. From now on, these financial flows will be managed much more efficiently, at low cost, directly through the SEPA system.
“At the macroeconomic level, integration into SEPA generates direct savings estimated at around €20 million, resources that remain in the economy for investment, business development and jobs,” said a press release by the EU Delegation to Moldova. “At the same time, accession sends a strong signal of stability and credibility to international partners and investors.”
Currently, eight commercial banks in the Republic of Moldova have obtained SEPA participant status and can process payments in euros at the same standards as in the EU.
The National Bank of Moldova stresses that each client must consult the bank where they are serviced to find out the terms of transfers through SEPA, including tariffs and types of services available (standard payments or instant payments).
In the coming period, other payment service providers, including non-bank operators, can become SEPA participants, contributing to the modernisation of the local payments market.
