Lawyer for obtaining work permits for foreigners
INSEININ Law Firm's immigration lawyer will help you obtain a work permit for a foreigner in a short time with a guarantee of success.
Are you looking for reliable assistance in obtaining a work permit for a foreigner in Ukraine? INSEININ Law Firm is your experienced immigration lawyer specialising in labour migration and legalisation of foreign workers. We will help you avoid common mistakes, ensure fast processing of documents and protect your interests at all stages. We will explain in detail the procedure for obtaining a work permit for foreigners and stateless persons, based on the current legislation of Ukraine as of 2026.

If you are an employer planning to hire a foreign specialist, or a foreigner wishing to work in Ukraine, read on. We will reveal the key aspects: from document requirements to deadlines and costs. For a personal consultation, contact our experts – we will make the process simple and effective!
Why is a work permit for foreigners mandatory in Ukraine?
According to the Law of Ukraine ‘On Employment of the Population’ and the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, foreigners can only work in Ukraine if they have a special permit for the employment of foreigners and stateless persons (work permit). This document is issued by the territorial bodies of the State Employment Service, the central executive body responsible for employment and labour migration policy.

Without a work permit for a foreigner, the employer risks fines and the employee risks deportation. However, there are exceptions: a permit is not required for certain categories of persons.

Exceptions (when permission is not required):
  1. Foreigners with permanent residence permits (after obtaining immigration permission).
  2. Persons with refugee, temporary or subsidiary protection status.
  3. Representatives of foreign maritime fleets and airlines.
  4. Accredited employees of foreign media outlets.
  5. Professional athletes, artists, and art workers.
  6. Clergy invited by religious organisations.
  7. Participants in international technical assistance projects.
  8. Teachers and researchers at higher education institutions.
  9. Other categories under the laws and international treaties of Ukraine.

If your case does not fall under the exceptions, we will help you get the permit right the first time.


Work permit for foreigners

For how long is a work permit issued to a foreigner?

The term depends on the category of employee:
  • Seconded employees — up to 3 years (under a foreign economic contract).
  • Intra-corporate transferees — up to 3 years.
  • Persons who have applied for protection or recognition of statelessness — up to 1 year (with extension).
  • Foreign students during their studies — up to 1 year (with employment no later than 30 days before graduation).
  • Other employees and gig workers — up to 2 years (under an employment or gig contract).
A foreigner may work for several employers at the same time (each permit separately) or in several positions with one employer — on a part-time basis (the term does not exceed the main permit).
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Documents required to obtain a work permit for a foreigner
The employer submits the following to the territorial body of the State Employment Service:
  • An application in the prescribed form.
  • Copies of the foreigner's passport with a notarised translation into Ukrainian.
  • A 3.5 × 4.5 cm photo.
  • A draft employment/gig contract (except for seconded employees).
  • For business travellers — a foreign economic contract + confirmation of employment.
  • For assignees — a transfer decision + employment contract.
  • For persons with protection/stateless persons — relevant certificates.
  • For students — an order of enrolment in a higher education institution.
To renew: application, new photo + updated documents (if there are any changes).
Important: payment must be submitted together with the application (details are specified in the application). In case of refusal, the payment will be refunded within 10 days.
Application for a work permit for a foreigner
Current cost of work permits for foreigners in 2026
The fee is calculated based on the minimum subsistence level for able-bodied persons as of 1 January 2026 — 3,328 UAH:
  • Up to 6 months inclusive — 3 minimums = 9,984 UAH.
  • From 6 months to 1 year — 5 minimums = 16,640 UAH.
  • From 1 to 2 years — 8 minimums = 26,624 UAH.
  • From 2 to 3 years — 10 minimums = 33,280 UAH.
Work permit as grounds for obtaining a temporary residence permit in Ukraine
The permit is the basis for obtaining a temporary residence permit (up to 15 working days at the State Migration Service). This guarantees legal residence and work. The employer is obliged to control this process — otherwise fines will be imposed.
Temporary residence permit obtained on the basis of a work permit for a foreigner
Temporary residence permit obtained on the basis of a work permit for a foreigner
Legal support in obtaining a work permit for a foreigner from INSEININ lawyers

Obtaining work permits for foreigners and stateless persons is not just a matter of collecting documents, but a complex procedure where every detail matters. The State Employment Service checks applications very carefully, and even a minor mistake (inaccurate translation, incorrect completion of the form or non-compliance with the contract) leads to the suspension of consideration or rejection.


INSEININ Law Firm's immigration lawyers provide comprehensive turnkey legal support — from the initial consultation to obtaining the final permit. We take care of all the red tape so that you can focus on your business rather than paperwork.


What is included in the full support for obtaining a work permit:

1.Initial consultation — analysis of your situation, checking for exceptions, determining the category of employee and the optimal term of the permit.

2.Collection and preparation of a complete set of documents, including:

  • Notarised translation of the foreigner's passport into Ukrainian (certified in accordance with the established procedure).
  • Preparation of a colour photograph measuring 3.5 × 4.5 cm (checking for compliance with requirements).
  • Development and certification of a draft employment contract (contract) or gig contract, taking into account the specifics of the position, employee category and terms.
  • Filling out an application form approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.
  • Preparation of other related documents (certificates, transfer decisions, foreign economic contracts, etc.).

3. Preparation of a power of attorney from the employer to our lawyer — to submit documents without your personal presence.

4. Submission of a package of documents to the territorial body of the State Employment Service.

5. Support during the consideration of the application — prompt response to requests from the authority, elimination of comments, control of deadlines.

6. Obtaining the final permit and transferring it to the customer (original + scanned copies).

7. Monitoring the payment of the administrative fee.



Additional support after obtaining a permit (if necessary):

  • Registration of a temporary residence permit with the State Migration Service (basis — work permit).
  • Support in obtaining a D-type visa (for citizens of visa countries).
  • Registration of a foreigner's place of residence (temporary registration) in Ukraine.
  • Accounting and HR support for the employer company:

Result: permission obtained in the shortest possible time (7 working days for issuance), without unnecessary time and stress.

Contact us right now — fill out the form or write to us on Telegram.

Popular questions:
How do we work?

Stage 1. Consultation and planning (1–2 days)

You call or fill out a form → initial consultation (online or in the office).

Stage 2. Preparation of turnkey documents (3–5 days)

We collect and prepare the entire package:
  • notarised translation of the foreigner's passport,
  • development and certification of the draft employment/gig contract,
  • completion of the application,
  • execution of a power of attorney from the employer.

Stage 3. Submission and support of consideration (up to 7 working days)

We submit documents to the territorial body of the State Employment Service (electronically or in person) by power of attorney. We control the entire process:
  • we track the status of the application,
  • promptly eliminate possible comments,
  • ensure compliance with deadlines.
Stage 4. Obtaining permission and further legalisation (1–3 days)
We obtain the final work permit → we provide you with the original + scanned copies.
At your request, we continue to provide support:
  • application for a temporary residence permit at the State Migration Service,
  • registration of the foreigner's place of residence,
  • D visa (for visa countries),
  • HR and accounting formalities for the foreigner at the company.
КОРПОРАТИВНІ ПОСЛУГИ ЮРИДИЧНОЇ КОМПАНІЇ
ДОПОМОГА АДВОКАТА З СІМЕЙНИХ СПРАВ У КИЄВІ ЮК INSEININ

1. Obtaining a permit for the employment of foreigners and stateless persons:
  • Consultation (analysis of the situation, determination of the category, verification of exceptions).
  • Collection, preparation and verification of a complete set of documents.
  • Development and certification of a draft employment contract (contract) or gig contract.
  • Submission of documents to the territorial body of the State Employment Service.

2. Extension of the work permit.
3. Registration of a temporary residence permit (based on a work permit).
4. Support in obtaining a D visa (for citizens of visa countries):
  • Consultation on the required visa category.
  • Preparation of an invitation and a package of documents for the consulate.
  • Assistance in obtaining a D visa.

5. Registration of a foreigner's place of residence in Ukraine.
6. HR and accounting support for the employer.

ДОПОМОГА З КОРПОРАТИВНИХ ПИТАНЬ У КИЄВІ ТОЧКОВО

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