The Ultimate Guide to Prenuptial Agreements in Ukraine
As marriage evolves from a purely romantic union into a complex partnership involving assets, businesses, and financial planning, the prenuptial agreement—known in Ukraine as a marriage contract (шлюбний договір)—is steadily gaining traction. While still not as common as in the United States or Western Europe, this legal tool is becoming an increasingly important instrument for Ukrainian couples seeking clarity and security.
In 2024, Ukrainians registered 2,762 marriage contracts, marking a 7% increase from the previous year . Here is everything you need to know about how these agreements work under Ukrainian law.
What Is a Marriage Contract in Ukraine?
A marriage contract is a written agreement between spouses or prospective spouses that defines their property rights and obligations . It essentially allows couples to opt out of the default legal regime of joint ownership and create their own financial rules.
The key difference from the default law is significant. Under the Family Code of Ukraine, property acquired during marriage is generally considered joint property with equal shares for both spouses (50/50) upon divorce . A marriage contract allows couples to change this drastically, establishing separate ownership or a different division ratio.
The agreement is governed by Chapter 10 of the Family Code of Ukraine (Articles 92–103) and is treated as a civil law contract with notarization requirements
Who Can Enter Into a Marriage Contract?
The law allows two categories of people to sign a marriage contract :
- Persons who have submitted an application for marriage registration (engaged couples)
- Already married spouses
There is a critical nuance regarding timing: If the contract is concluded before the wedding, it only comes into legal force on the day of the marriage registration . Unmarried couples living together without official registration cannot enter into a marriage contract under Ukrainian law