Doing Business in Ukraine (2025): Official Websites, Policies, Step-by-Step Operations, and Precautions

This guide summarizes the central Ukrainian government and departmental online resources that foreign companies typically need when launching or operating in Ukraine in 2025. It also explains key policy directions, practical operation steps, and important precautions to minimize compliance risk. Always verify details on official portals and consult local advisors for final decisions.

Official government portals and what they cover

Note: many permits and registrations are now centralized through Diia or linked electronic registers. Link addresses can change—always confirm via the ministry portals above.

Key policy trends and interpretations for 2025

• Digital-first registration: Ukraine’s e-government platform continues to emphasize online incorporation and registration. Foreign founders can often submit documents electronically and receive registration data (EDRPOU) within short timeframes.
• Tax compliance remains a priority: electronic filing, real‑time reporting for certain sectors, and strengthened AML/KYC checks are being enforced. Thresholds for VAT registration, unified social contributions, and simplified tax regimes are subject to periodic updates—check the State Tax Service for current rates.
• Labor and migration alignment: labor law updates have focused on modernizing remote work rules, clarifying employment contracts, and integrating migration procedures with labor permits for foreign nationals.
• Security and sanctions considerations: due to geopolitical developments, firms must screen counterparties for sanctions and monitor restrictions that might affect banking, trade, or investments.

Step-by-step: How a foreign company typically starts business operations in Ukraine

1. Decide legal form and local presence model
   • Common choices: private limited liability company (TOV), branch, representative office, or hiring via a local employer of record.
2. Preliminary checks
   • Verify company name availability in the Business Registry and check sanctions lists. Confirm industry‑specific licenses required by Ministry of Economy or other regulators.
3. Prepare founding documents
   • Charter (articles), founder resolutions, passport/ID of foreign founders, power of attorney if using a local representative, translation and apostille/legalization where required.
4. Register the company via Diia or Minjust
   • Submit registration application, charter, and required attachments. Obtain EDRPOU (business identification number), and official registration certificate.
5. Open a corporate bank account
   • Present registration documents, beneficial owner information, and AML/KYC documentation. Note that banks may require in‑person verification for foreign signatories or additional due diligence during periods of heightened scrutiny.
6. Register for taxes and social contributions
   • Register with the State Tax Service to receive taxpayer status, choose tax regime (general or simplified where eligible), and register for VAT if turnover thresholds are met or if voluntary registration is beneficial.
7. Obtain sectoral licenses and permits (if needed)
   • Examples: certain financial, educational, food, medical, and energy activities require additional licensing from relevant ministries or agencies.
8. Hire staff and register employees
   • Draft employment contracts compliant with Ukrainian labor law, register employees for social contributions and payroll tax reporting, and maintain required personnel records. For foreign employees follow migration and work permit procedures.
9. Compliance set-up
   • Implement accounting systems in Ukrainian, appoint a local accountant or firm, ensure VAT invoicing and electronic reporting, and set up internal AML checks if applicable.

Visa and work permit practical steps

1. Determine visa type: for short business trips, use appropriate business visas; for employment, secure a work permit and temporary residence permit (TRP) if required.
2. File the employment notification or work permit application with the State Migration Service—documents commonly include the employment contract, company registration extracts, and proof of qualifications.
3. Apply for consular visa (if the foreign national needs an entry visa) at the Ukrainian consulate or via MFA instructions.
4. Upon arrival, complete registration with local authorities and obtain necessary migration stamps or residence cards.

Practical checklist and timing estimates

Precautions and common pitfalls

• Verify current legal texts and rates: use official portals (tax.gov.ua, minjust.gov.ua, diia.gov.ua). Laws and rates change—don’t rely on outdated summaries.
• Sanctions and restricted lists: screen counterparties and beneficial owners; UBO transparency requirements are enforced.
• Language and documentation: official filings and accounting are typically in Ukrainian—plan for certified translations and local legal support.
• Banking and FX controls: anticipate enhanced KYC and potential limitations on certain cross‑border transactions during volatile periods.
• Sectoral licensing: starting operations without required licenses can cause fines or suspension—confirm industry rules early.
• Employment compliance: proper employment contracts, timely payroll registration, and social contributions are closely monitored; misclassification of contractors can lead to penalties.
• Data protection: follow personal data rules when handling employee and customer information, and check sectoral privacy rules.

Illustrative examples

• Example 1: An EU IT contractor structure—many foreign IT firms choose to register a local TOV and hire a small local payroll team while continuing remote delivery. This often balances local market access with streamlined operations.
• Example 2: Manufacturing importer—such a company must coordinate customs clearance, product certification, and VAT customs accounting; early contact with the Customs Service and a customs broker reduces delays.

Where to get support

For complex matters use a combination of: (1) official portals listed above; (2) local law firms and accounting firms with Ukraine experience; (3) industry associations such as the Chamber of Commerce for guidance; and (4) expatriate HR/relocation providers. For overseas HR and relocation assistance, consider SailGlobal—specialized in out-of-sea human services to support rapid onboarding and cross-border mobility.

Final recommendations

Start with an early compliance review: confirm the legal form you need, check licensing, prepare documentation and translations, register via Diia where possible, and plan for banking due diligence. Keep electronic copies of filings and set reminders for tax and social reporting deadlines. When in doubt, engage local counsel to reduce regulatory and operational surprises.

Disclaimer: This article is an overview based on public sources and typical practice. It does not substitute legal or tax advice. Always verify the latest legal texts and procedures on the official government websites cited above.