Security license

A security services licence allows a company or sole proprietor to provide protection for property and individuals in Ukraine. Without it, a business cannot lawfully enter into contracts for physical site security, personal protection, valuables escort services or alarm monitoring with a mobile response team.

Licensing is administered by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, commonly referred to as the MIA. The main rules are set out in the Law of Ukraine «On Security Activities», the Law of Ukraine «On Licensing of Types of Economic Activity» and Resolution No. 960 of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dated 18 November 2015. In 2025, the government updated the Licensing Conditions, adding requirements concerning security equipment, service dogs, central monitoring stations and technical information protection.

Services that require a security licence

Security activities cover more than placing a guard at a building entrance. Ukrainian law regulates services ranging from private home protection to personal security and the escort of cargo or valuables.

A security services licence is required for:

• physical protection of offices, shops, warehouses, businesses and residential properties;
• personal protection services;
• alarm monitoring with a mobile response team;
• escorting cargo, valuables and other property;
• access control at a client’s premises;
• use of technical equipment under a security services agreement;
• use of trained service dogs during security operations;

Installing CCTV cameras or alarm systems without providing subsequent protection services is not always treated as a regulated security activity. The deciding factor is the contract and whether the contractor assumes responsibility for protecting a person or property.

Who can obtain a security services licence

An application may be submitted by a legal entity or sole proprietor registered in Ukraine. Security companies generally register KVED 80.10 «Private security activities» as one of their business activity codes.

Anyone planning to register an LLC must first determine the ownership structure, director, registered address and business activities. A notary may be required for certain company registration procedures, but the application submitted to the MIA does not need notarisation. Appointing a nominee director does not replace the qualified security specialist and may create additional risks when disclosing the company’s actual ownership and control structure.

Main requirements for a security company

The main staffing requirement is a qualified specialist responsible for organising security operations. This role may be performed by the company’s director, deputy director or another employee responsible for supervising security personnel.

The specialist must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• hold a higher education qualification and have at least three years of relevant experience in an officer position within specified law enforcement agencies, military formations or departmental paramilitary security units;
• hold a higher education qualification and have at least three years of management experience with a licensed security provider or in a security-related position;
• hold a higher legal education qualification and have at least three years of professional legal experience with a security provider;

A diploma alone is insufficient. The company must provide evidence of professional experience, employment, psychiatric and substance-abuse examinations, absence of medical restrictions and military registration details.

Security guards must be legally competent Ukrainian citizens aged 18 or over. They must complete the required training or professional preparation and work under an employment agreement. A current conviction for an intentional criminal offence prevents employment as a security guard.

Documents required for licensing

The current list of documents is provided in the MIA administrative service information card. Applicants should use forms from the current version of the Licensing Conditions, as templates published earlier on third-party legal websites may be outdated.

The application package normally includes:

• an application in the prescribed form;
• documents confirming the education, experience, health and employment of the security operations specialist;
• details of security personnel already employed by the company;
• information about special equipment, response vehicles and service dogs, if used;
• information about technical information protection systems and central monitoring stations;
• information about workplace accessibility for people with disabilities and other persons with reduced mobility;
• confirmation that the applicant is not controlled by and does not maintain prohibited commercial relations with residents of the aggressor state;
• an inventory of submitted documents in two copies when applying in person;

The MIA compares the submitted information with the Unified State Register and checks compliance with the Licensing Conditions. Incorrect employment records, medical documents or management details may delay the application.

Procedure for obtaining a security services licence

Documents may be submitted in person, sent by post with an inventory of enclosures or filed online through the MIA business portal.

The process involves the following steps:

1. Register a legal entity or sole proprietorship and add the appropriate KVED code.
2. Appoint a qualified security operations specialist and formalise the employment relationship.
3. Verify qualifications, work experience, medical documents and military registration information.
4. Complete the application and supporting forms.
5. Submit the full package to the MIA.
6. Check the published decision and pay the licensing fee within the prescribed period.

The official review period is 10 business days from receipt of the application. The fee equals one subsistence minimum for able-bodied persons applicable on the date of the licensing decision. Payment must be made within 10 business days after publication of the licence approval.

The licence has no expiry date and does not require annual renewal. The company must nevertheless continue to meet all staffing, organisational and technical requirements.

Declaration during martial law

During martial law, Ukrainian legislation may allow security activities to begin on the basis of a declaration. A declaration does not have the permanent status of a licence.

After martial law is terminated or cancelled, the declarant must obtain the required authorisation by the end of the corresponding calendar year, but no later than three months after the termination or cancellation date.

According to MIA data, Ukraine had 9,013 licence holders and 523 submitted declarations in 2024. The Ministry received 39 complaints – 27 concerning licence holders and 12 concerning declarants. In the first quarter of 2025, the number of declarations increased by 14.6% compared with the same period in 2024.

Checking a licence in the MIA register

A paper certificate may not be issued. Legal status is confirmed by an entry in the licensing register, while the MIA publishes its decision on the next business day.

A licence check should include:

• searching by company name or EDRPOU registration code;
• checking the date and number of the MIA decision;
• verifying the current licence status;
• reviewing decisions on suspension, restoration or termination;

The official MIA security activities licensing register can be used to verify a contractor before signing an agreement or acquiring shares in a security company.

Buying a licensed company or starting from scratch

An investor may apply for a new licence or buy an existing company with a security licence. Purchasing an operating company requires due diligence covering its corporate history, contracts, debts, employees, ownership structure and MIA decisions.

A change of shareholders does not automatically cancel the licence. Changes involving directors, qualified specialists, registered addresses or security equipment must be properly documented and reported to the licensing authority. The company will also require accounting services, HR records and monitoring of medical document validity periods.

Licensing consultations through Poshuk.info

Poshuk.info provides a list of verified law firms and legal practices that advise on security business licensing in Ukraine. The listed providers meet the professional criteria established for this service category.

A client can submit one consultation request that is sent to all suitable verified firms. There is no need to visit multiple websites, repeat the same information or contact every adviser separately. This allows the client to receive several proposals, compare fees, timeframes and included services, and select suitable terms.