Question 1

How does a representative office differ from a branch?

Accepted Answer

A representative office is usually non-commercial — it represents and protects the parent company's interests but does not conduct independent business. A branch is a separate subdivision that can perform all or part of the company's functions, including production or trade. Neither is a separate legal entity; both act on behalf of the parent company, which bears full liability. O'LAW helps choose the form for your goals.

Question 2

How long does representative office accreditation take?

Accepted Answer

Review at the Ministry of Economy takes up to 20 business days. But most time usually goes to preparation — translation and legalization of the parent company's documents (apostille or consular legalization), which depends on the country. Overall the process takes from a few weeks. O'LAW handles it turnkey.

Question 3

Can a representative office conduct commercial activity?

Accepted Answer

An ordinary (non-commercial) representative office does not conduct independent business — it only represents interests. If it actually does business and earns income in Ukraine, it is deemed a permanent establishment of a non-resident and taxed with corporate profit tax (Art. 14.1.193 of the Tax Code). Then tax payer registration is required. O'LAW determines the correct status to avoid tax risks.

Question 4

What documents are needed from the parent company?

Accepted Answer

Usually: a decision of the authorized body to establish the representative office, a power of attorney for the office head, an extract from the trade register of the country of registration, and founding documents. All parent-company documents require translation into Ukrainian and legalization (apostille for Hague Convention countries or consular legalization). The exact list depends on the country — O'LAW will prepare it at the consultation.

Question 5

Which to choose — a representative office or a separate company (LLC)?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your goals. A representative office — if you need only presence, marketing, and partner search without active trade. A separate Ukrainian company (LLC with a foreign founder) — if you plan a full business with sales, hiring, and independent contracts. An LLC is more flexible and limits liability; a representative office is simpler in structure. O'LAW will advise the optimal option for your model.

Question 6

Can a foreign company operate in Ukraine without a representative office?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in some cases — for example, one-off foreign-trade contracts do not always require a representative office. But for a permanent presence, hiring staff, renting an office or systematic activity, one of the forms is needed: representative office, branch or a Ukrainian company. O'LAW will assess whether registration is required and which form is optimal.

Question 7

Чи можна зареєструвати ТОВ на іноземця?

Accepted Answer

Так, іноземець може бути засновником ТОВ в Україні. Але процедура складніша: потрібен переклад і легалізація документів, отримання ІПН, часто — представництво за довіреністю. Це окрема послуга з окремою ціною. Детальніше — на сторінці «Бізнес з іноземним елементом».

Question 8

Can a representative office be set up remotely, without visiting Ukraine?

Accepted Answer

Yes. O'LAW handles the process by power of attorney — the parent company's management need not be in Ukraine in person. Documents are prepared and legalized in the parent company's country and sent to us, after which we file them for accreditation and support the process.

Form	Key features
Representative office	Not a separate legal entity, acts on behalf of the parent company. Non-commercial — promotes interests, does not trade independently. Accredited at the Ministry of Economy
Commercial representation	May conduct business, deemed a permanent establishment and taxed in Ukraine
Branch	A separate subdivision of the foreign company, may perform all or part of its functions. The parent company bears full liability
LLC with a foreigner	A separate Ukrainian legal entity. The most flexible option for a full business — separate service

Representative Office, Branch or LLC — Three Ways to Enter the Ukrainian Market

What Turnkey Support Includes

Representative Office, Branch or LLC: What's the Difference

How We Work: 4 Steps

Consultation

Documents & legalization

Accreditation

Tax registration & start

Frequently Asked Questions

Enter the Ukrainian Market With the Right Structure

Representative office registration

Other corporate services

Foreign Company Representative Office Registration in Ukraine