Work permits, hiring and volunteering in Ukraine

The guides below split the subject by who is asking. Employers hiring a foreign national start with the employer's procedure. Companies abroad that want Ukrainian engineers start with the hiring models. Foreigners looking for a job, checking an offer or coming to volunteer start with the worker's side. Every guide names the law and article behind each figure and the date we last checked it.

FAQ

Who applies for a Ukrainian work permit, the employer or the employee?

The employer. Article 42 of Law No. 5067-VI gives employers the right to use the labour of foreign nationals on the basis of a permit, and Article 42-2 lists the documents the employer files. A foreign national who works for two employers needs a permit from each of them.

How much does a work permit cost in Ukraine in 2026?

The fee is set in subsistence minimums for able-bodied persons, UAH 3,328 in 2026: three for a permit of up to six months (UAH 9,984), five for six to twelve months (UAH 16,640), eight for one to two years (UAH 26,624) and ten for two to three years (UAH 33,280). An extension costs one subsistence minimum less (Art. 42-4).

How long is a Ukrainian work permit valid?

Up to two years for hired foreign workers and gig workers, tied to the term of the employment contract. Seconded workers and intra-corporate transferees can get up to three years, and foreign students up to one year during their studies (Art. 42-3).

What visa does a foreign worker need?

A long-term type D visa, issued for 90 days with multiple entries, so that the worker can apply for a temporary residence permit inside Ukraine. For an employment visa the consulate asks for a certified copy of the work permit; workers exempt from the permit show their employment contract (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, visa information).

Can a foreigner volunteer in Ukraine?

Yes. Law No. 3773-VI, Article 4(10), treats foreigners who take part in volunteer programmes or volunteer with organisations listed on the website of the government body for volunteering, and who hold a temporary residence permit, as staying in Ukraine lawfully for the period of that activity. The volunteering guide covers the documents and the wartime visa rule.