Since the outbreak of the full-scale war, millions of Ukrainians have left for Europe. Most of them have already found jobs, but there are also those who are still looking for work. Find out more about the most popular vacancies for Ukrainian citizens in the EU and their salaries

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According to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, more than 8 million Ukrainians have gone abroad since the beginning of the full-scale russian invasion of Ukraine.

The majority of refugees still remain in EU countries, looking for work or already working somewhere. In 2022, Ukrainians increased the EU labor market by 0.5-0.6%, and in some countries - Poland, Estonia, the Czech Republic - growth reached 2%.

What vacancies are relevant for Ukrainians and how much can you earn in the EU?

Read everything you need to know about the European work visa here.

Work for Ukrainians in Poland

At the beginning of 2023, 2.3 million Ukrainians lived in Poland, 65% of them were employed, and 24% were looking for work.

There are many vacancies in the country that require manual labor. This is the type of work that most Ukrainians get - it is work in warehouses, production, construction or in the hotel and restaurant sector. There is also a shortage of highly qualified workers in Poland, particularly teachers and doctors. However, in order to get a job in such a job, it is necessary to confirm the Ukrainian diploma and to know the Polish language at the B1-B2 level.

The average salary in Poland is 3-4 thousand zlotys per month.

Work for Ukrainians in Germany

Ukrainians who have obtained the status of temporary protection in Germany have the right to employment.

Specialists applying for highly qualified positions must confirm their level of knowledge and experience (for example, workers in the medical field or education).

One of the highest paying jobs in Germany that Ukrainians can get is in the healthcare sector. Currently, there is a special need in the country for narrow-profile specialists in psychiatric, rehabilitation centers and health boarding houses. Also, citizens of Ukraine are offered work in gastronomy, at logistics warehouses where goods need to be stocked, at food and processing industry enterprises, and in the automotive industry.

Average salary in Germany (per month):

• medical workers (doctors, nurses) - 2000-5000 euros;

• engineers: 2,000-5,000 euros;

• car mechanics: 2000-3500 euros;

• sellers: 1800-2500 euros.

Work for Ukrainians in the Czech Republic

The most relevant field of work in the Czech Republic for Ukrainians is a worker in the production of spare parts, because many factories work in the Czech Republic: from the assembly of fans and air conditioners to cars.

A considerable number of Ukrainians started their own business in the Czech Republic. In 2022, 8,500 Ukrainians received a license for individual entrepreneurial activity, which is 5,500 more than the year before.

The salary level in the Czech Republic depends on the region and field of activity. The average remuneration ranges from 18,000 to 35,000 kroner per month:

• truck drivers - 24,000-35,000 kroner per month;

• cooks - 19-28 thousand kroner per month;

• design engineers - 47-95 thousand kroner per month;

• installers of heating and air conditioning systems - 28-47 thousand kroner per month.

Employment for Ukrainians in Estonia

In Estonia, 7,000 vacancies are available for Ukrainian refugees, offered by the Unemployment Insurance Fund. Among Ukrainian refugees with temporary protection, the most common profession is a cleaner, and for those with residence permits, the most popular profession is a welder.

The average salary in Estonia varies between 1,600 euros per month.

Work in Italy for Ukrainians

Most Ukrainians in Italy work in factories, shops, hotels, service companies, as well as in agriculture. Vacancies for packers are popular at factories manufacturing tobacco products, chocolate, seafood, clothing, cosmetics, etc. There are also many vacancies in construction and agriculture.

Average salary in the country:

• farmworkers, waiters and cleaners - 800-1200 euros per month;

• photographers - 1000-2000 euros;

• taxi drivers - 1000-1500 euros.

Employment for Ukrainians in Spain

The labor market of Spain needs workers from the field of tourism and hotel and restaurant business, doctors, construction workers, and agricultural specialists. Most women work as carers, nannies, hairdressers, cooks, waitresses, dishwashers and cleaners.

Salary level in the country:

• employees of the tourism industry (hotel staff, animators) - 900-1500 euros;

• restaurant staff (waiters, cooks) - 900-1500 euros;

• gardeners - 1000-1500 euros.

Peculiarities of employment of Ukrainians in Europe

The majority of Ukrainians in Europe work in positions that do not require the appropriate level of qualification. 47% of all Ukrainians who have already found employment abroad went to work at positions of a much lower level than they worked in Ukraine. This is primarily due to the language barrier and the lack of suitable vacancies.

When hiring nurses, architects and engineers, it is necessary to confirm their qualification level or re-pass training. Also, depending on the country, you may be offered to take adaptation or professional courses, obtain a license or registration, etc.

Today, most Ukrainians abroad work in catering and hotel business. The most common positions are maids, waiters, cleaners. Many Ukrainian women found themselves in the field of cosmetology. 15% of Ukrainians are involved in the IT industry, and 12% in manufacturing.

We remind you! Poland became one of the main countries where many Ukrainians moved to after the outbreak of a full-scale war. However, even before 2022, a significant number of Ukrainian citizens lived in the country. Most of them have already managed to settle in this country and find a job with decent pay. Find out how much money Ukrainians manage to save in Poland here.

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.