With the arrival of February, the business environment enters a new phase, bringing both challenges and opportunities. We have prepared a selection of key news and developments that will shape the working rhythm of this month and throughout 2026.

1. Ukraine updates document apostille rules

The Ministry of Justice of Ukraine has approved a new Procedure for affixing an apostille to official documents for use abroad (Order No. 3177/5), effective from 1 February 2026.

What’s changing?

• Apostilles will be issued via the Electronic Apostille Register to ensure centralized record-keeping and verification.

• Processing time: up to 3 business days (issuance of an apostille or a refusal).

• Detailed procedures are set out for document submission, review, and issuance of results.

State fees increased:

• for individuals - UAH 670;

• for legal entities - UAH 1,160.

2. Romania updates RO e-Factura rules from 2026

Amendments under Government Ordinance No. 89/2025 came into force on 1 January 2026. The new rules apply to all companies and entrepreneurs working with Romanian counterparties.

Key points:

• Invoice submission deadlines: changed from 5 calendar days to 5 business days for both B2B and B2C transactions.

• Invoices from non-residents registered for Romanian VAT: mandatory submission via RO e-Factura, plus additional delivery to recipients through traditional channels.

• Exceptions: intra-EU transactions and electronic fiscal cash registers under the simplified system.

• Registration of sole proprietors: required before commencing economic activity, followed by immediate invoice submission without delays.

• These changes enhance VAT accounting accuracy and transparency of electronic invoicing.

3. Peru increases the UIT tax unit for 2026

The Government of Peru has set a new value for the Unidad Impositiva Tributaria (UIT) for 2026. Under Supreme Decree No. 301-2025-EF, the amount increases from 5,350 to 5,500 soles (approx. EUR 1,400).

The UIT is a base tax unit used in Peru to calculate:

• personal income tax (brackets and deductions);

• property and transfer taxes;

• fines, fees, and other administrative charges;

• reporting related to payments for technical services.

4. Panama begins liquidation of thousands of non-compliant companies

From 27 February 2026, Panama will launch a phased dissolution of over 180,000 companies whose tax and registration status has been suspended due to non-payment of annual fees for more than ten years.

The Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) stated that this measure aims to improve transparency and align the corporate registry with international standards.

The liquidation will affect legal entities that failed to regularize their status within statutory deadlines and remain inactive or classified as non-payers.

5. BVI extends transitional beneficial ownership disclosure regime until 31 March 2026

The Financial Services Commission (FSC) announced that existing companies and limited partnerships in the BVI that failed to submit beneficial ownership information by 1 January 2026 are currently marked as “under penalty.” Administrative fines will not be imposed if the required documents are filed by 31 March 2026.

Despite the moratorium, companies may face restrictions: Certificates of Good Standing will not be issued, and certain corporate actions may be rejected.

✍🏻 Daniil Riepin - Junior Business Development Manager