October 2025 will be a month of significant changes for Ukrainians, affecting various aspects of life: from taxes and utilities to social benefits and travel abroad. Below, we detail the key innovations to consider this month.
This is reported by Finway
Daylight Saving Time and the Start of the Heating Season
On the night of October 25 to 26, Ukraine will traditionally switch to winter time. At 4:00 AM, clocks need to be set back one hour. Electronic devices, such as smartphones or computers, usually do this automatically, while mechanical clocks will need to be adjusted manually.
“In 2024, there was a proposal to abolish this procedure, but the relevant bill was never signed by Volodymyr Zelensky.”
At the same time, the heating season will begin in October. The dates for heating to be supplied to homes and state institutions depend on weather conditions in each region. Traditionally, schools and hospitals receive heat first, followed by residential buildings. Heating is turned on when the average daily temperature drops to +8°C.
Tariffs, Finances, and New Tax Rules
The cost of utilities remains a central concern for many households. The moratorium on increasing gas heating tariffs continues to be in effect, while users of electric heating maintain a preferential tariff provided they use electricity sparingly. The electricity tariff is not subject to the moratorium; however, no increase is expected in October. Residential consumers pay 4.32 UAH per kWh during the day and 2.16 UAH at night (from 11 PM to 7 AM).
Starting October 1, 2025, all bank transfers between cards or by account details will be conducted through the Open Banking system. This will allow banks to obtain more detailed information about the participants in the transfer, better track financial transactions, and simplify data exchange between financial institutions. This innovation is expected to enhance transaction security and minimize fraudulent schemes.
The State Tax Service of Ukraine is also implementing changes starting in October. Among the innovations are updated land tax rates and changes in quarterly reporting. Individual entrepreneurs may not have to pay the Unified Social Contribution (USC) for themselves if it has already been paid by the employer or if the contribution amount exceeds the minimum insurance payment.
Businesses licensed to trade in alcohol, tobacco, or fuel are required to pay their employees at least 16,000 UAH in Kyiv and regional centers, and no less than 12,000 UAH in other cities.
Social Benefits and New EU Entry Rules
Recipients of social assistance, including disability benefits, caregiving, and other categories, must undergo mandatory identification at the Pension Fund of Ukraine by November 1. This can be done in person at a PFU office or via the “Diia” app.
As of October 12, the rules for crossing the border with European Union countries are also changing. Now, Ukrainians arriving in the EU must consent to biometric data collection: facial scans and fingerprints. Refusal to undergo this procedure will result in denial of entry.
October is traditionally rich in holidays. On the 1st, the Orthodox Protection and the Day of Defenders of Ukraine are celebrated. Other important dates in the month include: October 5 – Teacher’s Day, October 6 – Doctor’s Day, and October 27 – Ukrainian Language Day, during which the All-Ukrainian Radio Dictation takes place.