Discover Ukraine

This aspect can make a difference, since those who come to do business in Ukraine often also live in Ukraine. Kyiv is the most expensive place to live in the country, but for most people coming from abroad, it is incredibly reasonable in terms of the cost of living.

In addition to the reasonable cost of living, the quality of life – particularly in the major cities of Kyiv, Lviv and Odessa – is a draw for many expats as well. These different cities each offer a unique feel and flair of their own, providing visitors and residents thriving, dynamic cultural and social scenes with quality of life that easily matches that of other European cities.

You can find more about the cost of living in Ukraine here.

Visiting Ukraine to understand better the country should be part of the decision-making process for any investor considering starting a business.

Visas are not required for citizens of many countries for stays of up to 90 days within 180 days (for a total of 180 days per year).

A complete list of updated visa requirements and the specifics for citizens of different countries can be found on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Read how to extend your short-stay visa here.

When hiring a foreign citizen in Ukraine, a company may need to apply for and secure a work permit for foreign citizens. Specific categories of foreign citizens (such as permanent residents of Ukraine, employees of representative offices and permanent establishments of international companies, representatives of foreign mass media, professional athletes, artists and some others) do not need to apply for a work permit when working in Ukraine. However, in most other cases, a valid work permit is required before commencing work.  Read more here.

In Ukraine, a company can hire people either under labour agreement (i.e. as a salaried employee) or under civil services agreement (i.e. as freelancers).

Ukrainian law allows to conclude employment agreement in oral or in writing; however, in some instances, the written form is obligatory. The written form of an employment agreement is mandatory for the Employment of non-residents of Ukraine, persons under 18 if an employee requires so if the employer is an individual and some other cases as defined by law.

Main types of labour agreements in Ukraine include:

Labour Agreement for Indefinite term. This type of contract is the most common in Ukraine, and by default, employees are hired for an indefinite term. The indefinite term labour agreement is regulated by the labour law of Ukraine, internal rules of a Company and a collective agreement.

Fixed-term Labor Agreement. The main difference between fix-term labour agreement and the first one is that the Parties limit employment term to a specific period. Note that Ukrainian law provides certain limits regarding repeated concluding fixed-term labour agreements (in some instances, if a person is employed again for a short term – less than two months – by the same employer, he will be considered as used for an indefinite duration)

Seasonal work. If you need to hire people on seasonal base for the specific scope of work, Ukrainian law allows concluding a particular type of agreement for this purpose with an indication of nature and scope of work as well as the term of Employment.

An employee has a right to an annual minimum of 24 calendar days vacation. 

Standard working week length is 40 hours, with five working days per week and eight working hours per day.

The most common employee’s benefits include: financial bonuses, professional training, language courses, the option to work from home, extra days off, discounts on company’s products, flexible working hours, company phone, rent of accommodation, company car, medical insurance, gym membership.

Check Employment and employee benefits in Ukraine here.