WORK PERMITS FOR FOREIGN NATIONALS
A permit to employ a foreign national is obtained by a Ukrainian employer for a specific employee. In 2026, a decision on issuing the permit is made within up to seven working days, while renewal or amendment is decided within up to three working days.
The state fee depends on the permit term. For the employer, the result is lawful employment of the specialist in the agreed position, a written employment contract and a complete set of HR documents for work in Ukraine.
Continued Employment and Employer Costs
An application to renew a permit is filed by the employer with the regional employment centre between the 50th and 20th calendar day before the document expires. The director records this period in the HR calendar together with the term of the employment contract and the employee's residence or stay documents.
The permit gives the employer a lawful basis to employ the specific foreign national within the stated conditions. The written employment contract defines the parties' rights and obligations. For management roles or work involving client data or property, the employer may also prepare corporate documents on authority, confidentiality and financial responsibility within the limits of the law.
The cost of engaging a foreign specialist comprises salary, taxes, the state permit fee, translation of documents and other costs connected with the person's stay and work. The owner compares this total with the benefit produced by the employee's experience, access to clients or required qualifications.
UBC can help the employer obtain the permit, prepare the employment contract and complete the related HR documents. For an estimate, it is sufficient to provide the employer's details, the candidate's identity document, the position, intended employment period and remuneration terms. The owner receives a filing timetable, state fees and a document list for the specific foreign specialist.
Documents and Employment Contract
For the application, the employer files the application and documents required for the employee's category. The package includes the foreign national's details, a photograph and the documents prescribed by law for the particular basis of employment. For seconded employees, intra-corporate transferees, students and other special categories, the additional documents specifically required for that category are included.
After the permit is issued, the employer enters into a written employment contract with the foreign national within the prescribed period. The current rules require the contract to be signed within 90 calendar days of the permit issue date and an employer-certified copy to be submitted to the territorial authority within ten calendar days after signature.
The director determines the position, duties, place of work, remuneration and term of employment. The accountant calculates salary and taxes under the rules applicable to the particular employee. The HR specialist keeps the permit and employment contract in the employer's records and maintains a calendar of the document deadlines.
The right to work and the right to stay in Ukraine are governed by different rules. The foreign national obtains the documents required for lawful stay according to citizenship and the applicable basis. The employer aligns the employee's start date with the candidate's residence or stay documents.
Permit Term and State Fee
The Law of Ukraine on Employment of the Population defines the cases in which foreign nationals and stateless persons may be employed. The employer applies in respect of a specific person, position and employment period. The director determines the work for which the foreign specialist is required and the remuneration offered.
The permit term depends on the employee category and the stated employment arrangements. For many foreign employees, the permit can be issued for the term of the employment contract within the statutory maximum; for certain categories, seconded employees and intra-corporate transferees, the law provides different periods, including up to three years.
In 2026, the fee for issuing a permit is UAH 9,984 for a term of up to six months, UAH 16,640 for six months to one year, UAH 26,624 for one to two years, and UAH 33,280 for two to three years where such a term is permitted by law. The renewal fee for the corresponding term is lower: UAH 6,656, 13,312, 23,296 or 29,952.
A decision on issuing the permit is made within up to seven working days. For renewal or amendment, the period is up to three working days. The employer also allows time for document preparation, translation, payment and HR formalities and agrees the employee's start date against the real timetable.
The final package includes a note for the director and HR specialist. It records the result obtained, where the documents are stored, responsible persons and the dates that need to be monitored during further employment of the foreign worker.
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A foreign specialist can be engaged so that the director knows the term, state fee and employee start date in advance. UBC can assist with the employment permit, employment contract and HR documents. We will be pleased to answer any further questions. We wish you every success in developing your team!
Why Choose UKRBUSINESSCONSULT?
We provide our clients with a full range of consulting, financial and investment services for effective business development, attracting investment into new projects, arranging finance and selling businesses in Ukraine and abroad. Company registration in Ukraine and abroad, corporate law, offshore jurisdictions and offshore companies, business consulting, audit, certification, LLC registration, registration of financial companies, asset management companies and mutual investment funds, registration of joint-stock companies, securities and bond issues, support for foreign investment, construction licences, permits for design and construction, and other services for successful business in Ukraine are all available. We are pleased to offer our clients a full range of core turnkey business services within the shortest practical timeframe.
Our continuously expanding network of regional and international partners actively helps resolve our clients' issues when doing business both in Ukraine and abroad.
We always work towards the result you need and will do everything possible to achieve it as quickly as practical within the required timeframe, taking full account of your wishes and requirements. Why is it better to start a business in Ukraine with UBC? The answer is simple: we have considerably more experience, practical knowledge, resources and capabilities. We have been and remain leaders in Ukraine in the field of corporate services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who applies for a foreign national's work permit?
The Ukrainian employer or its authorised representative applies to the employment centre in respect of the specific foreign employee.
How much does a permit cost in 2026?
The fee depends on the term: in 2026 it ranges from UAH 9,984 for a permit of up to six months to UAH 33,280 for certain categories with a term of two to three years.
How long does document review take?
The State Employment Service states a period of 3 to 7 working days depending on the procedure.
When is the employment contract signed?
The State Employment Service notes that the written employment contract must be signed within 90 calendar days of the permit issue date and a copy submitted within 10 days after signature.
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