It is the first question most employers ask, and the answer is straightforward: yes, foreign nationals can enter, live and work in Ukraine under martial law. The system functions. Here is what employers should actually know in 2026.
- Ukraine has stayed open to foreigners throughout martial law, which is currently extended to 2 August 2026.
- Work permits are still issued normally through the State Employment Service.
- Mobilisation does not apply to foreign workers, it concerns Ukrainian male citizens of conscription age.
- The practical differences are operational: land-border entry, mandatory medical insurance, registration and curfews, not a ban on foreign labour.
Can foreigners still work in Ukraine?
Yes. Despite continuous martial law since February 2022, foreign nationals retain the right to work in Ukraine once the employing entity obtains a work permit. The legal framework for hiring foreign workers has not been suspended, and many sectors, construction and reconstruction above all, actively depend on it.
Entry requirements under martial law
With most airspace closed, foreigners typically enter overland. At the border, expect to present:
- A valid foreign passport (and a visa, if the nationality requires one).
- Mandatory medical insurance valid in Ukraine.
- Documents confirming the purpose of the trip (for example the employment contract or invitation).
- Proof of sufficient funds.
Do work permits still get issued?
Yes. The employer applies to the regional office of the State Employment Service, the application is processed in roughly 7 to 10 business days, and the worker then completes the D-visa and temporary residence steps. The process is the same as in peacetime. For the full mechanics and 2026 fees, see Ukraine work permits explained.
What is actually different
The differences are practical rather than prohibitive:
- Entry is overland, which affects travel planning more than eligibility.
- Curfews apply in many regions and should be factored into logistics and shift planning.
- Registration of residence and movement obligations should be handled correctly on arrival.
- Security and duty-of-care planning matters; responsible employers brief and support incoming staff.
Mobilisation does not apply to foreign workers
A common misconception: general mobilisation in Ukraine concerns Ukrainian male citizens of conscription age. It does not extend to foreign nationals employed on a work permit. This is one of the reasons foreign labour is a stable option for employers whose domestic workforce has been affected by mobilisation and emigration.
Employer checklist
- Confirm the worker's nationality, visa needs, and that documents are current.
- Arrange mandatory medical insurance before travel.
- Secure the work permit, then the D-visa, then residence registration, in that order.
- Plan overland travel and brief workers on curfews and local conditions.
- Provide on-the-ground support; it is both duty of care and good retention practice.
Wartime rules can be updated at short notice, and martial law is extended in periods. Confirm the current entry and registration requirements with official sources or an advisor close to the date of travel.
Frequently asked questions
Can foreign nationals enter Ukraine during martial law? +
Yes. Ukraine has remained open to foreigners throughout martial law. Entry is via land border crossings with a valid passport, a visa where required, mandatory medical insurance, proof of the purpose of the trip, and sufficient funds.
Does mobilisation affect foreign workers? +
No. General mobilisation applies to Ukrainian male citizens of conscription age. It does not apply to foreign nationals working in Ukraine on a work permit.
Are work permits still being issued? +
Yes. The work-permit system continues to operate. Employers apply through the regional State Employment Service as normal.
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