Expanding into Ukraine can lead to new relationships, product offerings, services, and more. However, you can’t do any of that without a talented team. If you’re unsure how to obtain a work visa in Ukraine for international employees, here are a few things to consider.
Types of work visas in Ukraine
Many citizens from other countries will need a work permit to work for your company in Ukraine. Visas typically fall into 3 categories:
- Transit (B type) visa: This visa is issued to nationals from other countries who intend to transit through Ukraine for a period not exceeding 5 days.
- Short-term (C type) visa: This visa is issued to nationals from other countries who intend to stay for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. Business travelers would fall under this type of visa.
- Long-term (D type) visa: This visa is issued to nationals from other countries who intend to stay in Ukraine for more than 90 days and apply for a temporary residence permit. This would be the first step to then apply for a work and residence permit.
International workers will need a job through a locally registered company or private entrepreneur in Ukraine to obtain a work permit. A work permit is not the same as a residence permit, and employees will need to get both to stay in Ukraine for an extended period.
Requirements to obtain Ukraine work visas
Both employees and employers have certain requirements for Ukraine work visas and permits. Employers must pay international employees at least UAH 6,700 per month, unless they’re in a “special category.” Special categories include:
- Highly paid international professionals (i.e., an international employee whose salary exceeds 50 times the minimum monthly salary established by law).
- Founders (participants and beneficiaries) of a Ukrainian company.
- Graduates of certain top universities.
- International IT professionals and artists.
All work permits are issued based on employment with a specific company in a certain position. Employers must apply for work permits on behalf of employees. Required documents include:
- Application
- Copy of the passport with personal details
- A passport-sized color photo of the employee
- A copy of the employment contract with employer certification
- Documents confirming the employer has the power to represent the employee
- Copies of higher education documents for applicants who graduated from top 100 universities
- Certified copies of documents, copyright, and related rights for creative professionals
- Copy of an agreement for a specific task if the employee was sent to Ukraine for a certain activity
If you issue these documents internationally, they will need to be legalized and translated into Ukrainian.
Application process
Once the application is complete, you can file for a Ukraine work permit with local authorities of the State Employment Service of Ukraine at your company’s location. A representative from your company will need to go to the physical office, as there is no online filing system.
You will also need to pay the government’s fee, depending on the contract’s duration. Work permits are usually issued for the duration of the employment contract but no longer than 3 years for certain categories or 1 year for all other workers. Work permits can be renewed an unlimited number of times.
Other important considerations
The State Employment Service of Ukraine will either reject or approve the application within 7 working days of receiving the filing. If approved, you will receive bank details for the work permit payment fee. You will need to give employees a certified copy of the work permit and ensure they sign their employment contract within 90 days of receiving the permit.
Discover how G-P can help you manage your global teams.
At G-P, we’re committed to breaking down barriers to global business, enabling opportunity for everyone, everywhere, and helping companies tap into the fullest potential of their workforce. We help you maintain full compliance with local laws and ensure everything from hiring and onboarding to paying employees is quick and easy, regardless of where they are in the world.
Find out more about how our Global Growth Platform™ can help you grow your team across the globe.
–
At this moment, G-P does not offer support in the processing of work visas or permits in this particular location. For any other inquiries, contact us today.