The updated legislation regarding the employment of foreigners and stateless persons came into effect on October 15, 2022, with the enactment of the Ukrainian Law “On Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine regarding the Employment of Foreigners and Stateless Persons in Ukraine and the Provision of Mediation Services in Employment Abroad.”
Here’s an overview of the updated regulations.
The requirement for a specific salary amount has been abolished. Previously, foreign employees were required to be paid no less than 10 minimum wages per month. Now, the salary should not be lower than the minimum wage established by the law on the state budget of Ukraine.
Special permission for employment is required for citizens of the Russian Federation, the Republic of Belarus, and other states recognized as a threat to Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, democratic constitutional order, and other national interests of Ukraine. These permissions will be granted with the consent of the Security Service of Ukraine.
Foreigners and stateless persons can work concurrently in multiple positions for a single employer without a separate permit if the duration of the employment contract for these additional positions does not exceed the validity period of the primary work permit. This option was previously only available for highly-paid foreign professionals.
If a foreigner intends to work for multiple employers, each of them must obtain a separate permit.
Employers can obtain work permits for foreign students intending to work in Ukraine if they start working no later than 30 days before the completion of their studies.
The fees for issuing work permits have been increased.
In 2024, the fees for issuing permits are as follows:
- For a duration up to 6 months – 9,084 UAH
- For a duration from 6 months to 1 year – 15,140 UAH
- For a duration from 1 to 2 years – 24,224 UAH
- For a duration from 2 to 3 years – 30,280 UAH
The fees for permit renewal are:
- For a duration up to 6 months – 6,056 UAH
- For a duration from 6 months to 1 year – 12,112 UAH
- For a duration from 1 to 2 years – 21,196 UAH
- For a duration from 2 to 3 years – 27,252 UAH
There are categories of foreigners for whom the permit is issued free of charge, including those who directly participated in countering armed aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine, as well as foreign students intending to work in Ukraine, provided they start working no later than 30 days before completing their studies.
New requirements for document submission have been introduced.
Applications can now be submitted not only in person in paper form but also through postal services with an attachment description or electronically via a web portal.
To renew a work permit, documents must be submitted no later than 20 and no earlier than 50 calendar days before the expiration of the permit.
You can get more information about the service for obtaining a work permit for foreigners and stateless persons by following this link.
