Starting a business in Ukraine presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Companies located in Ukraine are well-positioned to benefit from the country’s advantageous geographical location, attractive tax advantages and well-developed regulatory framework. Although Ukraine has a much smaller economy than some of its neighbours, it still offers abundant opportunities for business in various sectors – from the traditional agriculture and steel industry to the fast-growing IT and manufacturing sectors.
For any aspiring entrepreneurs, the process of setting up a Ukrainian-registered company is a complex and demanding one. In this article, we provide an overview of the steps you need to take in order to open a company in Ukraine.
Choose the Legal Structure of Your Company
The first step in opening a company in Ukraine is selecting the type of business entity you want to set up. There are four main types of business entity in Ukraine: limited liability companies, individual entrepreneurs, joint-stock companies, and partnerships. Of these, the limited liability company (LLC) is the most popular, as it is the most straightforward to set up and offers the most favourable tax regime.
When selecting a business entity, you will need to consider factors such as the size of your business, the complexity of your business operations, and the level of ownership control that you require.
You will also need to decide on a name for your company. The name must be unique and must not be similar to any existing businesses in the area. Once you have selected a name, you will need to register it with the Ministry of Justice.
Obtain Necessary Documents and Licenses
Once your company is registered, you will need to obtain the necessary documents and licenses that are required to operate a business in Ukraine. Depending on the type of business, there are a variety of documents and licenses needed. These include:
- Certificate of State Registration
- Tax Identification Number
- VAT Registration
- Employment permits and related documents
- Permits and licenses to conduct certain activities
In addition, if you plan to import or export goods, you will need to obtain additional permits and licenses from the appropriate government agencies.
Open a Bank Account
Once you have all the necessary documents and licenses, you will need to open a bank account in order to start operating your business. You will have to choose a bank and decide on a type of account that suits your needs. Ukrainian banks usually offer several types of accounts such as a savings account, a current account, an escrow account and others.
Opening a bank account in Ukraine can be done online or in person. To open an online account you will need to provide proof of identity and address, and you will be required to make a minimum deposit in order to activate the account. In-person bank accounts may require other documents or presence of legal representatives.
Register for Taxes
To operate a business in Ukraine, you will need to register for taxes with the State Tax Service. The types of taxes that must be registered for vary depending on the type of business. This includes:
- Value-Added Tax (VAT)
- Income tax
- Social Contribution Tax
- Property Tax
- Advance Payment Tax
Once registered for taxes, you will be required to pay taxes on a regular basis. In general, companies are required to make tax payments on a quarterly basis. The amount of tax payable will depend on the type of business and whether or not the company is registered for VAT.
Register with the Pension Fund
When opening a company in Ukraine, you will also need to register with the Pension Fund. This will enable you to make contributions to the Pension Fund on behalf of your staff. Depending on the size of your business, the number of employees and the type of activity, the amount of contributions will vary.
Hire Employees
When opening a company in Ukraine, you will also need to hire staff. Ukrainian employment laws have a range of specific requirements that must be followed. In general, employers are required to provide social security and medical insurance coverage to their employees, as well as comply with minimum wage requirements.
When hiring staff, it is important to remember that once employed, employees are entitled to certain rights under Ukrainian labour laws. These rights include: overtime pay, minimum holiday allowances, the right to collective bargaining and the right to strike.
Rent or Buy a workspace
In order to operate a business, you will need to have a workspace. Depending on the type of business, you can either rent or purchase a workspace. If you are planning to rent, you will need to sign a contract with the landlord, which will set out the terms of the lease. This contract should specify things such as the duration of the lease, the amount of rent payable and any restrictions on the use of the premises.
If you are purchasing a workspace, there are several things to consider. These include the size of the workspace, the location, the type of business activities that can be conducted in the workspace and the legal requirements for any necessary zoning changes.
Acquire Equipment and Supplies
Once you have a workspace, you will need to purchase the equipment and supplies necessary to operate your business. This will include computers, printers, office furniture, stationery and any other equipment that is needed. It is important to compare prices and shop around to ensure that you get the best value for your money.
Promote your Business
In order to establish a successful business in Ukraine, you will need to market your business and promote it to the public. This can be done through a variety of means, such as online advertising, social media marketing, print and radio advertising and word of mouth.
If you are planning to open a business in Ukraine, it is important to understand the local regulations and to ensure that you comply with them. Although the process of setting up a business in Ukraine can be time-consuming and complex, following the steps outlined in this article will ensure that you are well-positioned to take advantage of the many business opportunities that the country has to offer.
