Work Permits in Ukraine: Strategic Overview for Foreign Employment in 2025

Introduction

As Ukraine accelerates its post-war reconstruction and economic modernization, the role of foreign professionals in the national labor market becomes increasingly prominent. Amid growing demand in construction, IT, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors, the Ukrainian government actively facilitates international hiring through legal pathways such as work permits. However, the process of obtaining legal employment status for foreign nationals remains complex and tightly regulated.

This article offers a detailed analysis of the Ukrainian work permit framework, key employer responsibilities, eligibility requirements, and legal risks associated with non-compliance—providing a strategic overview for companies and foreign specialists operating in Ukraine in 2025.

Economic Rationale for Foreign Labor Influx

Ukraine’s workforce shortage is driven by demographic shifts, war-related displacement, and continued labor migration to EU countries. These trends have resulted in an insufficient domestic labor pool, particularly in: - Construction and Infrastructure – Increased demand for engineers, skilled laborers, and technical supervisors; - Technology Sector – A robust IT ecosystem continues to attract foreign developers and cybersecurity experts; - Healthcare – Persistent shortages of physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals in underserved regions; - Agriculture – A key export industry, reliant on agronomic expertise and modern farm management; -Manufacturing – Sectors such as machine-building and metallurgy require qualified technical staff.

In response, Ukraine’s legislative framework allows for the employment of foreigners under regulated conditions through the issuance of work permits.

Legal Basis and Permit Requirements

The employment of foreigners in Ukraine is governed by:

• The Law “On Employment of the Population”;
• The Law “On the Legal Status of Foreigners and Stateless Persons”;
• Cabinet Resolution No. 68 (2023) governing procedures for work permit issuance.

A work permit is obligatory for most categories of foreign professionals, except for permanent residents, refugees, diplomatic personnel, accredited journalists, and students on approved internships.

Employers must be formally registered Ukrainian legal entities and comply with minimum salary thresholds, procedural timelines, and administrative fees.

Permit Validity, Types, and Associated Costs

Work permits are issued for terms of 6 months to 3 years, depending on the position and qualifications of the foreign national:

1. Up to 6 months - 9,084 UAH
2. 6 to 12 months - 15,140 UAH
3. 1 to 2 years - 24,224 UAH
4. 2 to 3 years - 30,280 UAH

Employers are responsible for upfront payment of the government fee and for initiating the application on behalf of the foreign employee.

Minimum Salary Requirements

Although Ukraine’s statutory minimum wage is 8,000 UAH, foreign workers’ salaries are usually set significantly higher to meet work permit thresholds and avoid denials. Employers must demonstrate compliance during the permit application and subsequent inspections.

Key Risks and Legal Liabilities

Employers face substantial legal and financial liabilities for non-compliance:

• Permit-less Employment: Fine of 130,000 UAH per employee
• Violation of Permit Conditions: Fine of 65,000 UAH per employee
• Fines for Company Officers: 8,500–17,000 UAH

Common compliance issues include:

• Delayed or incorrect document submissions
• Failure to meet salary thresholds
• Unregistered contract modifications
• Non-conformity between employment terms and actual work performed

Permit Renewal and Contract Changes

Permits are renewable with re-submission of documents at least 30 days before expiration. A change in employer requires a new permit. Any contractual changes must be reported and approved to maintain the permit’s validity.

Strategic Role of Legal Counsel

Given the intricate requirements and high stakes involved, legal support is indispensable for both employers and foreign professionals. Legal advisors play a critical role in:

• Structuring employment relations in line with Ukrainian law;
• Managing document preparation and state filings;
• Advising on salary compliance and regulatory obligations;
• Resolving disputes or denials related to employment permits;
• Assisting with temporary residence registration.

Conclusion

Work permits in Ukraine are a vital tool for addressing labor shortages and attracting international talent to key industries. At the same time, the legal framework demands strict compliance with employment, immigration, and tax laws.

For foreign nationals and businesses seeking long-term legal employment strategies in Ukraine, Intermarium Law Firm offers comprehensive support—from initial permit applications to residence registration and employment structuring. Our expertise ensures that every step of the process is secure, timely, and compliant with evolving legal standards.