Foreign doctors in Ukraine: can medical professionals from abroad work in Ukraine and does Ukraine need volunteer doctors in 2025?

In 2022, Ukraine announced an acute shortage of doctors and significantly simplified the procedure for hiring foreign specialists. Find out whether the state will also need volunteer doctors in 2025, whether medical specialists from abroad can work in Ukraine and what is required for this

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In 2025, Ukraine is looking for and attracting foreign medical specialists to work in the healthcare system. The country is experiencing a shortage of workers in the sector, as a large number of specialists are involved in the front lines due to military operations, and the number of patients is also growing.

Ukraine is a rather attractive place for medical workers from all over the world, as the country has favorable conditions for professional growth, a shortage of medical personnel due to the war, and a high demand for qualified specialists. Doctors and pharmacists have the right to obtain a permanent residence permit in Ukraine, which opens up new horizons for employees and provides an opportunity to work and develop in a promising medical system.

Read on to find out whether foreign doctors can work in Ukraine, what is the procedure for obtaining a permit, and whether the state needs volunteer doctors in 2025.

Planning to move to Ukraine? Order a consultation with a migration lawyer to study the features of Ukrainian legislation and assess your chances of obtaining a residence permit in Ukraine.

Can foreign doctors work in Ukraine?

Foreign doctors can work in Ukraine. Since February 2022, the Ministry of Health of Ukraine invites all caring foreign colleagues to respond and join the ranks of doctors working to save the lives of Ukrainian military and civilian victims of the war.

Since Russia began a large-scale armed invasion of Ukraine, the Cabinet of Ministers (CMU), the Ministry of Health of Ukraine (MOH), as well as other state bodies have been implementing numerous legislative changes aimed at unhindered access of foreign medical personnel to Ukraine during the war.

In particular, the Ministry of Health does not control the employment of foreign doctors during the period of martial law. Each health care institution has the right to independently attract foreign doctors to Ukraine and other medical workers for work.

Who can apply for permanent residence for foreign doctors in Ukraine?

According to the order of the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine No. 14554 dated 10.06.2024, the following medical professionals can receive a residence permit in Ukraine:

- Doctor.

- Pharmacist.

- Clinical pharmacist.

- Nurse (nurse).

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Requirements for obtaining a residence permit in Ukraine for medical professionals

1. Mandatory requirement - confirmed work experience of at least one year within the last three years

Documents confirming work experience:

- Employee's work book or its analogues.

- Letter of recommendation.

- Contract for the provision of services with marks on performance.

- Act of acceptance and transfer of services.

- Extract from the place of work.

- Payment information.

- Certificate from the place of work.

- Employment certificate indicating the periods of work.

2. In addition to the mandatory requirement, applicants must meet at least one of the following requirements

- Higher education in the field of “Healthcare”.

- Qualification document in the specialty “Pharmacist”.

- Document on advanced training in your field

If you meet the mandatory requirements plus one of the additional ones, you have the right to apply for a residence permit in Ukraine.

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Is diploma nostrification required for a work permit for doctors Ukraine in 2025?

To be eligible for medical volunteering, foreign medical workers only need to have documents confirming their medical degree and professional qualifications, i.e. nostrification of foreign diplomas is required. Permission from the Ministry of Health for employment is also not required.

The procedure for obtaining a residence permit for doctors in Ukraine

In order to obtain a residence permit in Ukraine, foreign doctors need to go through the following stages:

Stage 1 – Preparation of documents

You need to provide documents confirming your compliance with the requirements, as a rule, documents on education and confirmation of work experience. All documents issued by state authorities must be legalized or apostilled depending on the country of issue and translated into Ukrainian.

Stage 2 – Submission of documents to the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine

The next step is to submit documents to the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine confirming that the applicant is indeed a specialist interested in Ukraine. This stage can be started remotely, and the answer usually comes within a few weeks.

Stage 3 – Submission to the State Migration Service of Ukraine

After receiving a positive response from the Ministry of Economy, prepare the documents and submit an application to the State Migration Service of Ukraine. The requirements vary depending on citizenship or the presence of additional applicants. Some documents must be prepared in the country of citizenship, and the rest are issued in Ukraine. The processing time is about six months.

Stage 4 –Obtaining a D-01Ukraine work visa for doctors

This visa is issued by the embassy or consulate of Ukraine on the basis of an immigration permit issued by the State Migration Service of Ukraine. The visa is valid for 90 days.

Stage 5 – Obtaining a permanent residence permit

The ID card certifies the owner’s identity and the right to permanent residence in Ukraine.

An application for a permanent residence permit must be submitted no later than 15 working days before the expiration of the D-01 visa, temporary residence permit, extended stay.

Stage 6 – Registration of residence in Ukraine

According to the law, foreigners must register their place of residence within 30 days from the date of receipt of a permanent residence permit.

Given that the procedure for applying for a residence permit for foreign doctors is quite complicated, it is worth starting your preparation in advance. Also, to simplify the paperwork procedure, get advice from a migration lawyer. An experienced specialist will help you prepare a package of certificates depending on your citizenship and planned work.

Does Ukraine need volunteer doctors?

The unequivocal answer to this question is “Yes”. Every skillful pair of hands, every understanding heart and every devoted mind can make a significant difference in this war. The need for medical volunteers in Ukraine is acute and constant, as the conflict continues to cause significant damage to both civilians and military personnel. Trauma surgeons, emergency doctors, volunteers and nurses are very much needed to treat wounded civilians and Ukrainian military personnel. Mental health specialists are also important for treating psychological trauma caused by the war.

How can a volunteer doctor legally get a job in Ukraine?

Foreign medical workers who are abroad and have difficulty contacting host medical institutions or charitable organizations in Ukraine can apply for support from the Ministry of Health, to do this, follow these steps:

- Prepare all documents confirming education, qualifications and work experience in advance.

- Fill out this mandatory form: https://forms.gle/uZQFz8qAX7YNK4Qs5.

- Wait for your documents to be checked and evaluated. After the procedure is completed, you will receive a special notification.

The Ministry of Health will check your diplomas, certificates, letters, and then send your requests to all medical institutions and hospitals subordinate to the Ministry of Health, as well as to the main charitable foundations and humanitarian organizations currently operating in Ukraine.

When an organization is interested in you, the Ministry of Health will notify you.

Important! If you are an experienced military surgeon or a specialist in another field of military medicine, you will only need to contact the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine (MOU). You can apply to the Public Relations Department of the MOU or the Medical Forces Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Why should you contact immigration lawyers Ukraine if you plan to obtain a residence permit in Ukraine?

Foreigners who come to Ukraine for work, study, business, volunteering or just life often face legal issues that require professional assistance. And it can be difficult to understand all the nuances of Ukrainian legislation. That is why the Visit Ukraine portal provides comprehensive legal services for foreigners, helping to avoid bureaucratic difficulties and ensuring a quick solution to urgent problems. Our team consists of specialized specialists who are always ready to provide answers to questions and comprehensive support in obtaining the necessary documents or solving other tasks.

What questions can you contact Visit Ukraine lawyers with?

Visit Ukraine lawyers are ready to help in the following areas:

- Migration issues: visa processing, obtaining a temporary or permanent residence permit, work permit, immigration permit to Ukraine, obtaining citizenship, consultations on entry and legal status, etc.

- Apostille and document translation: legalization of documents for use abroad or in Ukraine, as well as professional translation.

- Business services: company registration, obtaining e-resident status, support in doing business in Ukraine, tax consultations, etc.

- Legal support for real estate transactions: buying, selling, renting real estate, checking documents and executing transactions.

Entrust the resolution of important issues to professionals - contact Visit Ukraine specialists to receive qualified assistance!

Reminder! Everyone who works in Ukraine has the right to social support, which includes mandatory payments guaranteed by state legislation and additional bonuses and premiums from employers. We have already told you what payments employees in Ukraine, including foreigners, can count on.

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

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