Foreigners must obtain a work permit in order to be officially employed and work legally in Ukraine. However, there are exceptions for certain categories of persons. Learn more about the exceptions and who can work in Ukraine without a special permit

Legal assistance on migration issues for foreigners in Ukraine

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According to the Law on Employment, employers may hire foreigners, but they must obtain a work permit to do so. Working without the appropriate permit is a violation of the law and therefore entails liability. At the same time, as explained by the State Labor Service, there are several exceptions to this rule, where foreigners can work without a permit.

For more information on how foreigners can get a job in Ukraine, what rules apply and what documents are required, please follow the link.

Which categories of foreigners do not need to obtain a work permit?

Foreigners with permanent residence in Ukraine

Foreigners with permanent residence in Ukraine do not need a work permit. They have equal rights to employment as Ukrainian citizens.

Refugees and persons who have received an immigration permit

Persons who have been granted refugee status or immigration permit are also exempt from the need to obtain a work permit. They have the right to work in Ukraine without additional procedures.

Persons in need of complementary or temporary protection

Foreigners who are recognized as persons in need of complementary protection or who have temporary protection may work without a work permit. This applies to persons who have been granted protection under Ukrainian law.

Representatives of the sea, river fleet and airlines

Employees of foreign maritime or river fleets and airlines that serve their companies in Ukraine do not need a work permit.

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Journalists, athletes and artists

Employees of foreign mass media accredited in Ukraine, as well as professional athletes, artists and art workers, may work without a work permit. This applies to persons who perform their professional activities in Ukraine.

Emergency services and foreign representative offices

Employees of emergency services performing urgent work, as well as employees of foreign representative offices registered in Ukraine, are exempt from the need to obtain a work permit.

Clergy

Clergymen who are foreigners and temporarily stay in Ukraine at the invitation of religious organizations may work without a work permit. They must have official approval from the authority that registered the relevant religious organization.

Teachers and researchers

Foreigners who arrived in Ukraine for teaching or research activities in higher education institutions at their invitation may also work without a work permit.

Other cases

There are other cases stipulated by the laws and international treaties of Ukraine when foreigners can work without a work permit. This applies to international technical assistance projects and other specific situations approved by the Verkhovna Rada.

Other categories of foreigners need to obtain a work permit. We have described how to do this and what documents are required in this article.

You can get assistance on entry/stay/employment in Ukraine for foreign citizens from any part of the world on the Visit Ukraine portal. Our lawyers are ready to provide comprehensive legal support, which will include not only consultations and answers to questions, but also assistance in collecting, submitting and receiving the documents you need.

You can order a specialist consultation or full legal support by following this link.

We remind you! The issue of employment in Ukraine is quite common among foreigners, but finding a job is not the only part of the path you need to go through to stay in the country legally. Read what is required to obtain a residence permit on the basis of employment in Ukraine and how to obtain it in our previous article.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Ihor Usyk is the Head of Legal Department at Visit Ukraine

Before you travel to Ukraine or while you are already in the country, seek legal advice. Our team will help you feel safe and confident during your trip, business trip or relocation.