What business do foreigners open in Ukraine to obtain a residence permit: profitable areas and legal nuances

Even under current conditions, foreign investors choose Ukraine for business development and residence permit obtainment. Find out which areas are the most popular, how to formalize an investment correctly, and why legal support is critical at every stage

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Ukraine offers foreign investors the opportunity to obtain a temporary residence permit (residence permit) if they make an investment in the country's economy worth USD 100,000 or more. To do this, you need to register your own company in Ukraine and make an investment contribution to its development. The choice of business area is key, as it determines not only the rate of return on investment, but also the success of legalizing your stay in Ukraine.

In this article, we will discuss which business sectors are most often chosen by foreign investors to obtain a residence permit and why legal support is a critical element in this process.

The most popular business sectors in Ukraine among foreign investors

1. IT companies and outsourcing

Foreign investors, especially from the EU, the US, and Israel, establish IT companies in Ukraine to:

● software development

● providing IT consulting;

● outsourcing development teams.

Successful case study: An Israeli entrepreneur registered an LLC in Kyiv and invested $120,000 to create an IT team to develop CRM systems. After submitting investment documents, he received a residence permit for one year with the right to extend.

2. Agribusiness

Foreigners are actively investing in:

● growing berries, nuts, and vegetables;

● export-oriented agricultural firms;

● greenhouse farming.

Successful case study: A Turkish citizen invested more than $150,000 in a berry farm in Vinnytsia region, registered a Ukrainian LLC and received a residence permit within 2 months of making the investment.

3. Real estate (commercial and residential)

The most popular is the purchase of:

● apartments

● commercial real estate (cafes, shops, offices)

● participation in development projects.

Please note: the purchase of a home alone is not a basis for obtaining a residence permit. However, if you make an investment through a legal entity that purchases real estate for commercial use, this meets the requirements of the law.

4. HoReCa: restaurants, coffee shops, mini-hotels

The hospitality industry is another profitable area. It is especially interesting:

● franchising of well-known brands;

● opening restaurants with national cuisine

● mini-hotels or apartment complexes in tourist areas.

Successful case study: An entrepreneur from Georgia opened a restaurant serving national cuisine in Lviv. The investment of $110,000 was formalized through the authorized capital of an LLC. He received a residence permit and legally lives with his family.

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The role of legal support when investing in Ukraine: why is it necessary to have a specialist?

It is not enough for a foreign investor to register a business and deposit funds, as this process requires compliance with a number of procedures that require professional legal support.

Key stages that require legal support:

1. Company registration

● establishment of an LLC with a foreign founder

● preparation of the charter, registration with the tax authorities

● opening bank accounts.

2. Making an investment

● transfer of funds from abroad in accordance with the currency legislation of Ukraine;

● documentary evidence of the investment (bank statement, property transfer and acceptance certificates).

3. Preparation of a package of documents for a residence permit

● issuance of an invitation to work;

● obtaining a work permit (as an investor or director);

● submitting an application to the SMS;

● translation of documents, notarization, apostillization.

4. Legalization of the investor's family

● assistance in obtaining a residence permit for family members;

● registration of the place of residence, etc.

5. Protection of business interests

● verification of partners, audit of the company

● obtaining licenses and permits;

● contractual work and tax planning.

The process of legalization through investment is not just a formality, but a strategic step. Visit Ukraine's professional migration lawyers provide full support: from a business idea to obtaining a residence permit. Our specialists work with clients from all over the world and have successful cases of investments in IT, agribusiness, real estate, HoReCa and other areas.

If you are planning to enter the Ukrainian market, please contact us for advice. We will help you:

● choose the best investment model

● avoid bureaucratic traps

● quickly and legally obtain a residence permit for you and your family.

We remind you! After the war, Ukraine will become a center of economic recovery and open up new opportunities for investors. Expected reforms, international assistance and promising industries will make the country an attractive market for investment. Read more about the key investment areas, legal guarantees and risk minimization strategies in our previous article.

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