MAGISTERS / NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION REGISTRATION
Registration of a
public organization in Ukraine
Kyiv, Kharkiv and Odesa. We prepare the charter, founding meeting minutes and state registration documents, and assist with obtaining non-profit status.
01 Complete document package
02 Support at every stage
03 Experience with NGOs and foundations
04 Serving clients across Ukraine
We help you choose the appropriate legal form, check founder eligibility and support the establishment of your organization, whether your goals involve volunteering, social projects or protecting members’ interests.
KYIV · KHARKIV · ODESA · ONLINE CONSULTATIONS
GETTING STARTED
Public organization public union or charitable foundation
Before preparing the documents, you need to select the appropriate legal form. These entities differ in who may establish them, their purposes and how they operate. Registering a public organization is suitable for an initiative founded by individuals; a public union is founded by private-law legal entities; charitable organizations are governed by separate legislation.
01 / INDIVIDUAL FOUNDERS
Public organization
At least two individuals are required as founders. It may operate with or without legal entity status. Legal entity status is generally preferable for grants, contracts and a dedicated bank account.
02 / LEGAL ENTITY FOUNDERS
Public union
Its founders are private-law legal entities. Individuals may also become members subject to applicable law. The founder structure and governance arrangements should be determined in advance.
03 / CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Charitable foundation
A separate form of charitable organization, which may be established by a single founder. Its charter and governance rules differ from those of a public association.
If you plan community initiatives, grant-funded activities, protection of members’ rights or sustained volunteer work, we will help you choose a legal structure suitable for those activities. We can also provide legal assistance in Ukraine on organizational and business matters.
LEGAL SUPPORT
What a lawyer does when registering an organization
Our role goes beyond filling in a registration form. We prepare the legal framework for the organization’s future operations. Errors concerning a director’s authority, voting procedures, property ownership or use of funds often become apparent only after registration, when they are harder to correct.
01 / THE CONCEPT
Reviewing objectives and the proposed name
We review the proposed activities, founders, name and legal form. We determine whether a customized charter is necessary or whether the model charter will meet your needs.
02 / FOUNDING DOCUMENTS
Drafting the charter and meeting minutes
We prepare decisions on establishment, governing bodies, the director’s powers, admission of members and oversight of property and financial resources.
03 / REGISTRATION
Preparing and submitting the application
We assemble the application and supporting documents, select the appropriate submission route through Diia or a territorial body of the Ministry of Justice, and respond to any registrar comments.
04 / AFTER INCORPORATION
Non-profit status
We check whether the charter meets the requirements of Ukrainian tax law and assist with inclusion in the Register of Non-Profit Institutions and Organizations.
05 / SUBSEQUENT CHANGES
Amendments and re-registration
We prepare changes to the charter, governing bodies and Unified State Register details, including documentation for an association transitioning from operating without legal entity status.
06 / ONGOING SUPPORT
Contracts grants and day-to-day activities
We explain how to structure contracts, grants, membership fees, payments and reporting while complying with the organization’s purposes and non-profit rules.
NEW IN 2026
Registering a public organization through Diia or the Ministry of Justice
Since 21 April 2026, the Diia portal has offered online registration of a public organization under a model charter. For eligible applicants this is a faster option: the system generates the documents and state registration can be completed automatically. It is not suitable for everyone, however, and a custom charter may sometimes be the better legal choice.
ONLINE / MODEL CHARTER
When Diia is suitable
There must be at least two founders who are Ukrainian citizens and have the required tax identification number (RNOKPP), Unique Register Entry Number (UNZR) and qualified electronic signature. All founders sign the electronic documents. They can select among the provisions offered by the model charter.
This is a free government service. The time needed to process the electronic application differs from the time required to issue an extract after registration with the relevant authorities.
OFFLINE / CUSTOM CHARTER
When an application goes through the Ministry of Justice
Where the founders include foreign nationals, the required digital identifiers are unavailable or the organization wishes to adopt its own charter, the applicable offline procedure is used through a territorial body of the Ministry of Justice.
The standard period for state registration of a public association is up to three working days. The law permits an extension in specified circumstances.
A model charter works well for straightforward governance structures. A customized charter may be necessary for complex membership rules, special management arrangements, regional branches, grant projects or enhanced oversight mechanisms.
HOW THE PROCESS WORKS
How to establish and register a public organization
The founding meeting and state registration are distinct steps. Documents for registering a public association must be submitted within 60 days after the founding meeting. If this period is missed, the association is deemed not to have been established.
01 / PREPARATION
Checking the founders
We check the founders’ identity details, the proposed name, intended legal status and available registration options. We discuss the purposes and management structure.
02 / ESTABLISHMENT
Founding minutes and charter
We document the decision to establish the organization, approve its charter, appoint governing bodies and designate the person authorized to handle registration. We prepare information required for the Unified State Register.
03 / SUBMISSION
Diia or the registration authority
We arrange submission using the appropriate procedure, check the signatures and completeness of the documents, and prepare corrections and legal explanations if the registrar raises issues.
04 / COMPLETION
Register extract and tax registration
We check the Unified State Register entry, extract and registration details and agree on the steps needed for non-profit status, opening a bank account and starting operations.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Documents required to register a public organization
Registering a public organization with legal entity status generally requires a decision to establish it, documents reflecting the chosen charter, an application in the prescribed form and other information required by state registration legislation. The exact package depends on the registration method and the circumstances of the case.
CHARTER / AUTHORITY
What we check before submission
Objectives and activities. They should reflect the organization’s actual operations and funding sources.
Governance arrangements. The powers of the general meeting, director and oversight bodies, voting procedures and rules for changing the membership.
Non-profit requirements. Restrictions on distributing income to founders and members, permitted uses of funds, and rules for transferring assets upon dissolution.
If a founder is a foreign national, we separately review their lawful status, identification documents, translations and whether representation is permitted. Notarization or other evidence may be required depending on the case.
TAX STATUS
Registration and non-profit tax status are separate matters
Inclusion of a public organization in the Unified State Register does not by itself always establish its non-profit status for tax purposes. To qualify, the organization must comply with paragraph 133.4 of the Tax Code of Ukraine and be entered in the Register of Non-Profit Institutions and Organizations.
10 CALENDAR DAYS
When to submit Form 1-RN
The request may be submitted to the state registrar during incorporation or to the relevant tax authority within 10 calendar days of state registration, so that non-profit status can apply from the date of establishment if all requirements are met.
AFTER REGISTRATION
How funds may be used
Grants, donations, membership fees and other income must be used for purposes permitted by law and the charter. The organization must not distribute income to its founders or members except for expenditures allowed by law.
Volunteer initiatives may require a separate legal assessment
The previous version of this page mentioned placing volunteer organizations on a register. The tax authority’s Register of Volunteers is intended for individual charitable volunteers, not public organizations. We can assess whether individual volunteers in your project need to register separately and what documentation is appropriate.
WHERE WE WORK
Registering a public organization in Kyiv Kharkiv and Odesa
We advise founders in all three cities and can arrange document preparation remotely. The submission procedure depends on the founders, the chosen charter and the competent registration authority. Ukrainian law sets a nationwide framework, but practical arrangements for signatures and representation may differ.
THE CAPITAL AND REGION
Kyiv
Registration of a public organization in Kyiv includes preparing the registration package and founding decisions, checking governance provisions and supporting submission. We can also address plans to operate in other regions.
KHARKIV REGION
Kharkiv
Registration of a public organization in Kharkiv includes legal support for civic, human rights and volunteer initiatives, including founders who require remote document preparation and coordination.
ODESA REGION
Odesa
Registration of a public organization in Odesa includes selecting the legal form and charter, preparing founding decisions, checking Unified State Register data and assisting after incorporation.
WHEN TO SEEK LEGAL ADVICE
Situations where documents should be reviewed before filing
NON-STANDARD FOUNDERS
Foreign nationals among the founders
Automatic Diia registration using the model charter is not available for such founder groups. We review the founders’ status, translations, authority to act and the available filing procedure.
FUTURE GRANT FUNDING
International funding is planned
It is important to define in advance how restricted funds will be used, the director’s powers, financial oversight and rules for changing the governing bodies.
REGISTRATION REFUSED
Comments or refusal from the registrar
We assess whether the issue is a correctable technical defect or a substantive question about compliance with the law, then prepare the next steps.
LEGAL FEES
Prices for registering a public organization and related services
The amounts below reflect indicative legal fees listed on the previous MAGISTERS page. They are not government registration fees or a binding quotation. We agree the precise scope and price before signing an engagement agreement.
CORE SERVICE
Document preparation
Charter, founding decisions, application and document checks, without full management of the registration process.
UAH 5,000
CORE SERVICE
Public organization
Comprehensive legal support for registration, subject to an agreed scope of work.
UAH 10,000
RELATED LEGAL FORM
Charitable foundation
A separate registration procedure with distinct requirements for the charter and founders.
UAH 10,000
RELATED LEGAL FORM
Public union
Preparation of registration for an association founded by private-law legal entities.
UAH 15,000
Additional services
NON-PROFIT TAX STATUS
Register of non-profit organizations
Assistance with non-profit status and the Form 1-RN application.
UAH 3,000
REGISTRY AMENDMENTS
Amendments and re-registration
Updates to the charter, governing bodies and Unified State Register information within the agreed scope.
UAH 6,000
VOLUNTEER MATTERS
Volunteer registration assistance
Advice and documentation for an individual charitable volunteer where the Register of Volunteers is applicable.
UAH 3,000
OPTIONAL
Seals and stamps
An optional supplementary service; a public organization can generally operate without a seal.
From UAH 800
State registration of a new public association is free of charge. Registration through Diia under a model charter is also free. Government fees should not be confused with the price of legal services.
AFTER REGISTRATION
What a registered public organization can do
LEGAL CAPACITY
Contracts and bank accounts
An organization with legal entity status can enter into contracts, open bank accounts and conduct its own operations in accordance with its charter.
FUNDING
Grants and donations
Subject to the requirements of the relevant funding programme, a public organization may apply for project funding, accept donations and report on how funds are spent.
REPRESENTATION
Protection of members’ interests
Within its statutory objectives and the law, the organization may carry out civic initiatives, implement projects and represent legitimate interests.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions about registering an NGO
How many founders are needed to register a public organization?
At least two individuals. Founders must generally be 18 or older, although separate age rules apply to youth and children’s public organizations.
Can a foreign national establish a public organization in Ukraine?
Yes. Foreign nationals and stateless persons lawfully present in Ukraine may act as founders subject to the law. Where foreigners are among the founders, registration through Diia under the model charter is not currently available.
Can a public organization be registered through Diia in 2026?
Yes. Since 21 April 2026, online registration under a model charter has been available for at least two eligible founders who are Ukrainian citizens and have the required digital identifiers and qualified electronic signatures.
How long does registration take?
The standard offline registration period is up to three working days following submission, subject to extensions permitted by law. Model-charter registration through Diia may be completed automatically, while the extract is issued after the relevant authorities have processed the registration.
Is there a government fee to register a public organization?
No. State registration of a newly established public association is free of charge. You pay only for legal assistance and optional services you choose.
How soon after the founding meeting must documents be submitted?
Within 60 days after the founding meeting. If the period is missed, the association is not considered established and the founding procedure must be completed again.
Can a public organization operate without legal entity status?
Yes. A public association may operate with or without legal entity status. However, a separate bank account, contracts in its own name and many grant programmes generally require legal entity status.
Does an organization need to obtain non-profit tax status separately?
It must ensure its inclusion in the Register of Non-Profit Institutions and Organizations. A request for this can be submitted during registration, including through the relevant Diia process, or Form 1-RN can be filed within the statutory deadline.
Can we use our own charter instead of the model charter?
Yes. If you require customized provisions on governance, membership, supervision or decision-making, you can draft an individual charter and use the appropriate registration procedure.
Can the same organization undertake volunteer activities and receive grants?
Yes, provided its activities and funding comply with the charter and applicable law. Registration of an individual in the tax authority’s Register of Volunteers does not mean the organization itself is entered in that register.
Is an official seal mandatory?
Generally no. A seal is not a mandatory condition for a legal entity’s operations and can be obtained separately if needed.
Do you work with founders in Kyiv Kharkiv and Odesa?
Yes. Consultations and preparation of the charter, minutes and registration package can be arranged remotely. Signature and filing arrangements depend on the procedure and founders involved.
MAGISTERS / CONTACT A LAWYER
Planning to register a public organization?
Tell us who the founders will be, the city of registration, whether you plan grants or volunteer activities, and whether a customized charter is required. We will propose an appropriate registration route and explain the scope of our legal work.
We advise clients in Kyiv, Kharkiv and Odesa and can handle document preparation and consultations remotely.