The draft of the new Labor Code of Ukraine introduces innovative work formats such as remote, home-based, and flexible working hours. Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture Daria Marchak stated that the annual paid leave is planned to increase to 28 days, matching EU standards.
She noted that the number of types of employment contracts will rise from six to nine.
The document stipulates that remote work will be a distinct type of employment contract, which must be agreed upon between the employer and the employee.
Remote work may be combined with office work; for instance, an employee may work two days in the office and three days remotely, which will also be documented in the contract.
The code specifies that remote work takes precedence for certain social categories, such as pregnant women and those caring for children under one and a half years. Employees facing bullying or discrimination can be temporarily transferred to remote work as a protective measure.
The new code also aims to eliminate outdated restrictions, adapting legislation to modern realities.
For example, current labor legislation restricts night work for women with children under three years, but the new code will remove these limitations.
Among other important innovations, the new Labor Code strengthens guarantees regarding leave, increasing the number of days to 28 per year, thus aligning Ukrainian norms with European standards.
Marchak emphasized that after the adoption of the new code, employers will not need to renegotiate contracts but will have a year to formalize new labor relations.
The draft of the new Labor Code was approved by the government on January 7, 2026, and will come into effect after being ratified by the Verkhovna Rada and signed by the President of Ukraine.