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Ukraine Work Permits & Visas: Processes for Employers

Looking to sponsor an international hire in Ukraine? This guide breaks down what employers need to know — from visa types to employer obligations and timelines. Whether you're hiring locally or relocating international talent, we've got you covered.

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Capital City

Kyiv

Currency

Hryvnia

(

₴

)

Timezone

EET

(

GMT +2

)

Payroll

Semi-monthly

Employment Cost

22%

Milani Notshe

Research Specialist

Last Updated

July 11, 2025

In This Guide

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Hiring Foreign Talent in Ukraine: What Employers Need to Know

Are you an employer looking to sponsor international talent in Ukraine? Navigating Ukraine’s visa and work permit process can be complex — especially without a local legal entity or dedicated HR team.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about employer-sponsored work visas in Ukraine, including processing times, documentation, and local compliance rules. Whether relocating a team member or hiring locally, Playroll simplifies visa sponsorship through an end-to-end employer of record platform.

Key Takeaways

Employers must secure work permits for foreign nationals, except for business owners or investors, to comply with Ukrainian labor laws.

Processing times for work permits vary, typically taking several weeks, with renewals required before expiration.

Temporary Residence for Work Visas and Skilled Workers Visas are issued for 1–3 years, with renewal options.

Digital nomads face challenges due to the lack of a specific visa, requiring consultation with immigration authorities.

Bureaucratic procedures and language barriers may require employers to provide legal support and translation services.

Who Needs a Work Permit in Ukraine

In Ukraine, foreign nationals intending to engage in employment activities are generally required to obtain a work permit. This requirement applies to all foreigners without permanent residence in Ukraine, with certain exceptions such as business owners or investors.

Types of Work Visas in Ukraine

Ukraine offers various work visa categories tailored to different employment situations, each with specific criteria and durations.

Visa Type	Description
Temporary Residence for Work Visa	For foreign nationals with a valid job offer in Ukraine, allowing a stay of one to three years, renewable.
Skilled Workers Visa	For individuals with in-demand skills in sectors like IT, engineering, or healthcare, with stays of one to three years, subject to renewal.
Seasonal Workers Visa	For temporary agricultural or seasonal employment, typically valid for up to six months.

Common Hiring Scenarios for Ukraine

When hiring talent in Ukraine, employers typically choose one of three pathways depending on the role, duration, & legal requirements. Below are the most common models.

Use Case 1: Sponsoring a Foreign Employee via Work Permit or Visa

This is the most common route for companies hiring full-time foreign talent in Ukraine. To sponsor this visa, an employer (or Playroll as the Employer of Record) must have a registered legal entity in-country and issue a compliant offer of employment.

Key Employer Considerations:

Sponsorship is required — contractors or freelancers cannot apply under this visa.
Employees must remain in the approved work location unless authorized to relocate or change employers.
Processing timelines vary (approximately 30 to 60 days on average), depending on the consulate or embassy.

This is best for: Long-term roles with in-office or hybrid presence in Ukraine.

Use Case 2: Hiring a Foreign Contractor in Ukraine

Independent professionals in Ukraine can legally work with international clients without employer sponsorship, but must comply with local tax registration and reporting laws.

With Playroll’s Contractor Management solution, you can:

Draft fully compliant local contractor agreements.
Automate contractor invoicing and cross-border payments, in Ukrainian hryvnia (UAH) or USD.
Mitigate risk of permanent establishment and contractor misclassification.

This is best for: Freelancers, consultants or project-based roles, especially if the worker already lives in Ukraine.

Use Case 3: Relocating an Existing Employee to Ukraine

Transferring an existing team member to Ukraine? You’ll still need to navigate the same visa and payroll setup process. Even if the employee works for you elsewhere, a local employer of record is required to stay compliant.

EOR’s, like Playroll, handle all local steps, including:

Work permit sponsorship and immigration paperwork,
Registration with local authorities and payroll systems,
Enrollment in mandatory benefits and statutory schemes.

This is best for: Internal transfers or remote-first companies looking to expand into Africa, or talent retention offerings for global mobility programs.

Not Sure What to Pay in Ukraine? Compare fair, local salaries with our free benchmarking tool.

Work Permit Renewal Periods in Ukraine

Work permits in Ukraine can be issued for up to three years, depending on the employment contract and category of employment. Renewals are possible, and applications for extension should be submitted before the current permit expires to ensure continuous legal employment. Employers must ensure that all renewal requirements are met and that applications are timely to avoid any legal complications.

Visa Requirements for Digital Nomads in Ukraine

As of now, Ukraine does not have a specific visa category for digital nomads. Digital nomads typically enter Ukraine on a tourist visa, which may not permit employment activities. Engaging in work without the appropriate visa or permit can lead to legal complications. Therefore, it is advisable for digital nomads to consult with Ukrainian immigration authorities or legal experts to determine the most suitable visa option for their situation.

Common Challenges and Tips for Employers Hiring in Ukraine

Employing foreign nationals in Ukraine presents several challenges that employers should be prepared to address.

Bureaucratic Procedures: Navigating the legal process for hiring foreign talent in Ukraine can be complex, but it is essential for ensuring compliance with local regulations.
Language Barriers: Employers may need to provide language training or seek candidates with specific language skills to ensure smooth communication.
Cultural Differences: Integrating foreign employees into the workplace culture requires sensitivity to diverse cultural backgrounds and practices.
Legal and Regulatory Framework: Companies need to be aware of local labor laws, taxation policies, and employment regulations.

Tips for Employers:

Engage Legal Expertise: Consult with legal professionals specializing in Ukrainian labor laws to ensure compliance and streamline the hiring process.
Cultural Sensitivity Training: Implement training programs to foster an inclusive workplace and facilitate smoother integration of foreign employees.
Language Support: Offer language classes or resources to bridge communication gaps and enhance team collaboration.
Streamline Administrative Processes: Develop efficient internal procedures to manage the documentation and regulatory requirements associated with hiring foreign nationals.

Hire Global employees without hassle with an EOR solution

Expanding your workforce across international borders is an exciting step, but it can be a logistical nightmare to hire and pay employees in different countries. That’s the advantage of using a trusted Employer of Record like Playroll. They can:

Handle your international payroll: An EOR will act as your payroll provider, paying your employees on your behalf in the local currency. The company will also have in-depth knowledge of local tax codes, regulatory practices, and everything else that goes into managing global payroll.
Alleviate compliance concerns: Different countries each have their own federal and local laws governing employee payments. An EOR helps ensure that you are compliant with the unique set of laws for any country in which your company operates. This is extremely important since a compliance slip-up can result in heavy fines or even a lawsuit.
Hire and pay international contractors: Sometimes a particular project or role doesn’t require hiring a full-time employee. An EOR gives employers the flexibility to also hire contractors as needed, and avoid the potential for misclassification under local labor law.

Disclaimer

THIS CONTENT IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE. You should always consult with and rely on your own legal and/or tax advisor(s). Playroll does not provide legal or tax advice. The information is general and not tailored to a specific company or workforce and does not reflect Playroll’s product delivery in any given jurisdiction. Playroll makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of this information and shall have no liability arising out of or in connection with it, including any loss caused by use of, or reliance on, the information.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Milani Notshe

Milani is a seasoned research and content specialist at Playroll, a leading Employer Of Record (EOR) provider. Backed by a strong background in Politics, Philosophy and Economics, she specializes in identifying emerging compliance and global HR trends to keep employers up to date on the global employment landscape.

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FAQs about Work Permits & Visas in Ukraine

Can Playroll sponsor a visa in Ukraine?

We don’t currently sponsor visas in Ukraine — but we can still help. Our in-house compliance team supports employers through every stage of the visa process: helping you compile documentation, set timelines, and coordinate with our network of trusted local immigration advisors.

If you’re looking to hire in Ukraine, book a demo and we’ll help you prepare, flag potential issues, and streamline the path to compliant onboarding.

What is the difference between a work permit and a work visa in Ukraine?

A work permit in Ukraine authorizes a foreign national to be employed by a specific Ukrainian employer in a designated position. In contrast, a work visa (typically a D-type visa) allows the individual to enter Ukraine for the purpose of employment. The work permit is obtained by the employer, while the work visa is applied for by the employee at a Ukrainian consulate or embassy after the work permit has been issued.

How long does it take to process a work permit or visa in Ukraine?

The processing time for a work permit in Ukraine is typically up to 10 working days from the application date. Subsequently, obtaining a D-type visa can take an additional 10 to 15 business days, depending on the consulate or embassy handling the application. Delays may occur, so it's advisable to apply well in advance of the intended employment start date.

What are the requirements for sponsoring a work permit or visa in Ukraine?

To sponsor a work permit in Ukraine, employers must provide a valid job offer, ensure the foreign employee meets the minimum salary threshold, and submit necessary documentation, including proof of the employee's qualifications and a clean criminal record. The employer is responsible for submitting the application to the State Employment Service of Ukraine and paying the requisite government fees upon approval.

What types of work permits and visas are available in Ukraine?

Ukraine offers several types of work permits and visas, including: Temporary Residence for Work Visa: For foreign nationals with a valid job offer in Ukraine, allowing a stay of one to three years, renewable. Skilled Workers Visa: For individuals with in-demand skills in sectors like IT, engineering, or healthcare, with stays of one to three years, subject to renewal. Seasonal Workers Visa: For temporary agricultural or seasonal employment, typically valid for up to six months.