Security Activity License in Ukraine

What Requirements Must a Security Company Meet To Obtain a Security License?

Requirements for the security specialist (the specialist must meet at least one of the following criteria):

1. Higher education and at least three years of work experience in officer-level positions (no lower than junior lieutenant) in operational or investigative units of the Internal Affairs bodies, the Security Police, the Security Service of Ukraine, or at least three years of experience in command positions within military units or educational institutions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine; or in middle- or senior-level positions within law-enforcement agencies, military formations established under Ukrainian law, or departmental paramilitary security units.
2. Higher education and at least three years of experience in managerial positions (director, deputy director, head of a branch or separate subdivision) within a security services entity, or at least three years of experience in positions responsible for managing security operations.
3. Higher legal education and at least three years of experience in a security services entity working in a position relevant to the specialty.

Requirements for security company personnel:

• being at least 18 years old;
• having valid certificates from a narcologist and a psychologist;
• having a criminal record clearance certificate;
• passing a medical examination and possessing a document confirming the individual’s fitness to work in a security company.

Requirements for the material and technical resources of a security company:

Security companies may use service vehicles, a central monitoring station, or special security equipment in their operations. These assets must also meet specific regulatory requirements. The exact licensing requirements vary depending on the type of equipment and the quantity used.

Who Is a Security Specialist and Who Can Serve as the Head of a Security Company?

A security specialist is the director of a security company or their deputy, the head of a branch or separate subdivision, or their deputy, provided that their official duties include organizing and overseeing the company’s security operations. 

It is important to understand that this role cannot be filled by just any manager. The licensing authority imposes strict requirements regarding the security specialist’s education, qualifications, work experience, and health condition.  

Please note! Having a specialist who meets these requirements is a mandatory condition for obtaining a license to conduct private non-state security activities.

The responsibilities of a security specialist include:

• ensuring the integrity of the protected site and safeguarding the property stored within it, as well as ensuring the safety of individuals under protection;
• preventing the escalation of offenses against individuals and property, and preventing violations of the security company’s operational procedures;
• promptly notifying law enforcement authorities of any actions that show signs of a criminal offense at the security site;
• safeguarding confidential information regarding the security company’s activities, if such information is classified as confidential;
• refraining from violating public order.
  
  

How To Start a Security Business and Which Services Are in Demand

You can launch a security company in Ukraine either as a sole proprietor or a limited liability company (LLC). The choice of legal structure depends on your strategy:

• A sole proprietorship is suitable for a small business with a limited number of staff.
• An LLC is recommended if you plan to hire security personnel, use response vehicles, or service large facilities.

When starting a security business and applying for a license, you must consider the specifics of the sites you intend to protect and the services you plan to provide. Typical client requests include:

• screening employees and visitors entering the secured facility;
• monitoring the territory of a complex, factory, or office centre;
• controlling vehicle access to the site;
• conducting scheduled and emergency inspections of the premises.

Clients typically request a comprehensive service package, which may include:

• video surveillance systems;
• qualified security personnel (both on-site patrols and rapid-response teams);
• response vehicles.

A major advantage for clients is the ability to install fire safety systems, which significantly enhances facility security. To provide these services, you must obtain a separate fire safety license, which our company can also arrange on a turnkey basis. 

Security License for Military Personnel in Ukraine: What Work Experience Qualifies?

To successfully obtain a security license, you must have at least three years of official work experience in one of the following areas:

• in law-enforcement agencies or military formations;
• in a security agency, if you worked as a manager or in a comparable specialist role;
• with a licensed security services provider.

Note: To meet the licensing requirements for conducting security activities, acceptable work experience includes serving in officer-level positions in operational or investigative units of the Internal Affairs bodies, the Security Police, or the Security Service of Ukraine; having at least three years of experience in command positions within military units or educational institutions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine; holding middle or senior leadership roles within law-enforcement agencies or military formations established under Ukrainian law; or working in departmental paramilitary security units.

If you personally do not have the required work experience, the specialist can be someone you hire. Whether you plan to operate as a sole proprietor or register a company, you may sign an employment agreement with a qualified specialist and submit their documents to the Ministry of Internal Affairs as part of the license application.

How To Reissue a Security License

If you need to reissue a security license and your case meets the legal requirements, we can assist you. The grounds for reissuing a security license include:

• transfer of the right to conduct business activities from a sole proprietor to another individual who is their legal successor;
• changing the name of a legal entity (except when changing the legal form of the business) through a formal notification.

Please note! All documents for reissuing the license must be submitted no later than one month from the date of the changes.

Notifying the Authorities About Changes in Documents Submitted for a Security License

The process of submitting such a notification is also referred to as “making amendments to a security license,” as it concerns updates to the documents and information provided when obtaining the license. These situations include:

• changing the registered address of the company’s governing body;
• changing the surname, first name, or patronymic of an individual entrepreneur;
• replacing the specialist responsible for organizing security activities within the company;
• updating any other information indicated in the original application or supporting documents.

The exception is information regarding the following:

• security personnel;
• special security equipment;
• response vehicles.

This information must be submitted quarterly, no later than the 10th day. If a company fails to fulfil its obligation to update this data, the licensing authority has the right to:

1. Suspend the license until the violations are corrected.
2. Impose a fine in accordance with the Code of Administrative Offences.

Documents required to make changes to a security license:

• a notification;
• documents confirming the changes that have occurred.

Our company provides professional services for updating and amending security licenses. We ensure that all documents are prepared correctly and submitted on time. This helps you not only preserve your license but also avoid penalties.

Please note! In 2025, significant updates were introduced for all companies that obtained an MIA-issued license before November 5, 2025. To learn more, we recommend reading the detailed article on our website: Is It Mandatory To Update a Security License? Key Changes Since November 2025.

Legal Consultation on Obtaining a Security License

Launching a security business always begins with a clear understanding of the process and requirements. If you want to understand the procedure before ordering a security license, you can do so through an introductory consultation with a lawyer. Our specialist will answer questions such as:

• What stages does the security licensing process include?
• Which documents will be required specifically for your company?
• What are the minimum material, technical, and personnel requirements?
• How much will the security license service cost?

If your situation is more complex, for example, you need assistance with obtaining firearm permits for your guards or you want help selecting a qualified security specialist, you can order a Roadmap. This is a step-by-step action plan prepared by our lawyer, tailored to the specifics of your individual case.

Obtaining a Security License in a Short Timeframe

We understand how difficult it can be to independently complete the entire process of obtaining or reissuing a security license. That’s why we take over the process quickly, professionally, and with full support at every stage. With us, you:

• save time – no need to deal with complex requirements or licensing conditions;
• avoid mistakes – our lawyers review all documents before submission and know every step of the procedure;
• receive a security business ready to operate – we handle all paperwork, procedures, and payment details for the state fee until everything is finalized.

Our cooperation process is simple:

1. We provide all necessary information and outline the terms of cooperation.
2. After agreeing on the timeframe and cost of obtaining the security license, our specialists prepare the required documents and submit them to the Ministry of Internal Affairs for review.
3. Once the licensing authority approves the issuance of the security license, they provide the payment details for the state fee, which must be paid within 10 days. 

We guarantee that the licensing process will be straightforward, transparent, and as convenient as possible for you. 

If you want more information about security licenses or wish to request document preparation for obtaining one, send us a request!