Work Permit for Foreigners



Obtaining a Work Permit in Ukraine: Experience, Professionalism, and Full Legal Support


Kiporenko & Partners Law Firm is a team of professional lawyers specializing in immigration law in Ukraine, particularly in providing legal support for foreign nationals. For over ten years, we have been helping foreigners legalize their stay in Ukraine: obtaining temporary or permanent residence permits, work permits, citizenship, and resolving other complex legal issues arising from immigration.

During this time, we have successfully handled dozens of complex cases, assisted hundreds of foreigners, and supported large companies in matters related to attracting foreign labor. Today, we focus on business (B2B) collaboration, actively increasing the volume of legal support for corporate clients. Among our clients are leading Ukrainian companies in the IT, manufacturing, construction, and investment sectors.

Work Permit for Foreigners: What You Need to Know

Work Permit — an official document that grants a foreigner the right to legally work in Ukraine. Its issuance is a mandatory requirement for the legal employment of a foreign specialist in a Ukrainian company. The work permit is issued by the Employment Center, and the processing time typically ranges from 7 to 10 business days after the full set of documents is submitted.

The work permit can be issued for a period of from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the type of employee, the nature of the activity, and the employer's category. We provide full support throughout this process — from preparing and submitting documents to obtaining the permit and providing further assistance.

With over 10 years of experience, the team at "Kiporenko and Partners" is ready to be a reliable legal partner for your company. We will assist in preparing all the necessary documents for your foreign employees and provide full legal support for their stay and work in Ukraine throughout their entire employment period.

Who can obtain a work permit in Ukraine?
A work permit can be obtained by any foreigner who is officially invited by a Ukrainian company to work. This includes executives, IT specialists, consultants, service company employees, as well as engineers, technologists, agronomists, designers, marketing, logistics, finance, and medical professionals, teachers, technical workers, construction workers, mechanics, installers, welders, specialized vehicle drivers, production process maintenance workers, and more.
Employment is possible in any sector where there is a demand for specialists, and the company is ready to officially employ a foreign national.

Is it necessary to obtain a work permit if a foreigner already has a residence permit?
Yes, in most cases, a work permit is required even if the foreigner already has a temporary residence permit. The residence permit alone does not grant the right to work without a separate permit.

How long does it take to obtain a work permit?
The process of obtaining a work permit typically takes 7-10 business days from the submission of the complete set of documents to the Employment Center.

For what period is a work permit issued?
The work permit can be issued for a period of 6 months to 2 years, depending on the position, nature of the work, and the category of the employer. If necessary, the permit can be extended.

Can a residence permit and work permit be obtained simultaneously?
No, these processes are sequential, not simultaneous. First, it is necessary to obtain a work permit for the foreigner, and only after that — based on this permit — can the documents for a temporary residence permit be submitted. We provide full support for both stages to ensure the process is as fast and safe as possible for both the employer and the employee.

Can our company invite several foreigners at the same time?
Yes, there are no restrictions on the number of foreigners a company can invite. We frequently assist with group applications for teams of specialists.

Who submits the documents — the company or the foreigner?
The employer company is usually the initiator of the application. We handle the preparation and submission of documents both on behalf of the company and in the interests of the foreign employee.

What happens if a foreigner works without a permit?
Working without a permit is a violation of Ukrainian legislation and can lead to fines, cancellation of the residence permit, or even deportation of the foreigner.

Does your law firm provide full support after obtaining the work permit?
Yes, we provide full legal support throughout the entire validity period of the permit: renewal, change of employer, assistance with the migration service, and resolution of any legal issues