You have lost someone close to you and now need to deal with a house, bank accounts, or land. From April 1, 2026, Law No. 251/2025 changed the inheritance rules in the Republic of Moldova. I will explain which rule applies to your case and which steps you need to take.
Start with the key question: when did the death occur
The new law governs inheritances that begin from April 1, 2026, meaning deaths that occur on or after that date. For deaths that occurred earlier, the notary applies the old rules, including the 6-month acceptance deadline. Write down the exact date of death before you take any other step.
Parliament published the law in August 2025 and initially planned to bring it into force on January 1, 2026. Parliament then postponed it for three months.
You have 12 months to accept the inheritance
Art. 2393 of the Civil Code gives you 12 months from the opening of the inheritance to accept or renounce it. The Chamber of Notaries treats this deadline as a forfeiture period: if you miss it, you risk losing your place among the heirs.
How you accept the inheritance
Under Art. 2390 of the Civil Code, you accept the inheritance when you:
- file a declaration of acceptance that the notary authenticates before the deadline expires; or
- take possession of the estate assets.
You can authenticate the declaration with any notary or another authorized person, including a consulate, if you live abroad. My advice: file the written declaration with the notary even if you already live in the house. A document that a notary authenticates helps you avoid disputes about what possession means.
Your acceptance covers the entire estate. You cannot accept only the apartment and refuse the deceased person's debts.
The surviving spouse joins the first class of heirs
Law No. 251/2025 returns the surviving spouse to the first class of legal heirs alongside the children. If you need to divide an inheritance between a spouse and children, calculate the shares under the new rules.
Minor or vulnerable heirs
When an heir is a minor or an adult under a judicial protection measure, the notary immediately informs the guardianship authority. The authority checks that the heir's choice protects that person's interests.
When you receive the inheritance certificate
The notary issues the certificate after the 12-month period ends, once the notary has clearly established who the heirs are. With the certificate, you register the assets in your name with the Cadastre, the bank, or other institutions.
Documents to prepare
- death certificate;
- documents proving the family relationship: birth certificates and marriage certificates;
- the will, if one exists;
- property documents: extracts from the Real Estate Register, contracts, and bank statements;
- your identity document.
If you live abroad, you can act through a power of attorney. Read how to do it correctly in the guide to powers of attorney from abroad.
The law faces a constitutional challenge
A member of Parliament challenged several provisions before the Constitutional Court: the 12-month period, the spouse's inclusion in the first class, and the rules for vulnerable heirs. Until the Court issues a decision, notaries apply the law. Follow the decision if these rules affect your inheritance.
What to do next
Write down the date of death, gather the documents, and see a notary before the deadline. If the heirs cannot agree, documents are missing, or you missed the deadline, read about my property and inheritance services or book a consultation.
The guide gives you general information as of the update date. Book a consultation for advice about your case.
