Immigration Quotas for Highly Qualified Specialists in 2024

On January 15th, 2024, the criteria for immigration quotas for highly qualified workers and specialists were published.

Unfortunately, as of now, we cannot specify the exact number of immigrant specialists Ukraine is prepared to welcome. The decision regarding the size of immigration quotas is made by the Cabinet of Ministers; therefore, we await further actions from the government.

This year, changes include the addition of new professions to the list, the absence of an expected maximum number of immigrants for each profession, and changes in the period considered as validated work experience.

New Professions

While IT professions remain largely unchanged on the list from year to year, new professions from various sectors of the economy have begun to emerge.

This year, the Ministry of Economy has added the following professions to the list:

• Chief Geodesist
• Design Engineer
• Pharmacist
• Clinical Pharmacist
• Medical Nurse
• Welder
• Remote-Controlled Apparatus Operator

There is a noticeable emphasis on recruiting workers from the medical sector, driven by the recent significant wave of emigration caused by the full-scale invasion. Additionally, the inclusion of design engineers, welders, and remote-controlled apparatus operators was anticipated, given the focus on drones and the country’s defense capabilities during wartime.

A positive aspect: compared to the previous year, no profession has been excluded.

Maximum number of immigrants for a specific profession in 2024

The coordination of immigration quotas is a collaborative process involving various ministries and designated bodies. These entities make proposals to the State Migration Service, which, forwards the developed draft act on immigration quotas to the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Subsequently, the Ministry of Internal Affairs submits the draft act to the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine for consideration.

Currently, there is no “coordinated decision” regarding the number of immigrants Ukraine is willing to accept. It is anticipated that amendments determining the maximum number of immigrants for each profession on the list will be made later.

Changes regarding validated work experience

This year, the requirements regarding the work experience have changed.

• For professions where higher education is an additional requirement, Ukraine now expects prospective immigrants to have a validated work experience of at least 3 years within any period in the past 7 years. This marks a change from the previous requirement, which had a period in the past 5 years;
• For professions with no education criteria as well as for medical sector workers, the requirement for the validated work experience is at least 1 year within any period in the past 3 years. It has replaced the “validated work experience of not less than 1 year” requirement.

In other words, the bar has been lowered for those who need higher education while the other ones are facing stricter limitations.

Immigration Procedure

Before applying for an immigration permit, it is obligatory to obtain approval from the Ministry of Economy. It should confirm the candidate’s compliance with the criteria of a highly qualified specialist.

In general, the document package for immigration will look like this:

• Application for the immigration permit;
• Three photos;
• Original and copy of passport;
• Proof of residence;
• Family status information;
• Medical certificates;
• Originals and copies of documents confirming the qualification level of the specialist;
• Approval from the Ministry of Economy;
• Non-criminal record;
• Receipt for payment of state fee.

However, the complete list should be formed after assessing your circumstances.

Applications for immigration permits are submitted either through the State Migration Service or through consular offices located at the foreigner’s place of residence.

Documents submitted through the State Migration Service are processed within 6 months. Applying through consular entities means your waiting period is 1 year maximum.

Like any bureaucratic process, immigration to Ukraine requires a thorough understanding of the situation and attention to details. However, in compliance with legislative requirements, everything is possible!

Still have questions? Please have no hesitation to contact us.

Kateryna Zatulko, senior associate, attorney-at-law

Svitlana-Rujuta Lapa, junior associate