Minimum wage to be gradually increased to 10,000 lei; Moldova's labour minister says government to initiate discussions with trade unions, employers

The minimum wage will be gradually increased so that, by 2030, it reaches 10,000 lei. The authorities next autumn will launch discussions with trade unions and employers’ associations, in order to set the minimum wage for next year. Labour and Social Protection Minister Natalia Plugaru presented information to this effect after the government meeting.

In 2026, the national minimum wage is 6,300 lei per month for a full-time work schedule. The amount was increased by 15 per cent compared to 2025, when the minimum wage was 5,500 lei.

“The government has set the goal that, by 2030, the minimum wage will increase gradually and predictably, including for the business sector, and reach 10,000 lei. This commitment is also included in the Tofan Government Programme, voted in parliament on July 21. Therefore, every year we aim to gradually increase the minimum wage. For now, we do not have a decision regarding the minimum wage for next year. In the autumn, we will start negotiations with trade unions and employers on this subject,” noted Natalia Plugaru.

The minister stressed that the minimum wage represents an indicative and guaranteed minimum amount, granted for a full-time work schedule.

“We aim for the minimum wage to be indicative, not the wage on which the real sector or the public sector should function. It is a guaranteed minimum wage, below which you cannot be paid when you work full-time. We want competitive wages to be provided in Moldova, which respond both to the needs of the labour market and to the existing pressures in the economy,” added Natalia Plugaru.

According to the authorities, the gradual updating of the minimum wage amount will contribute to increasing the attractiveness of job offers, motivating employees and ensuring the stability of the labour force through competitive salary packages.