The State Tax Service of Ukraine announced planned changes to tax controls. This applies to sailors who work abroad, receive income in foreign currency, or are registered as sole proprietors.
The key points in simple terms:
▪️ Income Abroad
If you are a tax resident of Ukraine, income received abroad is subject to declaration. If taxes have already been paid in another country, there is no double taxation (provided you have a residence certificate).
▪️ Information Exchange with the EU
Ukraine participates in the international exchange of financial data with more than 120 countries. Income in foreign accounts may be known to the tax authorities.
▪️ Sailors-Sole Proprietors
If a sailor is registered as a sole proprietor and their annual income exceeds UAH 1 million, new requirements, including VAT, may apply. The tax service declares it is combating business fragmentation and “gray” schemes.
▪️ Bank accounts
Access to banking information is only possible if there are signs of risk (schemes, unexplained transactions), and not for everyone.
✈️ It’s important to remember that contract work abroad ≠ automatic tax exemption in Ukraine.
The key factors are residency, source of income, and payment of taxes abroad.