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Do copywriters and content editors need to register as FOP?

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Finevolution
30.06.2025

Copywriting, blogging, and text editing are no longer just “side gigs after work”, they’ve become full-fledged professions that generate steady income for thousands of Ukrainians. The content industry grows more important each year: brands are launching blog platforms, media outlets are looking for niche experts, and international companies need content in Ukrainian and English for their new markets.

According to Freelancehunt, the demand for copywriting and content services remained consistently high in 2024. More and more writers are specialising in narrow niches – from SEO and email marketing to native content.

However, most copywriters and editors in Ukraine still lack official entrepreneurial status. This creates several issues:

  • Clients request invoices or contracts, but you can’t provide them
  • Income is paid to your personal bank card and your account may be blocked
  • You have no official proof of income, making it difficult to apply for a visa, get a loan, or submit a grant application

All of this can be solved in one step – by registering as an FOP and working legally.

Working in digital marketing or design? Check out our other guides:

FOP – the most convenient setup for writers and editors

If you regularly write on commission, create content for agencies, businesses, or media – you need a legal status. An FOP offers the best conditions for working officially.

Legal cooperation with companies

Without an FOP, you can’t officially sign contracts or issue invoices. This means:

  • limited access to large clients
  • inability to work directly with foreign agencies
  • missed opportunities for long-term projects

Ability to receive payments in foreign currency

Many writers create content in English, German, or Polish – for websites, platforms, and e-commerce. To accept payments from international clients, you need to be an FOP under the 3rd group, with a UAH bank account or access to a payment system (like Wise, Payoneer, etc.).

Simplified reporting and transparency

Your income is officially tracked, and the tax regime is clear:

  • 5% income tax + 1% military levy
  • simplified reporting (quarterly either independently or with an accountant’s help)

Verified financial history

Income received through your FOP is easy to prove – you have bank statements, pay taxes, and submit declarations. This is essential for:

  • applying for visas, residence permits, or grants
  • participating in relocation programmes
  • getting a loan or mortgage

More trust from clients

  • You’re not just a “Facebook freelancer” – you’re a legal service provider. Clients see that you operate transparently and are ready to sign agreements, issue acts, or provide invoices.

Which FOP tax group should a copywriter or editor choose?

For most authors, editors, and content creators, the best option is the 3rd group of the simplified taxation system. However, some may be tempted by the 2nd group, which has a fixed tax rate and simpler reporting. Below is a comparison to help you choose the right group.

Parameter 2nd group 3rd group
Single tax rate Fixed (up to 20% of minimum wage, ~UAH 1,600/month) 5% of income (or 3% with VAT)
Income limit (2025) UAH 6,672,000/year UAH 9,336,000/year
Employees Up to 10 people

Unlimited

Clients Individuals or FOPs on simplified system Any clients (including legal entities and foreigners)
Cooperation with foreign clients Not allowed Allowed
Reporting Annual Quarterly
Foreign currency payments No Yes

 

Who should choose the 2nd group:

This option is suitable if you work only with individual clients or FOPs on the simplified tax system, don’t receive payments from abroad, stay within the income limit.

Who should choose the 3rd group:

  • write texts for legal entities
  • work with agencies or media platforms
  • receive payments in foreign currencies
  • plan to scale your business – the 3rd group offers more flexibility and legal clarity
Do you need to register as a sole proprietor (FOP)?

We know all the nuances and will help with registration.

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Recommended activity codes (KVED) for copywriters, editors, and authors

Selecting the right KVEDs (types of economic activity codes) is essential for legal compliance. They determine whether your work qualifies for the simplified tax system and what services you can legally provide.

63.99 – Other information services n.e.c.
Suitable for general text work: writing, editing, posts, and descriptions.

58.19 – Other publishing activities
Good for those involved in blogging, online publications, or media content.

63.11 – Data processing and web hosting
Useful if you manage website content or work with CMS platforms.

Additional relevant KVEDs:

  • 90.03 – Individual artistic activity
  • 63.12 – Web portals
  • 73.11 – Advertising agencies
  • 82.19 – Document preparation and other office support

If you also translate texts – even occasionally – make sure to add 74.30 – Translation services to your FOP. This ensures you can legally provide translation services without violating the simplified system’s rules.

Can you combine multiple KVEDs?

Yes. Many copywriters use several codes simultaneously, for example:

  • 63.99 for text creation
  • 58.19 for media publications
  • 63.11 for website content management

This setup allows you to legally cover different service types and avoid tax authority questions about the legitimacy of your activities.

If you haven’t selected your KVEDs yet or are unsure whether your current ones are appropriate – we can help you choose the best options and update the registry accordingly.

How to work with clients: documents, payments, and taxes

One of the main advantages of being an FOP is the ability to work officially with any type of client. But to ensure your cooperation is tax-compliant, it’s important to properly document your agreements and payments.

A typical collaboration between a writer and a client looks like this:
  • Contract or public offer

In most cases, a standard agreement for information or copyright services is sufficient. Alternatively, you can use a public offer accepted by the client through invoice payment. Some platforms or marketplaces also act as intermediaries and provide their own templates.

  • Invoice for payment

You can issue an invoice through your online banking account or use an Excel/Google Docs template. Make sure to include your FOP details, IBAN, service description, and total amount. If the client requests it, add a completion certificate (акт виконаних робіт).

  • Payment reference

When the client sends payment, it’s best to include the name of the service as listed under your registered KVEDs in the payment details.

  • Working with international clients

Most often, international payments are processed through services like Payoneer, Wise, or PayPal (via a company account). These platforms allow you to accept payments in foreign currencies and withdraw funds in UAH to your FOP bank account.

We assist with connecting to payment systems and explain how to accept foreign income legally, without violating currency control or tax rules.

“I’m not an FOP yet” — is it worth waiting?

Many writers — especially at the beginning of their career — think it’s too early to register as an FOP:
“I’ll just work a bit using my personal card and see how it goes.”

This approach is common but comes with growing risks and limitations that will catch up with you:

  • Banks are increasingly blocking personal accounts used for regular “freelance” payments. One request to “explain the source of funds” can cost you time, energy, and sometimes even money
  • Companies and agencies don’t pay to personal cards. If you want to grow from freelancer to long-term service provider, you need official status
  • You can’t sign contracts or verify your income, which is essential for visa applications, emigration, mortgages, and studying abroad
  • Grants, support programs, collaborations – most require registration as an FOP or company

And most importantly – you can’t scale in this profession without FOP status.

If you’re working on international platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, or PeoplePerHour, you’ll quickly encounter the need for tax registration. If you run a blog, create courses, or write for the media – you’ll also need an FOP to accept payments and sign contracts legally.

Registering as an FOP isn’t just about “paying taxes” – it’s about unlocking new opportunities, growing professionally, and working on a higher level with your clients.

How Finevolution supports authors – from registration to full service

You can register as an FOP yourself, search for the right KVEDs, learn how to navigate currency regulations, experiment with payment platforms, and dig into tax details.

Or – you can focus on your writing and let us handle the rest.

At Finevolution, we support writers, editors, bloggers, journalists, and other professionals in the text industry every day. We know all the practical details inside out.

Here’s how we help:

  • We help you choose the right KVEDs for your services
  • We register your FOP without queues or mistakes
  • We explain how to legally accept foreign currency via Payoneer, Wise, or other platforms
  • We set up reporting and financial tracking – or take full responsibility for it
  • We guide you on working with foreign clients without tax risks

We believe writers should create, not waste hours navigating government portals, tax reports, or financial regulations.


Leave us a request – the Finevolution team will help you get it right from the start. We’re available Monday to Friday, 09:00–19:00. To get a consultation, submit a request using the form below or contact us via Telegram, Viber, or WhatsApp.