Which KVED are suitable for photographers
Correctly chosen KVED codes (types of economic activity) are the foundation of a photographer’s legal work. They are needed for tax reporting, cooperation with clients, participation in grants or tenders, and for substantiating the sources of income.
Here are the main KVED codes most commonly used by sole proprietor photographers:
74.20 — Photographic activities
This is the primary profile code. It covers portrait, commercial, product, wedding, family, and reportage photography, as well as photo studio services. This NACE code should be selected as the main one during the registration of a sole proprietorship.
59.11 — Motion picture, video and television programme production activities
An additional code for those who shoot videos, create short clips, music videos, or work with YouTube channels.
74.10 — Specialized design activities
Sometimes relevant if you create advertising photo materials for brands that include graphic design.
90.03 — Artistic creation activities
For cases where your work has a creative or artistic nature, such as author projects, art exhibitions, or shooting for art platforms.
74.30 — Translation and interpretation activities
Only needed if you combine photo or video shooting with writing texts, for example, creating complete media products for foreign clients or working as a one-man production studio.
18.12 — Other printing activities
Relevant for photographers who have photo labs, print photo books, postcards, or other products.
Note: You don’t need to engage in all these activities right away. Adding multiple NACE code during registration is safe and free of charge.
Legal payments, contracts, and client trust
Even if you currently work “manually” through Instagram, Telegram, or via word-of-mouth recommendations, as your client base grows, legalizing your business becomes essential. A sole proprietorship allows you not only to accept payments securely but also to grow as an entrepreneur.
How the system works:
- Payment to the sole proprietorship account — you can open an account at any bank or via online services such as monobank or Privat24 for business. Clients pay officially, and you easily track incoming funds.
- Issuing invoices and acts of completed work — necessary if you work with companies, event organizers, publishers, or platforms. These documents serve as official proof of your services.
- Contracts — usually, a standard service agreement is sufficient, which can be adapted for specific orders. Our Finevolution team helps with templates and explains how to properly maintain records.
Why is it important to work officially?
- Client trust. Companies, event organizers, or foreign partners often choose only those contractors who have a registered sole proprietorship. This is not only a tax matter but also a reputation issue: the client must be confident they will receive the service and can account for the expense officially.
- Banks and payment systems. Without a sole proprietorship, it becomes difficult to receive payments from abroad officially. Having an account registered to a sole proprietorship provides access to transfers from marketplaces, agencies, grant providers, etc.
- Income confirmation. If you are planning to apply for a visa, loan, leasing, or participate in international programs, you will need a history of official income. Without a sole proprietorship, there will be no supporting documents.
- Safe cooperation through contracts. You can sign service agreements, provide for prepayment, penalties, and clear deadlines — this is important for both parties.
In the end, conducting business as a sole proprietor is not a complication but confidence. You do not fear inspections, manage your finances with ease, plan your growth, and look professional in the eyes of any client.
International platforms for photographers and how to work legally
A modern photographer is not limited to a studio and offline photoshoots. Many specialists actively work on international platforms: selling images on stock sites (Shutterstock, Adobe Stock), taking orders through Upwork, Fiverr, or collaborating directly with foreign clients via social networks.
To receive payments from such platforms officially, a sole proprietorship is required. This allows you to:
- Receive payments to a foreign currency account opened for your sole proprietorship in a bank or through payment systems.
- Avoid issues with tax authorities — you report, pay taxes, and there are no claims against you.
- Work with foreign companies officially — many platforms and clients do not work with individuals but are happy to sign agreements with a registered sole proprietor.
How Finevolution helps photographers
Working officially is not only about tax security. It is about peace of mind, convenience, and the ability to grow without fear. The Finevolution team knows how to work with photographers, studios, and visual content specialists, both in Ukraine and abroad.
Here is how we can be useful to you:
- We will help you open a sole proprietorship — turnkey, without queues or unnecessary stress.
- We will advise you on which KVED codes to choose depending on your services: studio shoots, wedding photography, business photos, or working with international platforms.
- We will set up financial accounting and tax reporting so you can focus on your creativity.
- We will consult on international cooperation; payments, contracts, income confirmation, and currency control.
Have many questions? We will help you put everything in order and will support you not only at the start but also in the process. Because we don’t just open sole proprietorships, we provide full support for your legal business.
We work Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 19:00. To receive a consultation, send a request using the form below or write to us on Telegram, Viber, or WhatsApp.
