A work permit is the foundation of any legal foreign hire in Ukraine. This guide breaks down the permit types, the steps, how long each lasts, and what the state fees are in 2026.
- The work permit is employer-sponsored and based on a signed contract with a registered Ukrainian company.
- There are several permit types; most hires use the standard employment permit.
- General permits run from one month to one year; some categories extend up to three years, and permits are renewable.
- State fees are tiered by length and indexed to the subsistence minimum (3,328 UAH in 2026).
What a Ukrainian work permit is
A work permit is the official authorisation that lets a Ukrainian employer engage a specific foreign national for a specific role. It is applied for by the employer through the regional office of the State Employment Service. Once granted, the worker uses it to obtain a D-type long-stay visa and, after entry, a temporary residence permit aligned to the permit’s validity.
The main permit types
| Permit type | Best for |
|---|---|
| Standard employment permit | Most foreign hires on a fixed-term or indefinite contract with a Ukrainian company. |
| Short-term / temporary permit | Short projects and seasonal work. |
| Highly qualified professionals | Specialists in high-demand fields such as IT, engineering, and medicine. |
| Intra-company transfer | Employees of an international group relocating to a Ukrainian branch. |
Requirements
- A formal employment contract with a legally registered Ukrainian entity (not under sanctions or investigation).
- A valid passport; the applicant must be at least 16 years old.
- No disqualifying criminal record.
- There is no strict language requirement, though Ukrainian or Russian can help in some roles.
How the process works
- The employer offers the position and signs a contract with the candidate.
- The employer submits the permit application and supporting documents to the regional State Employment Service.
- The application is typically processed in about 7 to 10 business days.
- If the worker is abroad, they obtain a D-type visa on the basis of the permit.
- On arrival, the worker applies for a temporary residence permit for the permit’s duration.
Duration and renewal
For the general category, the permit’s validity runs from one month up to one year. Several categories can extend up to a maximum of three years. Before expiry, the employer can renew by submitting the relevant documents to the employment centre.
2026 fees, by permit length
State fees are set as multiples of the subsistence minimum for an able-bodied person, which is 3,328 UAH from 1 January 2026. The tiers are:
| Permit length | State fee (2026) |
|---|---|
| Up to 6 months | 9,984 UAH |
| 6 months to 1 year | 16,640 UAH |
| 1 to 2 years | 26,624 UAH |
| 2 to 3 years | 33,280 UAH |
These are state permit fees only; they do not include visa, translation, legalisation, or relocation costs. Figures are indexed annually and rules change. Confirm the current amounts with the State Employment Service or a qualified advisor before relying on them.
For the wider hiring picture, see our employer overview: How to hire foreign workers in Ukraine.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Ukrainian work permit take? +
A complete application is typically processed by the regional State Employment Service in about 7 to 10 business days. The subsequent D-visa and residence steps add further time.
Can a foreigner work in Ukraine without a permit? +
Only a few narrow categories are exempt (for example certain permanent residents). For most foreign hires the employer must hold a valid work permit before work begins.
Is a job offer required? +
Yes. The permit is employer-sponsored and rests on a signed employment contract with a legally registered Ukrainian entity.
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