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A person holding a paper work record on the background of a laptop — digitization of the work record through the PFU portal in Ukraine 2026
Articles
09/04/2026

Digitization of the labor book in Ukraine: what is it, why and how to make it by June 10, 2026

Ukraine is currently in the final stage of a large-scale reform—the transition from paper-based employment history records to a modern digital format. The official end date for the transition period is set for June 10, 2026. With only a few weeks remaining until this deadline, excitement among citizens—especially those living abroad—is rapidly growing.

Digital work record: a quick overview

According to the law (Law No. 1217-IX), the five-year data digitization period aims to create a unified state registry that will simplify the retirement process and protect employment history information from physical destruction or loss.

Important note: if you began your professional career after January 1, 2004, your data is already automatically in the digital system. Digitization primarily applies to records made in paper workbooks prior to that date.

Risks of missing the deadline

Even if you don’t manage to upload your data by the summer of 2026, your work history won’t disappear. However, the paper document will become “difficult” to use. If it is lost or damaged, it will be extremely difficult to restore the records through company archives (many of which may have been liquidated or are located in a war zone). Digitized data ensures that your pension will be granted automatically and on time. 

Four ways to digitize your work history

  1. Remotely via the PFU web portal. This option is for those who have an electronic signature (KEP) or “Diyapidpis.” You must upload color scans of all pages of your work history book (even blank pages, if they contain any marks or stamps). The recommended format is PDF or JPG, with each file not exceeding 1 MB.
  2. In-person visit to a service center. An option for residents of Ukraine. You can contact the Pension Fund or the Administrative Services Center, where specialists will help scan the original documents on-site.
  3. Hiring a representative attorney. The optimal solution for Ukrainians residing outside the country. Based on an official contract or power of attorney, the attorney represents the client’s interests before government agencies, submits the necessary applications, and ensures that the Pension Fund of Ukraine correctly credits each year of service.
  4. Digitization through the employer. A company can centrally submit its employees’ data. However, the law does not require employers to do this, so you should personally verify in the PFU’s online portal whether this process has been completed for you.

Legal “pitfalls” and additional documents

Simply scanning your documents does not always guarantee success. The Pension Fund of Ukraine (PFU) often refuses to digitize records due to discrepancies in personal data. The most common reasons are:

  • A change of last name (marriage or divorce certificates are required).
  • The need to record maternity leave (birth certificates for children are required).
  • Errors in the spelling of the full name in the old passport.

If the originals of these documents are lost or remain in Ukraine—no problem. Our attorneys will help you obtain duplicate certificates and civil registry extracts remotely—without your physical presence in Ukraine—in a timely manner.

Verification status and timelines

After submitting documents, a request status will appear in your PFU account. Status “Completed”—your work history is secure. “Cancelled” means there are errors that require legal intervention or additional documentation.

Please note: as of April 1, 2026, the relevant parliamentary committee did not support the automatic extension of the digitization deadlines during the period of martial law. This means that June 10 remains the deadline.

Additional services in pension law

In addition to digitizing employment records, Enwolt’s attorneys assist in obtaining key certificates for use in Ukraine and abroad:

  • Certificate of Pension Eligibility or Ineligibility — an official document from the Pension Fund of Ukraine (PFU) that is often required abroad to confirm your status.
  • OK-5 and OK-7 certificates — documents reflecting your insurance history and the amounts of contributions paid since 2000. They are required for applying for a pension, confirming work history in EU countries, and in legal disputes.

Don’t delay — contact Enwolt for a consultation today.