You have registered a company (LLC) or a sole proprietorship (individual entrepreneur), but this does not always mean you can start operating immediately. Certain business activities (KVED activity codes) require businesses to obtain the relevant business permits and authorizations before commencing operations. These documents include licenses, permits, official opinions, declarations, special authorizations, and certificates. In this article, we take a closer look at business declarations, special permits, and certificates required in Ukraine.
Business Declarations
The declarative principle is established in Article 4-2 of the Law of Ukraine "On the Permitting System in the Field of Economic Activity." This principle allows businesses to commence certain activities by notifying the relevant government authority that they comply with applicable legal requirements. Filing a declaration is free of charge, and registration cannot be refused. Below are several types of business activities for which a declaration is required.
Occupational Health and Safety
Businesses performing high-risk work or operating the relevant machinery and equipment (Category B under the list approved by Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 1107 dated 26 October 2011) must submit a declaration confirming that their facilities and technical resources comply with occupational health and safety legislation. The declaration can be submitted online through the Diia platform or the electronic services portal. Registration is completed automatically or within several days. This declaration replaces a permit for activities classified as presenting a lower level of risk.
Fire Safety
A declaration confirming that the company's facilities and technical resources comply with fire safety legislation (Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 440) must be submitted before any premises are put into use. Registration with the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SES) is free of charge and takes up to five business days. The declaration can also be registered online through the SES portal or Diia. This requirement does not apply to market trading spaces operating under an approved layout. Facilities classified as high-risk additionally require an expert assessment report.
Overseas Employment Placement Services
Licensing requirements for this type of activity have now been abolished. Instead, businesses must submit a declaration of economic activity in the field of overseas employment placement services (Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 1118 and Article 38 of the Law of Ukraine "On Employment of the Population"). The business must have a foreign trade agreement with an overseas employer and a registered place of business. After the application is submitted to the Ministry of Economy, the business is added to the relevant Register within 10 business days.
Other documents required to conduct business in Ukraine include special permits and certificates.
Foreign economic activity (international trade) (the export or import of certain goods) may require licenses issued by the Ministry of Economy (in accordance with annual Cabinet of Ministers resolutions establishing lists of regulated goods and quotas) or authorizations from the State Service of Export Control of Ukraine (for military and dual-use goods). Certificates of origin (EUR.1), phytosanitary and veterinary certificates, and quality certificates are also frequently required. Depending on the goods and their Ukrainian Classification of Goods for Foreign Economic Activity (UKT ZED) codes, these documents are issued by customs authorities, the State Production and Consumer Service of Ukraine, and other competent authorities. Certificates may also be required to confirm compliance in construction, property valuation, and other regulated sectors.
Registration of food business operator facilities. Sanitary and epidemiological requirements (food products).
If a food business operator's facilities do not require an operational permit, they must undergo state registration (Law of Ukraine "On Basic Principles and Requirements for Food Safety and Quality", Ministry of Agrarian Policy Order No. 431). The application must be submitted no later than 10 calendar days before the business starts operating. It can be filed through the Diia platform, a local Administrative Services Centre (CNAP), or the State Production and Consumer Service. Registration is free of charge and takes up to 10 calendar days. Each registered facility is assigned a unique identification number.
Legal framework governing the issuance of the above-mentioned business permits and authorizations:
- Law of Ukraine "On the Permitting System in the Field of Economic Activity".
- Law of Ukraine "On the List of Permitting Documents in the Field of Economic Activity".
- Law of Ukraine "On Occupational Health and Safety".
- Law of Ukraine "On Employment of the Population".
- Law of Ukraine "On Basic Principles and Requirements for Food Safety and Quality".
- Law of Ukraine "On Foreign Economic Activity".
- Relevant resolutions of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.
Practical Tips and Expert Recommendations
* Whenever possible, submit documents online through Diia, the єДозвіл system, or relevant industry-specific portals. This makes the process faster and helps minimize errors.
* Before starting business operations, always check the latest lists of regulated activities and goods.
* Keep track of regulatory changes and submit updated declarations in a timely manner.
* For international trade, determine the correct UKT ZED classification code and identify all required certificates in advance.
* During martial law, certain procedures have been simplified through digital services, including the Diia portal and єДекларація.
What Are the Key Takeaways?
Business declarations, special permits, and certificates are also an essential part of Ukraine's business licensing and regulatory framework. They provide businesses with greater flexibility while helping protect public interests. Today, most procedures are available in digital format and free of charge. Obtaining the correct documents before starting operations helps protect your business from fines and the suspension of business activities. To ensure compliance with Ukrainian legal requirements, we recommend seeking professional legal advice on obtaining business permits and authorizations or carefully checking the relevant information on official government portals before submitting your documents.
