Date published: 09.05.2025
This article provides a detailed overview of the Home for Ukraine visa, the rights it grants to Ukrainians in the UK, and why legal support for contracts is a vital element in protecting displaced persons. Special attention is given to tenancy, employment, education, consumer, and business-related agreements.
What is the Home for Ukraine visa
Home for Ukraine is a humanitarian visa scheme launched by the UK government in March 2022 in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It allows Ukrainian citizens and their family members to come to the UK by invitation of British citizens or residents (sponsors), for up to 3 years.
Key features
- Free visa with no application deadline;
- Right to work, study, rent housing, access NHS services and social benefits;
- Ability to register as a tenant, employee, or self-employed individual;
- No restrictions on entering into civil agreements under the law of England and Wales.
Why is legal support for agreements necessary
Ukrainians in a new country face language barriers, lack of legal knowledge, and risk of exploitation or fraud.
Legal support helps to:
- review contract terms before signing;
- avoid hidden obligations;
- protect your rights in case of breach;
- resolve disputes out of court or through legal proceedings.
What types of agreements require legal assistance
- Housing rental:
many Ukrainians face informal arrangements, excessive deposits, and lack of tenant rights. A lawyer will verify the type of agreement (Assured Shorthold Tenancy, licence), eviction rules, notice periods, and landlord obligations. - Employment contracts:
It’s vital to understand whether you’re employed, self-employed or on a zero-hours contract. A lawyer will help to: check for minimum wage compliance; ensure protection from unfair dismissal; file a complaint with the Employment Tribunal if needed. - Banking and financial agreements:
opening accounts, loans, instalment purchases — often contain hidden fees or abusive terms. A lawyer ensures transparency and compliance. - Education, training, certification:
many Ukrainians enrol in private courses. A lawyer checks: refund policies; provider accreditation; terms for withdrawal or termination. - Business and self-employment:
registering as sole trader, contracts with clients, issuing invoices. Legal support helps avoid non-payment, properly draft terms, and resolve disputes. - Purchasing goods or services:
especially when buying online or through marketplaces (Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace). A lawyer reviews return conditions, consumer rights, and legality.
What to consider when entering into agreements
- Ask for English or Ukrainian translations — it’s your right.
- Avoid oral agreements — they lack legal force.
- Don’t sign anything unclear — even basic-looking papers may hold liabilities.
- Check identity, licences, and contacts of the other party.
- Keep all documents, messages, receipts, confirmations.
Ukrainians in the UK under the Home for Ukraine visa are entitled to sign various agreements, but unfamiliarity with British law increases the risk of falling into traps. Legal support is not a luxury — it's a necessity to protect your safety, money, and rights.
Contact the legal team at Consultant — we assist Ukrainians in the UK, provide support in Ukrainian, guide your agreements remotely, and help you resolve disputes under UK law.
