Recognition of foreign work experience toward pensionable service in Ukraine: what has changed

According to current legislation, Ukrainians who have worked abroad are entitled to have their work experience in another country counted towards their pension. Find out in which cases foreign insurance experience is taken into account and when you may be denied this right

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In 2024–2025, Ukraine took an important step toward improving its pension system, particularly with regard to the recognition of foreign work experience. This is extremely important for millions of citizens who have worked outside the country.

On April 25, 2024, the Verkhovna Rada adopted Law No. 3674-IX, and on May 16, 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers approved specific mechanisms for its implementation. The new procedures are designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and the possibility of objective confirmation of periods of work abroad for the calculation of insurance experience.

In this article, we have compiled detailed information on which periods of work outside Ukraine can be counted toward pensionable service, how to confirm them, and under what conditions they may be refused.

Which periods of employment abroad are counted toward pensionable service?

According to Cabinet Resolution No. 562 of May 16, 2025, periods of employment abroad may be counted toward insurance service under the following conditions:

- If Ukraine and the relevant country have signed an international social security agreement.

- If the person worked before January 1, 1992, in the republics of the former USSR and does not receive pension payments from that state.

- If the person worked after January 1, 1992, in another state, and the periods of work are counted toward insurance experience in accordance with the legislation of that state.

How to confirm periods of work abroad?

To have foreign work experience counted, you must:

1. Provide documents confirming periods of work abroad, issued by the competent authorities of that state.

2. If such documents are not available, contact the territorial body of the Pension Fund of Ukraine with a request to send a request to the relevant foreign institution through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

3. If the exchange of information between Ukraine and another country is impossible, the person may submit an application explaining the reasons for the inability to obtain supporting documents.

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Features of crediting Soviet work experience

For persons who worked before January 1, 1992 in the republics of the former USSR (except for the Ukrainian SSR), the following is provided:

- Submission of documents confirming the fact of not receiving pension payments from that state.

- In the absence of such documents, the possibility of applying to the Pension Fund of Ukraine to send a request to the relevant foreign institution.

- If the exchange of information is impossible, the person may submit an application explaining the reasons for the inability to obtain supporting documents.

Important to know:

The Pension Fund of Ukraine is obliged to review decisions on the appointment of pensions made after June 23, 2024, taking into account the new rules.

Supporting documents issued by foreign authorities must be legalized in accordance with Ukrainian law, unless otherwise provided by international treaties.

Are you concerned about the calculation of your pensionable service after working abroad? Contact Visit Ukraine lawyers for advice on any questions.

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