Located in Eastern Europe, Ukraine is the second-largest country on the continent, historically diverse and deeply connected to the European cultural landscape. With a highly educated working population, strong English proficiency, and a growing number of young people learning Chinese at universities or private language schools, the country remains open for international hiring and business cooperation, even under martial law.

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💡Interested in relocating to or hiring in Eastern Europe? Explore our guides to other popular destinations in the region: Poland and the Czech Republic.

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At the same time, as a non-EU member, Ukraine operates with its own currency (the hryvnia, UAH), as well as labor and immigration frameworks that differ from those of the Schengen Area. Wartime reforms have sped up certain administrative processes for foreign employees and businesses entering the country, and entry procedures are relatively fast compared to many EU countries. However, Chinese citizens require a work or business visa (usually issued on the basis of an official invitation) to enter Ukraine.

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As an EOR company with a physical office in the country’s capital, Kyiv, a strong local presence, and Ukrainian nationals on our team, we offer extensive administrative and legal expertise and a deep understanding of Ukrainian business culture and communication. In this guide, we cover key visa and immigration requirements, the nuances of operating in Ukraine during wartime, and the advantages of entering the market through the EOR model.

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Do Chinese citizens need a visa to work in Ukraine?

As mentioned above, a visa is required for individuals with Chinese citizenship to enter Ukraine for work or business purposes, and for long-term employment of foreigners, including Chinese, a Ukrainian work permit and a formal labor contract are a must. For short-term business visa seekers, there is a convenient E-visa program that allows them to apply online without visiting the consulate, and China is among the eligible countries as of 2026. Here is what you need to know about obtaining a work permit in Ukraine:

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• For foreign employees, the work permit is tied to a specific position with a specific company registered in Ukraine. A new permit must be obtained if the employee transitions to a different position or changes companies.
• To be eligible for a permit, the employee must meet the minimum gross salary threshold, which is 10 times the minimum wage in Ukraine, and is 86,470 UAH (approx. 2,100 EUR) as of 2026.
• For some positions, the applicant must also provide proof of education, professional qualifications, and work experience.
• The work permit is issued for 6 months to 3 years and can be renewed multiple times for the same term of validity.
• ‍Processing times are relatively quick – 2 to 3 weeks.

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⚠️IMPORTANT: To officially hire employees in Ukraine, a Chinese company must either establish a legal entity in the country or use an employment outsourcing solution such as an EOR (more on both options below).

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Do Chinese citizens who work in Ukraine need to pay local taxes?

For local and foreign individuals alike, there is a fixed income tax rate of 18%, capped with a 5% military tax introduced in 2024.

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From January 1, 2026, employers in Ukraine are required to pay a unified social security contribution of 22% on top of an employee’s gross salary. This contribution is capped at a monthly salary threshold of 172,940 UAH (approx. 3350 EUR), meaning the maximum social security contribution payable per employee is 38,046.80 UAH (approx. 740 EUR) per month.

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For salaries below this threshold, the full 22% applies. A minimum monthly contribution of 1,902 UAH (approx. 37 EUR) must be paid regardless of salary level. The social security contribution is a unified payment distributed across the pension system, unemployment insurance, and other social funds.

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Can Chinese employees who work in Ukraine receive salaries in Chinese yuan (CNY/RMB) or other currencies?

In short, no. Ukrainian law requires that all salary payments be made in the national currency, the hryvna (UAH). But in practice, salaries are often indexed or contractually tied to foreign currencies such as USD or EUR, especially in the IT industry. Direct foreign currency salary payments are very limited and not standard for local employment contracts, although a foreign currency equivalent may be referenced in the contract for indexing purposes.

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How much does it cost to register a company in Ukraine, and is there an alternative hiring model?

On paper, registering a company in Ukraine can be relatively inexpensive, with setup costs ranging from 500 USD with basic admin support to 3000 USD with full legal and admin support. But in practice, foreign companies should budget up to 10,000 USD for a more complex setup and an additional 300-500 USD monthly for accounting and compliance costs. The entity setup period can be weeks to months, sometimes up to 3-6 months, and wartime admin realities add friction.

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By contrast, entering the Ukrainian market through the Employer of Record (EOR) model requires no entity setup costs. Instead, there is a transparent and predictable monthly fee per employee with payroll and compliance included. With an EOR partner, a foreign company can start operations in Ukraine within days to weeks, making it not only more cost-effective but also operationally simpler.

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Do your employees need help with relocation to Ukraine? Is your company planning to enter the Ukrainian market?

Save time, resources, and headspace – entrust work-related immigration to Ukraine to a competent third party. Acvian is an EOR provider with a multilingual team and current active projects with Chinese nationals.

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We handle all administrative steps of relocation, including work permit acquisition, visa application, on-site support with registration, and visa renewal on your company’s behalf. We also manage taxes and payroll in Ukraine and ensure compliance with the local law at all stages of employment. On top of that, we offer competitive pricing and true customer care with fast response times in your preferred time zone. To get started, simply book a meeting with our expert or submit a request form.