Ukrainians Can Now Count Foreign Work Experience Toward Their Pensions

New Law No. 3674-IX Integrates Overseas Employment into Pension Eligibility

According to ХВИЛЯ: On April 25, 2024, Ukraine's Parliament passed Law No. 3674-IX, enabling citizens to include work periods completed abroad when calculating their pension eligibility back home. The legislation took effect on June 23, 2024. While foreign years of service now count toward meeting the minimum threshold for a pension, the actual payout amount is based solely on years worked within Ukraine.

For instance, under the updated rules, an individual with 22 years of service in Ukraine and 13 years in Germany would have a combined total of 35 years-enough to qualify for a pension. However, the benefit calculation would only consider the 22 Ukrainian years. Previously, foreign work counted only if a bilateral pension agreement existed between Ukraine and the country in question.

To verify overseas employment, Ukrainians must submit certificates from social insurance agencies in the country where they worked. In Poland, for example, these can be requested through the PUE ZUS portal, while in Germany, the local pension fund's online service handles such requests. All documents require a notarized Ukrainian translation and an apostille. Since both Poland and Germany are signatories to the Hague Convention, a single apostille suffices.

The law applies to any period with paid contributions, even as short as one month. Applications can be submitted remotely via the Pension Fund of Ukraine's web portal, requiring an electronic signature such as a KEP or Diia.Pidpys.

As Iryna Poliakova emphasizes, 'The Pension Fund will not do this for you and will not find out about your foreign experience on its own.'

She also notes that 'any period for which contributions were made, even just one month of honest work, is counted.' This reform opens new doors for Ukrainians who have worked abroad, giving them a fair chance at deserved pension benefits.

This law marks a significant step in reforming Ukraine's pension system, as it helps citizens with international work experience seamlessly integrate their foreign service into the national framework. Ultimately, it could improve the financial security of many who have worked outside the country, supporting a more dignified retirement.