How to legally move money from Ukraine to Europe to buy real estate: cash, bank transfers and rules for confirming the origin of funds

More and more Ukrainians are investing in housing abroad – from apartments in Spain to houses in Poland or Portugal. However, before signing the contract, you need to solve the main issue – how to legally transfer your funds outside of Ukraine. Find out how to withdraw money to the EU to buy housing without violating the law – what are the limits, transfer options, declaration rules and bank requirements for confirming the origin of funds

Legal advice for Ukrainians

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More and more Ukrainians are thinking about investing in European real estate - some are looking for stability, some are looking to move, and some simply want to preserve their savings, but the first and most difficult stage is often the question: how to legally transfer money from Ukraine so as not to violate currency and tax rules?

Without proper preparation, you can easily encounter problems at customs, in banks, or even in European financial institutions. To avoid risks, it is worth knowing in advance what restrictions apply, permitted transfer mechanisms, and requirements for confirming the origin of funds.

We will tell you about all the nuances of transferring money abroad in this article.

How much cash can be legally taken out of Ukraine?

According to NBU Resolution No. 203, an individual can take up to 10,000 euros or the equivalent in another currency abroad without special declaration.

If the amount exceeds this threshold, you must declare the funds in writing and provide documents confirming their origin - for example, bank statements, purchase and sale agreements or inheritance documents. Without confirmation, customs has the right to seize the amount exceeding the established limit.

European countries follow similar rules: the amount exceeding 10,000 euros is also subject to declaration. In case of violation of the declaration rules, a Ukrainian faces confiscation of funds and fines. Therefore, the idea of ​​\u200b\u200b“taking out a suitcase of cash” to buy a house in Spain or Poland can turn into serious problems.

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Rules for taking cash abroad

Transporting cash remains legal if all requirements are met. Every citizen of Ukraine, regardless of age, can take out up to 10,000 euros. That is, a family of four can carry up to 40,000 euros, provided that everyone carries their share, there is no need to keep all the money together with one person.

Everything that exceeds 10,000 euros must be declared at customs, for this purpose, keep documents on the origin of the funds with you.

Also, be sure to save a copy of the declaration, as this document may be required by European banks or notaries when buying real estate.

How can you confirm the origin of the funds?

You can confirm the origin of the funds using:

- Bank statement or receipt for currency withdrawal;

- Property purchase and sale agreement;

- Documents on inheritance or gift.

At the same time, most real estate transactions in the EU are carried out via bank transfer, as many countries have restrictions on cash payments, for example, in France, Italy or Spain it is usually only 1-3 thousand euros.

Therefore, even legally imported money will not always be able to be used, especially when processing real estate transactions, where a bank transfer is often required.

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Bank transfer: the most convenient way to withdraw currency abroad

The safest and most transparent method is an official bank transfer. Ukrainian law allows:

- Transfer currency to your own foreign accounts;

- Pay for the purchase of real estate directly through a Ukrainian bank.

You must have a basis for this - a preliminary purchase and sale agreement, an invoice from the developer or a reservation agreement. The bank also necessarily checks the origin of the funds, so make sure to submit tax certificates, contracts, inheritance documents, etc.

The main advantage of a bank transfer is its complete transparency and the ability to confirm each stage with documents. This is important for both Ukrainian regulatory authorities and European banks.

Many Ukrainians also open personal accounts in European banks to facilitate payment for transactions. It is convenient to pay for real estate from this account in several stages - this is what European notaries usually require. European banks usually have nothing against opening accounts for Ukrainians, but they carefully check the origin of the money.

However, do not forget to notify the Ukrainian tax service about opening an account.

Is it possible to avoid control using cryptocurrency?

Although cryptocurrency is formally not subject to customs declaration, its exchange for euros or other currencies in EU countries is considered a financial transaction subject to tax control.

In Germany, Spain, France and other countries, you will need to explain the origin of crypto assets and declare profits. Therefore, crypto is not an easy way to avoid control - the rules are the same: transparent origin of funds and tax reporting.

How to confirm the history of the origin of money?

European banks and notaries expect the buyer to be able to show a clear and documented origin of the funds. Among the most common options:

- Bank statements, SWIFT messages, payment orders;

- Notarized purchase and sale agreements;

- Salary certificates or tax returns of individual entrepreneurs;

- Documents on inheritance or donation;

- Tax payment certificates.

Most European banks also require a sworn translation of Ukrainian documents. It is worth preparing them in advance - this will reduce the risk of delays or refusal to open an account.

How to avoid problems when moving money from Ukraine to Europe?

- Open an account in advance and collect documents.

- Do not break large amounts into small transfers without a logical explanation.

- Do not use a "gray" scheme or intermediaries.

- If in doubt, contact a lawyer or tax consultant.

The process of purchasing a home in Europe is not only about choosing an apartment or a house, but also about dozens of legal nuances: from checking contracts to confirming the origin of funds. A mistake can cost you money or property.

Get legal advice on buying real estate and find out how to legally and risk-free buy a home abroad.

What laws regulate the transfer of funds from Ukraine to Europe?

- Law of Ukraine "On Currency and Currency Operations" No. 2473-VIII.

- Resolution of the National Bank of Ukraine No. 5 dated 02.01.2019 - rules for currency transactions by individuals.

- Customs Code of Ukraine (Articles 371–374) - procedure for declaring cash.

- EU Regulation 2018/1672 - control over the movement of cash within the EU.

It is quite possible to legally move money from Ukraine to Europe - you just need to act within the legal framework.

For small amounts, cash with a declaration is suitable, and for serious transactions - a bank transfer or a foreign account.

The main thing is to confirm the legal origin of the funds and have a full package of documents. In this case, no customs officers or European bankers will stand in the way of your purchase of housing abroad.

Let us remind you! The real estate market of Ukrainians abroad is changing rapidly. We have already told you in which countries Ukrainians will buy housing in 2025, what factors affect the choice of real estate and get tips for safe and profitable purchases.

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