Protect what you have earned — and pass it on properly when the time comes
If you have assets both in Ukraine and in Europe — an apartment in Kyiv, an account in Warsaw, a business in Prague, land in Odesa region — you live in two legal systems simultaneously. And each of them has its own rules regarding ownership, inheritance, taxation, and asset protection.
These rules often conflict with one another. A will drawn up under Ukrainian law may be invalid in Germany. An estate opened in France may be taxed differently than you expected. A bank account in the Netherlands after the owner's death may be blocked for months while heirs navigate the procedures of two countries.
AO Zakhyst is the only law firm with offices both in Ukraine (over 50) and in six EU countries. We see the full picture of your assets in both jurisdictions and build a strategy that works everywhere.
Who needs this
Ukrainians who have moved to Europe
An apartment, house, plot of land, business stake, bank account in Ukraine. While you live abroad, your assets in Ukraine need legal protection and a clear plan for the future.
Families divided between two countries
A husband working in Germany, a wife who stayed in Ukraine. Assets in both jurisdictions. Who inherits what and under which law — a question better answered now, not left for later.
Entrepreneurs with businesses in two jurisdictions
A company in Ukraine, a company in Poland, accounts in several banks. How to protect business assets, structure ownership, and prepare for the transfer of the business to the next generation.
Those who have inherited from Ukraine
You have been notified that you are the heir to an apartment in Kharkiv or land in Poltava region. But you live in Finland and do not know how to formalise the inheritance without travelling to Ukraine.
Those who have acquired assets in Europe
You bought real estate in Czech Republic, opened an account in the Netherlands, invested in Germany. How to protect these assets from potential risks: lawsuits, creditor claims, divorce.
Asset protection
Asset audit and risk assessment
Full inventory of what you own in both jurisdictions: real estate, movable property, bank accounts, investments, business stakes, intellectual property. Identification of risks for each category — lawsuits, divorce, creditor claims, corporate raiding.
Ownership structuring
Redistributing assets among legal entities, spouses, and family members in a way that minimises risks. Using holding structures, family companies, and trust mechanisms (where available).
Prenuptial agreement
A prenuptial agreement can protect your assets in the event of divorce. We draft agreements that are valid under both Ukrainian and European law — in accordance with the requirements of the specific EU country.
Protection of real estate in Ukraine
While you are abroad, your real estate in Ukraine may be the subject of fraud or unlawful transfer. We monitor registers, respond promptly to any changes, and represent your interests on the ground. Service — from €500/year.
Succession planning
Choice of applicable law
EU Succession Regulation (Brussels IV) allows you to choose the law of your country of citizenship to govern your entire estate. A Ukrainian living in Germany can choose Ukrainian law for their estate — or vice versa. The choice significantly affects the outcome.
Drafting a will for two jurisdictions
Not just a will, but a will that is effective in both legal systems: compliance with the formal requirements of both countries, clear allocation of who gets what, appointment of an executor, accounting for the forced share (which differs between countries), tax planning.
Power of attorney for incapacity
What will happen to your assets if you temporarily or permanently lose the ability to manage them? We prepare powers of attorney that are valid in both jurisdictions and allow a trusted person to manage your property.
Processing an inheritance
Processing an inheritance in Ukraine (for those living in the EU)
A declaration of acceptance of inheritance must be made within 6 months of the date of death. It is not necessary to travel to Ukraine for this — we act on your behalf under a power of attorney. Our office in the city where the assets are located gathers documents, files applications with the notary, and formalises the certificate of inheritance.
Processing an inheritance in the EU
Timelines and procedures differ in each country. A European Certificate of Succession may be required. Inheritance taxes vary considerably: in Poland and Czech Republic for close relatives — 0%, in Germany — up to 30%, in France — up to 45%, in Netherlands — up to 40%.
Contesting a will
If you believe a will is unfair or was made in violation of requirements — it can be contested. Grounds: testator's lack of legal capacity, made under duress, violation of the forced share, breach of formal requirements, forgery of the will.
How much does it cost
Asset and risk audit
Full inventory, risk analysis, protection recommendations.
Planning Package
Situation analysis, choice of applicable law, will for two jurisdictions, power of attorney for incapacity.
Family Package
Planning for a couple: two wills, prenuptial agreement (or review), powers of attorney, tax planning.
Business Package
Business succession planning: corporate structuring, will, shareholders' agreement, succession plan.
Processing inheritance in Ukraine
Full remote processing: power of attorney, applications, document collection, certificate of inheritance.
Property monitoring
Quarterly register checks, prompt notification of any changes.
Common mistakes
Putting off succession planning "for later"
Nobody plans to die tomorrow. But if it happens without a will — your family will inherit chaos instead of assets. Especially when property is in two countries.
Drawing up a will only under one country's law
A will drawn up with a notary in Kyiv may be invalid for real estate in Germany. You need a will that accounts for both systems.
Not declaring foreign assets
If you live in Germany and have an apartment in Ukraine — you may be obliged to declare it. Ignorance is no defence.
Neglecting the protection of real estate in Ukraine
Fraudulent transfer of real estate is not uncommon. While you are abroad and not monitoring the registers — your apartment may be transferred without your knowledge.
Missing the inheritance acceptance deadline
In Ukraine the deadline is 6 months. If you have missed it — you will need to go to court, which significantly complicates and prolongs the process.
Why AO Zakhyst
We see the full picture
Most lawyers work in one jurisdiction and see only part of your assets. We see everything — in Ukraine and in Europe. This allows us to build a strategy that works holistically.
We act in both jurisdictions simultaneously
Drafting a will in Ukraine and registering a power of attorney in Czech Republic, checking registers in Kyiv and filing an application with the notary in Kraków — we do this in parallel.
50+ offices in Ukraine
Wherever your assets are — we have an office nearby. We obtain documents, represent you in court, and monitor registers on the ground.
Confidentiality
Succession planning and asset protection are deeply personal matters. Communication via the secure eAdvokat app. No third parties have access to your information.
Frequently asked questions
Can I draw up one will for both jurisdictions?
Theoretically — yes, thanks to Brussels IV Regulation. But in practice it is often more effective to have two coordinated wills: one for Ukrainian assets, one for European assets. We analyse your situation and recommend the optimal option.
Do I need to travel to Ukraine to process an inheritance?
No. We process the inheritance entirely remotely: you grant a power of attorney at our European office (or through a consulate), and our lawyer in the relevant Ukrainian city carries out the entire procedure on your behalf.
Is there inheritance tax in Ukraine?
For first-degree heirs (children, spouses, parents) who are Ukrainian residents — 0%. For non-residents (those living in the EU) — 18% income tax + 1.5% military levy. But there are optimisation options — we can discuss them at a consultation.
How to protect an apartment in Ukraine from fraudulent transfer?
We monitor the State Register of Property Rights. At any attempt to change the owner we receive a notification and immediately take action. We also recommend placing an encumbrance that blocks transactions without your personal consent.
How long does processing an inheritance in Ukraine take?
Standard procedure — 6–8 months (6 months waiting + processing). If there are disputes between heirs — from 1 to 2 years. If the acceptance deadline was missed — an additional 2–4 months for court reinstatement of the deadline.
Can a business be transferred to children during one's lifetime?
Yes, and often this is more advantageous from a tax perspective. We help structure the transfer of the business to minimise taxes, retain control (if needed), and avoid disputes between heirs.
Do not delay
Asset protection works when it is set up in advance — before a risk arises. Succession planning works when it is done in advance — before the irreversible happens. The first consultation is free.