Labor immigration to Ukraine. Where to start for foreign citizens.

Currently, despite the state of war, a large number of foreign citizens come to Ukraine, usually they are volunteers, tourists, but there are also those who open their own business or come to work under a contract . However, for successful labor immigration, it is important to know the basic steps and requirements to be followed.

1. An employer who signs a contract with a foreigner must obtain a permit to employ a foreigner , for this the following documents are submitted to the city employment authorities:

• Application form. Application sample at the link ;
• Copies of the pages of the foreign passport of a foreigner or stateless person with a translation into Ukrainian certified by a notary;
• A color photo card of a foreigner measuring 3.5 x 4.5 centimeters;
• Draft employment contract (contract) or gig contract with a foreigner. The employment contract (contract) must specify a salary of at least UAH 8,000.00 (minimum salary from April 1, 2024). Please note that it is the "project" that is needed, that is, the data of both parties are entered, the date is not specified, only the employer signs;
• State duty payment receipt . The size of the duty depends on the term of the contract, you can see the tariff grid at the link .

2. Submitting an application for a visa . To obtain a visa, a foreigner must apply to the Ukrainian consulate in his country with the following documents:

• A passport document that must meet the following requirements: be valid for at least 3 months after the declared date of departure from the territory of Ukraine; contain at least 2 free pages; be valid for no more than 10 years. Please note that when applicants reside in a country different from their country of citizenship, the Embassy can only accept visa applications from applicants with valid temporary/permanent residence documents (long-term visas/residence permits or their equivalents, etc.). More precisely, it is impossible to do this in Ukraine. Citizens of migration risk countries have the right to apply for a D visa only in the country of civil ownership or in the country where they have a temporary or permanent residence permit ;
• A printed and completed visa application form (filled out and completed online on the website of the consulate);
• Color photo 35 x 45 millimeters;
• A valid medical insurance policy covering costs of at least 30,000 euros or the equivalent in another currency, unless otherwise stipulated by the legislation or international treaties of Ukraine, for the entire period of validity of the visa;
• Documents confirming the purpose of your trip, financial capabilities, place of residence, ticket reservations, medical insurance and other documents that may be required for consideration. statements;
• Receipt for the payment of the consular fee - 65 euros (processing time up to 10 working days) or 130 euros (processing time up to 5 working days). Payment of the consular fee is made directly upon submission of the document, payment can be made in the premises of the consular unit by bank card;
• A notarized copy of the permit to employ foreigners and stateless persons

3. Issuance of a temporary residence permit. To issue a temporary residence permit, a foreigner submits to the State Department of Internal Affairs:

• Foreign passport ;
• Translation into Ukrainian of the pages of the foreigner's passport document , certified in accordance with the procedure established by law;
• A valid health insurance policy for the entire period of validity of the permit and its copy. It is possible to apply the same policy that was used when obtaining a visa;
• A document confirming the payment of the administrative fee , or a document on exemption from its payment (the original is returned after presentation, a copy is submitted). Admin fees and duty = UAH 1000.00;
• Employment permit for foreigners and stateless persons or employment contract (contract);
• The employer's obligation to notify the State Employment Service and the State Employment Service of early termination or termination of the employment contract (contract) with such a foreigner.

Review period: up to 10 working days (in practice longer, because an interview with the Security Service of Ukraine is required)

Labor immigration to Ukraine is a process that requires careful planning and preparation, so we recommend not to personally look for "pitfalls", but to contact qualified lawyers who will help you form and submit a proper set of documents, thereby saving the most important thing - your time.

Templates that may be useful:

- Contract with the director ;

- Employment contract and hiring order .

- Consultation: Temporary residence permit ;

- Application and order for employment .