Relocate your business to Europe — with a team that knows both systems from the inside
Thousands of Ukrainian companies have already relocated or are planning to relocate their legal address to the European Union. The reasons vary: access to European markets, asset protection, convenience of settlements with international partners, stability of the legal environment.
But business relocation is not simply registering a new company abroad. It means transferring contracts, licences, and intellectual property. It means tax planning across two jurisdictions. It means dozens of nuances where a mistake costs time and money.
AO Zakhyst is the only law firm with offices both in Ukraine (over 50) and in six EU countries. We handle your case from the first consultation in Odesa or Kyiv through to your company operating fully in Warsaw, Prague, or Amsterdam. One team, one point of contact, both jurisdictions.
Who needs this
IT companies and freelancers
Who want to work with European clients through a European legal entity, receive payments in euros, and simplify tax reporting.
Manufacturing and trading companies
Who need a legal address in the EU to participate in tenders, conclude contracts with European partners, or import/export without unnecessary barriers.
Startups and technology companies
Who want to attract European investment, enter the EU market, or gain access to grant programmes.
Business owners who have moved to Europe
And want to bring their company closer to where they live, while maintaining ties with Ukrainian operations.
What we do
Analysis and jurisdiction selection
There is no "best" country for everyone. The optimal choice depends on your business type, clients, tax circumstances, and personal plans. We analyse your situation and recommend a specific country and form of registration.
- Poland — the most popular choice for small and medium-sized businesses. The Sp. z o.o. form is registered in 2–4 weeks.
- Czech Republic — attractive for its tax system and geographic proximity. The s.r.o. form.
- Netherlands — ideal for holding structures and international trade. The B.V. form.
- Germany — for those who want to work with German clients. The GmbH form.
- France — for companies focused on the French-speaking market. The SARL or SAS form.
- Finland — for technology companies and startups. Access to the Scandinavian market.
Company registration
After choosing a jurisdiction, we take care of the entire registration process:
- Preparation of founding documents in two languages
- Registration in the country's commercial register
- Obtaining a tax number
- VAT registration (where required)
- Opening a corporate bank account
- Obtaining a legal address
Business transfer
Registration is just the beginning. The real business then needs to be transferred:
- Transfer or re-registration of contracts with clients and suppliers
- Transfer of intellectual property rights
- Transfer of licences and permits
- Formalising employment relationships with employees
- Setting up accounting under new standards
Tax planning
One of the most complex parts of relocation. When a business operates in two countries, you need a clear understanding of where and which taxes to pay.
- Analysis of tax burden in both jurisdictions
- Structuring the business to minimise taxes within the law
- Application of double taxation avoidance agreements
- Transfer pricing consultations
Ongoing support
After relocation is complete, we remain your legal partner both in Europe and in Ukraine:
- Quarterly legal maintenance
- Changes to articles of association, shareholding, address
- Representation in courts of both jurisdictions
- Consultations on new legislative changes
How much does it cost
We work with fixed packages so you know the cost upfront.
Start Package
Company registration, tax number, legal address, basic taxation consultation.
Business Package
Everything in Start + bank account opening, transfer of up to 5 contracts, accounting setup, VAT registration.
Full Relocation Package
Everything in Business + intellectual property transfer, employment formalisation, tax planning, 3 months of legal support after registration.
Custom Package
For holding structures, M&A situations, and complex international arrangements. Price discussed after analysis.
All prices are fixed — no hidden fees. You know the amount before work begins.
How long does it take
Poland (Sp. z o.o.)
2–4 weeks from document submission to full registration.
Czech Republic (s.r.o.)
3–5 weeks. A notarised memorandum of association is required.
Netherlands (B.V.)
1–3 weeks. One of the fastest procedures in the EU.
Germany (GmbH)
4–8 weeks. Requires notarial certification and a minimum share capital of €25,000.
France (SARL/SAS)
3–6 weeks.
Finland (Oy)
2–4 weeks. Fully digital procedure.
Common mistakes in business relocation
Choosing a country "on a friend's advice"
What works for an IT freelancer does not work for a manufacturing company. The jurisdiction must be chosen for the specific business.
Registering without tax planning
A company is registered, then it turns out the tax burden is higher than expected. Or double taxation arises.
Ignoring Ukrainian legislation
The Ukrainian legal entity must be properly closed or restructured, otherwise legal and tax risks arise.
Opening a bank account independently
European banks scrutinise Ukrainian clients very carefully. Without properly prepared documents, rejection is practically guaranteed.
Trying to do everything yourself online
Every situation is unique. A mistake in the founding documents can block an account or create problems with the tax authorities for years.
Why AO Zakhyst
Offices in both systems
50+ offices in Ukraine and 6 offices in EU countries — Berlin, Prague, Kraków, Paris, Amsterdam, Helsinki. We are physically present where your business is.
One team — two jurisdictions
You do not need to hire separate lawyers in Ukraine and Europe. We coordinate the entire process within one firm.
14+ years of experience
Founded in 2011, we have become Ukraine's largest law firm. 95% of cases — in favour of clients.
Transparent pricing
Fixed packages with no hidden fees. You know the amount before work begins.
eAdvokat
A mobile app through which you see every step: documents, statuses, messages from your lawyer. Full control in your phone.
Multilingual
We work in Ukrainian, German, Polish, Czech, French, Dutch, Finnish, and English.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to close my company in Ukraine?
Not necessarily. Depending on your situation, it may be more beneficial to keep the Ukrainian company and create a subsidiary or affiliated structure in the EU. We analyse each case individually.
Can I be a director of an EU company while living in Ukraine?
In most EU countries — yes, but there are nuances around tax residency. In some jurisdictions it is advisable to have a local director or representative. We will find the optimal structure.
How much money is needed for share capital?
It depends on the country. In Poland the minimum is 5,000 PLN (~€1,150). In Czech Republic — 1 CZK. In Netherlands — €0.01. In Germany — €25,000 for GmbH or €1 for UG. We will help you choose the optimal form.
Will I be able to open a bank account without problems?
This is one of the most frequent difficulties. We prepare a complete set of documents tailored to the specific bank's requirements and accompany the process through to successful opening.
What about employees who remain in Ukraine?
There are several legal options: an employment contract through the Ukrainian company, a services contract with the European company, or registration as independent contractors. Each option has its own tax implications — we will help you choose the right one.
Can a trademark be transferred?
Yes. If your trademark is registered in Ukraine, it can be re-registered or a new application can be filed at the EU level through EUIPO. We manage this process in full.
Book a free consultation
Tell us about your business — and within 30 minutes we will give you a concrete action plan: which country to choose, how much it will cost, what the timelines are, and what steps to take first.