Employment abroad: a guide for Ukrainians

In 2025, thousands of Ukrainians will go abroad in search of better employment opportunities, but to avoid risks and losses, it is important to act legally and with proven support. Find out how to legally go to work abroad in 2025, what documents are needed, popular countries, fraud risks and where to seek legal help

Legal assistance for Ukrainians on employment issues

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In 2025, employment abroad remains one of the most popular destinations for Ukrainians looking for stable work, higher salaries, and new prospects. Work abroad for Ukrainians is available in dozens of countries – from Poland to Canada – but along with the opportunities, risks are also growing: fraudulent agencies, illegal conditions, invalid contracts.

To avoid danger and go to work abroad without unnecessary hassle, it is important to know:

- how to go to work abroad legally,

- what documents to prepare for working abroad,

- which countries are most attractive for Ukrainians in 2025,

- and who to turn to for proven help.

In this guide, you will find answers to all these questions – with examples, tips, and proven services.

Want to work abroad, but don't know where to start?

Lawyers Visit Ukraine will help you find a good offer and prepare all the documents - contact us for a consultation!

What should you know before going to work abroad?

Before looking for a job, collecting documents or packing your bags, it is important to understand the key rules of safe and legal employment abroad. Not only your comfort depends on this, but also your safety, financial situation and even your future.

Why is it important to work legally?

Legal work abroad is, first of all, security. It guarantees:

- official employment (contract);

- stable salary;

- medical insurance;

- social protection;

- the possibility of going to court in case of violations.

In most countries, it is official employment that allows you to apply for a residence permit or even citizenship in the future.

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The main risks of illegal employment

Illegal employment is:

- work without a contract;

- lack of salary guarantees;

- difficult living and working conditions;

- lack of medical protection;

- deportation without the right to re-entry.

It is worth noting that even if the employer seems “verified” and offers to sign a contract, there is a risk of encountering fraudulent schemes or hidden conditions in the contract. That is why it is important to get help from a specialist before signing.

Visit Ukraine specialists provide legal support for employment abroad - they help check documents, identify risks and make sure that the terms of the contract comply with the legislation of the country you are going to.

Seek advice right now to avoid dangerous situations when working abroad!

Documents required for employment abroad

To obtain legal employment abroad, Ukrainians need to prepare a full package of documents in advance. Requirements may vary depending on the country, but the basic list almost always includes a visa, an employment contract, and confirmation of qualifications.

Work visa: types and requirements

The main document for legal employment is a work visa. It can be:

- Short-term (for seasonal work - several months);

- Long-term (for 1 year or more with the possibility of extension);

- Visa for highly qualified specialists (for example, the EU Blue Card);

- Visa tied to a specific employer.

To obtain a work visa, the applicant submits:

- a valid international passport;

- an employment contract or an invitation from the employer;

- documents on education or professional qualifications;

- confirmation of the availability of medical insurance abroad;

- personal data and photos.

Some countries also require a language proficiency certificate, a criminal record certificate, or a medical examination.

Additional documents for employment abroad

In addition to a visa, you may need:

- a notarized translation of diplomas or certificates;

- an apostille for documents (education, certificates, certificates);

- medical certificates;

- confirmation of residence;

- photocopies of documents issued in accordance with the requirements of the host country.

Collecting these documents yourself is difficult and often risky. Visit Ukraine lawyers provide full legal support in collecting documents, check their compliance with the requirements of the country of employment, help with apostille, translation, and correct registration.

Order assistance with document registration to save your time and protect against mistakes that may lead to visa refusal.

Health insurance is a must before you leave

Before going abroad, especially for work, it is important to take care of your health and financial security. In most countries, having health insurance abroad is a prerequisite for obtaining a visa or work permit. Its absence can not only disrupt your trip, but also result in serious expenses in the event of illness or injury.

Why is insurance important when working abroad?

- Guaranteed access to medical care abroad;

- Coverage of costs for treatment, hospitalization, operations, medications;

- Protection in the event of an accident, poisoning, or workplace injury;

- In some countries, it is a prerequisite for legal residence.

Workers who travel abroad without insurance may lose not only their health, but also all their savings, as medical prices abroad can be dozens of times higher than in Ukraine.

What insurance should Ukrainian workers choose?

The insurance policy must meet the requirements of a specific country: regarding the validity period, minimum coverage amount, type of work, and sometimes even take into account the increased risk of occupational injuries.

Read here, what policy do Ukrainians need to work in Europe?

Visit Ukraine offers medical insurance for employment abroad that meets the requirements of embassies, employers, and immigration authorities in the EU, Canada, Israel, the United Kingdom, Norway, and other countries.

You can apply for a policy quickly and completely online, without leaving your home. To purchase insurance online, select the country, duration, and receive the document by email within 15 minutes!

Top countries for employment of Ukrainians in 2025

In 2025, more and more Ukrainians are choosing legal work abroad, given the better conditions, competitive wages and high demand for foreign labor. Among the most popular destinations are European countries, as well as Israel, Canada and Scandinavian countries.

Poland, Germany, Czech Republic - classics of reliable employment

These three countries have remained stable leaders in the number of employed Ukrainians for over ten years.

Poland

- Popular vacancies: warehouse workers, logisticians, drivers, construction workers, seasonal work.

- Conditions: free housing in many cases, simple registration.

- Salary: from €900 to €1500/month.

Important! In 2025, Poland changed the employment rules for Ukrainians, learn more about the new requirements in this article.

Detailed guide to obtaining a Blue Card in Poland at the link.

Germany

- The country has a high demand for nurses, medical workers, electricians, welders, IT specialists.

- Requirements: knowledge of German or English, professional qualifications.

- Salary: from €1,800 to €3,000/month.

Czech Republic

- Vacancies: factory operators, packers, production workers, construction workers.

- Salary: from €1,000 to €1,600/month.

These countries have a clear visa application process, a high level of protection of workers' rights and proven agencies that offer safe employment abroad.

Read the link to find out where Ukrainian refugees most often find work in Europe.

Italy, Spain, Scandinavian countries - popular destinations for seasonal work

These countries are mainly suitable for those looking for work in the field of care, agriculture, hotel and restaurant business or manufacturing. Another advantage of the countries is the possibility of seasonal employment.

Italy

- Common vacancies: caregivers, cleaners, cooks, hotel workers.

- Salary: €900–€1300/month, often with accommodation and meals.

Spain

- Popular among seasonal workers: harvesting, food industry.

- Salary: €1000–€1400/month, flexible conditions.

Scandinavian countries (Norway, Sweden, Denmark)

- Demand for qualified specialists - welders, engineers, mechanics, IT specialists.

- Conditions: high salary (€2500–€4000/month), but also strict requirements for documents and language skills.

Top 4 countries for seasonal work in Europe in this article.

Each direction requires an individual approach and proper documentation. That is why employment assistance for Ukrainians provided by Visit Ukraine includes legal support, translations and apostilles.

How to avoid scammers and protect your rights when working abroad?

Working abroad is not only a chance for new opportunities, but also potential risks associated with fraudulent agencies, fake contracts or unofficial employment. To avoid falling into the trap, follow a few simple rules.

1. Look for work exclusively on official, verified sources for finding work

- State employment centers;

- Accredited international agencies with a license;

- Direct vacancies on employer websites, especially large companies;

- Groups of Ukrainians abroad on social networks, where participants share verified information.

Avoid offers with too attractive conditions, advance payment for employment or informal communication without any documents.

2. Consult with lawyers before signing a contract

Before signing any documents, you should make sure that the terms of the contract comply with the labor legislation of the country you are going to. Visit Ukraine lawyers will help you check your contract, identify suspicious items and prevent possible violations.

Leave a request for a consultation to receive a legal review of your contract and recommendations for safe employment.

Conclusions: how to start working abroad safely and confidently

Even in difficult times, Ukrainians can find decent work abroad if they approach it thoughtfully and responsibly. It is important not only to have a desire to work, but also to understand all the risks, know your rights and use only proven employment channels.

Action plan for a Ukrainian planning to work abroad

1. Assess your skills and goals. Choose a country and field of work that matches your experience and expectations.

2. Prepare documents. Collect a package of documents for a visa or work permit in advance, including a resume, references and certificates.

3. Find a verified vacancy. Use official websites, government portals or trusted agencies.

4. Consult a lawyer. Before signing any documents, it is important to understand the terms of the contract.

5. Get insurance. This may be a mandatory condition for a visa and a guarantee of your safety abroad.

6. Study the basic laws of the country. Learn about labor legislation, the rights of migrant workers and local requirements.

7. Stay in touch. Inform your relatives about your location and keep in touch with the Ukrainian embassy.

Who should I contact for help with employment abroad?

If you need: advice on a work visa, verification of an employment contract, protection in case of conflict situations with the employer, legalization of documents (apostille, translation) - contact Visit Ukraine lawyers.

Our team specializes in supporting Ukrainians abroad and will help at every stage!

Reminder! Not all cities in Europe offer favorable working conditions. We have already talked about the features of employment and job search for Ukrainians in Europe.

Photo – Freepik.com

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