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.