Work Permit for a Foreigner in Ukraine
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What we offer
As part of our services for obtaining a work permit for a foreign citizen, we:
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Prepare a complete document package for submission to the Employment Center, including a draft employment contract or agreement between the foreign employee and the Ukrainian business entity, as well as all required document translations.
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Submit the document package to the Employment Center on your behalf, oversee the review process, and secure the work permit for the foreign citizen.
Documents for obtaining an employment permit in Ukraine
Employers in Ukraine are legally required to obtain a work permit for every foreign worker they hire. This is a mandatory prerequisite for legal employment in the country.
Documents Required for a Work Permit in Ukraine
1) From the Foreign Employee:
- One color photograph (size: 3.5 x 4.5 cm).
- Notarized copy of the foreign national's passport, along with a certified translation into Ukrainian. Our legal experts can arrange both the translation and notarization.
2) From the Employer (Legal Entity or Sole Proprietor):
- Application form, prepared by our lawyers and submitted on behalf of the employer. The application must confirm that the position requiring a foreign specialist does not involve state secrets and clarify whether the employee holds Ukrainian citizenship.
- Power of attorney, authorizing our specialists to act on behalf of the employer.
- Draft employment agreement (contract) with the foreign worker.
- Proof of payment for the administrative fee for the work permit issuance.
Our legal experts handle the preparation of drafts for the power of attorney, employment agreement (contract), and all other required documents.
In addition, specific categories of foreign workers may require additional documentation to obtain a work permit:
- A copy of the foreign economic agreement (contract) between the Ukrainian and foreign business entities, and a document confirming the employment relationship between the foreign worker and the foreign employer who is assigning them to Ukraine (for seconded foreign workers).
- A copy of the foreign company’s decision to transfer the foreign worker or stateless person to work in Ukraine (for intracorporate transferees).
- A copy of the Ukrainian educational institution’s enrollment order, specifying the study periods, written consent from the university for the employment of the foreign student, along with the institution’s obligations, a copy of the student’s temporary residence permit, a copy of the student’s higher education diploma.
- Other documents.
In 2022, Ukrainian legislation regulating the employment of foreign nationals was amended to remove the minimum wage requirement for foreign workers. As a result, foreign nationals are now subject to the same employment conditions as Ukrainian citizens.
Who Is Exempt from Requiring a Work Permit in Ukraine?
Certain categories of foreign workers are not required to obtain a work permit, as outlined in the Law of Ukraine "On Employment of the Population." These exemptions include:
- Foreigners holding a permanent residence permit in Ukraine.
- Crew members of maritime and air transport vessels servicing ships in Ukraine.
- Foreign journalists and media professionals accredited in Ukraine.
- Employees of branches or representative offices of foreign companies in Ukraine.
- Athletes, artists, and cultural workers, as well as educators in higher or vocational education institutions, employed in their specialized fields.
- Ukrainians residing abroad with a residence permit in another country.
- Foreigners with refugee status, those recognized as needing additional protection, or those granted temporary protection.
- Clergy invited by religious organizations to perform canonical activities.
- Individuals participating in international technical assistance projects in Ukraine.
- Other categories of foreign nationals specified by Ukrainian law.
Who Requires a Work Permit in Ukraine?
- Foreign employees hired under employment agreements.
- Seconded foreign workers.
- Intracorporate transferees.
- Other categories as defined by Ukrainian law.
Who Issues Work Permits for Foreign Nationals in Ukraine?
Work permits for foreigners and stateless individuals are issued by the Employment Center. Employers should note that for citizens of Russia and Belarus, an additional security check is conducted by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). Only after this clearance is completed can the Employment Center decide on the issuance of the work permit.
Timeframes for Issuing and Duration of a Work Permit
The decision to issue a work permit is made by the Employment Center within seven business days.
A work permit for foreign nationals in Ukraine is typically issued for a period ranging from 1 month to 3 years. However, in theory, the permit could be issued for as little as 1 working day, as there is no minimum duration specified by law.
The duration of the work permit depends on the term of employment planned by the employer and the basis for the employment. For example:
- Employment basis: The permit is issued for the duration of the employment contract (or gig contract), but it cannot exceed 2 years.
- Secondment of a foreign worker: The permit can be issued for up to 3 years.
- Foreign students: If the individual is studying in Ukraine and intends to work during this period, the permit is valid for a maximum of 1 year.
What is the Fee for Issuing a Work Permit for Foreign Nationals?
The fee for a work permit for foreign nationals in Ukraine is determined based on the duration of the permit and calculated using the subsistence minimum as of January 1 of the year in which the application is submitted.
As of 2025, the subsistence minimum is 3,028 UAH.
The state fee for employing foreign nationals in Ukraine is as follows:
|
Employment Term |
Fee (in subsistence minimums) |
Amount (UAH) |
|
Less than 6 months |
3 subsistence minimums |
9,084 |
|
From 6 months to 1 year |
5 subsistence minimums |
15,140 |
|
From 1 year to 2 years |
8 subsistence minimums |
24,224 |
|
From 2 to 3 years |
10 subsistence minimums |
30,280 |
What is the Fee for Extending a Work Permit for Foreign Nationals?
The fee for extending a work permit for foreign nationals in Ukraine is reduced by 1 subsistence minimum compared to the fee for initially issuing a permit for the corresponding term.
Thus, the fees for extending a work permit are as follows:
|
Extension Term |
Fee (in subsistence minimums) |
Amount (UAH) |
|
Less than 6 months |
2 subsistence minimums |
6,056 |
|
From 6 months to 1 year |
4 subsistence minimums |
12,112 |
|
From 1 year to 2 years |
7 subsistence minimums |
21,196 |
|
From 2 to 3 years |
9 subsistence minimums |
27,252 |
Procedure for Obtaining a Work Permit for a Foreign National in Ukraine
- Determine the position and employment terms.
- Prepare the translation of the foreign national's passport, draft an employment agreement (contract), application forms for the Employment Center, and a power of attorney for submitting documents.
- Pay the state fee for the work permit.
- Submit the application and the prepared documents to the Employment Center.
- Receive the work permit.
- Sign an employment agreement (contract) with the foreign national and submit a copy to the Employment Center.
Grounds for Revoking a Work Permit in Ukraine
The Employment Center may revoke a work permit for a foreign worker in the following cases:
- Failure to timely submit a signed employment agreement with the foreign employee to the Employment Center.
- Termination of the employment agreement.
- Submission of false or inaccurate information.
- Employer's request to cancel the permit.
- Deportation of the foreign worker from Ukraine.
- Employment under terms not specified in the agreement or those that differ from the permit's declared conditions.
- Failure to pay the Unified Social Contribution for the foreign worker for two months.
- Issuance of a final court conviction against the foreign worker.
- Official submission by the National Police or the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).
- Expulsion of a foreign student from their educational institution.
The Employment Center must make a decision to revoke the permit within three days of receiving relevant information or identifying circumstances that justify the revocation.
Penalties for Employing a Foreign National Without a Work Permit in Ukraine
Employers who hire foreign nationals without obtaining a valid work permit face administrative fines ranging from 500 to 1,000 non-taxable minimum incomes.
Service packages offers
- Preparing documents for submission to the Employment Center (EC) for a work permit
- Organizing translations for passports and contract drafts
- Submitting documents to the EC
- Obtaining a work permit for a foreign national
*(This package excludes additional costs such as translations, insurance, document shipping abroad, and administrative fees)
- Preparing documents for submission to the EC for a work permit
- Organizing translations for passports and contract drafts
- Preparing payment details for the work permit fee
- Submitting documents to the EC
- Preparing the document package for a Type D visa
*(Insurance and the cost of shipping documents abroad are paid separately by the client)
- Submitting documents to the registrar for registering an LLC in Ukraine
- Obtaining an Extract from the Unified State Register and preparing the LLC seal
- Preparing documents for submission to the EC for a work permit
- Organizing translations for passports and contract drafts
- Preparing payment details for the work permit fee
- Submitting documents to the EC
- Obtaining a work permit
- Preparing documents for a Type D visa
*(Costs for insurance, translations, and document shipping are paid separately by the client)
Why us
Our successful projects
Answers to frequently asked questions
Is a work permit required for a foreign employee on a business trip to Ukraine?
Generally, yes. Ukrainian law requires a work permit even for foreign nationals employed by overseas companies who come to Ukraine temporarily to perform specific tasks (services).
Are certificates from a narcologist or a criminal record check needed?
No, these certificates were previously required but have been eliminated under current regulations.
Is an educational diploma necessary for all employee categories?
No, an educational diploma is not required when submitting documents to the Employment Center. However, employers may request it as part of their internal hiring process.
Can a duplicate work permit be issued in Ukraine?
Yes, a duplicate can be issued if the original work permit is lost or damaged. To obtain it, you must apply to the Employment Center. The duplicate is provided free of charge. Processing time is up to 7 business days.
Renewal of a Work Permit in Ukraine
To renew a foreign national’s work permit in Ukraine, the employer must submit an application to the Employment Center no earlier than 50 days and no later than 20 days before the permit’s expiration.
A work permit in Ukraine can be renewed an unlimited number of times. The Employment Center processes renewal applications within 3 business days.
The renewal fee is reduced by the amount of one subsistence minimum compared to the initial work permit fee.
Amending a Work Permit for Foreign Nationals in Ukraine
In certain situations, changes may need to be made to an existing work permit. Common reasons include:
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Change in the employer's name.
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The foreigner has received a new passport.
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The foreigner's job position has changed.
In case of such changes, the employer shall file amendments with the Employment Center.
The application, accompanied by documents substantiating the need for the changes, must be submitted within 30 days of the change taking place.
No additional state fees apply for making these amendments.
Legal Services for Obtaining a Work Permit in Ukraine for Foreign Nationals
We offer professional legal services to foreign nationals, understanding the complexities of dealing with local government authorities. Our expertise ensures not only the successful acquisition of a work permit in Ukraine but also comprehensive legal support for all employment and migration-related matters.
Our core standard is simplicity. We avoid overcomplicating the process or exaggerating the effort required to resolve the issue. Instead, we methodically analyze each problem, identify the optimal solution, and explain everything clearly, leaving no doubts about what we are doing and why.
Why Choose Us?
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Lead lawyer with over 10 years of experience in the State Migration Service. Practical expertise in obtaining work permits for foreign nationals across various business sectors.
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Successful cases of obtaining permits for over 40 employees simultaneously. The efficiency and scope of our work allow us to tackle tasks of any complexity quickly and effectively.
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Comprehensive support at every stage. We don’t just file documents; we also monitor deadlines, provide recommendations to minimize risks (e.g., avoiding non-payment of the Unified Social Contribution, timely submission of employment agreements).
Benefits for You:
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High likelihood of approval: We understand exactly which documents are required, what government authorities may request, and how to optimize your chances of obtaining a permit.
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Crisis resolution: Even if you’ve been denied a permit before, we can find the best solution to address the issue.
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Speed and convenience: We take full responsibility for the entire process, including monitoring deadlines and handling requests from authorities, ensuring you don’t have to worry about delays.
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Confidentiality: We sign an NDA to protect your information.
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Convenience for foreign clients: English-speaking client managers and legal professionals are available to ensure smooth and comfortable communication.
How We Work
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Initial consultation: We assess your situation, requirements, and conditions for obtaining a work permit.
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Document preparation: We draft and submit all necessary documents to the appropriate authorities.
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Process management: We oversee every stage, from application submission to permit issuance, minimizing potential risks or delays.
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Tailored solutions: If needed, we provide options to improve your case and ensure a successful outcome.
Most importantly, we know how to streamline the process, allowing you to focus on your business instead of dealing with bureaucratic issues.
If you need a work permit for a foreign national in Ukraine, feel free to reach out to us!
We are ready to help you!
Contact us by mail [email protected] or by filling out the form:Our publications on this matter
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