The number of business relocations decreased due to the war in 2024: new figures

The business environment in Ukraine continues to evolve in an effort to adapt to new challenges. Many companies continue to look for safer and more profitable business environments, including relocating again. Find out what the situation with business relocations was in 2024

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Amid the ongoing hostilities and economic instability, Ukrainian companies continue to change their legal addresses, but the trend towards relocation has weakened somewhat. According to the Unified State Register, 11,083 companies decided to change their region of registration in 2024, Opendatabot reports. This is 18% less than in 2023 and 25% lower than before the full-scale invasion.

Dynamics of business relocations

In 2024, 11,083 companies officially changed their legal addresses, moving from one region to another. The 18 per cent year-on-year decline indicates some stabilisation in the regions most affected by the hostilities.

Since the beginning of the conflict, business relocations have fallen by 25% compared to the pre-war level.

Areas that were relocated most often

The largest share of companies that decided to relocate was made up of representatives of the wholesale trade:

🔻 Wholesale trade - 3,593 companies (32.4% of the total number of relocations);

🔻 Construction - 695 (6.3%);

🔻 Real estate - 537 (4.8%);

🔻 Agriculture and hunting - 515 (4.6%);

🔻 Transport - 463 (4.2%);

🔻 Retail trade - 368 (3.3%);

🔻 Trade and repair of motor vehicles - 308 (2.8%);

🔻 Food production - 259 (2.3%);

🔻 IT - 243 (2.2%);

🔻 Other - 4,102 (37.0%).

Thus, the wholesale trade industry was the most mobile, probably looking for safer and more logistically convenient regions to do business.

Regions of departure

Kyiv became the largest ‘donor’ in 2024, with 4,000 companies leaving the capital (36.6% of the total number of relocations). Large business losses were also observed in:

▪️ Kyiv region (10% of the total number of relocations),

▪️ Dnipropetrovska oblast (10%).

However, it is noteworthy that Kyiv and these regions are leading the way in terms of the number of new companies that have registered on their territory. For example, 28% of all newly registered companies chose the capital, 11% chose Kyiv region, and 10% chose Dnipro region. This indicates that, on the one hand, some businesses continue to leave dangerous areas, and on the other hand, many companies see these regions as opportunities for further development.

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Popular relocation routes

• Kyiv → Kyiv region: 775 companies,

• Kyiv → Dnipropetrovska oblast: 575 companies,

• Kyiv region → Kyiv: 563 companies.

Such ‘migration’ within the central regions is explained by the proximity of sales markets, established logistics chains, and more sustainable local infrastructures.

Entering foreign markets or relocating your business is a difficult but promising step that opens up new horizons for your company. Experienced business lawyers will help you handle all legal aspects: from registering a company and complying with local regulations to obtaining the necessary permits and protecting your interests. Our professionals specialise in working with Ukrainian entrepreneurs, providing support at every stage of integration into the international business environment. Choose a reliable partner in a few clicks on the Visit Ukraine portal.

We remind you! Despite the difficult economic conditions caused by the war, foreigners continue to open businesses in Ukraine. However, in 2024, the number of companies founded by non-residents decreased by almost 25% compared to the previous year. We told you which countries and industries are most often starting businesses in Ukraine.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

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