LICENCES FOR SUBSOIL DEVELOPMENT, SPECIAL PERMITS FOR SUBSOIL USE, PILOT COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT OF MINERAL DEPOSITS IN UKRAINE. “UKRBUSINESSCONSULT”
Subsoil development licence: special permits and project launch in Ukraine in 2026
A subsoil investor receives not simply a permit document but the right to implement a geological and production project with defined resources, deadlines, investments and obligations.
Before submitting an application, a financial model should be built with a reserve for exploration, infrastructure, mandatory payments and changes in reserve parameters. The project is ready for launch when the special permit, work programme, financing, land access, environmental actions and reporting are combined in one investment plan.
When the service is needed
A subsoil investor receives not simply a permit document but the right to implement a geological and production project with defined resources, deadlines, investments and obligations. For the owner, it is important to connect the procedure with income, deadlines, responsibility and relations with partners. Formal submission should support the project rather than replace the commercial decision.
Before submitting an application, a financial model should be built with a reserve for exploration, infrastructure, mandatory payments and changes in reserve parameters. Before work starts, it is useful to define the criterion for a normal result, budget, responsible persons and the documents that will confirm it.
What has changed in the procedure
The term “subsoil development licence” was used for a long time in business language to refer to authorisation for exploration and extraction, while preparation was built around paper approvals and departmental decisions. This procedure shaped familiar search terms and helps a business formulate the task.
In 2026, the central instrument is a special permit for subsoil use, which in prescribed cases is acquired through an electronic auction and accompanied by a work programme. An electronic auction makes the procedure more transparent, but the participant still needs to assess geological data, land relations, environmental conditions, financing and future sale of the output. The difference lies not only in the name of the document but also in the changed process, data and methods of control.
Comparison of approaches: before and in 2026
Sequence and main stages of providing the service
It is practical to divide the work into stages so that the commercial decision, document set and actions of responsible persons do not contradict each other. This approach helps identify dependencies in advance and confirm completion of each step.
- Determine the type of activity, facility, territory and required state authorisation.
- Check the applicable procedure, official register, auction or electronic service.
- Prepare corporate, technical, financial and personnel information.
- Submit an application or participate in the electronic procedure and monitor the status.
- After obtaining the right, formalise the related contracts, work programme and internal regulations.
- Organise payments, reporting and a timetable for compliance with the conditions.
The sequence is adapted to the stage of the business. The next stage begins after the source data, documents and responsible persons have been confirmed.
What is needed to start work
For an initial assessment, it is enough to prepare the basic information needed to determine the applicable procedure and make an exact list of further actions:
- description of the activity, facility and commercial objective;
- corporate documents and ownership structure;
- technical programme, personnel and equipment;
- financial model and source of financing;
- land, environmental or sector information;
- documents for submission and subsequent compliance with the conditions.
After the initial analysis, the list is refined for the specific object, period, regulator and commercial model. This avoids collecting unnecessary documents and makes it possible to identify missing confirmations in advance.
Service specifics and organisational matters
Even with electronic filing, most of the work remains managerial. The company should appoint responsible persons, agree the source data and ensure consistency of information received by government authorities, banks, partners and contractors.
An electronic auction makes the procedure more transparent, but the participant still needs to assess geological data, land relations, environmental conditions, financing and future sale of the output. The electronic service records the submission, but the quality of the result depends on the company's internal review.
Before submitting an application, a financial model should be built with a reserve for exploration, infrastructure, mandatory payments and changes in reserve parameters. Therefore, control covers the term, accuracy of data, signatory authority, contracts and connection with the financial model.
- timetable for validity of the right and obligations;
- control of payments and reporting;
- recording changes in the corporate and technical model;
- link between permit and contractual documents;
- regular verification of compliance with the conditions.
What you will receive as a result
For the owner, the practical result is not a separate document by itself, but the ability to lawfully and predictably conduct the chosen activity, enter into contracts, obtain financing and confirm the company's status to counterparties.
The project is ready for launch when the special permit, work programme, financing, land access, environmental actions and reporting are combined in one investment plan.
When the documents, participants and commercial objective are aligned, the procedure becomes predictable. The company can explain to a partner, bank or regulator what has been completed, on what basis and who is responsible for further actions.
Why Choose UBC?
The main activities of the UBC group include consulting and investment services, assistance with obtaining credit and attracting investors, acquisition and sale of established businesses, and commercial real-estate development in Ukraine and abroad. Starting with the fundamentals - company registration in Ukraine, Europe and other countries and opening accounts with reliable banks - we also provide corporate law, offshore jurisdictions and offshore companies, business consulting, audit, certification, LLC registration, registration of financial companies, asset-management companies and investment funds, registration of joint-stock companies, issuance of securities and bonds, support for foreign investment, construction licences, permits for design and construction, and other services for successful business in Ukraine. We provide a complete turnkey business-service package within the shortest practical timeframes.
We always work exclusively towards the result you need and will do everything necessary to achieve it within the required timeframe, taking full account of your wishes and requirements.
Our continuously expanding network of regional and international partners helps resolve our clients' business matters both in Ukraine and abroad.
Why is it better to start a business in Ukraine with UBC? The answer is simple: we have substantially more practical experience, resources and capabilities for efficient implementation of your objectives. Our group has been and remains a leader in Ukraine in the corporate-services sector, and the UBC corporate structure comprises more than 10 companies operating in different business sectors.
Questions and answers
Can we start with a preliminary consultation?
Yes. For an initial assessment, it is enough to describe the objective, participants, object or period and the available documents. The applicable procedure can then be determined and an exact action list prepared.
What time frame should be planned?
The time frame depends on the completeness of the source data, the selected procedure and the involvement of government authorities or counterparties. A working calendar is prepared after the initial check.
Can some actions be completed online?
In 2026, many registration, reporting and permit actions are available through electronic services. At the same time, source documents and the authority of participants should be agreed in advance.
How is completion of the procedure confirmed?
The result is confirmed by a register entry, receipt, permit, contract, certificate or another document prescribed for the specific task.
Does UBC provide support?
Yes. A specialist in the relevant area will help determine the procedure, prepare the documents, organise filing and control receipt of the result.
Accounting and Tax Support for Companies
Legal Support and Compliance
Licences, permits, certification
Finance, Grants and Investment
International Trade and Market Entry
Digital Services for Companies
UBC and Partner Services Across Ukraine
Overview for Companies in Ukraine