Protecting your rights in disputes with banks, creditors, and debt collectors — on the side of Ukrainians in Europe
You moved to Europe. You opened an account, took out a loan, received charges you do not understand. Or your bank blocked your account without explanation. Or debt collectors are calling and threatening you.
Financial law in every EU country has its own specifics. And when you do not know the language and local laws — protecting your rights without a lawyer is practically impossible.
AO Zakhyst has offices in six EU countries (Berlin, Prague, Kraków, Paris, Amsterdam, Helsinki) and over 50 offices in Ukraine. We defend your interests against banks, creditors, debt collectors, and tax authorities in both jurisdictions.
Who we help
Those with bank disputes
Refusal to open an account, account blocking, unexplained fees and debits. In most EU countries there is a right to a basic bank account — a refusal may be unlawful.
Those with credit problems
Unlawful fines and penalties, repayment difficulties, debt collector pressure. We check the lawfulness of the agreement and protect your rights.
Those who want to transfer money between Ukraine and the EU
Currency regulation, NBU restrictions, SWIFT transfer rules, declaration requirements. We advise on how to transfer funds legally and with minimum losses.
Entrepreneurs with tax questions
Double taxation, declaration of foreign income, determination of tax residency. We cover both jurisdictions with one team.
Bank disputes
Refusal to open an account
The bank refuses without explaining the reasons. In most EU countries there is a right to a basic bank account (Payment Accounts Directive) — and a refusal may be unlawful. We appeal the refusal through the financial ombudsman or court.
Account blocking
The bank blocked an account due to "suspicious transactions" and demands an explanation of the origin of funds. This is often related to enhanced checks for Ukrainian clients. We help unblock the account and provide the bank with the necessary documents.
Unlawful fees and debits
The bank charges fees you were not aware of, or debits money for services you did not order. We analyse the agreement, prepare a complaint to the bank, and contact the financial ombudsman (BaFin, AFM, ACPR).
Credit disputes and debt collectors
Checking the lawfulness of the credit
We verify whether disclosure requirements were met and whether the interest rate was correctly calculated. We challenge unlawful fines and penalties, and negotiate debt restructuring.
Protection from debt collectors
Debt collection companies in Europe often act aggressively towards foreigners. But the law clearly defines their limits: they have no right to threaten or intimidate, call at night or at work, or mislead. We stop unlawful pressure and dispute debts.
Personal bankruptcy
If debts have become unmanageable — the personal bankruptcy procedure allows part or all of the debts to be discharged and a fresh start to be made.
- Germany: Privatinsolvenz — 3 years, then discharge of remaining debt (Restschuldbefreiung)
- Poland: Upadłość konsumencka — simplified procedure since 2020
- Czech Republic: Oddlužení — 3–5 years, discharge of remaining debt
- France: Surendettement — repayment plan or discharge through the Commission de surendettement
- Netherlands: WSNP — 18 months–3 years
Money transfers and taxes
Legal transfers between Ukraine and the EU
NBU restrictions on currency transfers from Ukraine, declaration rules for large sums when crossing the border (over €10,000), bank requirements for proof of origin of funds, taxation of transfers in both jurisdictions. We advise on how to transfer money legally, quickly, and with minimum losses.
Tax residency and double taxation
Where do you pay taxes — in Ukraine or in your country of residence? The answer depends on where you actually reside, where your centre of vital interests is, and how many days per year you spend in each country. Ukraine has double taxation avoidance agreements with all six countries where we have offices.
Income declaration
If you are a tax resident of an EU country and have income or assets in Ukraine — you are obliged to declare them. Non-declaration can lead to fines. We determine your tax residency, analyse obligations, and prepare or review declarations.
How much does it cost
Consultation with analysis
Analysis of your situation, prospects assessment, action plan.
Account unblocking
Document preparation, communication with bank, complaint to ombudsman.
Dispute with bank or creditor
Agreement analysis, formal demand, negotiations, representation.
Protection from debt collectors
Stopping unlawful pressure, disputing the debt.
Bankruptcy support
Full procedure from analysis to debt discharge.
Tax consultation
Two jurisdictions: residency determination, obligation analysis, recommendations.
Common mistakes
Ignoring letters from banks and tax authorities
A letter from Finanzamt, Belastingdienst, or Skatteverket is not spam. Ignoring it leads to fines, additional assessments, and account blocking.
Not declaring income from Ukraine
If you are a tax resident of an EU country — you are obliged to declare all worldwide income, including income from Ukraine. Ignorance is no protection from fines.
Signing bank agreements without understanding them
The agreement is written in a language you do not know. Show it to us before signing — we will identify hidden terms and risks.
Yielding to debt collector pressure
Debt collectors often know that foreigners are unaware of their rights. Many of their methods are unlawful — and compensation is available for that.
Frequently asked questions
The bank refused to open an account for me. Can I do anything?
Yes. The EU Payment Accounts Directive guarantees the right to a basic account for every lawful resident. A refusal must be justified. We appeal the refusal through the financial ombudsman or court.
Debt collectors are calling me and making threats. What should I do?
Contact us. Threats, night-time calls, calls to your workplace, misleading statements — all of these are grounds for a complaint and claiming compensation from the collection company. Debt collectors are obliged to operate within the law.
Do I need to pay taxes in Ukraine if I live in Europe?
If you have lost Ukrainian tax resident status (you do not reside there for more than 183 days per year), you pay taxes only on income from Ukrainian sources. But determining residency is a complex question. We will help you work it out.
Can I declare bankruptcy if I have debts both in Ukraine and in Europe?
Yes, but the procedure will be different for each jurisdiction. Bankruptcy in one country does not automatically extend to debts in another. We analyse the full picture and recommend a strategy that covers both jurisdictions.
How much does the first consultation cost?
From €100. This amount is credited against the cost of services if you decide to continue working with us.
Book a consultation
Tell us about your situation — and within 30 minutes we will give you a concrete action plan: what rights you have, what compensation is realistic, and what steps to take first.