How to Receive International Payments as a Freelancer in Ukraine (2026)

NBU has issued multiple resolutions since February 2022. The restrictions that affect freelancers:

• Foreign income from services must be converted to UAH within 90 days of receipt (changed from 30 days in some 2023–2024 amendments — verify current status at bank.gov.ua).
• You can retain a portion of foreign earnings in a foreign currency account at a licensed Ukrainian bank. The retention percentage has changed multiple times — check the current NBU regulation.
• Cross-border transfers are restricted for many purposes, but receiving payment for services rendered to foreign clients is explicitly permitted and not subject to restrictions.
• Large transfers (above €10,000 equivalent) may require additional documentation from your bank — specifically, evidence that the income is for services provided from Ukraine.
• NBU has special provisions for Ukrainians currently abroad (internally displaced persons and those who left Ukraine). If you're operating from outside Ukraine, verify whether NBU rules still apply to your situation.

FOP (Fiz Osoba-Pidpryiemets / Physical Person — Entrepreneur) is the standard legal structure for Ukrainian freelancers. It offers significantly lower taxes than regular employment and is quick to register:

• FOP Group 3 is most relevant for IT and freelance professionals: 5% simplified tax on all revenue (or 3% if VAT-registered). This is your entire income tax — no progressive rates.
• Alternatively, FOP Group 3 at 3% + 20% VAT — choose this if you work with Ukrainian VAT-registered clients who need VAT invoices. Foreign export clients don't require Ukrainian VAT.
• Register as FOP at diia.gov.ua (the government digital services portal) — the process is online and typically takes 24–48 hours.
• Monthly unified social contribution (USC): minimum 1,474 UAH/month (one minimum wage's worth) regardless of income. This covers pension and social security.
• Quarterly reports: FOP Group 3 files quarterly declarations with the Tax Service of Ukraine (ДПС). Declaration software is available at cabinet.tax.gov.ua.
• VAT on exports: services exported to foreign clients are zero-rated. You don't charge Ukrainian VAT to foreign clients.

As a Ukrainian FOP, your invoicing process for foreign clients:

• Invoices to foreign clients should be in English (or your client's language) and in USD or EUR — not UAH.
• Include: your legal name (as registered FOP), your Ukrainian tax number (RNOKPP — 10-digit taxpayer code), your bank details (Wise USD account or IBAN), service description, amount, and payment terms.
• Foreign clients don't need a Ukrainian VAT number on your invoice — exports are zero-rated.
• Keep a copy of all invoices for your quarterly FOP tax declaration. The Tax Service requires that your declared income matches your actual receipts.
• For SWIFT transfers directly to Ukrainian banks, your bank will ask for a purpose of payment code — use 'GS' (Government Services) or 'BC' (Business Services) as applicable per SWIFT standard.