Residence permit in Ukraine for IT specialists: legal options and prospects

Ukraine is becoming more and more attractive for foreign IT professionals due to loyal taxation conditions, high demand for specialists and legal employment opportunities. There are several legal ways to obtain a residence permit, allowing you to work comfortably and develop your own business. Find out more about the options for obtaining a residence permit and the prospects for IT specialists in Ukraine

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Foreign IT specialists have several legal options for obtaining a residence permit in Ukraine. The simplest ones are employment or starting your own business. Due to the dynamic development of the IT sector and loyal taxation conditions, Ukraine is becoming more and more attractive for technical specialists from all over the world.

The legal options for obtaining a residence permit in Ukraine for IT specialists are described below.

Why is it beneficial for IT specialists to obtain a residence permit in Ukraine?

Ukraine remains one of the key centres for the development of the IT industry in Eastern Europe. The attractiveness of the country for foreign specialists is explained:

- Relatively low taxation of the IT sector (individual entrepreneurs of the 3rd group - 5% of income).

- Rapid market growth and high demand for specialists.

- The absence of mandatory work permits for certain categories of employees.

- Liberal visa regime for citizens of many countries.

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Options for obtaining a residence permit in Ukraine for IT specialists

There are several legal ways to obtain a temporary or permanent residence permit in Ukraine.

1. Residence permit through employment in an IT company

The easiest way is to conclude an employment contract with a Ukrainian IT company, which will issue a work permit.

Procedure:

- The Ukrainian employer submits an application to the Employment Centre.

- After receiving a work permit, the IT specialist applies to the migration service for a residence permit.

- The residence permit is issued for the duration of the employment contract (up to 3 years with the possibility of extension).

Advantages:

- Minimum requirements for education and experience.

- Legal long-term stay.

2. Residence permit through opening your own business (individual entrepreneur or company)

Foreign IT specialists can work as individual entrepreneurs (IE) or register their own IT company.

Conditions:

- Opening a sole proprietorship or a company with a contribution of USD 100,000 or more entitles you to a residence permit.

- Registering yourself as a company director allows you to obtain a work permit and residence permit.

Advantages:

- Flexibility in doing business.

- Opportunity to work with international customers.

3. Residence permit through training

If an IT specialist wants to obtain or improve their qualifications, they can enter a Ukrainian university and obtain a residence permit on the basis of studies.

4. Residence permit by marriage or family ties

If an IT specialist has relatives in Ukraine (e.g. married to a Ukrainian), he/she can obtain a temporary or permanent residence permit.

Prospects for IT professionals in Ukraine

The Ukrainian IT industry continues to grow, and the government creates favourable conditions for foreign specialists:

- Diia.City is a special tax regime for IT companies.

- High demand for developers, analysts, and DevOps engineers.

- The opportunity to work for the Ukrainian or international market with minimal tax costs.

If you are looking for reliable legal support for obtaining a residence permit in Ukraine, Visit Ukraine experts are ready to help!

Visit Ukraine's migration lawyers will provide advice, prepare the necessary documents and accompany you at all stages of the process.

Get a legal status in Ukraine quickly and without unnecessary worries - contact Visit Ukraine lawyers today!

Just to remind you! Obtaining a residence permit is a complex legal process, in which even a minor mistake can lead to the refusal or cancellation of documents. Legal support ensures the correctness of the documents, minimises risks and contributes to the successful obtainment of a residence permit. Read here why you should seek expert support when applying for a residence permit in Ukraine and how VU lawyers can help.

Photo: Depositphotos

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