en
Economy
06 October, 2025 / 23:09
/ 13 hours ago

Moldova connected to SEPA: Citizens can make fast, secure, low-cost euro payments

As of today, October 6, 2025, Moldova becomes an operational part of the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), meaning that citizens and companies can make fast, secure, and low-cost euro transfers.

The data of the National Bank of Moldova (BNM) shows that if previously an international transfer could cost between 20 and 200 euros, now it will be processed at the same standards and tariffs as in the European Union, with just a few euros or even for free.

Governor of the National Bank of Moldova Anca Dragu said that Moldova's integration into SEPA is a historic moment for the national financial system and confirms the country's European path.

“This achievement removes administrative barriers and brings direct European standards into the daily lives of people and businesses in Moldova,” said Anca Dragu.

SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) is the European framework that enables euro transfers between payment systems in participating countries, under the same cost, safety, and processing time conditions, regardless of borders. SEPA includes all European Union member states, as well as the United Kingdom, countries from the European Economic Area, Switzerland, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City.

Moldova's joining SEPA brings immediate and tangible benefits for citizens, diaspora, companies and entire economy.

For citizens and diaspora families, euro transfers become faster, safer, and at much lower costs, sometimes even with zero commission, depending on the participating banks' services.

For businesses, SEPA removes administrative barriers and brings Moldovan companies to an equal level with European ones. More than 60% of Moldova's exports are oriented towards the EU, and the reduced transaction costs increase competitiveness and facilitate trade and investment.

At the macroeconomic level, integration into SEPA generates direct savings estimated at around 20 million euros, resources that remain in the economy for investments, business development, and jobs.

Currently, eight commercial banks in Moldova have obtained SEPA Participant status and can process euro payments at the same standards as in the European Union. This guarantees faster, safer, and lower-cost transfers, in accordance with the European payment system's rules.

The National Bank of Moldova emphasizes that each client should consult their service bank to learn the conditions for SEPA transfers, including tariffs and types of available services (standard payments or instant payments).

In the coming period, other payment service providers, including non-bank operators, may become SEPA participants, contributing to the modernization of the local payment market.

Moldova initiated the process of joining the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) on January 30, 2024, by officially submitting the application to the European Payments Council (EPC). On March 6, 2025, the EPC approved the inclusion of Moldova in the SEPA geographical area.

Statistics show that in 2024, approximately 830,000 euro transactions were carried out between Moldova and SEPA countries, with a total value of 11.8 billion euros, which means over 3,200 payments with a value of 45 million euros were made daily.