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Work permit for a foreigner in Ukraine

Updated: November 2026
 
A Ukrainian company or sole entrepreneur may employ a foreigner only after obtaining a permit to employ them. Working without a permit is not allowed even for a few days: the employer faces a fine of 20 minimum wages for each such employee. The permit is also the basis for a type D visa and a temporary residence permit.
 
The procedure, timing and fees are set by the Law of Ukraine “On Employment of the Population” (in Ukrainian). The permit is obtained by the employer, not the foreigner, and is issued for a specific position with a specific employer.
 
When a permit is not required
A permit is not needed, in particular, for:
  • foreigners who permanently reside in Ukraine;
  • refugees and persons granted complementary or temporary protection;
  • employees of foreign representative offices registered in Ukraine;
  • participants in international technical assistance projects;
  • several other categories listed in Article 42 of the law: journalists, athletes, and teachers and researchers invited by educational institutions.
Since 2022, there has been no minimum salary requirement for foreigners: they are entitled to the same pay conditions as Ukrainian citizens.
 
Documents
Basic set:
  • the employer’s application in the prescribed form;
  • a copy of the foreigner’s passport pages with a translation;
  • a colour photo of the foreigner;
  • a draft employment contract or gig contract;
  • a power of attorney if the documents are filed by a representative.
Some categories need additional documents: for posted workers, the contract between the Ukrainian and foreign employer; for intra-corporate transferees, the transfer decision; for graduates of Ukrainian institutions, study documents.
 
Timing
  • The employment centre usually decides on a new permit within 7 business days and on an extension within 3 business days.
  • The permit is issued for the term of the employment contract, but for no more than 2 years. For seconded foreign workers and intra-corporate transferees, the maximum term is 3 years.
  • Within 90 days of the permit being issued, the employer must sign an employment contract with the foreigner and, within 10 days after that, file a copy with the employment centre. If these deadlines are missed, the permit is cancelled, and the residence permit with it.
  • An extension application is filed no earlier than 50 and no later than 20 calendar days before the permit expires. Missing this window means applying for a new permit.
For citizens of states that pose a threat to Ukraine’s national security, issuing a permit involves additional checks.
 
State fee in 2026
The fee depends on the permit’s term and is calculated in subsistence minimums as of 1 January (UAH 3 328.00 in 2026):
  • up to 6 months — UAH 9 984.00;
  • 6 months to 1 year — UAH 16 640.00;
  • 1 to 2 years — UAH 26 624.00;
  • 2 to 3 years — UAH 33 280.00 (seconded workers and intra-corporate transferees only).
An extension costs one subsistence minimum less. If the permit is refused, the fee is refunded.
 
Fees
Our fee for support starts at €450. The final price depends on urgency, the volume of translations and the permit’s term. The state fee is paid separately by the employer.
 
Our services
  • assessing whether a permit is needed and choosing the position under the Classifier of Occupations;
  • preparing the application, the draft employment contract or gig contract and the power of attorney;
  • translating the foreigner’s documents;
  • filing with the employment centre and support during review;
  • filing the copy of the employment contract on time;
  • extending and amending the permit;
  • obtaining a type D visa;
  • obtaining a taxpayer identification number for the foreigner.