Contract military service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine: service remuneration, social benefits, and career advancement

Contract military service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine ensures a steady income, social support, and the right to choose a military duty station, offering a significant alternative to mobilization during martial law. 

The Ministry of Defence clarifies eligibility for entering into a contract, the durations of the contracts, and the associated service remuneration.

Who is eligible to enter into a contract

A contract for military service may be signed by a citizen of Ukraine, a foreign national, or a stateless person aged 18 or above. Citizens who have been mobilized and are currently serving in the military also have the right to sign a contract. 

Contract types and service durations 

During martial law, for individuals enlisted for military service under a contract, the term of service is determined until the announcement of the demobilization decision. Additionally, in accordance with the law, a contract may be concluded for the following durations:

• For rank-and-file personnel (privates, senior privates): 3 years;
• For non-commissioned officers (from junior sergeant to chief master sergeant / starshyna 2nd class, chief master starshyna): from 3 to 5 years;
• For service members who have graduated from relevant military educational institutions (typically military colleges) and received military education under a training program for military service as non-commissioned officers: 5 years;
• For officers:
• For service members (cadets) who have graduated from military institutions under a training program for military service in officer positions: 5 years; for aviation flight specialties: 10 years;
• For citizens who have been assigned a primary military rank after completing an entire course of military training under the reserve officer training program or through the certification process for individuals before being assigned primary military ranks in the reserve officer corps: from 2 to 5 years;
• Other citizens (holding special ranks of middle, senior, or higher command, or class ranks, in the re-certification process; reserve officers; officers serving in the military reserve or under conscription during mobilization; and non-commissioned officers appointed to officer positions with the concurrent assignment of an officer rank): from 1 to 5 years.

For service members whose contracted term of military service expires during martial law, their service is extended beyond the established period until the decision on demobilization is announced. Service members in this category are discharged from military service upon the issuance of the President of Ukraine's decree on demobilization.

In addition, the contract may be terminated, and a service member may be discharged from military service on the relevant grounds outlined in the Law of Ukraine ‘On Military Duty and Military Service,’ as well as due to specific family circumstances.

Benefits of military service under contract.

The right to choose a military unit and a position.

A citizen entering a contract has the right to select a military unit and a position based on their military specialty. This allows them to serve in locations that are more convenient or of greater interest, unlike the mobilized, who are deployed to military units with personnel shortages.

Financial allowances and social benefits.

There is no difference in the service remuneration between mobilized and contract military personnel. However, service members who enter into a contract for the first time are guaranteed a one-time financial payment by the state. The amount in 2025 is as follows:

• UAH 24,224 (equivalent to 8 times the subsistence minimum for economically active individuals) for the rank-and-file personnel;

• UAH 27,252 (equivalent to 9 times the subsistence minimum for economically active individuals) for non-commissioned officers;

• UAH 30,280 (equivalent to 10 times the subsistence minimum for economically active individuals) for officers.

Additional payments:

Relocation bonus in the event of moving to a new duty station or military unit relocation.

Accommodation provision Eligibility for service housing, with the option to receive monetary compensation for private housing rental.

Professional growth and career advancement