Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, more than 8 million Ukrainians have moved abroad. They have to not only organize their lives and lifestyle in a new country, but also quickly find a job. Find out more about the easiest European countries for Ukrainians to find a job in, what salaries they can expect, and what documents they need to get a job in

Legal advice on education and employment abroad for Ukrainians

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After February 24, 2022, millions of Ukrainians were forced to leave their homes for Europe as refugees. To financially support themselves and their children, most of the IDPs started looking for work abroad. Therefore, Visit Ukraine decided to prepare a guide on employment in Europe, which answers all the common questions of Ukrainian job seekers.

In addition, we also provide a comprehensive service of legal support for employment abroad, providing comprehensive assistance in job search. Experienced Visit Ukraine specialists provide full support, from the preparation and translation of documents to the signing of an employment contract and solving practical issues when moving to a new country.

In the previous article, we talked about the details of obtaining an EU work visa for Ukrainians.

Legal grounds for employment abroad

To be employed abroad, you must have legal grounds for leaving Ukraine during martial law, as well as the right to stay in the EU. Women and certain categories of men can go abroad if they have a disability, accompany a person with a disability, have 3 or more minor children, etc.

A full list of categories of men of military age who are eligible to travel abroad can be found here.

Currently, European countries have different options for accepting Ukrainians. At present, it is enough to simply obtain temporary protection status; obtaining a work permit is not a prerequisite for legal employment in all EU countries.

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What documents do I need to bring with me?

The following documents are required to cross the border for employment purposes:

- Passport (regular or biometric);

- A health insurance policy for the entire duration of the employment contract, which can be issued on the Visit Ukraine platform;

- Ukrainian national passport and identification number.

If necessary, you should also bring your driver's license, educational documents, medical records, and other documents you need.

Qualified lawyers of Visit Ukraine will help you to properly prepare and legalize all the documents necessary for employment abroad. Our specialists also provide services for the translation of documents into the language of the country of employment with notarization, preparation of professional resumes and motivation letters.

Which European countries have the highest number of officially employed Ukrainian refugees?

The highest employment rate among Ukrainian refugees was recorded in Poland: 65% of able-bodied citizens have found a job. This is due to the largest number of displaced persons - more than 950 thousand. In the United Kingdom, 61% of Ukrainians who arrived in the country because of the war (246,800) are employed. In Sweden, this figure is 56% among 41.4 thousand IDPs, in Lithuania - 53% (50.7 thousand), in the Czech Republic - 51% (368.7 thousand).

In Denmark, the Netherlands, and Estonia, 46% of Ukrainians have found employment. In France, about one-third of IDPs found work, while in Ireland - only 28%. The lowest employment rates are in Germany, Italy and Switzerland, where only 19% of Ukrainian refugees have found work.

In the previous article, we talked about average salaries in the EU and the top countries to consider for work.

In which areas do most Ukrainians work in Europe?

Ukrainian refugees with temporary protection status in European countries have a legal right to employment. However, in order to work in their specialty, they need to confirm their diploma, undergo accreditation or special retraining courses, and confirm their knowledge of the language of the host country. This is a rather lengthy process, so most people choose jobs that do not require proof of qualifications.

The most popular jobs among Ukrainians are those at industrial plants and factories, where they perform mostly monotonous tasks. A significant number of refugees are employed by cleaning companies. They clean shopping centers, offices, parking lots, dormitories, or private homes. The salary depends on the number of hours worked, and in the case of employment through an agency, it is often deducted from the salary.

Many women choose to work in catering establishments: canteens, cafes, restaurants, or bakeries. They work as cooks' assistants or dishwashers. Seasonal work remains popular as well: picking berries, fruits, and vegetables, as well as field work: planting trees or other agricultural tasks.

We will tell you about the best European countries for employment of Ukrainians.

In what areas is it most profitable for Ukrainian migrants to work in the EU?

Demand for low-skilled labor among Ukrainian refugees remains high, but the limited number of vacancies forces many to accept low-wage jobs. However, there are industries where Ukrainians can find more favorable conditions.

For people with technical skills, a promising option is to work in construction, car repair, or agricultural production. These industries offer better pay and stable working conditions. Specialists in tile laying, facade installation, roofing, and window and door installation are in particular demand.

For those who have a driver's license of the appropriate category, there are vacancies for public transport drivers. The salary for such positions depends on the region and distance of the route, but is usually fixed.

Students who speak the local language can work as bartenders, waiters, or even temporarily assist on film sets. Although these offers are often short-term, they provide useful experience and additional income.

The health and beauty sector remains one of the most profitable for Ukrainians abroad. Manicurists, hairdressers, cosmetologists, and masseurs are in great demand. The reason for the popularity of these specialists is the high level of Ukrainian service, which exceeds the standards of many European salons.

Demand for the services of photographers and videographers has also increased. Ukrainian mothers who organize events with children often prefer specialists who speak their native language for comfortable communication and quality service.

If you still can't decide which field of employment is ideal for you, Visit Ukraine lawyers will be able to help. During the initial consultation, our specialists will analyze your professional skills, experience, and qualifications. After that, they will be able to determine the best countries for employment, taking into account the labor market and requirements for specialists.

Jobs for Ukrainians in Poland

Poland has always attracted Ukrainians with employment opportunities, and even the war has not changed this. There is a constant need for physical labor in the country, as local residents rarely choose such areas. Ukrainians are actively working in warehouses, production shops, the hotel and restaurant business, and construction sites. Most often, they are engaged in work that does not require special knowledge or skills, even though 70% of workers have a university degree.

Find out who Ukrainians have to compete with for jobs in Poland and who remains a priority for local employers.

However, there is also a shortage of qualified personnel in Poland. In particular, 96% of the counties lack teachers and healthcare workers. In Warsaw, the shortage of specialists is particularly noticeable, where thousands of skilled workers are needed. For such positions, confirmation of a Ukrainian diploma and knowledge of Polish at the B1-B2 level are required.

In terms of earnings, the most common salary among Ukrainians in Poland is 3-4 thousand net, which is received by 35% of employees. A higher income in the range of 4-5 thousand zlotys is earned by 17%, and another 8% earn from 5 to 6 thousand zlotys. Only 2% of Ukrainians receive more than PLN 6 thousand per month. At the same time, 24% of migrants declare incomes in the range of 2.7-3 thousand zlotys, and 12% - below the minimum wage.

You can find out more about the details of employment in Poland for Ukrainians here.

Peculiarities of employment of Ukrainians in Germany

After obtaining temporary protection status in Germany, Ukrainians can apply for a work permit through the Foreigners' Registration Office. This permit is indicated as Erwerbstätigkeit erlaubt (Employment permitted) on the residence permit. Proof of qualification is required for regulated professions such as medicine or education.

The medical field is one of the most profitable for Ukrainians in Germany. Salaries in this field usually range from 1500 to 2100 euros per month. Specialists working in psychiatric or rehabilitation centers can earn more than 2000 euros. However, this requires a confirmed diploma and knowledge of German.

Due to the large number of Ukrainians who do not speak German (55% according to research), employers have adapted the labor market. There are more and more vacancies that do not require language skills or previous experience. The most common offers are simple physical work in gastronomy, logistics warehouses, food processing and automotive industries. Employers often offer additional bonuses, such as housing and meals.

According to the EWL Migration Platform, the average salary of Ukrainians in Germany is 1400 euros per month. About 26% of workers earn more than 2000 euros, and 49% have an income in the range of 1000-1900 euros.

Germany is experiencing a particularly acute shortage of truck drivers. The World Bank forecast shows that over the next ten years, the shortage of these workers will reach 150 thousand people. Migrants, including Ukrainians, will not be able to fully cover this need.

You can learn more about the digital nomad visa to Germany for Ukrainians here.

Work in the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic ranks third among the countries that have received the largest number of Ukrainians - more than 504 thousand people. This country often acts as a final destination as well as a transit zone.

The number of employed Ukrainians in the Czech Republic is constantly growing. By mid-2024, more than 130 thousand of our compatriots were officially employed in the country. This means that one in four Ukrainians who came here after February 24 found a job.

Earlier, we told you that a city in the Czech Republic is planning to launch a position for Ukrainians in the police force.

The most common area of employment is the automotive industry. Ukrainians often work in the production of spare parts for international car brands. A popular vacancy is a “product assembly worker,” which involves working with parts for fans or air conditioners.

Czech employers try to attract workers by offering free housing. In some cases, it is possible to accommodate a family for a small surcharge. Sometimes, free meals or discounts on food are also included.

The Czech Republic, like many European countries, is facing a demographic crisis, which makes it necessary to fight for the working population, including migrants. The salary depends on the region and the field of employment, on average it is 18-35 thousand CZK per month.

You can find out more about the details of employment in the Czech Republic for Ukrainians here.

Jobs for Ukrainians in Estonia

In Estonia, about 7,000 vacancies are available for Ukrainian refugees, provided by the Unemployment Insurance Fund. According to Ulla Saar, Vice Chancellor for Labor of the Ministry of Social Affairs, the state seeks to provide Ukrainians with the opportunity to find a job as soon as possible and become financially independent.

According to official statistics, the majority of Ukrainians of working age with temporary protection status were able to find a job in the first months of their stay in the country, in particular, between March and June 2022. However, the lack of knowledge of Estonian language becomes a barrier to employment in their specialty. As a result, Ukrainians often take positions that do not match their qualifications.

The most common profession among refugees with temporary protection is a cleaner. Those who have a residence permit most often work as welders.

The minimum wage in Estonia in 2024 is 725 euros per month, and the average gross salary reaches 1.6 thousand euros. Occupations that require higher qualifications, such as welders, painters, or international drivers, can bring in up to 2 thousand euros per month, while handymen receive about 1.2 thousand euros.

To learn more about the entrepreneurial activities of Ukrainian refugees in Estonia, please follow the link.

Employment of Ukrainian refugees in Lithuania

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, 21 thousand Ukrainians have found work in Lithuania, which is about half of the able-bodied refugees who arrived in the country. However, most of them are looking to change jobs. According to a study by the Vilnius office of the International Organization for Migration and the SOPA agency, 78.4% of Ukrainians would like to find another job. The main reasons are low salaries (41%), a desire to work in their specialty (28.2%), and difficult working conditions (12.8%).

Among the barriers to employment, Ukrainians most often mention the language barrier and the responsibility of caring for children or elderly family members. Women who came with their families face a double burden, which makes it more difficult to find a job.

Some Ukrainians are thinking about starting their own business: 46.2% of respondents would like to start a business in Lithuania, but lack information about the legal and organizational aspects of this process.

Ukrainians are mostly employed in middle-skilled jobs, with only 10% working in highly skilled positions. Their salaries range from the minimum of 840 euros to 2 thousand euros, with an average of about 900 euros “on paper.”

You can learn more about the details of employment of Ukrainians in Lithuania in the previous article.

Work in Italy

Italy was one of the first countries where Ukrainians began to come to work en masse back in the 90s. At that time, it was mostly women who were engaged in caring for the elderly. Today, Ukrainians are actively working in various fields, helping the Italian government to close the staff shortage.

Physical labor is especially in demand. For example, packers at tobacco, chocolate, or cosmetics factories can earn 2,500-3,000 euros. This work requires only basic language skills, and the age of candidates is usually limited to 55 years.

Work on construction sites is popular, with an average salary of about 2.4 thousand euros. Employers often offer free housing as a bonus. Ukrainians also work in greenhouses, where their main duties are harvesting and sorting crops. Earnings in this area are 1.5-2 thousand euros. Couriers receive an average of 1 thousand euros per month.

Italy boasts a strong Ukrainian diaspora, whose representatives often open their businesses and hire compatriots. This makes it easier for Ukrainians to adapt to new conditions, find jobs and integrate into the local environment.

In the previous article, we talked about the ways to obtain a visa to Italy, the possibilities of long-term residence and obtaining a work permit.

Where do Ukrainian migrants work in Spain?

Spain offers a wide range of job opportunities for Ukrainians, especially in tourism, hospitality, construction and agriculture. Workers in these industries have the opportunity to earn a stable income with salaries ranging from 1.1 to 2.5 thousand euros.

Ukrainian women often choose to work as nurses, nannies, cooks, waitresses, or beauty salon workers. Vacancies for hairdressers, manicurists, and cleaners remain popular. Men, on the other hand, find employment in construction, repair work, or at manufacturing enterprises.

Particularly high salaries are offered in wine warehouses, where workers can earn up to 4 thousand euros per month.

At the same time, it is important to choose legal employment. Previously, there have been reports of workers being exploited at illegal tobacco factories, which emphasizes the need to comply with the law and check employers. Spain remains a promising country for work, providing opportunities for various professions.

Find out how a Ukrainian can emigrate to Spain, obtain a visa, residence permit and work permit.

Useful tips for safe self-employment abroad

In order to avoid troubles while working abroad, it is important to follow basic safety rules. First of all, always keep control of your own documents. Your passport or other important papers should only be handed over to employees of embassies, consulates, or at border crossings. Avoid situations where third parties are asked to leave them.

We recommend that you keep photocopies of documents in a safe place and have access to contacts of organizations that can help in case of abuse. You should also familiarize yourself in advance with the rights of employees in the country where you plan to work.

Signs of danger during employment:

- An unrealistically high salary compared to other vacancies;

- Pressure or manipulation by the employer;

- Work without formalization or transportation of unknown packages;

- Changing the terms of the contract before signing it;

- A contract in a language you do not understand;

- Request to provide original documents;

- Refusal of the employer to provide evidence of the legality of their activities;

- Lack of reviews about the company or only suspiciously positive reviews.

By following these recommendations, you can reduce risks and protect your rights.

If you need any support at all stages of employment abroad, please contact Visit Ukraine specialists. You can get advice on the optimal choice of a job, employer verification, registration and legalization of diplomas, assistance in organizing relocation and solving everyday issues.

We remind you! The European Commission has identified a list of countries that are the best for employment. The Czech Republic, Romania, and Germany are among the leaders. Read more to find out whether it is easy for Ukrainians to find work in these countries, which vacancies are the most common, and what salaries they can get.

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