How to Purchase Pension Insurance Credits in Ukraine
Ukrainians living abroad can now buy credits toward their future state pension. The Ukrainian Pension Fund has introduced an online mechanism allowing individuals to make voluntary contributions to their pension insurance record, regardless of their current location. This system is particularly relevant for the millions of Ukrainians displaced since the full-scale invasion. To credit one month of service, a person must pay at least the equivalent of the minimum insurance contribution.
For example, a 55-year-old with 30 years of existing insurance history, who has been temporarily residing in Germany since 2022, can use this service. Ukrainian law permits the acquisition of pension insurance history through voluntary participation in the state system. The agreement for paying these voluntary contributions is concluded electronically with the Ukrainian Pension Fund, greatly simplifying the process for those overseas.
Terms for Purchasing Additional Pension Credits
The agreement only allows for the purchase of credits going forward, not for past periods. A month is added to the insurance record once the funds are received in the Fund's account. The contract does not impose requirements on the frequency or size of payments, offering significant flexibility. However, to count for one month, a single contribution must be no less than the current minimum insurance amount of 1,902.34 hryvnias. This sum equals 22% of Ukraine's minimum wage, which is 8,647 hryvnias.
This opportunity can be realized by making voluntary contributions to the compulsory state pension insurance online via the Pension Fund's web portal. An individual can enter into an agreement and make payments for themselves or on behalf of another person. Location is not a barrier—the service is available both within Ukraine and abroad. Each person can independently decide when and how much to pay, based on their financial capacity.
This initiative by the Ukrainian Pension Fund enables citizens temporarily abroad to preserve and increase their pensionable service, which is crucial for future benefit calculations. Given the high mobility of the population, especially under wartime conditions, this option serves as a vital tool for maintaining the social safety net for Ukrainians who may face financial difficulties outside the country.