Foreigners who come to Ukraine often face a choice: to establish a legal entity (‘LLC’) or to become an individual entrepreneur (‘IE’). An IE is a sole proprietorship that allows you to do business more easily, with lower costs and less bureaucracy than a legal entity.

To open a FOP, a foreigner needs a passport, an official translation, and an identification code (RNOKPP). We at BuhalteriO take care of all these procedures: we prepare a power of attorney, work with a notary, and a translator if the client does not understand Ukrainian. After that, we go to the tax office to obtain the identification code – the process is simplified, and we do everything for the client.

Consultation and preparation of documents for opening a FOP

After obtaining the identification code, the next step is a consultation on the tax system. We explain that there is a single tax (a percentage of income) and a general system (tax on profit). Here, it is important to consider the status: there are non-residents who have residence permits (permanent or temporary), and there are those who have none. There are nuances for each option, and we explain all of this.

After choosing the system, a visit to the bank is required. We always accompany the client, because not everyone in banks speaks English, and we ensure a comfortable account opening process.

The cost of our consultations starts from $100, and the full package of services – from $300. We support the entire process: from consultation to registration and subsequent accounting support.

Opening a FOP (sole proprietorship) in Ukraine is a real and accessible way for foreigners to legalize their activities, receive income from Ukraine and international partners, and pay taxes officially. In this article, we will cover:

  • How can a non-resident become an entrepreneur in Ukraine?
  • What documents are needed?
  • How to open a bank account?
  • How does the accounting company BuhalteriO support a foreigner?

So, let’s look at each point in more detail to understand how the process of opening a FOP for non-residents actually happens.

Who can open a FOP in Ukraine?

According to the legislation of Ukraine, any foreigner or stateless person who has:

  • an individual tax number (INN, RNOKPP),
  • legal status in Ukraine (e.g., a temporary/permanent residence permit),
  • a valid residential or registration address,

can become a sole proprietor.

If all these conditions are met, the foreigner has the full right to register as an entrepreneur and start activities officially.

What documents are needed to open a FOP?

To register a FOP, a non-resident must provide:

  1. Passport (with translation, if not in Ukrainian).
  2. Tax number (INN).
  3. Residential address in Ukraine.
  4. A document confirming the right to stay in Ukraine (visa, residence permit).

After collecting these documents, you can proceed to the registration stage and choose a tax system.

How does the FOP registration take place?

Since 2021, an electronic registration system has been operating in Ukraine through the Diia portal (but this portal is not suitable for non-residents), so the procedure usually starts through a state registrar. We help foreigners:

  • obtain an INN,
  • translate documents and have them notarized,
  • submit an application to the state registrar,
  • choose a tax system (Group 3 of the single tax — the most popular for IT specialists and freelancers).

Thanks to our support, a foreigner receives entrepreneur status within a few days.

Registration period — from 1 to 2 working days after applying.

Opening a bank account: what you need to know?

After registering the FOP, the foreigner is obliged to open a current account in one of the Ukrainian banks. We also explain that different banks have their own peculiarities: Monobank, Privatbank, PUMB, and others. We explain:

  • What tariffs are available for non-residents?
  • What cards can be issued?
  • How to make transfers and receive SWIFT payments?
  • What currency transaction limits exist?
  • How do currency control and financial monitoring work?

These factors help to avoid misunderstandings with banks and make financial operations transparent.

Support when opening an account

After opening a bank account, we conduct a detailed mini-guide for the client. We explain how to work with online banking (client-bank) and what the main functions are: sending payments, checking balances, and currency operations. We explain that this may look different in different banks: Monobank, Privatbank, and PUMB—each has its own features.

We will also tell you about tariffs for non-residents, which cards can be issued, how to make transfers, and why some operations may take longer due to currency control. We explain that Ukraine has currency restrictions and financial monitoring, and how this affects their operations.

During account activation, we help the client: we explain how to make the first payment through a terminal (which is often in Ukrainian). We are always nearby to facilitate this process, as a foreign client may not be able to figure out these nuances on their own.

We will separately note that our support also includes ongoing consultations for the future: if questions arise about payments, commissions, or cash withdrawals, we will always help. So this part about money is important, and we simplify it as much as possible for the client.

Accounting support for a non-resident FOP

After successful registration, it is important to have constant support from an accountant. Here is how we help our clients. The BuhalteriO team provides full support:

  • consultation and selection of the optimal tax model,
  • preparation and submission of reports,
  • control over the payment of taxes and SSC (Single Social Contribution),
  • consultations on currency regulation,
  • protection of interests during audits.

This way, we ensure full control over the client’s finances and peace of mind in their work.

How much does it cost? How to pay for our services in foreign currency.

Our tariffs are designed for maximum client convenience:

  • Consultation—$100
  • Full “turnkey” package—from $300
  • Monthly accounting support—from $50/month (depending on the volume of work)

Payment by individuals for the services provided can be made conveniently in any available way—via Apple Pay, bank cards of international payment systems directly on the website, via a LiqPay payment link, or other online platforms.

Why foreigners choose BuhalteriO to open a FOP

Our clients value us for a number of advantages that make cooperation as comfortable as possible:

  • over 10 years of experience with foreigners,
  • we work with English-speaking clients,
  • multilingual support (Ukrainian, English, German)
  • a transparent payment system and support at every stage.

Thanks to these qualities, BuhalteriO is deservedly considered a reliable partner for foreigners who want to work legally in Ukraine.

Start your business in Ukraine with BuhalteriO

Opening a FOP in Ukraine for a foreigner is not difficult if you have a reliable partner. We take care of all the bureaucracy so you can focus on your business. Choose BuhalteriO—and let us take care of everything else!

For clients in Ukraine: 0 800 207 821

For clients from abroad: +380(73) 400 70 91

All calls are free