Ukraine is a fantastically beautiful, amiable, and very welcoming country that can become a great emigration destination. The country's economy is growing steadily and the prospects for skilled professionals are increasing. That's why we'll tell you how to find a job in Ukraine and move, what documents you need, and how to work abroad.

What you need to do to come to the country for a job

Foreigners planning to work in Ukraine must first obtain a permit to enter the country. A work visa is issued after confirmation of employment. Therefore, labor migration to Ukraine should start right from the job search. You can look for vacancies on local company websites, job listing resources, or job boards. Here are some job search portals:

• Work.ua; 

• Jooble; 

• Jobs.ua;  

• CareerJet; 

• Linkedin; 

• Indeed.

Once you have found a suitable job, successfully completed an interview with the employer and agreed to work with them, you can start dealing with visa documents.

Foreign workers need a work visa to work in Ukraine. This can be a short-term type C or a long-term type D. There are a few categories of people who can work in the country without a visa, such as:

• foreigners with a permanent residence permit;

• refugees;

• citizens with an immigration permit;

• foreigners who need additional protection or have already found temporary protection in the country;

• representatives of foreign navies and airlines serving companies in Ukraine;

• employees of foreign mass media who are accredited to work in Ukraine;

• artists, professional athletes, etc;

• emergency and rescue service personnel for urgent work;

• employees of foreign representations;

• clergy temporarily residing in the country;

• individuals participating in the implementation of international technical assistance projects;

• teachers or researchers participating in scientific activities at Ukrainian universities;

• other foreigners who comply with Ukrainian law or international agreements.

Also, citizens of certain countries do not need a visa if they stay in Ukraine for up to 90 days. A list of countries that have or do not have visa-free entry can be found at the following link.

Working abroad is a very serious and responsible step. Various unforeseen situations can arise at any time. That is why it is important to apply for medical insurance before you leave. Ukraine has its own requirements, so we recommend choosing a plan carefully. Contact qualified specialists who will help you choose the right insurance and collect the necessary documents.

Conditions

In order to be legally employed in Ukraine, foreign workers must meet certain requirements, including:

• have an employment contract with a Ukrainian employer;

• obtain a work visa;

• have work experience in related positions;

• have some language proficiency (at least some basic skills);

• possess documents regarding higher education.

It is important to comply with visa requirements, in particular regarding the period of validity of the permit. If you need to extend your stay, submit a timely application with a valid reason. Usually, a long-term work visa gives you the right to stay in Ukraine for 90 days or longer.

Documents required

To obtain a visa, submit the following documents to the embassy:

• a completed and signed visa application form;

• a foreign passport valid for at least 3 months with two blank pages;

• one 35x45 mm color photograph;

• health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000;

• confirmation that you have enough funds for your stay in the country;

• receipt for payment of visa fee;

• an invitation letter from a Ukrainian employer with indicated details (address, applicant's position, salary, etc.).

The Embassy may also ask for an employment contract, a certified copy of the work permit issued by the State Employment Centre of Ukraine, and other additional documents. Therefore, check all documentation requirements before submitting your application. 

Taxes

According to the tax legislation of Ukraine, the same tax assessment procedure applies to Ukrainian citizens and foreign workers who have lived in the country for 180 days or longer. This means that the amount of income tax will be 15% and will be paid in Ukraine. However, there are exceptions for certain categories. For example, some bilateral agreements stipulate that the income of foreign technicians is taxed only in their country of permanent residence. If you want more information on the specifics of working abroad, taxation in Ukraine, and legal or financial aspects, consult lawyers and other experts.