Exporting and Transferring Funds from Ukraine by Foreigners: What You Need to Know

In recent years, the topic of transferring money out of Ukraine has become increasingly important for foreign nationals living in the country. This is partly due to the growing number of foreign entrepreneurs and professionals working in Ukraine, as well as the heightened attention of state authorities to cross-border currency movements.

Many foreigners hold bank accounts in Ukraine or receive income from business activities, rentals, or property sales. It is completely natural that they want to move these earnings abroad for personal needs or to recover investments. However, the current procedure for transferring or carrying money out of Ukraine is far from simple. It is governed by currency regulations, financial monitoring requirements, and customs control rules.

Foreigners who carry out transactions for transferring or taking money out of Ukraine must comply with Ukrainian law. Insufficient understanding of the requirements or mistakes in preparing documents may lead to the blocking of a bank account or delays in transfers. The origin of the funds is checked especially carefully.

For this reason, anyone planning to take money out of Ukraine, whether in cash or via bank transfer, should learn the applicable rules, limits, and documentation requirements in advance. This helps avoid misunderstandings with banks or customs authorities.

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Legal Requirements and Restrictions on Taking Money Out of Ukraine for Foreign Nationals

Ukrainian legislation sets clear rules for the export of foreign currency by individuals, both residents and non-residents.

What amount can be taken out without declaration?

A foreign national may take cash or bank metals out of Ukraine in an amount up to 10,000 euros, or the equivalent in another currency, without submitting a written customs declaration. This rule applies to everyone regardless of citizenship and covers all types of foreign currency, including US dollars, euros, and British pounds.

Documents Required to Confirm the Legal Origin of Funds

If the total amount of cash is 10,000 euros or more, a customs declaration becomes mandatory. In this case, the foreign national must complete a customs declaration and provide documents that confirm the lawful origin of the funds, including:

• bank payment instructions showing the withdrawal of cash from an account, with the date and amount indicated;
• currency exchange receipts if applicable;
• a bank statement showing the movement of funds in the account.

If these documents are not provided, customs authorities may refuse to allow the export of the currency.

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Specific Rules for Cash and Non-Cash Funds

1. Taking cash out of Ukraine is physically controlled by customs officers at the border. Foreign nationals must have not only the cash itself but also documents confirming its legal origin. Any amount may be taken out, provided that it is declared in writing and supported by proper documentation. We explained this in more detail in our article: Cash Declaration at the Border and How to Prepare the Documents Correctly.
2. Transferring money abroad from accounts in Ukrainian banks is carried out in accordance with the Foreign Exchange Operations Rules approved by the National Bank of Ukraine. At the moment, there is a limit on international transfers. The monthly cap is 100,000 UAH.

Please note! A bank may request additional documents or refuse to process the transaction if the origin of the funds raises doubts.

Typical Mistakes Foreign Nationals Make When Taking Money Out of Ukraine

Most problems related to taking funds out of Ukraine arise not from intentional violations but from misunderstandings or incorrect interpretation of the rules. Below are the most common mistakes to avoid.

1. Taking funds out without supporting documents. Many foreigners believe that it is enough simply to carry cash, but this is not the case. Banks, customs authorities, and financial monitoring bodies may always request proof of the lawful origin of funds. Without official documents, taking an amount of 10,000 euros or more out of the country is not permitted.
2. Ignoring customs rules. Some foreign nationals mistakenly think that a customs declaration is merely a formality. However, failing to file a declaration when the amount exceeds the allowed limit is grounds for prohibiting the export of the funds. If you are unsure how to complete the declaration correctly, it is best to consult a lawyer who can assist with the documents safely and correctly.
3. Another common mistake is splitting a large amount of cash among several people to avoid declaration. This is another common mistake. We recommend always declaring the actual amount of cash. If it is 10,000 euros or more, it is better to prepare the documents and go through control without issues rather than take unnecessary risks.

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Practical Legal Advice: How to Move Funds Out Safely

To avoid problems with banks, customs authorities, or financial monitoring bodies, foreign nationals should prepare in advance before taking money out of Ukraine or transferring it abroad. Below are key recommendations that will help you complete the process correctly and safely.

Check the legal origin of funds in advance

Before taking money out of the country or initiating an international transfer, make sure you have documents that confirm the lawful origin of the funds. These may include:

• bank statements showing the deposit and withdrawal of funds;
• currency exchange receipts if applicable;
• an account statement showing the movement of funds;
• contracts for the sale of property, shares, or corporate rights;
• other documents confirming the source of income.

If the funds were received through several transactions, gather all supporting documents. Banks may later request the full history of how the money was obtained.

Choose the optimal way to take funds out of Ukraine

You can take money out of Ukraine in two main forms:

• in cash, provided you have the supporting documents required at the border;
• via a non-cash bank transfer, taking into account the established limits.

Each option has its own advantages and risks. Cash is simpler but requires your physical presence and strict compliance with customs requirements.
A non-cash transfer is more convenient and safer, but it usually takes more time.

Before choosing the method, it is advisable to consult with a lawyer who can help you determine the most efficient and least risky option for your situation. We discussed the available options for taking funds abroad in more detail here.

Clarify bank and customs requirements in advance

Before transferring or taking funds out of Ukraine, it is recommended to:

• consult your bank manager;
• clarify the list of documents needed to confirm the origin of funds;
• check the processing time for the currency transaction and any applicable fees.

If you plan to take cash out physically, you should also check the requirements of the specific customs checkpoint in advance. In some airports, customs officers may request additional proof or require an electronic declaration.

Do not exceed the limits without preparation

If you plan to take out more than 10,000 euros, do not try to bypass the rule. This is the most common reason for problems at customs. It is better to prepare the documents properly, complete the declaration, and go through control without stress.

Consult a specialist

If you are unsure about the process or have no experience dealing with Ukrainian banks and customs rules, it is best to seek advice from a legal professional. A specialist will help you avoid mistakes, prepare the documents correctly, and explain how to act in case of a dispute or a blocked transaction.

Support With Currency Transactions and Transfers for Foreign Nationals in Ukraine

If you are planning to take money out of Ukraine or transfer funds abroad, do not risk your finances because of formal mistakes or an incomplete document package.
Our company’s lawyers have practical experience supporting foreign nationals with currency transactions and help clients act legally and without risks. We offer:

• consultations on choosing the most suitable method of taking funds out of Ukraine, either in cash or via bank transfer, taking into account limits and banking requirements;
• document review and support at the bank to prevent transaction blocks;
• preparation of customs declarations and assistance when crossing the border;
• risk minimization through a preliminary analysis of financial documents and the lawful origin of funds.

We do more than give advice. We take responsibility for achieving your goal safely.
By working with us, you receive a fully legal turnkey solution and confidence that your funds are protected.

Submit a request and we will help you complete the currency transaction quickly, confidentially, and with full legal peace of mind.