Ukrainians in Europe: Where They Work and How Much They Earn

With the outbreak of a full-scale war, many Ukrainians left for Europe. A significant part of them are either actively looking for work or are already working somewhere. In every country there are vacancies where people can find work even without a specialized education. There are also vacancies for highly qualified specialists who require knowledge of English or the language of the country where the person wants to work.

TRAVEL RBC-Ukraine analyzed current and popular vacancies for Ukrainians in the EU and tells how much our citizens can earn in some European countries.

How much Ukrainians can earn in European countries: popular professions

In many EU countries, Ukrainians are actively filling jobs, and in very different industries. Most of them found work in the hotel and restaurant business: waiters, cooks, cleaners, cook assistants. Also – in agriculture: they work on farms and estates, they can water plants, harvest crops, care for animals and perform other work.

What salaries are offered to Ukrainians in some EU countries

Germany:

• medical workers (doctors, nurses): from 2000 to 5000 euros per month;
• engineers: from 2000 to 5000 euros;
• car mechanics: from 2000 to 3500 euros;
• sellers: from 1800 to 2500 euros.

Czech Republic:

• truck drivers: from 1000 to 1500 euros per month;
• chefs: from 800 to 1200 euros;
• electricians: from 1000 to 1800 euros;
• design engineers: from 2000 to 4000 euros;
• installers of heating and air conditioning systems: from 1200 to 2000 euros.

Photo: Some Ukrainian men stayed in the EU at the beginning of the war and still work there (Getty Images)

Italy:

• farm workers: from 800 to 1200 euros per month;
• waiters: from 800 to 1200 euros;
• cleaners: from 800 to 1200 euros;
• photographers: from 1000 euros to 2000 euros;
• taxi drivers: from 1000 to 1500 euros.

Spain:

• joiners: from 1000 euros to 1500 euros per month;
• painters: from 1000 to 1500 euros;
• nurses: from 1500 to 2500 euros;
• tourism industry employees (hotel staff, animators): from 900 to 1500 euros;
• restaurant staff (waiters, cooks): from 900 to 1500 euros;
• gardeners: from 1000 to 1500 euros.

The Netherlands:

• waiters: from 1500 to 2500 euros per month;
• electricians: from 2000 to 3500 euros;
• installers and plumbers: from 2000 to 4000 euros.

Photo: Wages vary by job, skill level and country (Getty Images)

Opening a business from Ukraine. How much can you earn in Poland

Most Ukrainians moved to Poland during the full-scale war. A significant part of our citizens have already found work.

If we talk about unskilled labor in Poland, where knowledge of the language and diplomas are not always required, then the most popular work is primarily in the hotel and restaurant sector, in the food industry, in logistics warehouses and seasonal work, comments Anna Joboldadirector of the recruitment department of the international employment company Gremi Personal.

“Logistics warehouses – packaging, packaging of goods, conveyor belt workers. Seasonal work – picking berries, vegetables, fruits. The average salary is 17 zlotys per hour. It turns out that in just a month you can earn about 1000-1200 dollars if you work 10- 12 hours. People choose how many hours they want to work,” she says.

Now there is a trend: men who previously worked in Poland are more likely to go to work in Germany and other countries in search of higher earnings. This mainly applies to those who are involved in construction work, notes Anna Dzhobolda.

“By the way, Ukrainian businesses are opening in Poland en masse, and I am convinced that this opens up new opportunities for highly qualified specialists who were forced to work in simple jobs because of their lack of knowledge of the Polish language. Because Ukrainian business in Poland wants to hire Ukrainians first of all” , the expert notes.

Photo: Most Ukrainians moved to Poland because of the war (Getty Images)

Employment requirements. What Ukrainians may face

note. In many countries, a number of occupations require the recognition of qualifications or re-training. In particular, it is often NEEDED when hiring nurses, architects, engineers and other professions. Often, Ukrainian specialists must obtain recognition of their qualifications in the EU member state where they plan to work. This may require passing exams to obtain licenses or certifications.

There are also language proficiency requirements, especially for highly skilled professions. Ukrainians may be required to demonstrate a sufficient level of knowledge of the language of the country where they want to get a job.

What else can await those wishing to work in the EU:

1. Orientation Course: Some countries may require an introductory course or a special exam in order to obtain a work permit. For example, such a course may be mandatory for nurses who have completed their medical education outside the EU.
2. License and Registration: Countries may require a license or registration for some workers.
3. Vocational Courses or Training: Depending on your qualifications and education, you may be recommended to take certain vocational courses or training to meet country requirements.

Earlier it was reported what kind of work in the Netherlands Ukrainians can earn without knowing the language.

We also suggest reading whether you always need to know German in Switzerland and where to look for a job in your specialty.

Read urgent and important messages about the war of Russia against Ukraine on the RBC-Ukraine channel at Telegram.