In 2025, 9,600 foreigners have already received work permits in Ukraine, which is more than 3,000 more than last year. Most labour migrants are employed in construction, trade and manufacturing. Businesses face a complex procedure and additional costs.
Growth in the number of foreign workers in 2025
In 2025, already 9600 foreigners received work permits in Ukraine. This is more than 3,000 more than a year earlier. This dynamic demonstrates the growing need for Ukrainian businesses to attract migrant workers to cover staff shortages.
The main sectors employing foreigners are construction, trade and manufacturing. These industries require a significant amount of labour, so companies are increasingly looking for staff outside the country.
Geography and cost of attracting foreigners
Ukrainian businesses are expanding their hiring geography, in particular, by attracting workers from Latin America. For example, about 20 people are already working in Colombia. Such examples demonstrate a change in approaches to recruitment and openness to migration processes.
At the same time, the full legalisation of one foreign employee costs companies approximately UAH 40,000. This makes a foreign employee 25-30% more expensive than a local one. Additional costs are associated with paperwork, permits and organisational issues.
Business obstacles and risks
Among the main problems, the business notes a complex system of approvals. The process involves the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Security Service of Ukraine, and an application can get stuck at any stage. Some applications are rejected without explanation at the visa stage, which creates additional difficulties for employers.
In addition to bureaucratic procedures, government officials discuss the risk of Ukraine being used as a transit country for further migration to the EU. This issue highlights the need to improve legislation and control over migration flows.
Why it matters
Growth in the number of foreign workers in Ukraine in 2025 reflects structural changes in the labour market. For businesses, this is an opportunity to support production and maintain competitiveness, especially in the face of staff shortages.
At the same time, complicated registration procedures and high costs can deter new hires. This is pushing companies to look for ways to streamline processes and appeal to the government to simplify the rules.
Controlling migration is important to avoid Ukraine being used as a transit country. The stability of the labour market and the country's international image depend on the effectiveness of government policy.
