A three-year high in the number of companies was recorded in Ukraine: Which industries and regions are leading the way?
27 July 15:51
In Ukraine, 19,758 new companies were registered during the first six months of 2026. This is 8% more than during the same period last year and the highest figure in the last three years.
At the same time, the number of companies that have ceased operations or are in the process of closing has also increased significantly. Despite this, the overall balance remains positive: the net increase was over 13,000 companies.
This is evidenced by data from an Opendatabot study based on information from the Unified State Register, reports "Komersant Ukrainian"
How Many New Companies Were Established in Ukraine
In the first half of 2026, 19,758 new legal entities were registered in Ukraine.
For comparison:
| Period | Number of new companies |
|---|---|
| First half of 2024 | 18,414 |
| First half of 2025 | 18,277 |
| First half of 2026 | 19,758 |
Thus, the number of new companies increased by 8% compared to 2025. The figure also exceeded the result for the first half of 2024 by approximately 1,300 registrations.
How many companies closed in half a year
Along with the increase in the number of new businesses, the rate of business closures also accelerated.
From January through June 2026, 6,563 closures were recorded—28% more than during the same period the previous year.
Opendatabot included in these statistics companies that, at the time the study was prepared, had the following statuses:
- “Terminated”;
- “In the process of dissolution.”
However, the “In the process of dissolution” status does not always mean permanent closure: a legal entity may still return to its registered status.
Net business growth exceeded 13,000 companies
Despite the increase in the number of closures, significantly more companies continue to open in Ukraine than cease operations.
According to the results of the first half of the year, the net increase was 13,195 companies.
Thus, even taking into account businesses that have closed or are in the process of dissolution, the total number of businesses in Ukraine continued to grow.
Which industries are growing the fastest
The largest absolute increase in the number of companies was recorded in wholesale trade. The number of businesses in this sector increased by 2,304.
The top five sectors with the highest growth also included:
| Sector | Net increase in companies |
| Wholesale trade | 2,304 |
| Information Technology | 1,254 |
| Real estate transactions | 1,104 |
| Nonprofit Organizations | 859 |
| Building maintenance | 824 |
Thus, wholesale trade accounted for the largest share of the increase, while IT and real estate ranked second and third, respectively.
Sectors with Fewer Companies
In five sectors, the number of companies declined during the first six months of the year.
The largest decrease was recorded in the public administration and defense sector—a decline of 289 companies.
The following sectors also showed negative trends:
- education— a decrease of 282 companies;
- veterinary services — −20;
- water supply — −14;
- creative and artistic activities — −11.
In most other sectors, the number of registered legal entities increased.
Kyiv topped the regional rankings
The largest increase in the number of companies was recorded in the capital. Over the course of six months, Kyiv saw an increase of 5,338 legal entities.
The top three regions are as follows:
- Kyiv — 5,338 companies;
- Lviv Oblast — 1,220;
- Dnipropetrovsk Oblast — 1,177.
Overall, positive growth was recorded in 23 regions of Ukraine. A decline in the number of companies occurred in four regions.
Where the number of businesses declined the most
The most significant decline was recorded in regions near the front lines:
- Donetsk Oblast — −157 companies;
- Luhansk Oblast — −73 companies.
This trend may be linked to hostilities, the occupation of certain territories, the relocation of businesses, and deteriorating business conditions.
Why companies ceased operations
The most common reason for ceasing operations was the liquidation of the enterprise— 3,479 cases, or more than half of the total.
The remaining closures were distributed as follows:
| Reason | Number | Share |
| Liquidation | 3,479 | over 50% |
| Reorganization | 1,410 | 21% |
| Bankruptcy | 651 | 10% |
| Court rulings not related to bankruptcy | 574 | 9% |
| Reason not specified | 440 | 7% |
| Other form of termination | 9 | Less than 1% |
Thus, bankruptcy proceedings accounted for only one in ten recorded terminations.
Which large companies are ceasing operations
The largest company among those that have ceased operations or are in the process of doing so is Promofly.
According to its 2025 financial statements, its revenue amounted to approximately 3 billion UAH. The company is currently undergoing bankruptcy proceedings.
The top three companies by revenue also included:
- “Vasariss-K” — 1.8 billion UAH;
- “Volynmet” — 1.8 billion UAH.
Both companies are also undergoing bankruptcy proceedings. Overall, all companies in the top ten of this ranking have the status “In the process of liquidation.”
