Ukraine (UA)

Rules: Sick leave is documented through the eHealth system (e-lікарняний — electronic sick certificate). Employees must notify their employer on day 1 of absence. From day 1 of incapacity: social insurance pays sick pay. Doctor issues an electronic sick certificate through the eHealth/E-Health system; paper certificates are still accepted in some areas. Entitlement begins from the first day of illness. Duration: paid sick leave continues for the full period of medically certified incapacity — no annual cap, but extended sick leave beyond 4 months triggers a disability assessment (MSEK).

Doctor note: Electronic sick certificate (e-лікарняний) issued by a licensed doctor from day 1 of incapacity via the eHealth system. Notify employer on day 1 of absence. The doctor submits the electronic certificate directly to the Social Insurance Fund. In areas affected by hostilities, paper medical certificates from licensed doctors are also accepted.

Employer pay: From day 1: Social Insurance Fund of Ukraine pays sick pay (temporary incapacity benefit). Rates: 50% of average earnings if less than 5 years of social insurance contributions; 60% for 5–8 years; 70% for 8–10 years; 100% for 10+ years (or if illness is work-related, or for certain protected categories). Employer pays from its own funds on the payroll date; Social Insurance Fund reimburses the employer. Under martial law modifications, some flexibility in sick pay administration exists — verify with your HR/accountant.

Long-term: After 4 months of continuous sick leave: medical-social expert commission (MSEK) assesses for disability status. Disability groups I, II, III attract different benefit levels through the Pension Fund of Ukraine. Pension Fund disability benefit: varies by disability group and contribution history. For foreign nationals: equal entitlement if contributing to the Ukrainian social insurance system.

Max hours: 40 hours per week (8 hours/day, 5-day week) is the standard maximum under KZpP Art. 50. Under martial law: employers may increase working hours to 60 hours/week for critical economic needs with employee agreement — this is a temporary wartime modification. Night work (22:00–06:00): paid at minimum 1.2× the regular rate. Reduced working hours for certain categories: pregnant workers, workers with disabilities, workers with children under 3.

Min rest: Minimum 2 rest days per week (typically Saturday-Sunday). Daily rest between shifts: minimum 12 hours. Meal break: 30 minutes–1 hour within the working day, not counted in working time. Public holidays: 14 official public holidays in 2026 (note: some are celebrated differently under wartime conditions). Working on public holidays: double pay or compensatory time off.

Overtime: Overtime: 1.5× pay for first 2 hours; 2× for subsequent hours. Under martial law, overtime rules are modified — extended hours (up to 60/week) may be introduced without the usual strict overtime payment for some sectors. Document all actual hours worked. Employers cannot require overtime beyond the agreed or martial-law extended limits.