In Ukraine, the conditions for reserving employees from mobilisation will change from 2026

From 2026, Ukrainian companies will face new requirements for employee reservations. The increase in the minimum wage will affect the level of payments that employers are required to provide in order to retain staff. Find out what amounts will become mandatory for reservations

Legal advice for Ukrainians

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From the new year, employers in Ukraine will face new rules in the field of labour relations. The reason for this is the planned increase in the minimum wage, provided for in the draft state budget for 2026. For companies that want to exercise their right to reserve employees, this means additional financial obligations.

According to draft law No. 14000 of 15 September, the minimum wage in Ukraine will increase to UAH 8,647 (or UAH 52 per hour) from 1 January 2026. The current level is UAH 8,000, which means an increase of almost UAH 650.

How this will affect employee reservations

Cabinet Resolution No. 1332 of 22 November 2024 stipulated that companies can only reserve employees if their average salary is at least 2.5 times the minimum wage. Currently, this threshold is approximately 20,000 UAH per month.

From 1 January 2026, after the minimum wage increase, companies will need to ensure a salary level of at least 21,617.5 UAH in order to maintain the reservation. This means that every employee who claims a reservation must receive at least this amount every month throughout the reservation period.

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What this means for business

For employers, this will be a serious factor in planning personnel policy and financial burden. The increase may be particularly noticeable for small and medium-sized businesses, where the wage fund accounts for a significant share of expenses.

On the other hand, such changes are designed to encourage employers to legalise their employees' incomes and provide competitive wage conditions. It will also increase social protection for employees who are under reservation.

Reminder! Critically important enterprises in frontline regions can now apply for reservations for all their employees. This will allow companies responsible for the country's vital functions and security to continue operating and protect employees from mobilisation. Find out how to qualify for a reservation and submit an application.

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

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