This guide was written prior to Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine and is therefore not reflective of the current situation. Any plans to relocate to or visit Ukraine should be put on hold until the situation is stabilised, and all embassy safety directives should be followed.

Moving to Ukraine

Ukraine is a country of contrasts, where heavy industrial areas are interspersed with surprisingly beautiful architecture and surrounded by stunning and varied natural scenery.

Decades of Stalinist rule and post-independence economic and social problems continue to leave their mark on the country. However, recent reforms and a closer working relationship with the EU mean that the outlook for Ukraine’s future is promising. 

Living in Ukraine as an expat

Economic growth has shown impressive improvements over the past decade. The country is home to established manufacturing and commodities sectors, as well as an evolving agriculture industry, all of which look to improve as trade with the European Union opens up. In addition, Ukraine boasts a growing information technology sector. 

Before the political unrest, European tourism used to be an important contributor to the economy, thanks to Ukraine's abundance of hiking, skiing, fishing and hunting opportunities, not to mention plenty of ancient castles, Soviet-era monuments, vineyards and beaches. Today, these remain compelling reasons for many expats’ moves to Ukraine.

Ukraine's capital city of Kyiv is fast becoming one of Europe's most exciting cultural hubs owed, in no small part, to the energy of the city's inhabitants who have worked hard to resist Russian influence and forge closer ties to the European Union. Now, Kyiv abounds with sophisticated cuisine, vibrant nightlife and contemporary art that all acknowledge the country’s fascinating history.

Cost of living in Ukraine

Kyiv in particular has a lot to offer and is the city chosen by most expats, but it does come with the highest cost of living in Ukraine. Still, most expats find that Kyiv is substantially less expensive than other European capitals.

Expats looking to relocate will find that housing can be particularly affordable, and healthcare is free to residents.

Expat families and children

Major structural reforms promise to only improve the standard of government services and the quality of life. This is also true for education. Expats who relocate to Ukraine with their families will discover that there are several good public Ukrainian schools, although for those who are just passing through, and who can afford it, there are also a handful of private international schools in Kyiv.

Climate in Ukraine

As is the case with many Eastern European countries, Ukraine's weather is on the chilly side. Expats should therefore be sure to bundle up well in the winter months and take care to remain inside during especially heavy snowfall.

While Ukraine isn't the most typical expat destination, those looking for a less beaten path are sure to be richly rewarded with a truly unique experience.

Fast facts

Population: About 41 million

Capital city: Kyiv

Neighbouring countries: Going clockwise, starting from the southeast, Ukraine is bordered by Romania, Moldova, Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, Belarus and Russia.

Geography: Ukraine's geography is incredibly diverse, consisting of everything from plateaus and steppes to mountains and highlands. The country also has a vast southern coastline, stretching around 1,700 miles (2,700 km). 

Political system: Unitary semi-presidential constitutional republic

Major religions: Orthodox Christianity

Main language: Ukrainian, though Russian is also widely spoken.

Money: The official currency is the Ukrainian hryvnia (UAH), subdivided into 100 kopiyok. ATMs are commonplace in Ukraine, particularly in Kyiv.

Tipping: Though there isn't much of a local tipping culture, it's usually expected in areas popular with foreigners. 10 to 15 percent is the norm at restaurants, though sometimes this is already included as a charge in the bill.

Time: GMT+2 (GMT+3 during summer)

Electricity: 220V, 50Hz. Plugs have two round pins.

Internet domain: .ua 

International dialling code: +380

Emergency numbers: 112

Transport: Driving is on the right-hand side of the road in Ukraine. Expats may, however, prefer to use public transport as it is easily accessible and affordable, as well as safer than driving.

Culture and lifestyle in Ukraine

Ukraine has a rich cultural history and the lifestyle of its people is characterised by good food, deep friendships and a love of nature. That said, the near constant threat of conflict is among the problems that face expats in Ukraine.

Ukraine is making the old new again by using traditional methods to make food that appeals to the contemporary palate. Expats should try local favourites such as a steaming bowl of borscht (beet soup) with a creamy dollop of sour cream on the side. If this does not appeal, thin pancakes filled with anything from strawberry jam to garlic-fried mushrooms will hit the spot. Everything from cherry dumplings, cabbage rolls and cold summer soups to delicious honey cake is on offer.

This guide was written prior to Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine and is therefore not reflective of the current situation. Any plans to relocate to or visit Ukraine should be put on hold until the situation is stabilised, and all embassy safety directives should be followed.

This guide was written prior to Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine and is therefore not reflective of the current situation. Any plans to relocate to or visit Ukraine should be put on hold until the situation is stabilised, and all embassy safety directives should be followed.

Ukrainian embassies

• Embassy of Ukraine, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 349 2948

• Embassy of Ukraine, London, United Kingdom: +44 20 7727 6312

• Embassy of Ukraine, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 230 2961

• Embassy of Ukraine, Canberra, Australia: +61 2 6230 5789

• Embassy of Ukraine, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 460 1946

• Embassy of Ukraine, Dublin, Ireland: +353 1 668 5189

Foreign embassies in Ukraine

• United States Embassy, Kyiv: +380 44 521 5000

• British Embassy, Kyiv: +380 44 490 3660

• Canadian Embassy, Kyiv: +380 44 590 3100

• South African Embassy, Kyiv: + 380 44 338 2602

• Honorary Consul of Ireland, Kyiv: +380 44 279 3200

Early history

• 4500 BCE: The Cucuteni-Trypillian culture emerges in present-day Ukraine, followed by the Scythians, who inhabit the region from the 8th to the 3rd centuries BCE.
• 882 CE: Ukraine is part of the Kievan Rus, a loose federation of Slavic tribes that emerged in the 9th century CE. The Kyivan Rus' is one of Europe's largest and most powerful states at the time, and its capital, Kyiv, is a major centre of trade and culture.
• 988: Grand Prince Vladimir the Great of Kyiv converts to Christianity, adopting Eastern Orthodoxy and marking the beginning of Ukraine's close ties to the Byzantine Empire.
• 1240: The Mongol Empire invades and destroys much of the Kyivan Rus', and Ukraine becomes part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, which later merges with Poland to form the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.
• 1657–1687: Ukraine experiences a cultural and political revival known as the Cossack Hetmanate. The Hetmanate is an autonomous state that emerged from the rebellion of the Cossacks, a group of Ukrainian warriors who fought against the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and the Ottoman Empire.

Russian and Soviet control

• 1793: Ukraine becomes a part of the Russian Empire, and the Empire suppresses Ukrainian culture and language in favour of its own.
• 1917: Following the February Revolution in Russia, the Ukrainian Central Rada is formed, declaring autonomy in June and full independence as the Ukrainian People's Republic in January 1918.
• 1922: Ukraine is invaded by Soviet Russia. It becomes part of the Soviet Union as the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic.
• 1932–1933: Ukraine suffers from Stalinist repression, and its people go through the Holodomor ordeal – a man-made famine that kills millions of Ukrainians.
• 1941–1944: During World War II, Ukraine is occupied by Nazi Germany. While Ukrainians fight on both sides of the conflict, the majority of about 4.5 million fight in the Red Army against the Germans. The fighting results in mass destruction and the death of at least 8 million Ukrainians. The Holocaust kills an additional 1.5 million Ukrainian Jews, and 2.4 million are forced into labour in the German Reich.
• 1945: The end of World War II brings an expansion of Ukraine's territory following the Soviet annexation of eastern Poland, which had previously been agreed upon in the Hitler-Stalin Pact of 1939.
• 1954: Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev transfers Crimea from the Russian SFSR to the Ukrainian SSR, strengthening the territory of Ukraine within the Soviet Union.
• 1986: The Chornobyl disaster, where a nuclear reactor exploded, occurs in Ukraine, causing widespread environmental damage and human suffering.
• 1991: Ukraine declares independence from the Soviet Union following a referendum, with 92 percent voting for independence, and experiences a wave of political and social change. Ukraine's transition to democracy is difficult as the country struggles with corruption, economic stagnation and political instability.

Independence

• 2000–2003: Ukraine begins to move closer to the European Union and NATO but faces resistance from Russia, which sees these moves as threatening its regional influence.
• 2004: Ukraine experiences the Orange Revolution, where mass protests overturn a disputed presidential election, leading to a re-run and the eventual election of Viktor Yushchenko.
• 2010: Pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych is elected, and his government is accused of corruption and authoritarianism.
• 2013: Protests erupt in Kyiv when President Yanukovych abruptly halts plans for signing an Association Agreement with the European Union, pivoting instead towards closer ties with Russia.

Russo-Ukrainian War

• 2014: Ukraine experiences another political crisis when widespread protests, known as the Euromaidan, overthrow Yanukovych. Russia subsequently seizes Crimea and launches an insurgency to occupy parts of eastern Ukraine.
• 2014: After the ousting of Yanukovych, the Russian military organises a referendum on Crimea's unification with Russia. The results reportedly show a large majority in favour, but the vote is denounced as illegal by Ukraine and the international community.
• 2022: Russian forces launch a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, taking hold of parts of eastern Ukraine and attempting to overthrow President Volodymyr Zelensky's government. Ukrainian forces mount a strong resistance, leading to a prolonged conflict.
• The United Nations, the European Union, and other countries implement sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, while many countries provide military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
• 2023: As of April, more than 300,000 Russian and Ukrainian military personnel have been killed or injured during the fighting, an estimated 40,000 Ukrainian civilians have been killed and wounded, and an estimated 16 million have been displaced or fled the country.