Changing Employers for Foreigners in Ukraine: What You Need to Know

For foreigners who legally work in Ukraine, the question of switching to another company often becomes challenging. Many believe that a valid work permit is a personal pass to the labor market that allows them to freely move from one employer to another.

This is a dangerous misconception. In Ukraine, a work permit is issued not to the individual but to a specific company and a specific position. Any attempt to start a new job without reissuing the necessary documents is a violation of migration law and may cost you your legal status in the country.

This article will help you understand how to change jobs safely, avoid the cancellation of your residence permit, and not become an “illegal” resident due to a bureaucratic mistake.

Related article: A Guide for Foreign IT Specialists: Living and Working in Ukraine

Work Permit Tied to a Specific Employer

A foreigner’s work permit in Ukraine is not a universal document that belongs to you personally. Legally, it is tied to a specific employer and to the specific position indicated in the application.

This means that even if the permit is still valid, it does not give you the right to immediately move to another company. In other words, the permit allows you to work only in Company A and only in the position listed in the permit. As soon as you resign, this permit is cancelled. It does not grant the right to automatically move to Company B.

Violating this rule triggers a chain reaction:

• cancellation of the work permit;

• cancellation of your Temporary Residence Permit (TRP), which was issued on the basis of this permit;

• the requirement to leave Ukraine and restart the legalization process from the beginning.

It is also important to note that the company may face a fine equal to twenty minimum wages.

Therefore, the number one rule is the following: any transition to a new workplace must always be accompanied by obtaining a new work permit.

A real case example

A foreign national from Poland was working for a Ukrainian IT company with a valid work permit. He received an offer from another company that promised a higher salary. The employee decided to start working for the new employer without properly reissuing the work permit.

As a result, during an inspection by the State Migration Service, the company received a fine equal to twenty minimum wages, and the foreigner’s work permit was cancelled. Ultimately, the process of restoring his legal status took several months and required assistance from a lawyer.

The conclusion is clear. No promises or informal agreements can replace the official procedure for obtaining a new work permit.

When a New Work Permit Is Required

A new job always requires obtaining a separate work permit if a foreigner changes employers. Even changing a position within the same group of companies may require making amendments to the existing document.

If only the working conditions change, such as responsibilities or work schedule, it is sufficient to update the current permit. It is important that all documents are submitted within the required deadlines and supported by official information, since any delay may prevent legal employment.

Practical Recommendations for Foreigners

To avoid problems when changing employers, it is important to follow these rules:

• Do not resign without a plan. Begin the process of obtaining a new work permit (through your new employer) before leaving your previous company. This ensures continuity of legal grounds for your stay.

• Verify the job title. The position listed in the new work permit must match the actual position you will hold (and the job title in your employment agreement).

• Monitor your residence permit (TRP). Remember that after obtaining a new work permit, you will most likely need to replace your residence permit card. The previous card is tied to your former employer.

• Keep track of taxes. Ensure that your new employer pays the official fee for issuing the work permit.

• Stay informed. Migration regulations change. What worked for someone you know a year ago may not work today.

For companies, it is essential to verify job requirements, submit documents on time, and ensure that every step complies with the law.

Related article: How to get a work permit in Ukraine and does it help to get a residence permit?

Legal Support: Safety for Both the Employee and the Company

Changing employers is not just a job interview. It is a complex legal procedure that involves reissuing your status. A single mistake by an HR manager at your new company can cost you the right to live in Ukraine.

Professional legal support allows you to:

• Avoid gaps in status. We coordinate the timing of your resignation and new employment so that you do not lose your legal status even for a day.

• Delegate the bureaucracy. We prepare all applications and translations and handle communication with the Employment Center and the State Migration Service.

• Ensure results. We monitor that the job title, salary, and timing fully comply with legal requirements.

Our experts have more than ten years of experience in migration law. We help foreign specialists build their careers in Ukraine safely.

Planning to change jobs? Contact us before you submit your resignation. We will ensure a secure transition.