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Recruiting Skilled Workers from Ukraine

How Ukrainian qualifications can be assessed, which documents and credentials are relevant and which recruitment pathways are available to companies seeking skilled workers from Ukraine.

| Reading time 4 min. | Author: Dmitry Novitsky

When classifying Ukrainian qualified professionals, the field of study, the duration and the content of the qualification, as stated on the diploma and in the diploma supplement, are relevant. The translated job title plays a secondary role. The Ukrainian education system, which is aligned with the Bologna Framework, classifies higher education qualifications into Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, as well as further levels. Possible recruitment channels include: - workers already in the EU under temporary protection, - direct recruitment in Ukraine, - specialised recruitment agencies, and - partnerships with Ukrainian educational institutions. It should be noted, however, that Ukrainian martial law restricts the departure of men liable for military service.

How is the Ukrainian qualifications and degree system structured?

The Ukrainian education system is aligned with the European Bologna Process. Higher education qualifications are divided into Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, with the academic degree of Doctor added to these. Vocational qualifications below higher education level are provided by vocational training institutions and technical colleges, which combine practical vocational training with a state-recognised qualification.

Furthermore, the system includes a short cycle of higher education, the Junior Bachelor’s degree, whilst the academic degree of Doctor of Sciences remains the highest level.

How are Ukrainian documents checked and verified?

There is an established procedure for confirming the authenticity of Ukrainian documents: the apostille. As Ukraine is a signatory to the Hague Apostille Convention, Ukrainian documents do not need to undergo a lengthy legalisation process.

In addition, the authenticity of university degrees can be verified against the state education register (EDB), which lists all diplomas issued. For businesses, this means that the combination of the apostille and a check against the register provides assurance that the document is genuine. Added to this is a certified translation into German. Those who complete this process early and in full will avoid having to deal with queries later on during the recognition procedure.

What does a Ukrainian qualification say about a person’s skills?

A verified certificate confirms authenticity, not suitability. Ukrainian training programmes are sound and practical in many technical and skilled trades, but their scope sometimes differs from that of German job profiles. A qualification may be broader or narrower in scope than its German equivalent, and job titles cannot always be translated directly.

In practice, formal and practical qualifications should be assessed separately. First, the qualification, specialisation, duration of training and course content must be examined. The next step is to clarify which activities the person has actually carried out and how this experience can be substantiated through employment records, certificates or references. The Ukrainian employment record book, which documents periods of employment, can be an important additional source of information in this regard. Whether a qualification is sufficient to practise a regulated profession in Germany is determined solely by the German recognition process. However, the necessary Ukrainian documents can be compiled in advance in a complete and verifiable manner.

What are the best ways to attract skilled workers?

Recruitment takes place via several channels. A significant proportion of Ukrainian skilled workers are already in the European Union, many of whom are under temporary protection. This group can be approached directly and often already has language skills and experience of integration. In addition, direct outreach in Ukraine, specialist recruitment agencies and partnerships with Ukrainian educational institutions are utilised.

However, one point must be acknowledged honestly: the martial law in force in Ukraine restricts the ability of men liable for military service to leave the country. When recruiting candidates who are still in Ukraine, this is a real factor that alters the pool of available applicants. Anyone planning such initiatives should take this situation into account from the outset and, where necessary, focus on personnel already in the EU or on women and groups not subject to conscription.

What should be borne in mind regarding contracts and documents from a Ukrainian perspective?

In connection with recruitment, Ukrainian documents are required which must be treated with the same care as a degree certificate. Civil status certificates, criminal records and evidence of previous employment should be apostilled and accompanied by a certified translation.

It is also important to clarify whether a person is still in an employment relationship in Ukraine. Ukrainian employment law provides for measures such as the suspension of an employment relationship, meaning that a previous employment relationship may continue without the person actively working under it. This is not usually an obstacle for the German employer, but it is worth clarifying this to avoid duplication of procedures and misunderstandings.

Where does the Ukrainian side end and the German side begin?

The boundary is clear. Everything relating to the origin, authenticity and classification of Ukrainian qualifications and documents can be prepared and verified from a Ukrainian perspective. This lays the foundation.

The recognition of the qualification in Germany, its assessment by the relevant authorities and the Anabin database, the right of residence, and the drafting of the German employment contract in accordance with labour law are all subject to German law. These steps are handled by our colleagues at Maxfeld.legal, who are admitted to practise in Germany. A smooth transition is achieved when the Ukrainian documents are complete, verified and translated before the German process begins. It is precisely this preparatory work that we undertake.

About the author

Dmitry Novitsky, Lawyer for Ukrainian law, Maxfeld.legal Nuremberg
Dmitry Novitsky
Ukraine Desk
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Dmitry Novitsky is a Ukrainian lawyer who is admitted to practise as a solicitor in Ukraine. As a partner at the law firm Borysenko & Partners in Dnipro, he advises clients on matters relating to company law, property law and public procurement law. At Maxfeld.legal, he supports the teams on projects relating to Ukraine. The firm’s qualified lawyers are responsible for the legal implementation in Germany.

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Ensuring that skilled workers from Ukraine are properly prepared

We verify qualifications and certificates with the relevant Ukrainian authorities and provide verifiable documentation for the purposes of recognition and the right of residence to the firm’s lawyers, who are authorised to practise in Germany.

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Frequently asked questions about skilled workers from Ukraine

The Ukrainian higher education system is part of the Bologna Process and awards Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral degrees. Vocational qualifications are taught at vocational training institutions and technical colleges. Classification is determined by the field of study, duration and content as stated on the diploma and its supplement, rather than by the job title alone.

An apostille is a simplified certification of authenticity for documents between signatory states to the Hague Convention, of which Ukraine is a signatory.

There are two options: the Apostille and verification against the national education register, EDEBO, which records university degrees awarded. Combined with a certified translation, this provides a solid basis for the subsequent recognition process.

Not immediately. Whether a degree obtained in Germany is sufficient is decided solely by the German accreditation body. However, the Ukrainian documents required for this can be compiled in advance in a form that can be verified.

Yes, Ukrainian martial law restricts the departure of men liable for military service. For candidates who are still in Ukraine, this alters the pool of available applicants. It may be advisable to focus on skilled workers who are already in the EU.

This is the responsibility of the qualified solicitors at Maxfeld.legal on the German side. From the Ukrainian perspective, the necessary qualifications and documents can be fully prepared, verified and translated so that the German proceedings can begin without a hitch.

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