Doing business in Ukraine

Ukraine presents a commercially relevant but operationally demanding market for Canadian companies. Demand is being shaped by wartime needs, early recovery priorities, and large-scale international support. 

We offer expert guidance for doing business in this market. We can connect you with professionals and provide references from active businesses and trade groups to support your efforts.

The most immediate opportunities in Ukraine are in industries linked to:

• resilience
• reconstruction
• modernization including:
  • energy, infrastructure, and logistics
  • housing and municipal services
  • digital solutions
  • selected industrial and defence-related activities

Opportunities are likely to come from projects supported by:

• public procurement
• donor programs
• international financial institutions
• trusted local partners

Market entry into Ukraine should be approached as a structured risk-management exercise rather than a typical export expansion. The Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (CUFTA) can improve market access and tariff treatment. However, it does not remove the need for careful planning around:

• customs
• logistics
• legal presence
• banking and foreign exchange controls
• taxation
• sanctions screening
• anti-corruption compliance
• workforce and security considerations 

Canadian companies will need to choose an entry model that matches their risk tolerance and commercial objective, whether that means:

• exporting directly
• working through a distributor
• creating a Ukrainian LLC, or
• pursuing a joint venture for larger or more localized projects

The most immediate opportunities are concentrated in sectors linked to resilience, reconstruction, and modernization, including:

• energy 
• infrastructure and logistics 
• construction and housing 
• digital and IT services 
• defence and advanced manufacturing 
• agriculture and agri-food

Explore opportunities in Ukraine’s top industries.  

Canada and Ukraine are part of the Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (CUFTA). Find out how your business can benefit from opportunities through this FTA:

• Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (CUFTA)
• Search for all types of trade and investment agreements involving Canada and Ukraine

• Canada's response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine
• Canada's Engagement in Ukraine
• Trade and investment agreements
• Canada and Ukraine

Understanding regulations and policies relevant to your export market is crucial for success.

• Corruption risks and sanctions in Ukraine

• Import rules and customs in Ukraine
• Export and import controls

• Canadian Sanctions Related to Ukraine
• Sanctions - Russian invasion of Ukraine
• Consolidated Canadian Autonomous Sanctions List
• Sanctions
• Reporting a trade barrier
• Responsible business conduct abroad

Find out what you need to know before selling your products or services in Ukraine.

• Logistics and supply chains
• Partners and support organizations

• Choosing a business structure in Ukraine
• Business registration and legal structures

• Banking, finance, and taxation

• Funding and risk mitigation

Canadian businesses can contact the Trade Commissioner Service by using either of the following:

• Send an inquiry using the information request form and you will receive a response within 48 hours; or
• Contact the TCS regional office in Canada closest to you

For more information, consult:

• The Business Development Bank of Canada: Loans designed for your business
• Export Development Canada's FAQs: What Canadian exporters need to know about Russia-Ukraine conflict
• Export Development Canada's 5 tips: Managing risk in turbulent times

For a list of service providers such as banks, lawyers and notaries, accountants, consultants and more, who are qualified by the Embassy of Canada to Ukraine, please email kyivtd@international.gc.ca.

Canadian cyber, and information technology (IT) companies can explore opportunities through the Tallinn Mechanism Platform (TMP), which supports projects that strengthen Ukraine’s cybersecurity and digital resilience.

The TMP provides visibility into current needs and projects implemented under the Tallinn Mechanism. It offers Canadian companies a way to demonstrate their expertise, respond to identified priorities, and contribute to coordinated international efforts. 

We can help you:

• assess whether your solutions align with current needs
• better understand opportunities in the TMP
• connect with relevant partners and decision-makers