Working in Ukraine: Everything You Need to Know About Getting a Work Permit

The permit to use the labor of foreigners and stateless persons is a document that gives the employer the right to temporarily use the labor of a foreigner or a stateless person, or voluntarily obtained by a resident of Diia City to conclude a gig-contract with a foreigner or a stateless person.

According to the legislation of Ukraine, foreigners and stateless persons cannot work without a work permit. In addition, the work permit provides an opportunity to obtain an appropriate visa to Ukraine and a temporary residence permit.

After obtaining a work permit, a foreigner acquires the same rights as a citizen of Ukraine.

How to get a work permit in Ukraine?

It is important to understand that in order to obtain work permit in Ukraine, the employer must submit relevant documents to the employment center, indicating in the application the period for which the permit should be issued and the position.

The work of foreigners and stateless persons can be used in different positions at one or several (two or more) employers, provided that each employer obtains a permit to use the labor of foreigners and stateless persons, in case of a change of place of work or transfer to another position, another employment permit, but only in the event of a change of employer.

The work of foreigners and stateless persons may be used without a permit in part-time positions at one employer, if the term of the employment contract in the part-time position does not exceed the term of the permit at the main place of work.

Validity of the work permit in Ukraine

It is important to understand that in order to obtain work permit, the employer must submit relevant documents to the employment center, indicating in the application the period for which the permit should be issued and the position.

The work of foreigners and stateless persons can be used in different positions at one or several (two or more) employers, provided that each employer obtains a permit to use the labor of foreigners and stateless persons, in case of a change of place of work or transfer to another position, another employment permit, but only in the event of a change of employer, The work of foreigners and stateless persons may be used without a permit in part-time positions at one employer, if the term of the employment contract in the part-time position does not exceed the term of the permit at the main place of work.

List of required documents to obtain a work permit in Ukraine

• The application is filled out and signed by the employer.
• Notarized and translated copy of the foreigner’s passport.
• 1 photo card size 3.5×4.5.
• The draft employment contract is certified by the employer.

Documents are submitted through the Center for the provision of administrative services by the employer or a person authorized to do so by power of attorney.

The cost of a permit to employ foreigners in Ukraine

• for a period of less than 6 months – is 3 subsistence minimums (7,524 UAH);
• for a period from 6 months to one year – is 5 subsistence minimums (12,540 UAH);
• for a period from one year to 3 years – is 10 subsistence minimums (25,280 UAH);

The deadline for considering documents is up to 7 working days, and for the extension of a work permit, 3 working days!

Responsibility for violations of Ukrainian legislation in the field of employment of foreigners and stateless persons.

Part five of Article 53 of the Law of Ukraine “On Employment of the Population” provides for the imposition of fines on the employer in case of violation of the procedure established by law for employment of foreigners and stateless persons.

So, if the employer uses the labor of foreigners or stateless persons:

• under the terms of an employment or other contract without permission, a fine is charged for each person in the amount of twenty times the minimum wage established at the time of discovery of the violation (130,000 UAH);
• under conditions other than those stipulated by the permit or by another employer, a fine is charged for each person in the amount of ten times the minimum wage established at the time of discovery of the violation (65,000 UAH);
• the term from one year to 3 years – is 10 subsistence minimums (25,280 hryvnias);
• Also, a fine is imposed on company officials (director) in the amount of 8,500 UAH to 17,000 UAH.

As we can see, the fines for violating employment legislation are quite large, so we recommend seeking qualified legal assistance, which will help you save time and avoid significant costs in the future.

Intermarium Law Firm provides a full cycle of support for foreigners wishing to obtain a work permit in Ukraine. We will help you save time and avoid significant costs in the future.