Moldova: Screening Approval Requirements Under Law 174/2021

The Public Services Agency (PSA) is now actively implementing the Law on the Mechanism for Examining Investments of Importance for State Security No. 174/2021. A Screening Council became operational in July 2025 and companies carrying out, or intending to carry out, activities in sectors of importance for state security must obtain prior approval from the council. The law applies to any company operating or seeking to operate in activities captured by the PSA’s published NACE code list. The law does not specify obligations for existing companies, but in practice approval may be required when filing Charter amendments, updating registry information or renewing certain licences or permits. Companies listing activities in their Charter that fall under Law 174/2021 may also be required to secure approval even if those activities are not carried out.

Key changes and requirements

Companies must consider whether their listed or actual activities fall within the NACE codes automatically covered by Law 174/2021. The PSA’s list includes a wide range of sectors, including certain information technology activities. Companies that list activities covered by the law, but do not perform them, may opt to amend their Charter to remove them and avoid triggering the approval requirement. Companies carrying out covered activities must apply to the Screening Council for approval before undertaking or continuing those activities.

Where a company elects to amend its Charter, it must prepare and approve amendments through a shareholder or board resolution. Supporting documents such as powers of attorney or extracts may be needed depending on the shareholder’s status. Filings may be made online using a Moldovan qualified electronic signature. Documents issued abroad must be translated into Romanian and apostilled or legalised.

How can we help?

Computershare’s Global Entity Compliance team of professionals can support you to ensure your company is compliant with the legislation. This new requirement reiterates the important need for good statutory compliance and our team would be glad to discuss how we can work with you to meet all requirements.

Contact

Please contact your dedicated Computershare Relationship Manager or send an email to #GLCGSGECNetworkManagement@computershare.com for more information about how Computershare may assist you in responding to these new requirements.

Disclaimer: This notice is provided by Computershare for general informational purposes only and is not intended and should not be construed as legal, regulatory, financial or tax advice. Computershare is not licensed or authorized to practice law in any jurisdictions and hence does not provide any legal advice and it does not hold itself out as doing so. Neither Computershare nor any of its affiliates or contributors accept any responsibility or liability for the quality, accuracy or completeness of any information contained in this notice. It is important that you seek independent professional advice relating to the subject matter of this notice before relying on it.