More than 7,100 people have been identified working in violation of Moldova’s labor legislation since the beginning of 2026, according to data from the State Labour Inspectorate.
The inspectorate says the highest number of cases of undeclared employment has been recorded in the agriculture, construction, hospitality (HoReCa), and retail sectors.
The State Labour Inspectorate warns that employees working without an individual employment contract do not benefit from the same legal protections as formally employed workers. They may lose access to rights such as an officially declared salary, paid sick leave, pension contributions, health insurance coverage, and protection in the event of a workplace accident.
Employers found using undeclared labor face fines ranging from 3,000 to 15,000 Moldovan lei, depending on their legal status. If a minor is employed illegally, companies may be fined up to 20,000 lei. Where two or more workers are found without employment contracts, the fine may reach 75,000 lei.
Those fined may pay 50% of the penalty if the payment is made within 30 days from the date the sanction is imposed.