Romania has introduced a significant new compliance obligation for all registered companies under Law No. 239/2025, signed and published in the Official Gazette on 15 December 2025, and effective from 18 December 2025. The law requires every Romanian legal entity — whether newly incorporated or already operating — to hold at least one active payment account at a credit institution or State Treasury unit in Romania.
The obligation arises from a concerning finding by the Romanian Ministry of Finance: as of August 2025, approximately 698,000 registered companies in Romania had no bank account on record, collectively accumulating unpaid debts exceeding RON 1.7 billion. The primary purpose of the new law is to increase financial transparency, improve tax authority oversight, and strengthen compliance with anti-money laundering regulations by ensuring that all commercial activity flows through a traceable Romanian bank account.
Under the law, newly incorporated companies must open a Romanian bank account within 60 business days of registration. Existing companies without a Romanian account must open one promptly to regularise their position. The account must be maintained as long as the company remains registered. Importantly, Law 239/2025 also stipulates that banks and payment institutions cannot refuse to open a payment account for a company unless there are genuine suspicions of money laundering or terrorist financing — a provision specifically designed to prevent bureaucratic barriers to compliance. The law does not prohibit companies from holding accounts abroad, but requires a Romanian account in addition to any foreign accounts.
The consequences of non-compliance are significant. If a company fails to open a Romanian bank account within the required timeframe, any interested party or the Trade Registry itself may apply to the court for the dissolution of the company. The court will not order dissolution if the company regularises its situation before the final ruling — but the risk of involuntary strike-off makes prompt action essential for all Romanian-registered businesses.
???? Key Takeaway: As of 18 December 2025, every Romanian-registered company is legally required to hold at least one active bank account in Romania under Law No. 239/2025. Newly incorporated companies have 60 business days to comply. Non-compliance may result in dissolution proceedings.
Need help opening a Romanian bank account or ensuring compliance? Contact CORPEASE LEGAL at info@corpeaselegal.com
