Ukraine has been welcoming an influx of foreign talent in recent years. Aside from a highly regarded automotive sector, the country’s engineering industry is flourishing, and with it the demand for technical jobs.
In this article, you’ll find important information on Ukraine’s immigration policies, including eligibility requirements, prerequisite documents, and the procedure of application.
Do I need a work visa in Ukraine?
Unless you are a citizen of visa-exempt countries, all foreign nationals who intend to work in Ukraine need a work visa. Only citizens from the following countries can stay in Ukraine indefinitely:
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Georgia
- Moldova
- Uzbekistan
Citizens of many other countries can also enter Ukraine without a visa, but up to 90 days only and for limited activities. For other cases not mentioned, you need a form of authorization to work and live in Ukraine.
You can find information on entry regimes per nationality at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine’s Entry Regime for foreigners page.
What are the requirements to apply for a work visa in Ukraine?
Depending on your purpose or occupation, there are different work visa types in Ukraine you can apply for in the case of paid employment.
The short-term (Type C) visa is for a stay not longer than 90 days within a 180-day period. It is issued for a single, double, or multiple-entry, and is valid for six months to 5 years.
The long-term (Type D) visa is for foreign nationals intending to apply for a temporary residence permit, which means longer than 90 days. It is issued as a multiple-entry visa and is valid for 90 days.
The Type D visa encompasses most work types and is the most commonly applied for by foreign workers. The prerequisite for this is a work permit or a document of similar capacity.
The E-Visa is issued only for 45 specific countries, for exceptional work purposes (e.g. business, foreign mass media staff visit, and cultural/educational/scientific/sports activities.
All applicants seeking these work visas should submit the following requirements:
- Passport or travel document
- valid for three months after your intended duration of stay in Ukraine
- have at least 2 blank pages
- was issued in the last ten years
- Printed and signed visa application form
- Applicant photo measuring 35×45 mm
- Medical / Travel Insurance policy
- minimum of EUR 30000 or equivalent
- Proof of sufficient funds for your stay
- bank statement in the last two months
- Receipt of visa fee payment
For short-term (Type C) visas, one of the following:
- Invitation letter from company/entity/host organization with official letterhead
- Notarized invitation letter from the Ukrainian inviting person
- Invitation letter from Ukraine’s ministries/state entities
- Invitation letter from medical institution
- Invitation letter from a religious organization
- If joining a Ukrainian family member, certificate of their descent and document confirming relationship (spouse, parent, or child)
- Letter of request from foreign Mass Media for professional correspondence
- Proof of tourism activity
- Proof of investment in Ukraine’s economy
- Proof of ownership of land/real estate in Ukraine
For long-term (Type D) visas, one of the following:
- Certified copy of your work permit granted by the State Center for Employment
- work contract for those exempt from a permit
- Copy of immigration permit from a local State Migration office
- Invitation letter from a Ukrainian state authority for a relevant technical assistance project
- Invitation letter from a religious organization for long-term activities
- Invitation letter from a foreign company, NGO office, bank, or Foreign Mass Media duly registered in Ukraine
- Invitation letter from organization implementing culture, education, sport, or volunteer activities
- Document confirming the applicant is the spouse of a Ukrainian citizen
- Document confirming the relationship of the applicant to a foreigner with temporary residence in Ukraine
- If entrepreneur, proof of ownership/membership of a legal entity duly registered in Ukraine and meets required capital
These documents must be apostilled (legalized), duly certified, and translated into English or Ukrainian.
Check Also: Available Programs in Europe for International Students
Steps on Applying for a Work Visa in Ukraine
If you are required to have a Ukrainian work visa, you may start your application three (3) months before your planned arrival in Ukraine. You must already have a work permit granted by the State Center for Employment before you begin your application. Your employer is responsible for applying for a work permit on your behalf.
Once this is settled, you can proceed with this detailed guide:
1. Accomplish the visa application form
Access the online visa application form. You will select your purpose of visit, as well as the country, embassy, or visa application center where you will collect your visa. Then, you will be redirected to a form that you must accomplish rightly.
In the case of an E-Visa, a separate application platform can be found here.
After you complete the Ukrainian work visa application, print and sign it, and include it with other supporting documents in your application.
2. Submit your application to the Embassy
Submit your application and documents in person at the Embassy or visa application center you selected online. Note that immigration authorities have the right to request additional documents.
Your application has applicable fees to cover administrative costs. Depending on the office you’re applying from, you may have to settle the payment beforehand or pay at the office directly on the day of your visit.
The basic charge is USD 65.00 and is doubled for expedited service. This fee may differ for some visa types, occupation types, or certain countries, so it is best to check with the relevant office. The full list of fees can be found here.
For E-Visas, the consular fees are USD 20 for single entry and USD 30 for double entry. These fees may double for urgent processing.
3. Collect your visa
Application processing times vary per embassy. It usually takes up to five (5) working days for expedited service, ten (10) working days for regular service, and may be extended up to 30 days if additional review rounds are necessary. For E-Visa applications, it takes nine (9) working days.
If your application is successful, you will receive a notification to pick up your Ukrainian work visa from the relevant embassy or application center.
We hope that this article on How to Get a Ukraine Work Visa was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs in Europe!
