Ukraine has long been recognized as a powerhouse in software development. With tens of thousands of skilled engineers, consultants, and IT entrepreneurs, the country has built a global reputation for digital excellence. But for many Ukrainian developers, managing international contracts, cross-border payments, and tax compliance remains a challenge—especially in times of uncertainty.
Estonia’s e-Residency program offers a modern solution. It allows Ukrainian developers to establish and manage an EU-based company entirely online, with full legal recognition across Europe. In just hours, you can launch a remote-ready business that simplifies invoicing, reduces tax friction, and opens doors to global clients.
Why Ukrainian developers are choosing Estonia
1. A proven track record
As of 2025, over 8,000 Ukrainians have joined Estonia’s e-Residency program, founding more than 2,800 Estonian companies, making Ukraine the #1 country by number of e-residents globally.
2. A business-friendly environment
- 0% corporate tax on retained earnings.
- Tax only on distributed profits.
- No bureaucracy as everything is managed online.
- EU VAT number and IBAN access for seamless invoicing.
- No need to relocate: operate from anywhere in the world.
Common challenges for Ukrainian developers
Cross-border invoicing
Many Ukrainian developers work with clients in the EU, US, and UK. Invoicing across borders often requires navigating currency conversion, VAT rules, and inconsistent payment platforms.
Banking and payment access
Traditional Ukrainian banks may not support modern fintech tools or multi-currency accounts. Receiving payments from platforms like Stripe, PayPal, or Wise can be difficult without an EU-based entity.
Legal and tax complexity
Freelancers and consultants often face unclear tax obligations when working internationally. Forming a local company in Ukraine may not offer the flexibility or credibility needed for global growth.
Who should consider an Estonian company?
- Software Developers and Engineers
Whether you’re building custom applications, working on outsourced projects, or launching your own SaaS product, an Estonian OÜ gives you the legal and financial infrastructure to scale.
- IT Consultants and Tech Advisors
If you provide architecture, DevOps, or cybersecurity consulting, Estonia’s e-Residency allows you to formalize your business and invoice clients across Europe with ease.
- Startup Founders and Product Teams
Launching a product or platform? Estonia’s 0% tax on reinvested profits makes it ideal for bootstrapping and reinvesting revenue into growth.
Step-by-Step: How to open an Estonian company from Ukraine?
Step 1: Apply for Estonian e-Residency
You don’t need to relocate to Estonia: e-Residency is a digital identity issued by the Estonian government, allowing you to start and run a business in the EU remotely.
- Visit e-resident.gov.ee and apply online
- Choose a pickup location (Kyiv, Lviv, Warsaw, or another nearby embassy)
- Once approved, you’ll receive a digital ID card used to securely sign documents and manage your company online
Step 2: Register your company online with Unicount
After receiving your digital ID, go to Unicount.eu and register your Estonian private limited company (OÜ) in just a few clicks.
- No paperwork
- No local directors required
- Fully remote setup for global operation
- Suggested activity code: 6201 – Computer programming activities (ideal for freelance developers, SaaS founders, and remote tech teams)
Step 3 (optional): Apply for a VAT Number
If you plan to work with EU clients or expect to earn more than €40,000 annually, you can register for VAT in Estonia.
Step 4: Start invoicing & managing remotely
Once your company is live, you’re ready to operate like a true EU-based professional:
- Send legal invoices across Europe and beyond
- Sign contracts digitally with your e-Residency card
- Open EU business accounts with fintechs like Wise, Revolut, or Payoneer
- Access Unicount’s virtual office and accounting services to stay compliant
You focus on building software, Unicount handles the administrative side.
Ready to launch?
With Unicount, Ukrainian developers can register an EU-based company in just minutes, without paperwork, notaries, or relocation. It’s the fastest way to build a global business with full legal backing and digital freedom.
Start your application today at Unicount.eu
