Rights of a Foreign Worker in Ukraine: Employment Contract, Pay, Leave and Sick Leave

Equal rights, with one important condition

Foreign citizens who are in Ukraine legally are guaranteed equal rights in the sphere of labor — as the State Service of Ukraine on Labour (Derzhpratsi) reminds. The condition is key: a lawful basis to work. For most foreigners that means a work permit issued for a specific employer and position, and the corresponding residence document. The rights to pay, rest and safe working conditions do not depend on citizenship, but they are easier to exercise when your status in Ukraine is properly in order (see work permit and residence permit).

The employment contract: what it must contain

• A written contract before work starts. An employee may not be allowed to start work without an employment contract formalized by an order and without the tax service being notified of the hire (Article 24 of the Labour Code). For a foreigner, a draft employment contract is normally part of the work permit document package.
• Content. The contract should state the position, place of work, amount and procedure of payment, working hours and term. Its terms must comply with Ukrainian law.
• A copy and understanding. Ask for your own copy and, if you do not read Ukrainian, a translation into a language you understand. The law does not directly require this, but unclear terms are the most common source of disputes.
• Do not sign what you do not understand, and do not accept terms that differ from the contract you were shown at the hiring stage.

Pay: what the law guarantees

• Not below the minimum. Wages may not be lower than the statutory minimum wage. In 2026 the minimum wage is UAH 8,647 per month and UAH 52 per hour (State Budget Law for 2026).
• Equality and non-discrimination. A foreigner's pay may not violate the principle of equality: for the same work you should not receive less merely because of your citizenship.
• Payment terms belong in the contract. The amount, deadlines and method of payment should be set out in writing, and payment should be regular and on time.
• Deductions only as the law allows. An employer may deduct money from your wages only in cases expressly provided by law (Article 127 of the Labour Code), and, as a rule, no more than 20% in total (Article 128).
• What about "10 minimum wages"? The Law "On Employment of the Population" used to require that, when obtaining a permit, the employer guarantee a foreigner a salary of at least 10 minimum wages (5 for employees of public, charitable and educational organizations). According to Derzhpratsi's clarification of 27 January 2026, after the legislative changes of 2022–2023 there is no longer such a general requirement. The minimum wage and equal pay still apply. Check the specific permit conditions with the employment service.

Annual leave

Foreigners working in Ukraine have the right to leave on equal terms with citizens (Article 2 of the Law "On Leave"). Basic annual leave is at least 24 calendar days; the right to use leave for the first year of work arises after six months of continuous work, or earlier by agreement of the parties. Replacing basic leave with monetary compensation is generally not allowed, except in cases expressly provided by law (for example, on dismissal). During martial law special rules on labor relations apply (Law No. 2136-IX), so the current leave conditions are worth confirming with your employer or a lawyer.

Sick leave

Temporary disability benefit is paid on the basis of a certificate of incapacity issued by a doctor. The right to it belongs to insured persons, and the law extends this right to foreigners residing in Ukraine unless an international treaty provides otherwise. The amount of the benefit depends on the insurance record. Practical tips: tell your employer about the illness immediately, keep the certificate, and find out in advance which facility to go to. For insurance, see our article on health insurance for foreign workers.

What to do if your rights are violated

1. Record the problem in writing and raise it with the employer;
2. Contact Derzhpratsi — inspectors explain labor law; information is available on the pratsia.in.ua portal;
3. If it concerns changing jobs or status, see our article on changing employer with a work permit;
4. Never pay for "guaranteed employment" — it is a sign of fraud: how to recognize scammers.

How ASHA Ukraine helps

ASHA Ukraine supports the processing of your work permit and TRC and helps you understand the terms of employment.

Sources: Derzhpratsi — must a foreigner's salary be 10 minimum wages (27 January 2026); Minimum wage 2026 (BuhPlatforma); Labour Code of Ukraine; Law of Ukraine "On Leave". Conditions may change, especially during martial law — consult a lawyer for your specific situation.