IMPACT – HIGH

What is the change? Effective immediately, Ukraine has made several changes to work permit procedures that shorten processing times and improve the overall process for applicants.

What does the change mean? Employers will benefit from seven-day processing of work permits, a longer deadline for filing renewal applications and simplified procedures for top foreign graduates and technology workers, but they face a shorter deadline for paying the state fee for work permits.

  • Implementation timeframe: Feb. 11.
  • Visas/permits affected: Work permits.
  • Who is affected: Companies applying for work permits; foreign workers in the information technology sector; those with degrees from top schools; those in the process of obtaining the status of refugee or persons requiring additional support.
  • Impact on processing times: Processing of work permits has been reduced from 15 calendar days to seven business days.
  • Business impact: The changes should significantly streamline processing and make it easier to send foreign employees to Ukraine.

Background: Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers passed the regulations Jan. 28 and they took effect Feb. 11. The main changes are:

Work Permit Applications – A new application form has been introduced.

Faster processing – Applications will be processed in seven business days. Decisions will be sent by email and registered mail, and documents will be returned to applicants who are denied work permits.

Shorter deadline to pay state fee – The deadline for paying the state duty on work permit issuance has been shortened from 30 calendar days to 10 working days from receipt of the decision. If the state fee is not paid on time, the approval will be rescinded and the work permit will not be issued.

More time to file extensions – Work permit extension applications may be filed until 20 days before expiration of the current permit. (Previously, they had to be filed 30 days prior).

Employment contracts – Employment contracts may be submitted to the employment authority within seven business days (instead of three) from their execution.

IT sector and top graduates – Foreign employees in the information technology sector and foreign employees who have graduated from a list of the Top 100 educational institutions will benefit from simplified work permit procedures.

BAL Analysis: The new rules should significantly improve the process, but employers should note the new, shorter deadline for paying the state duty on work permits.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Ukraine. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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