Ukraine is the second largest country in Europe, and while it spent much of the last century hidden away behind the Iron Curtain, it emerged as an increasingly popular destination for expats. Many have recognised that the country is one of beauty, and the people have a strong cultural heritage.
- Expat Clubs
- Schools
- Local News Sources
- Country Information
- Resident and Work visa information
- How to get a driving license
- Where to live and about the accomodation types
- Healthcare information including Hospitals and Insurance
Expat Clubs
International Women’s Club Kyiv
The International Women’s Club of Kyiv (IWCK) was founded in 1992 by a small group of expatriate women in the newly independent Ukraine. The aim was to bring together women from all over the world. The aim was to bring together women from all over the world to take part in a range of charitable, cultural and social activities.
www.iwck.org
Kyiv Lions Clubs International
KLC was founded in 2003 as part of Lions Club International, the largest business charity in the world with 1.4 million members in 42,000 clubs in 129 countries. KLC is a particularly large branch with some 80 members all of which are from the Ukrainian and international business community.
www.kyivlionsclub.org
Expats! Moving to Ukraine? Living in Ukraine
If you are an expat in Ukraine this is the right place for you. Always get the latest news about events, share your experiences and reach out to other like-minded expats in Ukraine.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Expats-Moving-to-Ukraine-Living-in-Ukraine/158330084189920?sk=info
International Schools
Pechersk School International
Pechersk School International is a diverse and friendly school serving the national and internationally mobile community of Kyiv. The learning experience at PSA is shaped by a spirit of community, whereby students, teachers and parents work together to achieve our goals of creating successful, independent learners and global citizens.
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (IB)
Address: Perchersk School International, 7A Victora Zabily, Kyiv
Tel: 380 44 377 5292
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.psi.kiev.ua
Kyiv International School
The Kyiv International School (KIS) is a private, non-profit, coeducational day school, which offers an educational program from PK (3-year-old class) through Secondary IV (17- year-old class) for students of all nationalities.
Curriculum: US
Address: 3A Svyatoshynsky Provulok, Ukraine 03115
Tel: (38 044) 452 27 92
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.kis.net.ua
Meridian International School
The Meridian International School is a friendly and dynamic educational environment in which students are involved and encouraged to be creative, with qualified teachers who care about them.
Curriculum: Ukraine and English
Address: Kvitnevy Provulok 5a, 04108 Kyiv, Ukraine
Tel: 044 433 97 48
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.mischool.com.ua
Kiev Christian Academy
Kiev Christian Academy is an international K-12th grade school started in 1993 for the purpose of educating missionary children in Kiev, Ukraine.
Curriculum: US
Address: PO Box 434, Kiev 01001, Ukraine
Tel: 044 433 63 73
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.kca.org.ua
Local News in English
- KyivPost: www.kyivpost.com
- UNIAN: www.unian.info
- Ukrainian and World News, Ukrinform: www.ukrinform.ua/eng
Country Information
Full name: Ukraine
Location: Europe
Population: cc. 45 million
Capital City: Kyiv
Other Important Cities: Lviv, Odessa
Currency: 1 hryvnya = 100 kopiykas
Language(s): Ukrainian, Russian
Religion(s): Christianity
Calling Code: +380
Internet TLD: .ua
Electricity: 220V 50Hz
Time Zone: GMT +2
Emergency Numbers: Fire Department – 101, Police – 102, Ambulance – 103. For all – 112.
Ukraine is situated in the south-eastern part of Europe, where its territory is mostly a level, treeless plain, called steppe. The country’s climate is moderate; with seasonal changes, such as a mild winter and hot, dry summer. Because of the favourable climatic conditions the country experiences, it’s traditionally an agricultural area and grows a number of plantations, such as wheat, maize, buckwheat and all kinds of fruit.
There are a number of must-see places for expats to explore among building their lives in Ukraine. Or example, the Carpathian Mountains – the ‘Green Pearl’ of Ukraine – are a must see, and cities such as Yalta, Lviv and Chernihiv should be visited, alongside the bustling capital of Kyiv.
Ukrainians themselves are very hospitable, and guests often receive red-carpet treatment such as filled tables, gifts and a number of toasts. As an expat, you may wish to pick up on some of these etiquette rules – for instance, when invited to a home it is customary to take a gift; when buying flowers, make sure the number of flowers is uneven; and the best one? Do not whistle for some believe it will blow your money away.
Embassy Information
Find your local embassy in Ukraine...
embassy.goabroad.com/embassies-in/ukraine
Residents Visa and Work Permit information
The type of visa an expat will receive is dependent on the purpose of the applicant’s entry into Ukraine.
Immigration Visa
Applicants entering Ukraine for employment purposes must submit the following:
- A labour authorization document, in the name of the applicant issued by the Ministry of Labour of Ukraine, and obtained in advance by the employer in Ukraine
- A valid passport/travel documents
- Completed application
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Child passports must be accompanied by a joint notarized written request from both parents, or by copy of parent(s) visa
Applicants entering Ukraine for permanent residence must submit:
- Permission of permanent residence in Ukraine obtained from Ukrainian Immigration Authorities of the Ministry of Interior of Ukraine
- Valid passport/travel documents
- Completed application
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Child passports must be accompanied by a joint notarized written request from both parents, or by copy of parent(s) visa
People visiting Ukraine can also apply for any one of the following types of visas to suit their needs: Business, Scientific, Cultural and Sporting visa; Religious Mission; Humanitarian Mission; Members of Rescue Services; Student visa; Mass Media Staff; Private visa; Tourist visa, International Transport Service Staff; Diplomatic visa; Service visa.
Accommodation
Traffic drives on the right in Ukraine, and it is mandatory that the drive and front seat passenger wear seat belts during a journey.
Road quality can vary, as there are highways, H-roads and countryside roads. The former is probably what most expats are familiar with – wide lanes, well maintained and signposted – whereas the latter proves for difficult driving. You’ll need lots of patience and good driving skills to combat Ukraine’s countryside roads.
The maximum speed limit is 90 km/hour outside of populated areas, and 60 km/hour in cities and towns. There is a zero-tolerance policy towards drinking while driving… Just the one beer can get you into trouble!
While on rural roads, beware of walking hazards such as animals, particularly cows and chickens, bicycle users and horse carriages.
Driving License
Expats who have an International Driving Permit may drive for one year on their home country’s driving license. However, long-term expats must bear in mind that this can only be done for one year, before you have to transfer to a Ukrainian license.
To exchange your license, you will need your driver’s license, passport and an official document showing your Ukrainian address, medical certificates and passport-sized photographs and take them to the Inter-Regional District Examination Department (MREV) in Kyiv.
Remember though – only Kyiv-issued medical certificates will be accepted, which can be obtained from any clinic.
Driving License
Ukraine’s architecture has taken form after layers upon layers of different inspirations and styles over the centuries. From folk to soviet architecture, nowadays Ukrainians prefer single houses to apartment blocks. And the traditional Ukrainian house has a private space between the street and the house, usually with a garden. For instance, dachas – summer cottages – are a vital part of contemporary Ukrainian life.
To buy property in Ukraine as a private individual, a personal tax ID number must be obtained. Plus, you must have established residency and a confirmed income to apply for a property loan.
As expats, renting may be the preferable option and there are many houses and apartments available to rent through prestigious letting agencies. Rental prices can broadly range from $1000 to $8000+ per month. To buy a property in Ukraine, you’re looking at spending a few million hryvnya.
Healthcare
The standard of healthcare in Ukraine can vary – it is supposedly free and available to all citizens and registered long-term residents of the country, and most medical staff are adequately trained. However, the health service provided can perhaps be considered as under-resourced and somewhat primitive compared to Western European standards.
Insurance Companies
- Allianz: www.allianz.com
- Pacific Prime: www.pacificprime.com
- AXA Insurance: www.axa-ukraine.com
Hospitals
Isida Hospital
Address: Ivana Lepse Boulevard, Kyiv
Tel: +38 044 455 88 11
Website: www.isida.ua
Eurolab
Address: Medical Center EUROLAB, Ukraine 03110, was Kyiv, str. Solomyanska 11a
Tel: +38 044 206 2000
Website: www.eurolab.ua
Medikom
Address: 8, Kondratyuk Street, 04201 Kyiv
Tel: +44 234 0303
Website: www.medikom.ua
Ukrainian-German Clinic
Address: 67/7, Krasnoarmeiskaya Street, 01004 Kyiv
Tel: +44 220 5572
Website: www.unk.kiev.ua
American Medical Center
Address: 1 Berdychivska Street, 04116 Kyiv
Tel: +44 490 7600
Website: www.amcenters.com
Boris Hospital & Medical Centre
Address: 55A, Krasnoarmeiskaya Street, 01004 Kyiv
Tel: +44 536 1980
Website: www.boris.kiev.ua
