$100,000 and a Vision: Legal Pathway to Permanent Residency in Ukraine

Subject of the Case

In this case, a Taiwanese entrepreneur saw Ukraine’s real estate market—particularly in hospitality and tourism projects around major cities and resort areas—as a high-potential opportunity. He aimed to invest a minimum of $100,000 in Ukraine and secure permanent residency through investment (Ukraine’s law grants immigration permits and permanent residence to foreign investors who inject at least USD 100,000 into the Ukrainian economy). The client engaged Intermarium Law Firm to oversee this process and provide expert legal guidance.

Client's Situation

The client is a seasoned investor from Taiwan looking to diversify his portfolio internationally. He identified Ukraine as an attractive destination, drawn by ongoing economic reforms and the relatively low investment threshold for immigration. Ukraine’s leadership has actively sought foreign capital despite challenging circumstances (including war), offering incentives in sectors like technology, agriculture, and hospitality. In fact, Ukraine has launched reforms to attract large foreign investments—especially in IT, agro-industry, and infrastructure—as detailed in our insight Opportunities and Benefits of Investing in Ukraine.

The investor knew that under Ukrainian law, a qualifying investment (such as a capital contribution to a local company) could serve as grounds for an immigration permit. However, he needed clarity on the exact process and requirements. Simply buying property would not automatically qualify him for residency. Intermarium’s team was engaged to develop a clear step-by-step plan for structuring the investment, transferring funds, and meeting all legal criteria for residency.

The Problem

The project involved several interlocking challenges and legal complexities. Key issues included:

• Finding and Evaluating the Investment Asset: We had to identify a suitable real estate property that fit both the client’s investment goals and the legal criteria for residency. This meant conducting thorough due diligence on the property, verifying title, zoning, and viability. The selected asset had to meet the $100,000 threshold and be properly structured to qualify under immigration regulations.

• Financial and Banking Compliance: Transferring funds internationally introduced major compliance requirements. We needed to set up an investment account in a Ukrainian bank that met regulatory standards. All transfers (from Taiwan to Ukraine) had to comply with the National Bank’s currency controls and anti-money laundering laws. This required preparing exhaustive documentation proving the legal origin of the investment funds.

• Immigration Permit Process: Obtaining a residency permit involved coordinating with the State Migration Service (SMS) of Ukraine. We needed an official confirmation from the SMS that the investment met legal criteria for immigration. This step required assembling all evidence related to the investment and submitting a complete immigration permit application. Ukrainian law explicitly lists qualified investment as one of the grounds for an immigration permit.

• Regulatory Coordination: We navigated multiple government agencies – migration, banking, and tax authorities – to satisfy every requirement. For example, the transaction had to comply not only with the Immigration Law but also with the Law on Foreign Investment Regime. We also ensured a compliant ownership structure (using a company) to minimize tax burdens and protect the asset under corporate governance rules.

These factors made the case multifaceted. The client needed a comprehensive plan covering investment strategy, banking, compliance, and immigration law – all working seamlessly together.

Our Approach

Analysis

Our first step was to analyze the investment plan and legal landscape. We reviewed Ukrainian immigration law and related foreign investment rules. We confirmed that a $100,000 investment could indeed qualify the client for permanent residency, and identified the exact requirements. We noted, for instance, that Ukraine’s approach is more focused on business investment via companies rather than a simple real estate purchase.

Next, we evaluated the chosen property. This involved due diligence on the real estate to check ownership, title clarity, zoning permits, and any liens. We also assessed market conditions in the hospitality/tourism sector to ensure the asset aligned with the client’s goals. Simultaneously, we mapped out all compliance obligations: confirming exactly what documents the bank and migration authorities would require, and how to structure the transaction to meet every legal requirement.

Strategy

With the analysis complete, we developed a detailed strategy. The centerpiece was corporate structuring: instead of purchasing property directly, we would channel the investment through a Ukrainian legal entity. Specifically, the plan was to contribute $100,000 into the charter capital of a Ukrainian company, which would then acquire and manage the property. This method aligns with immigration rules and also offers clearer legal protections.

Our strategic plan included:

• Company Formation: Establish a Ukrainian limited company (LLC) for the investment project, defining ownership stakes and management. This entity would hold the real estate, making the investment formally a “capital investment” in a Ukrainian business.
• Capital Injection: Coordinate the transfer of funds so the $100,000 would be deposited as equity in the company’s capital. We split the transfer if needed to meet banking requirements and ensured it complied with Ukraine’s currency control regulations.
• Documentation Preparation: Gather and prepare all evidence to demonstrate the funds’ origin and the legitimacy of the investment. This included drafting contracts, obtaining bank statements, and creating a clear audit trail from the client’s Taiwan account to the Ukrainian company’s capital account.
• Timing the Immigration Filing: Schedule the steps so that once the capital was in place, we could immediately submit the immigration permit application. This meant synchronizing company formation, fund transfer, and immigration paperwork to avoid gaps.

We anticipated potential hurdles, such as additional document requests from authorities, and built in buffer time. By planning for contingencies, we aimed to minimize any delays during execution.

Implementation

With strategy in hand, we executed the plan step-by-step, coordinating closely with the client and relevant agencies:

• Company Registration: Our corporate law team prepared and filed all required incorporation documents. We drafted the articles of association, registered the firm with Ukrainian authorities, obtained its tax identification number, and ensured it was fully compliant with corporate regulations. The company was officially formed and ready to receive the investment.
• Bank Account Setup: We assisted the client in opening a dedicated investment account at a Ukrainian bank experienced with foreign investments. This involved completing the bank’s onboarding process, providing all necessary legal documents, and establishing the account as the recipient of the investment funds.
• Fund Transfer and Verification: The $100,000 was then transferred from Taiwan into the Ukrainian company’s capital account. At each stage, we coordinated with the client’s bank and the receiving bank to ensure compliance. We also compiled the paperwork confirming the source of funds (corporate earnings from Taiwan) so that Ukrainian authorities would have a clear paper trail.
• Immigration Application Preparation: Once the funds were confirmed in the account, we gathered evidence for the immigration dossier: share certificates showing the capital increase, bank statements, and official confirmations. We prepared the immigration permit application forms and attached all supporting documents.
• Liaison with Authorities: We submitted the application to the State Migration Service and handled follow-ups. Our team provided any additional documents requested, such as certified translations, notarized statements, and tax clearances. Simultaneously, we managed the client’s visa/temporary stay status in Ukraine so that he could remain in the country legally during the review period.

For reference, see our Legal Support for QRT Power’s Business Registration and Immigration Compliance in Ukraine case study, which outlines a similar market entry process. Throughout, we made sure no detail was overlooked. For example, our senior attorney personally reviewed every document in the application package, and we confirmed that every signature and stamp was correct before filing. This meticulous approach helped prevent any potential issues that could cause a rejection.

Result

The outcome of these efforts was highly successful:

1. Immigration Approval: The State Migration Service granted the immigration permit based on the $100,000 investment, allowing the client to obtain permanent residency in Ukraine. He can now live and work in Ukraine indefinitely under the investor immigration program.
2. Proper Investment Structuring: The real estate acquisition was fully compliant. By channeling the funds through the company’s capital, we ensured the transaction met all legal requirements. The investment was documented to the satisfaction of financial and government regulators.
3. Risk Mitigation: Through careful planning, we minimized tax and legal liabilities. Corporate ownership of the property (instead of personal title) provided clear tax treatment and asset protection. We confirmed at every stage that regulatory obligations were fully met, significantly reducing future risk.
4. Efficient Approval Process: Thanks to our coordination, the approvals came smoothly. The client’s temporary visa remained valid throughout, and all approvals were secured in a timely manner, enabling the client to immediately move forward with his Ukrainian business and residency plans.

In summary, the client successfully completed the investment transaction and secured Ukrainian permanent residency as intended.

Expert Commentary

Managing Partner Taras Horbatiuk provides insight:

“Ukraine’s investment immigration framework is very attractive. It has one of the lowest thresholds in Europe – only USD 100,000 is needed for permanent residency. However, the law explicitly requires that the $100,000 be invested through a Ukrainian company’s charter capital. Simply buying property in one’s own name won’t automatically qualify for residency. For our client, we made sure every legal requirement was met.”

He adds: “Ukraine offers strong legal protections for foreign investors, including guaranteed profit repatriation and no forced nationalization under normal circumstances. Nevertheless, any missing document can cause delays or even a rejection. Proper documentation of funds and full regulatory compliance are non-negotiable.”

Conclusions

This case underscores key lessons for foreign investors in Ukraine:

• Ukraine’s Low Threshold: With just $100,000, investors can secure permanent residency – an unusually accessible route in Europe.
• Legal Structuring is Crucial: Investments must be carefully organized via a local company and structured to comply with all laws.
• Due Diligence Matters: Thorough legal and financial reviews of target assets and procedures are essential to avoid complications later.
• Integrated Approach: Business, banking, and immigration regulations intersect in these cases. A coordinated strategy addressing all areas is necessary.
• Professional Guidance: Expert help can turn a complex challenge into a success story. Our cross-practice team made this process straightforward for the client.

Our work on this case demonstrates how foreign investors can take advantage of Ukraine’s immigration laws while minimizing risk. By combining strategic planning with meticulous execution, Intermarium Law Firm enabled the client to achieve both his investment and residency objectives.

Submit an Application

If you are a foreign investor interested in Ukraine’s residency or business opportunities, our team is here to help. Submit your inquiry below or contact us to schedule a consultation. We will guide you through every step – from crafting an investment strategy to securing your permanent residence in Ukraine.