Comprehensive Regulatory and Immigration Support by Intermarium

Background and Objectives

Move One, a global logistics provider offering freight forwarding, relocation, and immigration services across multiple jurisdictions, engaged Intermarium Law Firm to support its market entry and operational setup in Ukraine.

Amid Ukraine’s dynamic regulatory framework and increased demand for humanitarian logistics—particularly due to the presence of international organizations such as USAID and World Central Kitchen—Move One sought to establish a legally compliant, scalable presence. The firm required legal counsel to manage corporate formation, immigration support for key personnel, contract structuring, and ongoing regulatory compliance.

Intermarium’s mandate involved the full legal structuring of Move One’s Ukrainian operations, enabling the company to navigate the local environment efficiently while aligning with global compliance standards.

Key Legal Challenges

1. Immigration Compliance for Foreign Employees.

Given the cross-border nature of Move One’s business model, the company needed to secure residency and work authorization for foreign nationals involved in operational setup and strategic management. Ukraine’s immigration legislation imposes strict procedural requirements and documentation standards, requiring a structured, timely approach to avoid non-compliance or delays.

2. Contractual Risk Mitigation

As a logistics provider managing high-value shipments and time-sensitive operations, Move One faced legal exposure related to liability, indemnification, and service-level agreements. The company needed enforceable contracts, adapted to both Ukrainian legal norms and international practice, to ensure legal clarity and operational security.

3. Regulatory Approvals and Licensing

The establishment of a logistics operation in Ukraine required the acquisition of various operational permits, including transportation licenses and customs clearance documentation. Interactions with Ukrainian regulators had to be conducted carefully to minimize delays and ensure alignment with Move One’s international obligations.

4. Ongoing Legal Uncertainty

Given Ukraine’s wartime legislative updates and regulatory volatility, legal risks such as unforeseen compliance changes or liability shifts presented a real threat to uninterrupted business operations. Proactive legal strategies were essential.

Intermarium’s Legal Strategy and Execution

Intermarium deployed a multi-faceted legal team to address all operational, regulatory, and corporate issues with the following core initiatives:

Corporate and Market Entry Structuring

• Assisted in selecting the optimal legal form of business for the Ukrainian entity.
• Registered the company in compliance with national laws and reporting obligations.
• Developed internal governance policies aligned with both local and parent-company expectations.

Immigration Legal Support

• Advised Move One on immigration pathways and work permit procedures.
• Secured residence permits for foreign nationals via employment-based routes.
• Ensured alignment with Ukrainian labor law and corporate migration policies.

Regulatory Licensing and Interface with Authorities

• Supported the acquisition of transport and logistics licenses.
• Advised on customs and cross-border operational frameworks.
• Liaised with regulatory authorities to accelerate licensing timelines and avoid administrative friction.

Commercial Contracting and Risk Allocation

• Drafted, negotiated, and reviewed commercial agreements with clients, vendors, and service providers.
• Introduced mechanisms for liability limitation, arbitration, and performance guarantees.
• Ensured legal enforceability across Ukrainian and international jurisdictions.

Compliance Monitoring and Risk Mitigation

• Conducted ongoing legal audits and risk assessments related to regulatory shifts.
• Provided real-time compliance updates and legal risk alerts.
• Developed contingency frameworks to manage geopolitical and regulatory change.

Outcomes and Legal Impact

Through Intermarium’s integrated legal support, Move One achieved the following:

• Successfully entered the Ukrainian market with full regulatory compliance.
• Secured all immigration approvals for foreign staff, enabling seamless executive operations.
• Obtained all necessary permits and licenses, allowing full-scale commercial activity.
• Mitigated contract and regulatory risks through robust legal frameworks.
• Built a legally sound foundation for long-term, scalable operations in Ukraine.

Conclusion: Legal Enablement for Strategic Market Entry

This case underscores the critical role of tailored legal advisory in supporting international market expansion. Intermarium’s involvement went beyond transactional support—our team delivered a holistic legal roadmap that allowed Move One to confidently establish and operate in Ukraine, even in the face of regulatory uncertainty and geopolitical risk.

Our partnership with Move One reflects Intermarium’s core mission: to empower foreign businesses through precise legal execution, risk-sensitive strategies, and future-ready solutions.