Kosovo

Key Legal Developments in Kosovo – 2024 Overview By Lex Business Law Firm Legal 500 Leading Firm in Kosovo In 2024, Kosovo adopted several important legislative changes in areas including taxation, public administration, property rights, energy, investment, and financial regulation. The following is a summary of the main updates relevant to the regulatory and business environment. 1. Tax Procedure Administration – Law No. 08/L-257 Effective January 2024, the new law modernizes Kosovo’s tax system through: Stricter penalties for non-declaration/under-declaration of income (25% fines on undeclared turnover). Establishment of an Appeals Board within the Ministry of Finance. Mandatory payment of liabilities during appeals. Expanded evidence-gathering powers of tax authorities, including data from banks, notaries, and multimedia evidence. 📖 Read the full law 2. Administrative Conflicts – Law No. 08/L-182 Aiming to improve efficiency and access to justice, the new law introduces: Written-only procedures for faster case resolution. Broader grounds for lawsuits in administrative conflicts. Shorter deadlines and prohibition of returning cases for re-examination. Electronic hearings & communication for modernized court access. 📖 Read the full law 3. Cadastre of Immovable Property – Law No. 08/L-237 A comprehensive modernization of property records management: Digitization and advanced IT infrastructure for cadastral data. Stronger data verification through licensed surveyors. Public access and transparency in cadastral information. Clearer dispute resolution mechanisms. 📖 Read the full law 4. Public Property – Law No. 08/L Major reforms in governance of state property: Transparency obligations for institutions managing public assets. Reorganization of the Agency for Public Property Management. Community consultation in decisions affecting public property. Stronger audit & supervision mechanisms. 📖 Read the full law 5. Promotion of Renewable Energy – Law No. 08/L-258 This pioneering law advances Kosovo’s energy transition by: Creating competitive and transparent support schemes. Promoting consumer involvement in renewable energy production. Aligning with Energy Community Treaty commitments. Delivering social, environmental, and health benefits. 📖 Read the full law 6. Customs & Excise Code – Law No. 08/L-247 Aligned with the EU Union Customs Code, the new framework provides: EU harmonization of customs practices. Simplified and digitalized procedures for traders. Stronger anti-smuggling controls and excise tax reforms. 📖 Read the full law 7. Bankruptcy – Law No. 08/L-256 A milestone reform for insolvency and creditor rights: Single creditor can now initiate bankruptcy proceedings. Establishment of the Chamber of Bankruptcy Administrators. Clearer rules for asset liquidation and creditor compensation. Harmonization with Commercial Court jurisdiction. 📖 Read the full law 8. Sustainable Investments – Law No. 08/L-209 A new framework for attracting strategic and responsible investments: Minimum threshold for strategic investments reduced to €10m. Establishment of the Investment & Export Agency and oversight bodies. Priority to manufacturing, agriculture, and energy sectors. 📖 Read the full law 9. Register of Beneficial Owners – Law No. 08/L-265 Enhancing transparency in business structures: Mandatory disclosure of beneficial ownership. Central Beneficial Ownership Register under ARBK. Penalties for non-compliance (€500–€5,000+). Limited public access, balancing transparency with privacy. 📖 Read the full law 10. Crypto-Assets – Law No. 08/L-295 Kosovo’s first legal framework for digital assets introduces: Licensing & authorization requirements for operators. Restrictions on crypto-mining unless powered by renewables. White Paper requirement for digital tokens. Strict prohibitions on market manipulation & insider trading. 📖 Read the full law ⚖️ Why This Matters For businesses and investors, 2024 has been a turning point, with new compliance obligations but also fresh opportunities in energy, investment, property, and financial markets.     Note: This publication is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

From June 2025, all economic enterprises in Kosovo that meet specific criteria will be required to enter the liberalised electricity market and select their own supplier. The Energy Regulatory Office (ERO) has issued guidance for the implementation of market liberalisation, setting out the procedures and obligations for businesses. While the legal framework was already established by law, ERO is now beginning its practical enforcement. The obligation applies to businesses with an annual turnover of more than €10 million or with more than 50 employees. Companies falling under these categories must collect data on their electricity consumption, analyse their usage profile, and approach licensed suppliers in order to compare offers. Key considerations in this process include the choice between fixed or variable prices, contractual conditions, and the quality of customer service. The transition involves several steps: submitting a request to switch, signing a new contract, notifying the existing supplier, and settling outstanding invoices. Importantly, the change is carried out without interruptions in supply, with new billing beginning once the new agreement takes effect. Enterprises that fail to choose a supplier will automatically be transferred to the “Supplier of Last Resort” for a period of 60 days, during which tariffs are higher than in the open market. The reform establishes mandatory participation in the open electricity market for eligible businesses and introduces a framework intended to align the sector with competitive and transparent market principles. Companies are expected to ensure compliance with the new requirements and to adapt their contractual arrangements accordingly. This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For tailored guidance on energy market liberalisation and compliance in Kosovo, please contact Lex Business L.L.C.