Working abroad

From Ukraine: temporary protection and work in Italy

People who fled the war in Ukraine have temporary protection in the EU, which allows them to work. Here is what it provides, how long it lasts, how to move to a work permit in Italy and which Ukrainian rules apply to intermediaries.

5 min read

Who this is for

Ukrainian citizens (and other people covered by temporary protection) who are already in Italy or are thinking of coming, and people in Ukraine looking for work abroad through intermediaries. The rules in this area change often: always check up-to-date official sources.

In short

  • EU temporary protection for people fleeing Ukraine has been extended until 4 March 2028.
  • It gives the right to work, as an employee or self-employed.
  • In Italy, the temporary protection permit can be converted into a work permit if you meet the requirements.
  • In Ukraine, anyone mediating jobs abroad must be on the official list kept by the Ministry of Economy.

General information, not legal advice. Rules change and have exceptions. Always check the official text in the sources below and, for your own case, talk to a trade union, a qualified lawyer or the competent public authority.

EU temporary protection

In March 2022 the Council of the EU activated temporary protection for people displaced from Ukraine, on the basis of Directive 2001/55/EC. [1] The Directive provides that beneficiaries may engage in employed or self-employed activities. [2]

Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1912 of 30 July 2026 extended the protection until 4 March 2028. [3] The same decision introduced a new requirement for first-time applicants: to show, where relevant, that they have complied with their military obligations in Ukraine. The requirement applies from 31 July 2026 and does not affect people who already enjoyed temporary protection in a Member State on 30 July 2026 and continuously keep it in that same Member State. [3] [4]

In Italy: working and converting your permit

Under the Italian implementing law, the temporary protection permit is extended to study and work. [5] The State Police (for example the Questura of Arezzo) states that “Emergenza Ucraina” permits can be renewed, on request, until 4 March 2028. [6]

If you work, you can ask to convert your temporary protection permit into a work permit for the activity you actually carry out, if you meet the requirements. This option is provided by the 2024 Budget Law (Law No. 213 of 30 December 2023, art. 1(396)). [7] [6] Discuss it with a patronato (free advice office) first: a work permit has its own renewal rules.

If you are still in Ukraine and want to come to work in Italy through the ordinary routes, you can use the flow decree: Ukraine is among the countries with reserved quotas for non-seasonal work in 2026-2028. [8] In Italy, with a valid permit, you have the same work rights as Italian workers.

Ukrainian rules on labour migration

Ukrainian Law No. 761-VIII of 5 November 2015 “On External Labour Migration” provides, among other things, that labour migrants’ rights to proper working conditions, pay, rest and social protection are governed by the law of the country where they work and by international treaties ratified by Ukraine, and that Ukrainian embassies and consulates assist them, including with free legal advice on consular matters. [9]

Since 2023, businesses offering mediation for jobs abroad no longer need a licence, but must file a declaration and be included in a list kept by Ukraine’s Ministry of Economy. The list is public and can be checked online. [10] [11] The State Employment Service of Ukraine provides public job-search services. [12]

Whatever you are offered, remember the ILO principle: recruitment costs should not be borne by the worker. [13]

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