Work permit in Ukraine
Obtaining a work permit in Ukraine is a crucial step for foreign nationals seeking legal employment. This guide explains the requirements, application process, and key aspects of Ukrainian work permits.
What is a Work Permit in Ukraine?
Foreign citizens must obtain a work permit to work officially in Ukraine. The company employer (or the private entrepreneur) files the application form to the local employment centre to get a work permit in Ukraine for the potential employee.
Work permit in Ukraine does not give the right to the foreign citizen to choose the place of work and position at his/her discretion. One work permit is for one position, and the employer keeps this document.
Key Facts About Work Permits in Ukraine:
✓ Work permits are job-specific—one permit per position.
✓ Employers keep the original work permit.
✓ The validity period depends on the employee category.
Who Needs a Work Permit in Ukraine?
Most foreign employees require a work permit to legally work in Ukraine. The employer must apply for work permits on their behalf. However, exceptions exist.
Who Does NOT Need a Work Permit?
Foreigners who are:
✓ Permanent residents in Ukraine.
✓ Recognized refugees or asylum seekers.
✓ Diplomats or consular officers.
✓ Foreign journalists accredited by Ukraine.
✓ Employees of international organizations.
Ukrainian legislation stipulates several categories for foreign employees. Each category has the list of documents required for the work permit application. To apply for the work permit, the employer needs to define his/her potential employee group.
Categories of Foreign Employees Requiring a Work Permit:
1) regular foreign employees;
2) special categories of foreign employees:
✓ foreigners-founders of enterprises;
✓ IT professionals;
✓ foreign high-paid professionals;
✓ graduates of the TOP-100 universities in a world ranking;
✓ seconded foreign employees;
✓ foreigners submitting documents for recognition as refugees or as people who need additional protection.
Special categories of foreign employees in Ukraine have some privileges considering salary rate and work permit validity term.
It is also worth noting some requirements to the salary rate for foreign employees. The minimum salary rate of a regular employee is 10 minimum wages specified by the law of Ukraine. If the employer is a public association, charity, or educational institution, the minimum salary rate shall be 5 minimum wages. As for 2020, these are the sums of 50,000 UAH and 25,000 UAH respectively.
Special categories of foreign employees are paid the same way as locals, which means, the salary shall not be less than 1 minimum wage (in 2019 it is 4173 UAH). The minimum salary rate of foreign high-paid professionals shall be at least 50 minimum wages (i.e. in 2020 = 250 000 UAH). Seconded foreign employees don’t receive a salary in Ukraine as it is paid by their employer abroad.
Validity of a Work Permit in Ukraine
The validity term of the work permit varies within the category. The validity term of the work permit for the general category is from one month to one year. Work permit for special categories can be issued for up to three years. Employers have the right to extend the duration of the work permit an unlimited number of times.
Ukraine Work Permit Application Process
The common list of documents required for the work permit application includes the following:
✓ a certified translation of a foreigner’s passport into the Ukrainian language;
✓ foreigner’s photo (size 3.5*4.5 cm);
✓ a draft of a future employment contract.
The list of specific documents is as follows:
✓ a certified translation of the relevant diploma (for a graduate from one of the TOP-100 universities in a world ranking);
✓ a copy of the secondment agreement between Ukrainian and foreign economic entities (for seconded foreign employees).
The law also specifies a list of foreigners who don’t require a work permit for employment in Ukraine:
✓ foreigners with a permanent residence permit;
✓ employees of representative offices of foreign companies in Ukraine;
✓ employees of foreign accredited media;
✓ participants of international technical assistance projects;
✓ teachers and scientists invited for work by higher education institutions;
✓ representatives of foreign naval (river) fleets and airlines serving such companies in Ukraine;
✓ foreigners who have refugee status or are recognized as people who need additional protection or are granted temporary protection in Ukraine;
✓ professional athletes;
✓ artists and art workers;
✓ clerics invited by religious organizations to carry out canonical activities.
It takes 7 business days to grant the work permit and 3 business days for an extension of the work permit validity term in Ukraine.
The amount of the state fee for a work permit depends on the validity term, and in 2020 it amounts to the following sums:
1) for permits valid from one to three years – 12 612 UAH;
2) for permits valid from six months to one year – 8 408 UAH;
3) for permits valid up to six months – 4 204 UAH.
The employer has 10 business days to pay state fees and 90 calendar days to sign the employment contract after a work permit is obtained. A copy of the contract must be provided to the local employment center. Failure to submit a copy of the contract is the grounds for work permit cancellation.
Work Visa in Ukraine vs. Work Permit
| Feature | Work Permit | Work Visa (D-04) |
| Issued By | State Employment Service | Ukrainian consulate |
| Required For | Legal employment | Entry into Ukraine |
| Validity | 1-3 years | 90 days |
| Can Lead To | Temporary residence permit | Initial entry only |
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.
Client's testimonials
Contact US
Contact us to book a consultation and discover how our team can assist you.