New salary requirements in retail: who will have to pay more from October 1.

According to inkorr.com: From October 1, 2025, new minimum wage regulations come into effect in Ukraine for those working in retail trade of excise goods such as alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, and fuel. This is reported by LigaZakon.

Minimum wage for alcohol and tobacco sellers from October 1

According to Law No. 4536-IX, adopted on July 16, 2025, clear requirements have been established for businesses selling excise goods. Anatoly Snihur, head of the personal income tax department of the State Tax Service in Vinnytsia region, noted that businesses with hired employees must ensure

"an average salary of no less than two minimum salaries – 16,000 UAH as of January 1"

. For retail outlets located more than 50 km from regional centers and having areas up to 500 sq. m, the minimum wage will be 12,000 UAH (1.5 minimum wages).

For individual entrepreneurs without hired employees, the requirements remain the same: taxable income must be at least 16,000 UAH per month, and for remote points with small areas – 12,000 UAH.

Who the new minimum wage requirements apply to

"If these regulations are violated, the license will be revoked"

, – emphasized Snihur.

These innovations apply to all entities that have a license to sell alcohol, tobacco, or fuel.

Retail trade in excise goods in Ukraine has always been under strict control due to high taxes and licensing requirements. In the 2020s, the government intensified the fight against the 'shadow' economy, when businesses declared

"minimum wages"

or incomes to reduce tax contributions. The war increases the need for budget revenues, which has led to the introduction of new norms. Previous attempts at regulation faced resistance from small businesses, however, Law No. 4536-IX has a clear goal – to increase official incomes and protect workers.

Recently it was announced that

"the minimum wage in Ukraine will be raised to 8647 UAH"

.

Among the new norms coming into force, it is expected that they will positively impact the socio-economic landscape, as the issue of income legalization and strengthening workers' rights becomes increasingly relevant. Changes in legislation may contribute to better working conditions in retail, especially for those working in high-risk areas for undeclared incomes.