How to Obtain a Work Permit in Ukraine: Strategic Overview for Foreign Employment in 2025

What Is a Work Permit in Ukraine and Who Needs It?

If you're a foreign citizen or have a status of stateless person and planning to work or do business in Ukraine, you’ll likely need a work permit. It’s an official document that confirms your right to be employed legally in the country. Without work permit issued from State Labour Center, Ukrainian employers are not allowed to hire you.

This applies whether you’re looking for a job with a local company or planning to open your own business and employ yourself. Most employment situations require this kind of authorization, regardless of how long the job will last.

In this guide, we break down everything about work permit obtaining in Ukraine in 2025 — from who needs it to how the process works step by step.

Who Can Apply for a Work Permit in Ukraine?

Work permits in Ukraine can be obtained by:

• Foreign individuals who want to work in Ukraine
• Ukrainian employers who want to hire foreign workers
• Foreign nationals who register a business in Ukraine and list themselves as employees

It is the employer’s duty to submit the application to the State Labour Center, not the employee’s. However, in some cases, a foreign entrepreneur can apply on their own behalf if they run an active business in Ukraine. And it is also worth understanding for every foreigner (worker) that under Ukrainian law, it’s the employer—not the individual employee—who officially holds the work permit, so every foreign worker is attached to some particular employer until work permit is cancelled.

Required Documents for Obtaining a Work Permit in Ukraine

General Document Checklist

To apply for a work permit in Ukraine, you’ll typically need these documents:

• Application form (you can download it from the webpage of the regional State Labour Center), where all needed details are inserted, with signature and seal stamp (if there is any)
• A notarized copy of the foreign national’s passport along with a Ukrainian translation
• Photo of the applicant (35 x 45 mm)
• Draft employment contract (after the permit is approved, you must submit a copy of the signed contract to the Employment Center within 90 days) and also within 10 days from the date of its signing
• Receipt showing payment of the state fee (this must be paid before submitting the documents for the permit, not afterward)
• Power of attorney (needed if someone else submits the application on behalf of the company director or other employer)

To obtain a work permit in Ukraine, you need to clearly understand the documents and legal rules.

Additional Requirements for Specific Categories

Some categories of foreign workers, expecting to get permit to work in Ukraine, may need extra documents, such as:

• University degree or diploma (for professionals that can occupy certain positions only with the relevant diploma)
• Confirmation of company registration (for entrepreneurs)
• Previous work permits (for renewal)
• Special approval (for high-risk or regulated labor sectors)

Obtaining a Work Permit in Ukraine Process

Submitting the Application

The application for a Ukrainian work permit goes to the regional Employment Center. Most often, this is done by the employer. The process can be done by you or someone legally representing you. Documents can be submitted both by email and directly by physically submitting documents at the employment center itself.

Payment of Fees

Government fees change based on how long the permit is for:

• Up to 6 months: ~9,800 UAH
• Up to 12 months: ~15,140 UAH
• Up to 3 years: ~30,280 UAH

In the case of a permit extension and not a first-time issuance, the cost of the state fee is reduced by 3,028 hryvnias and payment must be made before submitting the application.

Processing Timeline

The Employment Center usually reviews applications within 7 business days. If the documents are complete and correct, and according to requirements of the State Labour Center, the approval is issued quickly. If not, the application may face rejection or delay.

Receiving the Permit

When approved, the permit is printed and handed out. The foreign employee must sign an employment contract within 90 days of receiving the work permit. Once they get an employment permit they can apply for a visa D and then for a temporary residence permit within 90 days of the work visa validity period.

Duration, Extension, and Renewal of a Work Permit

Validity Period

Work permits can be valid for:

• 6 months
• 12 months
• 24 months
• Up to 3 years (but only for certain categories)

The duration depends on the contract and the type of work.

How to Extend or Renew a Work Permit

Documents for extending a work permit must be submitted no earlier than 50 days before the permit expires and no later than 20 days. Renewal includes:

• Application for permit extension
• Proof of tax compliance
• New government fee payment
• Original work permit that is being extended

If mentioned in legislation deadline is missed, you might need to restart the full process, including authorization and a new visa.

Rights and Obligations of Foreign Employees

Foreign employees in Ukraine have the right to:

• Work under the terms of the signed employment contract
• Receive official salary and social guarantees
• Be protected under Ukrainian labor laws

They also have obligations, including:

• Paying personal income tax and social contributions
• Following immigration and labor regulations
• Maintaining proper legal documentation

Key Risks and Legal Liabilities

Lack of attention to labor law requirements and improper compliance with Ukrainian labor and immigration rules can lead to:

• Fines - for instance in case when employer employs a foreigner without a work permit, there is risk of penalty. The fine is 20 minimum wages in effect at the time the violation was discovered by the respectful authorities, which is 160,000 UAH as of 2025
• Rejection or revocation of work permits
• Deportation or entry bans for the foreign national (in some cases)
• Legal disputes due to improper contracts or expired permits
• The company will not be allowed to employ foreign workers for one year

To prevent problems, the employee and employer need to follow the legal steps properly

How Legal Support Enhances Your Work Permit Success

The process of obtaining a work permit in Ukraine involves multiple preparation steps from the employer side, drafting legal documents, and communication with government bodies. Everything have to be done accurately and carefully. Mistakes or delays can cost time and money.

Working with professionals who specialize in Immigration Legal Services offers:

• Expert review of your case and best-suited pathway
• Correct preparation of application documents
• Timely filing and tracking of your application
• Ongoing legal and tax compliance support

Legal assistance is particularly important in 2025, as Ukraine is changing its rules for business immigration and hiring foreigners.

Conclusion

A work permit is the only way to legal employment, business opportunities, and even long-term residence (temporary residence permit). If foreigner work continuously for 5 years in Ukraine and newer left country for more than three months in a year, he/she can apply for permanent residency as well. Therefore, with time having work permit can lead towards becoming permanent resident of the country.

In order to successfully complete this process, you need to know the procedure well, the list of required documents, deadlines, and legal responsibilities of the person/company who employ foreign citizen. With proper legal support, the process of obtaining a work permit in Ukraine becomes much simpler. Doing this quickly and effectively is impossible without help of professional lawyer. You will reduce the risk of delays or refusals and increase your chances of success, regardless of whether you are applying for the first time or doing extension of already existing work permit.