Entering the Ukrainian market with a legal partner that has 50+ offices across the country
Ukraine is a market of 40 million people, with a strategic location between the EU and Asia, a growing digital economy, and unprecedented opportunities linked to reconstruction. Billions of euros in international financing are already being directed to infrastructure, energy, logistics, agriculture, and technology.
But Ukraine is also a jurisdiction with its own specifics: different corporate law, different tax rules, different regulatory procedures, different business culture. Without a reliable local legal partner, European businesses risk spending months on what would take weeks with the right support.
AO Zakhyst is Ukraine's largest law firm with over 50 offices in every region of the country. At the same time we have offices in Berlin, Prague, Kraków, Paris, Amsterdam, and Helsinki. We speak your language, know your business standards — and know how they relate to Ukrainian reality.
Who needs this
Companies entering the Ukrainian market for the first time
You are exploring opportunities but do not know where to start. What form of presence to choose? What permits are required? How to protect your investments?
Construction and infrastructure companies
Ukraine's reconstruction programme represents hundreds of billions of euros in investment. To participate in tenders you need a legal partner who knows both international tender procedures and Ukrainian legislation.
Technology companies and IT businesses
Ukraine is one of Europe's largest IT hubs. Hiring developers, establishing an R&D centre, or acquiring an IT company.
Agro-industrial companies
Ukraine is one of the world's largest grain producers. Entering this market requires knowledge of land, environmental, and customs legislation.
Financial institutions
Banks, insurance companies, PE funds considering Ukraine as an investment destination. Regulatory requirements, licensing, investment structuring.
Companies already operating in Ukraine
You are already in the market but need a reliable legal partner for ongoing maintenance, expansion, or restructuring.
What we do
Market and legal environment analysis
Comprehensive review of the legal conditions for doing business in your sector, regulatory requirements, tax burden, labour legislation, IP protection, currency regulation.
Choosing a form of presence
- Representative office — for market research and initial market intelligence
- Subsidiary (LLC or JSC) — a full legal entity, the most common option
- Branch — a structural subdivision with the right to conduct commercial activities
- Joint venture — pooling resources with a Ukrainian partner
- Contractual model — working through distributors or agents
Registration and obtaining permits
Document preparation, registration, tax number, bank accounts, sector licences, trademark registration.
Tax planning
Choosing a tax system, applying double taxation avoidance agreements, transfer pricing, profit repatriation planning.
Labour law and hiring
Employment contracts, dismissal rules, social contributions, working with sole traders, work permits for foreigners.
Ongoing legal maintenance
Subscription service, court representation, interaction with government bodies, consultations on new legislative changes, compliance.
Our advantage: 50+ offices throughout Ukraine
On-site counterparty verification
Your potential partner in Dnipro? Our office in Dnipro will verify them within two days — physically inspecting the office, production facilities, and documents.
Representation in any region
A court case in Kharkiv, registration in Lviv, property inspection in Odesa — we do not need to travel anywhere. We are already there.
Knowledge of local specifics
Every region has its own characteristics. Our lawyers in each region know these characteristics from first-hand experience.
Speed of response
When something happens — our lawyer is on site within hours, not days.
How much does it cost
One-off projects
Legal market analysis
Comprehensive review of legal conditions for your sector.
Presence registration
Full package: documents, registration, tax number, bank account.
Investment structuring
Analysis, form selection, tax planning, documentation.
Partner due diligence
Legal, tax, and corporate status verification.
Ongoing maintenance
Basic Package
Up to 10 hours of consultations, review of up to 5 agreements, change monitoring.
Business Package
Up to 25 hours, unlimited agreements, representation before government bodies.
Corporate Package
Full legal maintenance, dedicated lawyer, court representation, compliance.
Sectors we work with
Construction and infrastructure
Tenders, government contracts, land law, environmental permits, construction licences.
IT and technology
Outsourcing, R&D centres, IP protection, employment relations with developers.
Agro-industrial complex
Land law, land lease, grain exports, phytosanitary requirements.
Energy
Licensing, green tariff, PPA agreements, grid connection.
Financial sector
NBU and NSSMC licensing, regulatory compliance, product structuring.
Pharmaceuticals and healthcare
Medicinal product registration, clinical trials, licensing.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to invest in Ukraine right now?
Risks exist, and we will be honest about them. But a significant part of the country is operating, and reconstruction programmes are creating unprecedented opportunities. We will help you assess the risks for your specific project.
How long does company registration in Ukraine take?
An LLC with a foreign founder — 2–4 weeks. A representative office — 3–6 weeks. A branch — 4–8 weeks. Sector licences — additionally from 2 weeks to 3 months.
Do I need to be physically present in Ukraine?
For most procedures — no. We act on your behalf under a power of attorney.
How can I protect an investment from political risks?
We structure investments using bilateral investment treaties (BITs), arbitration clauses, political risk insurance, and proper choice of holding jurisdiction.
Can I repatriate profits from Ukraine?
Yes, but in compliance with currency legislation. Dividends are taxed at 5–15%. We structure repatriation with minimum tax burden.
Start with a free meeting
Tell us about your business and your objectives in Ukraine — and in one meeting we will give you a preliminary assessment of legal conditions, a recommendation on form of presence, an indicative budget, and timelines.