Which foreigners do not need a work permit in Ukraine: a list of exceptions

Foreigners must obtain a work permit in order to be officially employed and work legally in Ukraine. However, there are exceptions for certain categories of persons. Learn more about the exceptions and who can work in Ukraine without a special permit

Legal assistance on issues of entry, stay, and legalization of foreigners in Ukraine

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According to the Law “On Employment of the Population,” employers can hire foreigners, but to do so, they must obtain a work permit. Working without the appropriate permit is a violation of the law and will therefore entail liability. At the same time, as explained by the State Labor Service, there are several exceptions to this rule where foreigners can work without a permit.

For details on how foreigners can find work in Ukraine, what rules apply, and what documents are required, please refer to our previous article.

Which categories of foreigners do not need to obtain a work permit?

The list of exceptions includes persons of various categories. We will discuss each of them in detail below.

If you are not sure whether you belong to the category of foreigners who can work in Ukraine without a permit, it is worth seeking professional legal advice. Visit Ukraine's immigration lawyers will help you check your status, assess the risks, and advise you on the documents required in your particular case.

Foreigners who permanently reside in Ukraine

Foreigners who have permanent residence in Ukraine do not need a work permit. They have equal rights with Ukrainian citizens regarding employment.

Refugees and persons who have obtained an immigration permit

Persons who have acquired refugee status or obtained an immigration permit are also exempt from the requirement to obtain a work permit. They have the right to work in Ukraine without additional procedures.

Persons in need of additional or temporary protection

Foreigners who are recognized as persons in need of additional protection or who have temporary protection may work without a permit. This applies to persons who have been granted protection in accordance with Ukrainian law.

Representatives of the maritime, river fleet, and airlines

Employees of foreign maritime or river fleets and airlines serving their companies in Ukraine do not need a work permit.

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Journalists, athletes, and artists

Employees of foreign media accredited in Ukraine, as well as professional athletes, artists, and art workers, can work without a permit. This applies to persons who perform their professional activities in Ukraine.

Emergency and rescue services and foreign representative offices

Employees of emergency and rescue services who perform urgent work, as well as employees of foreign representative offices registered in Ukraine, are exempt from the requirement to obtain a work permit.

Clergy

Clergy who are foreigners and are temporarily staying in Ukraine at the invitation of religious organizations may work without a permit. They must have official approval from the authority that registered the relevant religious organization.

Teachers and scientists

Foreigners who have come to Ukraine for teaching or scientific activities at higher education institutions at their invitation may also work without a permit.

Other cases

There are other cases provided for by the laws and international treaties of Ukraine when foreigners can work without a permit. This applies to international technical assistance projects and other specific situations, the binding nature of which has been approved by the Verkhovna Rada. For the employment of other categories of foreigners, it is necessary to obtain the appropriate permit.

Foreign citizens from anywhere in the world can get help with entry/stay/employment in Ukraine on the Visit Ukraine portal. Our lawyers are ready to provide comprehensive legal support, which will include not only consultations and answers to questions, but also assistance with collecting, submitting, and obtaining the documents you need.

We remind you! The issue of employment in Ukraine is quite common among foreigners, but finding a job is not the only part of the process that must be completed in order to legally reside in the country. Read about what is required to obtain a residence permit based on employment in Ukraine and how to obtain it in our previous article.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

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