The Government Proposes a Single Permit for Residence and Employment of Foreigners in Ukraine

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has registered draft law No. 14211 “On Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine Regarding the Employment of Foreigners and Stateless Persons” in the Verkhovna Rada.

According to Taras Melnychuk, the Government’s Representative in Parliament, the draft law aims to simplify procedures for obtaining temporary residence permits and work permits for foreigners and stateless persons by introducing a single permit confirming the right to both reside and work in Ukraine simultaneously. This initiative implements the provisions of EU Directive 2024/1233 concerning a unified application procedure for third-country nationals.

The draft law provides for the following:

• creation of a Unified State Web Portal for the Employment of Foreigners, where Ukrainian employers will be able to post vacancies and foreigners will be able to apply for the single permit;
• adoption of decisions on granting or refusing a permit by the State Migration Service, in cooperation with other authorised bodies. A positive decision will serve as the basis for obtaining a visa and entering Ukraine;
• introduction of the rule that after entering Ukraine, a foreigner or stateless person who has been granted a single temporary residence permit, and who submits original documents and biometric data, will receive a temporary residence permit;
• designation of categories of foreigners with free access to the labour market and clarification of document requirements for different groups.

The implementation of the draft law is expected to streamline procedures, ensure alignment with EU standards, and improve employment conditions for foreigners in Ukraine.