Work Permit in Ukraine: A Guide for Employer
Employing a foreign national or a stateless person in Ukraine generally requires obtaining a work permit. This permit is one of the key instruments of state regulation in the field of labor migration and constitutes a mandatory step for any employer intending to engage a foreign specialist.
This guide outlines the legal requirements, application procedure, and key aspects of obtaining a work permit in Ukraine.
What is a Work Permit in Ukraine?
A work permit is an official document issued by the territorial offices of the State Employment Service of Ukraine that authorizes an employer to legally employ a specific foreign national or stateless person in a designated position within Ukraine.
Key Facts About Work Permits in Ukraine:
✓ A work permit is position-specific. It is issued for a foreign national’s employment in a specific position with a specific employer. If the employee changes employers or is transferred to another position, a new work permit or amendments to the existing permit may be required, depending on the circumstances and applicable legal requirements.
✓ The original work permit is retained by the employer and serves as evidence of the employer’s legal right to employ the respective foreign national.
✓ The validity period of a work permit depends on the category of the foreign national and the legal basis for employment.
✓ Where a foreign national is employed by multiple employers simultaneously, each employer must obtain a separate work permit for each position.
Who Does Not Require a Work Permit in Ukraine?
In certain cases, employers may hire foreign nationals without obtaining a work permit. Ukrainian law provides a number of exemptions, including for:
✓ foreign nationals who hold a permanent residence permit in Ukraine;
✓ individuals who have been granted refugee status or an immigration permit in Ukraine;
✓ individuals who have been granted complementary protection or temporary protection;
✓ stateless persons recognized in accordance with Ukrainian law;
✓ accredited representatives of foreign media organizations operating in Ukraine;
✓ professional athletes, artists, and cultural professionals employed in their respective fields;
✓ employees of branches and representative offices of foreign legal entities operating in Ukraine;
✓ participants in international technical assistance projects;
✓ foreign nationals invited to carry out teaching or research activities at institutions of professional pre-higher or higher education in Ukraine;
✓ other categories of foreign nationals exempt from the work permit requirement under Ukrainian legislation or international treaties binding upon Ukraine.
Where a foreign national falls within one of the above categories, the employer may generally proceed with employment without obtaining a work permit, provided that all other applicable immigration, employment, and registration requirements are duly complied with.
Who Requires a Work Permit in Ukraine?
A work permit is required unless the foreign national falls within one of the statutory exemptions described above. In practice, work permits are most commonly obtained for the following categories of foreign nationals:
- Foreign employees – individuals employed by a Ukrainian employer under an employment agreement or employment contract.
- Posted foreign workers – employees assigned to Ukraine by a foreign employer to perform work or provide services under a foreign economic agreement concluded between a Ukrainian and a foreign business entity.
- Intra-corporate transferees – employees transferred to Ukraine within the same corporate group of companies.
- Individuals applying for refugee status or complementary protection in Ukraine.
- Individuals who have applied for recognition as stateless persons in Ukraine.
- International students enrolled at Ukrainian higher education institutions who intend to work during or upon completion of their studies, subject to compliance with the applicable legal requirements.
Documents Required to Obtain a Work Permit
The standard application package includes:
- a completed application form in the prescribed format;
- copies of the foreign national’s passport pages containing personal identification details, together with a Ukrainian translation;
- one recent color photograph (3.5 cm × 4.5 cm);
- a draft employment agreement, employment contract, or gig contract certified by the employer;
- proof of payment of the government fee for the issuance of the work permit.
Additional documents may be required depending on the category of the foreign national. For example, posted foreign workers must provide a copy of the underlying foreign economic agreement and evidence of their employment relationship with the foreign employer. International students must submit supporting documents issued by their educational institution, a temporary residence permit, and other documents required by law.
Validity Period of a Work Permit
The maximum validity period of a work permit depends on the category of the foreign national:
Category of Foreign National | Maximum Validity Period |
Posted foreign workers | Up to 3 years (but not exceeding the term of the underlying foreign economic agreement) |
Intra-corporate transferees | Up to 3 years |
Individuals applying for refugee status or recognition as stateless persons | Up to 1 year |
International students | Up to 1 year (but not exceeding the period of study) |
All other foreign employees and gig workers | Up to 2 years |
A work permit may be renewed an unlimited number of times, provided that the statutory requirements for renewal are met.
Work Permit Fees in 2026
In 2026, the government fee for the issuance or renewal of a work permit is calculated based on the subsistence minimum for employable persons established as of 1 January 2026, which amounts to UAH 3,328.
Permit Validity Period | Issuance Fee | Renewal Fee |
Up to 6 months (inclusive) | UAH 9,984 | UAH 6,656 |
More than 6 months and up to 1 year (inclusive) | UAH 16,640 | UAH 13,312 |
More than 1 year and up to 2 years (inclusive) | UAH 26,624 | UAH 23,296 |
More than 2 years and up to 3 years (inclusive) | UAH 33,280 | UAH 29,952 |
Categories Eligible for Fee Exemption
Ukrainian law provides for a full exemption from work permit fees for the following categories of foreign nationals:
- individuals applying for refugee status or complementary protection in Ukraine, including those appealing a refusal decision;
- international students;
- individuals who have applied for recognition as stateless persons in Ukraine, including those appealing a refusal decision;
- foreign nationals and stateless persons who directly participated in the defense of Ukraine against the armed aggression of the Russian Federation.
Processing Times
The territorial office of the State Employment Service considers applications within the following timeframes:
✓ up to 7 business days for the issuance of a work permit;
✓ up to 3 business days for the renewal of a work permit or the amendment of existing permit information.
Employer’s Obligations After Obtaining a Work Permit
Obtaining a work permit is only one stage of the employment process. Following its issuance, the employer must:
- execute an employment agreement or employment contract with the foreign national within 90 calendar days from the date of issuance of the work permit;
- submit a certified copy of the executed employment agreement or contract to the competent employment authority within 10 days following its execution;
- duly pay the Unified Social Contribution (USC) in accordance with Ukrainian law;
- notify the competent employment authority of any changes affecting the validity or contents of the work permit;
- apply for the cancellation of the work permit where the employment relationship has been terminated.
Failure to comply with these obligations may result in the refusal to issue future work permits, cancellation of an existing permit, and/or other legal consequences provided for under Ukrainian law.
Employer's Obligations After Obtaining a Work Permit
Obtaining a work permit is only one stage of the employment process. Following its issuance, the employer must:
- execute an employment agreement or employment contract with the foreign national within 90 calendar days from the date of issuance of the work permit;
- submit a certified copy of the executed employment agreement or contract to the competent employment authority within 10 days following its execution;
- duly pay the Unified Social Contribution (USC) in accordance with Ukrainian law;
- notify the competent employment authority of any changes affecting the validity or contents of the work permit;
- apply for the cancellation of the work permit where the employment relationship has been terminated.
Failure to comply with these obligations may result in the refusal to issue future work permits, cancellation of an existing permit, and/or other legal consequences provided for under Ukrainian law.
Work Permit vs. Work Visa in Ukraine: What Is the Difference?
A work permit and a work visa serve different purposes and should not be confused.
Criteria | Work Permit | Work Visa (D-04) |
Obtained by | Employer in Ukraine | Foreign national |
Issuing authority | Territorial office of the State Employment Service of Ukraine | Ukrainian consular office abroad |
Purpose | Authorizes an employer to legally employ a foreign national in Ukraine | Allows a foreign national to enter and temporarily stay in Ukraine for employment purposes |
Validity | From 6 months to 3 years | Generally issued for a 90-day period |
Legal effect | Serves as a basis for obtaining a Type D visa | Enables initial entry into Ukraine; a temporary residence permit is required for continued lawful stay |
As a general rule, the process follows the sequence below: first, the employer obtains a work permit; next, the foreign national applies for a Type D visa on the basis of that permit in order to enter Ukraine; and upon arrival, applies for a temporary residence permit.
Legal Assistance with Work Permit Applications
Although the procedure may appear straightforward, employers must carefully determine the applicable category of foreign national, prepare the required documentation, comply with statutory deadlines, pay the appropriate government fees, and fulfil all post-issuance obligations.
Our legal team can assist you with:
✓ assessing whether a work permit is required in your specific case;
✓ determining the most appropriate category for the foreign national;
✓ preparing the application and supporting documentation;
✓ handling the filing process before the State Employment Service;
✓ obtaining, renewing, or amending a work permit;
✓ coordinating the work permit procedure with visa and temporary residence permit applications.
Whether you are hiring a foreign employee for the first time or managing an international workforce, our immigration lawyers can guide you through every stage of the process and help ensure full compliance with Ukrainian immigration and employment laws.
To work and live in Ukraine, a work permit is mandatory, while a visa is typically required for entry.
Meet Our Immigration Lawyers
At ExpatPro, our immigration lawyers specialize in obtaining work permits and visas in Ukraine. Our experts will:
✔ Guide you through the application process.
✔ Handle all legal paperwork.
✔ Ensure compliance with Ukrainian immigration laws.
Contact our team for a consultation!
Vasyl
Cherednichenko
Tetyana
Yashchenko
✓ legal consulting on mergers and acquisitions,
✓ business registration,
✓ reorganization,
✓ relocation,
✓ structuring (both internal and international) as well as providing legal support for the current business activity of clients in Ukraine (specifically for the Digital and IT sphere).
Work Permit Renewal & Residence in Ukraine
A work permit can lead to a temporary residence permit, allowing foreigners and stateless persons to stay in Ukraine legally.
Key Steps for Renewal:
✓ Apply for renewal within 7 working days before expiration.
✓ Ensure that employment terms remain unchanged.
✓ Provide a copy of the work permit and contract extension.
A work permit does not give the right to stay in Ukraine, but it can be used as the ground for the following immigration to Ukraine. Using a work permit, the foreign citizen can apply for the temporary residence permit of the same validity term as the work permit.
How We Simplify Your Work Permits and Visas Process in Ukraine
At ExpatPro, we provide comprehensive legal support to ensure a smooth and hassle-free work permit application process for foreign professionals, investors, and businesses.
Work Permit & Immigration Law Services
Relocating to Ukraine for work? We help with:
✓ Obtaining a work permit efficiently with expert legal guidance.
✓ Navigating visa applications and ensuring compliance with immigration laws.
✓ Securing a temporary residence permit for long-term employment in Ukraine.
Corporate & Business Immigration Support
Expanding your business or hiring foreign employees? Our team assists with:
✓ Registering your company in Ukraine with minimal bureaucracy.
✓ Securing work permits for foreign employees and handling all documentation.
✓ Advising on tax and labor law to ensure full compliance with Ukrainian regulations.
Legal Support for Foreign Employees in Ukraine
Working in Ukraine requires proper legal status. We offer:
✓ Step-by-step support in obtaining work permits and visas.
✓ Assistance with employment contracts to protect your rights.
✓ Expert consultation on work permit renewals and extensions.
Dispute Resolution & Compliance
Facing legal challenges related to employment or immigration? Our experts will:
✓ Represent your interests in disputes over work permits or contracts.
✓ Advise on labour law compliance to avoid legal risks.
✓ Assist with appeals and legal challenges in case of work permit refusals.
Need a work permit in Ukraine? Contact us today for expert assistance.
FAQ
Can I apply for a work permit on my own, or must my employer do it?
Can I apply for a work permit on my own, or must my employer do it?
You cannot apply for a work permit yourself. Only a Ukrainian employer (company or private entrepreneur) can submit a work permit application to the State Employment Service of Ukraine.
If you plan to work in Ukraine, you must first secure a job offer, and your employer will handle the permit application process on your behalf.
How much does a work permit cost in Ukraine?
How much does a work permit cost in Ukraine?
The state fee depends on the validity period of the permit:
✓ 1-year work permit → 4 times the subsistence minimum.
✓ 2-year work permit → 6 times the subsistence minimum.
✓ 3-year work permit → 8 times the subsistence minimum.
The employer is responsible for paying this fee, and it is non-refundable, even if the application is denied.
Can I work for multiple employers with the same work permit?
Can I work for multiple employers with the same work permit?
No. A work permit is employer-specific—it is only valid for the company that applied for it. If you change jobs, your new employer must apply for a new work permit.
Can I change jobs in Ukraine without applying for a new work permit?
Can I change jobs in Ukraine without applying for a new work permit?
No. A work permit is valid only for one employer and one position. If you want to change jobs, you must apply for a new work permit before starting a new position.
Can a work permit lead to permanent residence in Ukraine?
Can a work permit lead to permanent residence in Ukraine?
A work permit itself does not grant permanent residency, but it can be a basis for obtaining a temporary residence permit.
After legally residing in Ukraine for several years on a temporary residence permit, you may apply for permanent residence if you meet the legal criteria.
What happens if my work permit expires?
What happens if my work permit expires?
✓ If your permit expires, you must stop working immediately.
✓ Your employer must apply for a renewal at least 7 working days before expiration.
✓ If you do not renew the permit in time, you may be required to leave Ukraine unless you qualify for another type of residency.
Can I bring my family to Ukraine if I have a work permit?
Can I bring my family to Ukraine if I have a work permit?
Yes. Your spouse and children can apply for a temporary residence permit based on your work permit, but they are not allowed to work in Ukraine unless they obtain their own work permits.
Can I work in Ukraine while waiting for my work permit approval?
Can I work in Ukraine while waiting for my work permit approval?
No. You cannot work until the work permit is officially approved and issued.
What are the penalties for working without a work permit in Ukraine?
What are the penalties for working without a work permit in Ukraine?
Employers and foreign employees who violate immigration laws may face serious consequences:
✓ Foreign workers may be deported and banned from re-entering Ukraine.
✓ Employers may face heavy fines (up to 100 times the minimum wage).
✓ The company’s business activities may be restricted if found guilty of hiring unauthorized workers.
Do digital nomads need a work permit in Ukraine?
Do digital nomads need a work permit in Ukraine?
Currently, Ukraine does not offer a special visa for digital nomads. If you work remotely for a non-Ukrainian company and do not engage in employment activities with Ukrainian businesses, you may stay in Ukraine on a tourist visa or apply for a temporary residence permit under different legal grounds.
Know more about digital nomads in Ukraine
However, if you are hired by a Ukrainian employer, a work permit is required.
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