Which foreigners do not need a work permit in Ukraine: a list of exceptions
Table of contents
-
Which categories of foreigners do not need to obtain a work permit?
- Foreigners with permanent residence in Ukraine
- Refugees and persons who have received an immigration permit
- Persons in need of complementary or temporary protection
- Representatives of the sea, river fleet and airlines
- Journalists, athletes and artists
- Emergency services and foreign representative offices
- Clergy
- Teachers and researchers
- Other cases
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
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.
Visit Ukraine on social media: Telegram | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | TikTok
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.
We recommend purchasing it for a safe and comfortable trip to Ukraine:
Visit Ukraine Insurance – safe travel in Ukraine (insurance covering military risks);
Visit Ukraine Legal advice – comprehensive legal support on entry to Ukraine;
Visit Ukraine Tickets – bus and train tickets to/from Ukraine;
Visit Ukraine Tours – the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste;
Visit Ukraine Hotels – hotels for a comfortable stay in Ukraine;
Visit Ukraine Merch – patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.
© 2018-2024, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.
All rights reserved.
Recommended articles
2 min
FinanceHow to get a permanent residence permit in Ukraine through investment? Instructions for foreigners
Foreign nationals wishing to invest in the Ukrainian economy can obtain a residence permit in the country if their investment meets certain requirements. Find out how to get a residence permit in Ukraine through investment, as well as what procedures you need to go through
12 Jul. 2024
More details2 min
FinancePayment by card and cash in Ukraine: what does a foreigner need to know?
You can make a payment in Ukraine in several ways - cash, card, contactless payment systems, etc. Find out how tourists can make payments in Ukraine and whether there are restrictions under martial law
19 Jul. 2024
More details3 min
For foreigners in UAExchange, theft or loss of a residence permit in Ukraine: what to do and how to get a new document?
The loss or theft of a residence permit in Ukraine can cause serious inconvenience, but there are clear procedures for restoring the document. Find out how to act in such situations and avoid problems, as well as what is needed to exchange the document when personal data changes or the residence permit expires
25 Jul. 2024
More details2 min
For foreigners in UAForeigners fighting for Ukraine will be able to obtain Ukrainian citizenship: details
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has voted in the second reading in favor of draft law No. 9585, which allows foreigners serving in Ukraine to obtain Ukrainian citizenship. Find out why this step is significant for many foreign military personnel and what rules will apply to Russians and Belarusians
25 Aug. 2024
More details