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Market Entry & Business Setup in Ukraine

Comprehensive legal support for entering the Ukrainian market: from selecting the optimal legal presence model and structuring the business to launching operations and ensuring regulatory compliance.

GOLAW advises and supports foreign investors, international companies, startups, and corporate groups planning to establish or scale their operations in Ukraine. 

WHAT IS LEGAL SUPPORT FOR MARKET ENTRY PROJECTS?

Legal support for market entry covers structuring legal presence in Ukraine, selecting the optimal legal form, tax planning, regulatory analysis, obtaining permits and licenses, and mitigating legal and compliance risks. The process addresses sector-specific regulatory considerations.

GOLAW lawyers are engaged at the strategic planning stage and accompany the client through to the full launch of operations. We conduct risk assessments, represent investors’ interests before government authorities and banks, structure employment relationships, and provide support at every stage of market entry. Our role is to transform complex regulatory procedures into a clear roadmap — protecting our clients’ assets and reputation in a new jurisdiction. 

What we do:

  • Registering the presence of foreign legal entities in Ukraine in the legal form best suited to the business, including the incorporation of subsidiaries and representative offices; 
  • Structuring relationships between partners; 
  • Obtaining sector-specific permits and licenses; 
  • Opening bank accounts; 
  • Drafting key agreements and internal policies for business launch; 
  • Tax planning and corporate structuring with due regard to special legal regimes, including Diia.City and Defence City; 
  • Immigration support and work permit processing for foreign specialists; and
  • Ongoing legal support for operations across corporate, tax, and regulatory matters.

What does legal support for a project include?

1
1
Analysis & strategic planning
Assessing market and regulatory conditions, selecting the optimal legal presence model in Ukraine, and analysing the tax implications and risks of market entry
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2
Structuring & Incorporation
Preparing and submitting documents for the state registration of a legal entity or representative office, drafting constitutional documents, and establishing the corporate structure and governance framework
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3
Structuring relationships between participants (shareholders)
Drafting shareholders agreements, and addressing matters of governance, profit distribution, and exit mechanisms
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4
Regulatory support
Obtaining the required sector-specific licenses and permits, liaising with regulatory authorities, and opening bank accounts
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5
Operational launch preparation
Drafting commercial contracts, employment agreements, and internal policies tailored to the business’s needs and aligned with best practices
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6
Legalization of foreign personnel
Managing immigration procedures and obtaining work permits and residence permits for foreign employees and executives
7
7
Ongoing legal support
Continuous advisory support on corporate, employment, tax, and regulatory matters throughout the course of doing business in Ukraine

Key lawyers

Sergii Oberkovych
Sergii Oberkovych
  • Managing Partner at GOLAW, Attorney at law
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Contact
Linkedin
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Oleksandr Melnyk
Oleksandr Melnyk
  • Partner, Head of Corporate Law and M&A practice, Attorney at law
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Contact
Linkedin PDF

We are trusted

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Frequently asked questions

  • Is the founder’s physical presence required for business registration?

    No, the founder’s physical presence is not required. Most registration procedures can be carried out by a representative acting under a duly executed power of attorney.

  • How long does market entry take?

    The timeline depends on the chosen structure and sector of activity. The registration of a company or representative office itself takes up to a few business days; however, the full cycle (including account opening, licensing, and obtaining permits) may take considerably longer.

  • What are the main risks when entering the market?

    The most common risks relate to selecting an inappropriate corporate governance structure, tax implications, foreign currency restrictions, and non-compliance with sector-specific regulatory requirements.

  • What is the better option: establishing a local subsidiary or registering a representative office?

    The choice depends on the degree of autonomy your business requires in Ukraine.

    A local company is a separate legal entity. It acts in its own name, independently holds assets, and bears liability for its obligations solely to the extent of its registered share capital. For the purpose of conducting full-scale business operations, we recommend establishing a local company.

    A representative office is merely a structural subdivision (branch) of a foreign legal entity. This means that the foreign company bears full legal and financial responsibility for all acts, contracts, and debts of its representative office in Ukraine.

  • Is it possible to acquire an existing business or assets instead of registering a new company?

    Yes, acquiring an existing business is a viable alternative to incorporating a new legal entity. This approach may allow for a faster launch of operations and provide access to an established client base, existing staff, and permits already in place.

    At the same time, this path involves assuming the seller’s existing risks. In such cases, legal due diligence is an indispensable condition of any transaction, covering an analysis of the corporate structure, contractual obligations, litigation and enforcement proceedings, tax risks, and the condition of assets.

  • What are the charter capital requirements for a new company?

    In Ukraine, there is no minimum charter capital threshold for most types of business activity. Nevertheless, we recommend establishing capital sufficient to cover operating expenses for the initial months of operation and to ensure the investment attractiveness of the newly incorporated entity.

Get in touch

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+380 44 581 1220
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