How much does a permit for exporting a painting cost?

Permission to export artwork abroad is an essential document required for the legal export of paintings. For artists, collectors, and gallery owners wishing to send paintings abroad, it is crucial to understand the steps involved in obtaining the permit as well as the costs of these services. The cost of the permit can vary depending on the country, the complexity of the documentation, and the category of the artwork. Additional expenses may arise if specialists are needed to evaluate the painting and prepare an expert report. In some countries, insurance for the artwork is also required, which increases the total costs for obtaining the permit. 

1. Key factors experts consider when issuing a permit to export paintings abroad

The issuance of a permit to export paintings abroad depends on several key factors that must be considered during planning. Here are the main ones:

1. Type of artwork
   Different categories of artworks have different approaches to determining cultural value. For example, old paintings from the 1960s require additional verification. Yes, they were created after 1950, but if the artist is an exceptionally prominent figure, such a painting represents cultural value on a national scale. Therefore, exporting such a painting from Ukraine is prohibited. For icons, tapestries, and decorative and applied art objects, other rules apply. For instance, if an icon was printed on a wooden board in the 1930s-1940s, it can be exported because mass production of icons was common during that time. In other words, such icons, in most cases, do not hold cultural value for Ukraine.
2. Cost of the permit The cost of the export permit is uniform - 500 UAH for all types of art objects, regardless of size. The price of the expert conclusion may be lower if you have multiple items. In this case, you pay for a single document form and can describe several paintings in it.
3. Age and cultural value of the painting
   The age of the artwork is one of the key factors. Antique or rare works may be classified as cultural heritage, and therefore their export is more strictly regulated. If the item is considered rare and valuable to the cultural heritage of the Ukrainian people, experts have the right to deny the issuance of an export permit.
4. Need for expert evaluation and conclusion
   Depending on the painting, documents confirming its authenticity and establishing authorship may be required. If such a document is available, it significantly simplifies the procedure for obtaining an export permit.
5. Insurance during transportation
   Insuring the artwork during transportation is an important aspect that is considered when obtaining a permit. In the application for the permit, the estimated value must be indicated. If you know the value of the painting and want it insured during transportation, you need to provide this information to the expert. In this case, they will specify the insured value in the export permit.
6. Timeframe for issuing the permit
   The timeframe for processing the permit can also affect its cost. If the permit is needed urgently, many companies and services offer expedited processing for an additional fee. This is particularly relevant for collectors and gallery owners with scheduled exhibitions abroad on specific dates.

These factors serve as a guideline for obtaining a permit to export a painting abroad. Understanding these aspects helps accurately calculate the budget and avoid unexpected expenses.

2. What documents are required to obtain a permit to export artworks?

Obtaining a permit to export artwork abroad requires thorough preparation of documents. Each document confirms the legality of the artwork, its origin, authenticity, and condition, as well as the purpose and conditions of its transportation. Here are the key documents that may be needed for the permit process:

1. Export application
   The primary document filled out by the painting’s owner or their representative. The application includes information about the artwork (author, title, year of creation) as well as details about the owner and the purpose of export. The application is submitted to specialized authorities, such as the Ministry of Culture, committees for the protection of cultural heritage, or other organizations authorized to issue export permits for art objects.
2. Document proving ownership
   A document confirming that the painting belongs to the applicant is required for export. This could be a sales contract, receipt, invoice, ownership certificate, gift deed, or any other documentation that verifies the legal acquisition of the artwork and its value.
3. Expert conclusion
   In most cases, an expert conclusion is required to obtain a permit for exporting a painting. This document confirms the authenticity and cultural value of the artwork. The evaluation is conducted by certified specialists who assess the condition of the painting and its artistic significance. The expert conclusion serves as proof that the artwork is not a forgery and does not have hidden damages that could affect its transportation.
4. Certificate of authenticity (if available)
   A certificate of authenticity may be mandatory for works by well-known artists or significant pieces. This document verifies the authenticity of the painting and is often provided alongside the expert conclusion. Having a certificate of authenticity can help avoid suspicions of forgery and expedite the permit process.
5. Documents for appraisal of the painting’s value
   For exporting artwork, especially antique or rare pieces, an appraisal of its value may be required. This document is especially important for insurance and transportation purposes. The appraisal is conducted by professionals and includes a detailed analysis of the artwork, its age, artistic significance, and condition. This document helps establish the insurance value for the painting during transportation.
6. Insurance document
   In some countries, it is mandatory to insure artwork during transportation as part of the export process. An insurance policy protects the artwork from potential damage or loss, covering all risks during transit. The insurance policy is based on the appraised value of the painting and is attached to the export application.
7. Export declaration (if required)
   In some cases, an export declaration for the artwork is required. This document is filed with customs authorities and includes details about the artwork, its value, the owner, and the exact destination. The declaration officially registers the fact of export and grants the legal right to transport the artwork abroad.

3. Step-by-step guide for obtaining a permit to export a painting

Obtaining a permit to export a painting is a process that requires attention to detail and thorough preparation. Before starting, it is recommended to appraise the artwork to determine its value, condition, and cultural significance. Preliminary appraisal helps to understand the market value of the painting and whether insurance is needed for its transportation.

Next, it is crucial to prepare documents proving ownership of the artwork. Such documents may include a receipt, invoice, sales contract, deed of gift, inheritance certificate, or other legally binding acts that confirm you are the rightful owner of the painting. These documents form the basis for obtaining the permit.

An expert conclusion on cultural value is a key document. It confirms the artwork's authenticity, its cultural significance for Ukraine, and its condition. This is especially important for antique or unique paintings that might be classified as cultural heritage and therefore cannot be exported from Ukraine. Specialists analyze the artwork, assessing its artistic and material characteristics to ensure authenticity and quality. The expert conclusion is necessary to obtain export clearance from customs authorities.

If required, a certificate of authenticity is issued, confirming the painting’s authorship, originality, and value. For works by renowned artists, this document is particularly important as it eliminates the risk of forgery and may speed up the permit process. A certificate of authenticity issued by a gallery, museum, or independent experts provides additional confidence when applying for export documentation.

The appraisal of the artwork’s value is the final, yet equally significant step. This process is essential for insuring the painting, especially during international transportation. The appraisal is conducted by licensed professionals who consider factors such as age, condition, and artistic significance. A confirmed valuation allows for insurance coverage, protecting the artwork from damage or loss during transit.

Thus, careful preparation and adherence to all the steps make the process of obtaining a permit to export a painting predictable and secure.

To export artwork outside of Ukraine, you must obtain a permit confirming that the item does not constitute a cultural value of national importance. This process is regulated by the Law of Ukraine "On Export, Import, and Return of Cultural Values" No. 1068-XIV.

Steps for obtaining a permit:

1. Contact an authorized institution to conduct a state examination of cultural values. The list of such institutions is approved by Order of the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine No. 400 dated July 25, 2023. You can find the full list on the official website of the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine.
   Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine
2. Submit an application for an examination, providing the following documents:
• An application specifying the purpose of export.
• Identification document.
• Two copies of color photographs of the item sized 13×18 cm.
• The artwork itself, declared for examination.
3. Wait for the examination results. The examination period is up to 30 calendar days. Upon completion, an expert conclusion is issued stating whether the item is a cultural value.
4. Depending on the examination results:
• If the item is not recognized as a cultural value, the expert conclusion is presented to a customs officer during declaration or attached to a postal shipment.
• If the item is recognized as a cultural value, you must obtain a certificate for the right to export (temporary export) cultural values from Ukraine. For this, an application of the established format is submitted along with the expert conclusion and a document proving ownership.

Important considerations:

• Cultural values listed in the State Register of National Cultural Heritage, included in the National Archival Fund, or the Museum Fund of Ukraine are not eligible for export.
• The service of issuing a certificate for the right to export (temporary export) cultural values is provided free of charge.
• The declaration of cultural values in customs authorities is carried out in accordance with the requirements of the Customs Code of Ukraine.

For more detailed information, it is recommended to contact the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine or the respective cultural departments in your area.

Permit to Export Paintings Abroad

This document is often referred to as an examination, permit, certificate, or report. Legally, it is an expert conclusion stating that the artwork does not constitute a cultural value of national importance.

To export paintings, graphics, sculptures, or icons, you need a permit from the Ministry of Culture or its departments, or authorized state museums. The full list of items is specified in Order of the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine No. 400 dated July 25, 2023. This order approves the List of State Institutions, Cultural Establishments, and Other Organizations Authorized to Conduct State Examination of Cultural Values.

The legislator's position is to preserve cultural values so that they remain within Ukraine's borders and constitute the cultural heritage of the Ukrainian people. The Law of Ukraine "On Export, Import, and Return of Cultural Values" No. 1068-XIV defines what constitutes a cultural value:

• Material and spiritual cultural objects of artistic, historical, ethnographic, and scientific importance that are subject to preservation, restoration, and protection under Ukrainian legislation, including:
• Original works of painting, graphics, and sculpture, artistic compositions and montages made from any materials, works of decorative and applied and traditional folk art;
• Items associated with historical events, the development of society and the state, the history of science and culture, as well as the lives and activities of prominent figures of the state, political parties, public and religious organizations, science, culture, and art;
• Museum-grade items found during archaeological excavations and others.

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