Detailed overview
Ukraine at a glance
Ukraine is not a one-regulator jurisdiction. Gambling sits with the State Agency PlayCity, payments with the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU), and crypto is in a transitional state under Law No. 2074-IX with full activation pending the second reading of Bill No. 10225-d. The correct path depends on the exact product.
Last verified: May 2026.
Use Ukraine for gambling under PlayCity, payments under the NBU, and crypto only after monitoring the second reading of Bill 10225-d. Pick the category before filing.
Is there a crypto licence in Ukraine?
Not yet operational. Law No. 2074-IX is adopted but not in force; full VASP licensing depends on adoption of Bill 10225-d in second reading.
The Law of Ukraine "On Virtual Assets" No. 2074-IX was adopted by the Verkhovna Rada and signed by the President in 2022, but has not entered into force pending amendments to the Tax Code. Until that occurs, there is no operational VASP permit regime in Ukraine.
Draft Law No. 10225-d, registered on 24 April 2025 by MP Danylo Hetmantsev, is the operative legislative vehicle. The Verkhovna Rada adopted it in first reading on 3 September 2025 with 246 votes in favour. The bill is being prepared for second reading; authorities have indicated readiness to complete the reform in 2026.
Key features of Bill 10225-d (subject to change before second reading):
- Re-titles the existing law as "On Virtual Asset Markets" and aligns the framework with the EU MiCA Regulation.
- Splits supervision between the NBU and a second Cabinet-appointed regulator (currently the NSSMC).
- Categorises virtual assets into asset-referenced tokens, e-money tokens, and other virtual assets, mirroring MiCA.
- Confirms virtual assets are not legal tender and cannot be used as a means of payment, except where the law specifically allows.
- Requires VASPs to be Ukrainian joint-stock companies or limited liability companies with at least one resident director and actual management from Ukraine.
- Allows foreign exchanges established in the EU (or other whitelisted jurisdictions) to operate via a simplified authorisation procedure.
- Requires a MiCA-style white paper for token offerings.
Compliance deadline for existing providers (under current draft): Virtual asset service providers that supplied services to Ukrainian residents before 31 December 2025 must complete tax-authority registration by 1 July 2026.
VASP Permit (NSSMC, pending activation)
Best for crypto operators planning Ukraine entry, but not yet possible to file.
What it is: A permit under Law No. 2074-IX (as updated by Bill 10225-d) authorising activities including custody and administration of virtual assets or keys, exchange of virtual assets for other virtual assets and for currency values, and intermediation in virtual asset transactions.
Who it suits: Exchanges, custodians, token issuers and intermediaries planning a Ukrainian market presence once the regime is live.
Covers: All categories of virtual asset service activities as defined in the legislation.
Operational requirement: Permit applications cannot currently be filed. The NSSMC has prepared the framework on a MiCA basis; activation requires the second reading and entry into force of Bill 10225-d, along with implementing regulations.
Headline figures (proposed, subject to second reading)
- PIT on individual crypto profits: 18% plus 5% military levy
- Preferential PIT rate during 2026 for assets acquired before law takes effect: 5% plus 5% military levy
- CIT on corporate VASP profits: 18%
- VAT: most issuance, placement, sale, exchange and redemption transactions exempt; NFTs and certain claim tokens taxable
- Single-tax (simplified) regime: prohibited for VASPs and individuals transacting in virtual assets
- Expected commencement of tax rules: 1 January 2026 (subject to passage)
Is there a payments licence in Ukraine?
Yes. Under the Law on Payment Services, in force from 1 August 2021, the NBU licenses banks, payment institutions, e-money institutions and non-financial payment service providers.
The Law of Ukraine "On Payment Services" No. 1591-IX entered into force on 1 August 2021 and transposes core elements of EU PSD2 and the Second E-Money Directive into Ukrainian law. The NBU is the sole regulator. The Law defines nine categories of payment service provider subject to NBU licensing and inclusion in the Register of Payment Infrastructure.
Authorised non-bank providers may now open payment accounts for clients, issue electronic money, and (for AIS/PIS providers) access account data under an open banking framework.
Banking Licence (NBU)
Best for full-service banks operating in Ukraine.
What it is: NBU banking licence authorising the holder to provide the full range of banking services in Ukraine, including any payment service.
Who it suits: Established financial institutions seeking deposit-taking and full-service banking authorisation.
Covers: All banking activities under Ukrainian banking law, including payments under the Law on Payment Services.
Operational requirement: NBU must decide on the application within two months of receiving the complete documentation set. Authorised capital and prudential requirements apply on an ongoing basis.
Headline figures
- Minimum authorised capital: UAH 200 million (about USD 4.6 million)
- Common Equity Tier 1 ratio (from 1 July 2025): 10%
- Decision timeline: 2 months from complete filing
Payment Institution Licence (NBU)
Best for non-bank fintech operating money remittance, acquiring or account services.
What it is: NBU licence for the provision of financial payment services by a non-bank payment institution under the Law on Payment Services.
Who it suits: Money remittance providers, acquirers, payment gateways, account-servicing fintech businesses without deposit-taking ambitions.
Covers: Financial payment services as defined in the Law on Payment Services, subject to scope on the licence.
Operational requirement: Inclusion in the NBU Register of Payment Infrastructure is required before operations begin. A small payment institution status is available for operators meeting the lighter-volume thresholds defined by the NBU.
Headline figures
- Regulator: National Bank of Ukraine
- Legal basis: Law of Ukraine "On Payment Services" (in force 1 August 2021)
- Authorisation: substantive NBU review on a case-by-case basis
- Register: NBU Register of Payment Infrastructure
E-Money Institution Licence (NBU)
Best for digital wallets, prepaid programmes and stored-value businesses.
What it is: NBU licence to issue electronic money and carry out payment transactions with e-money, including opening and servicing e-wallets.
Who it suits: Digital wallet providers, prepaid card programmes, stored-value operators that need to hold customer balances.
Covers: Issuance of e-money, opening and operating e-wallets, and conducting e-money payment transactions. Non-resident-issued e-money may also be used in Ukraine subject to NBU rules.
Operational requirement: Separate licence to a payment institution; banks may issue e-money under their banking licence. A safeguarding regime applies to client funds.
Headline figures
- Regulator: National Bank of Ukraine
- Legal basis: Law on Payment Services, NBU bylaws
- Cross-border: non-resident e-money permitted subject to NBU rules
Non-Financial Payment Services (AIS / PIS)
Best for open banking aggregators and payment-initiation fintech.
What it is: NBU authorisation to provide account information services or payment initiation services under the Law on Payment Services, transposing EU PSD2 concepts.
Who it suits: Open banking aggregators, fintech aggregators, payment initiation platforms, account aggregation services.
Covers: AIS and PIS as classified non-financial payment services. May be provided by banks, payment institutions, e-money institutions or stand-alone authorised providers.
Operational requirement: Applicants must align with the Regulation on Requirements for the Risk Management System of Non-financial Payment Service Providers (NBU Board Resolution No. 73 of 2 July 2025) and the Regulation on Information Protection and Cyber Security by Payment Market Participants (NBU Board Resolution No. 43 of 19 May 2021).
Headline figures
- Internal policies grace period: certain policies may be adopted within three months after authorisation but before first AIS/PIS provision
- Cybersecurity baseline: NBU Resolution 43 (2021) applies from commencement
- Risk management baseline: NBU Resolution 73 (2025) applies at application
Is there a gambling licence in Ukraine?
Yes, under a fully digital, unified national regulator.
Gambling was re-legalised in Ukraine on 14 July 2020 by Law No. 768-IX "On the State Regulation of Activity of the Organisation and Conduct of Gambling" (the Gambling Law). The detailed licensing procedure is set out in the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 1341 dated 21 December 2020.
The original regulator (the Commission for Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries, KRAIL) was liquidated by Law No. 9256-d, signed by President Zelenskyy on 4 January 2025. The Cabinet of Ministers established the State Agency PlayCity by Resolution No. 336 of 25 March 2025; PlayCity assumed all regulatory powers from 1 April 2025 and operates under the coordination of the Ministry of Digital Transformation.
PlayCity began issuing licences to operators in September 2025 following Cabinet adoption of updated licensing conditions. The agency operates a fully digital licensing portal and is connected to a state online monitoring system that gives the regulator real-time access to operator stakes, payouts and turnover.
Online Casino Licence (PlayCity)
Best for online casino operators entering Ukraine's central European online gaming market.
What it is: PlayCity licence to operate an online casino targeting Ukrainian players.
Who it suits: International and domestic operators seeking a full national online casino authorisation.
Covers: Online casino games, including slots and table games, under a single national licence valid for five years.
Operational requirement: Licensee must be a Ukrainian resident legal entity. Technical infrastructure must be located in Ukraine and integrated with the state online monitoring system. Domain must be registered in the .UA zone.
Headline figures
- Licence term: 5 years
- Statutory regulator review: 15 working days
- Five-year licence fee: UAH 30.715 million (about USD 715,000) (at 2026 minimum wage of UAH 8,647, about USD 201); fee scales with the minimum wage in force at filing
- Authorised capital: UAH 30 million minimum (about USD 685,000)
- Bank guarantee: 7,200 minimum wages
Online Betting Licence (PlayCity)
Best for sports betting operators in Ukraine.
What it is: Unified PlayCity licence covering both land-based and online sports betting under a single authorisation.
Who it suits: Sportsbook operators wanting both retail and online presence under one permit.
Covers: Sports betting (fixed-odds and pool) across land-based and online channels. A separate tote licence applies to horse-racing.
Operational requirement: Land-based betting may operate only in 3-, 4- or 5-star hotels meeting the legal minimum room counts (50+ rooms in Kyiv, 25+ elsewhere). Minimum betting shop area: 50 sq m. Online operations require integration with the state online monitoring system.
Headline figures
- Licence term: 5 years
- Authorised capital: UAH 30 million minimum (about USD 700,000)
- Bank guarantee: 7,200 minimum wages
- Annual fees: scaled to current minimum wage and itemised in the Gambling Law fee schedule
Land-based Casino Licence (PlayCity)
Best for hotel-casino operators in Kyiv and major Ukrainian cities.
What it is: Five-year PlayCity licence to operate a physical casino inside an eligible hotel.
Who it suits: Operators backing a 5-star hotel (200+ rooms in Kyiv, 150+ rooms elsewhere). Investment licences are available for new builds.
Covers: All casino games of chance. A separate licence is required per gaming table and per slot machine, with annual fees per equipment unit.
Operational requirement: Licensee must be a Ukrainian resident legal entity. Casino licence fees are set by auction with statutory minimum thresholds and are significantly higher in Kyiv. The investment licence model allows operators to set construction costs against future fee obligations on a ten-year licence basis.
Headline figures
- Licence term: 5 years (or 10 years under investment licence)
- Authorised capital: UAH 30 million minimum (about USD 700,000)
- Bank guarantee: 7,200 minimum wages
- Per-equipment annual fees: apply per gaming table and per slot machine, scaled to minimum wage
Online Poker Licence (PlayCity)
Best for dedicated online poker operators.
What it is: Five-year PlayCity licence covering online poker as a stand-alone vertical separate from online casino and betting.
Who it suits: International poker brands targeting the Ukrainian player base.
Covers: Online poker rooms, tournaments and cash games. Land-based poker is covered by a casino licence. Sports poker is exempt from gambling regulation.
Operational requirement: All operator-level requirements applicable to online casino licensees apply: Ukrainian resident legal entity, Ukrainian-based technical infrastructure, .UA domain, integration with state online monitoring system.
Slot Machine Hall Licence (PlayCity)
Best for land-based slot operators in eligible hotel premises.
What it is: Five-year PlayCity licence for operating slot machine halls.
Who it suits: Operators offering electronic gaming machines in qualifying 3-, 4- or 5-star hotel locations.
Covers: Operation of slot machine halls; a separate licence is required per slot machine, with annual per-machine fees.
Operational requirement: Hall premises must comply with the Gambling Law location rules (hotel category, room count, area). At least 500 m from educational, government and healthcare facilities.
Gambling Software Supplier Licence (PlayCity)
Best for B2B gambling technology and platform vendors supplying Ukrainian operators.
What it is: PlayCity B2B licence authorising the supply of gambling software or certified equipment to licensed Ukrainian operators.
Who it suits: Aggregators, platform providers, game studios and equipment vendors.
Covers: Provision of gambling services as defined in the Gambling Law, including software directly used in gambling activity. Required for both local and foreign technology supplied into the Ukrainian market.
Operational requirement: Ukrainian resident legal entity. Software/equipment must be certified by accredited bodies.
Costs and timelines at a glance
- PlayCity statutory review period: 15 working days for any gambling licence application
- Gambling licence term: 5 years (10 years for casino investment licence)
- Gambling operator authorised capital: UAH 30 million (about USD 685,000)
- Gambling bank guarantee: 7,200 minimum wages
- Online casino five-year licence fee (2026): UAH 30.715 million (about USD 700,000)
- NBU bank decision timeline: 2 months from complete filing
- NBU bank minimum authorised capital: UAH 200 million (about USD 4.65 million)
- Ukraine minimum wage from 1 January 2026: UAH 8,647 (about USD 201)
- Gambling tax (GGR): 18% for betting and casinos; 10% for slot machine income
- Corporate income tax: 18% standard rate; gambling tax not deductible from CIT
- Crypto regime activation: awaiting second reading of Bill 10225-d
Who Ukraine suits and who it does not
Suitable for
- Online casino operators ready to commit a Ukrainian legal entity with full Ukrainian substance
- Sports betting operators wanting a unified land-based and online national licence
- Fintech businesses seeking NBU payment institution or e-money institution authorisation
- Open banking aggregators (AIS / PIS) under the Law on Payment Services
- Crypto businesses preparing for the post-Bill 10225-d MiCA-aligned regime
Not suitable for
- Crypto operators wanting an immediate operational VASP permit (regime not yet active)
- Operators unwilling to incorporate a Ukrainian legal entity with resident director and local management
- Land-based casino operators without a qualifying 5-star hotel project
- Operators with any beneficial ownership ties to the aggressor state (Russian Federation), who are categorically excluded across all sectors