Ukraine is a country in eastern Europe bordered by Russia, Belarus, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Moldova. The country’s coastline stretches along the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.

Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 as part of the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War. Ukraine has continued to seek closer economic, political, and military ties with the Western world, including with the US, EU, and NATO.

The minimum wage in Ukraine is UAH 6,700 per month, and a standard workweek is 40 hours at 8 hours per day. Overtime work is regulated by the employment contract or collective agreements, and there are maximums for the number of hours allowed (usually 120 hours per year).

Overtime is paid at 200% of the regular salary. Pregnant employees or those with children under the age of 3 are forbidden from working overtime.

Parental Leave

Pregnant employees are entitled to 126 days of maternity leave, of which 70 days must be taken before the due date (and 56 after). This leave is covered by social insurance at 100% of the salary.

While there is no paid paternity leave in Ukraine, fathers can take 2 weeks of unpaid leave for the birth of their child.

After the maternity leave is over, mothers, fathers, and grandparents can take unpaid parental leave before the child turns 3.

Sick Leave

Employees in Ukraine are entitled to 4 months of paid sick leave. The first 5 days are compensated by the employer, and the rest is covered by social insurance between 50%-100% of the salary (depending on how long they’ve worked at the company).

Paid Leave

Ukraine has 12 public holidays, and employees are entitled to 24 days of paid time off each year (after finishing 6 months of employment at their company). Employees can also receive leave for marriage, study, or bereavement.

Process

The termination process depends on the employment contract or collective agreement and reason for termination. Pregnant employees, women with children under three years of age, and pre-pension employees are all protected against terminations.

Notice Period

The standard notice period for terminations by the employer is 2 months.

Severance Pay

The average severance payment in Ukraine is 1 month’s salary for every 2 years of employment.

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