The minimum wage will be raised in 2026: how much payments will increase.

In late July 2025, a meeting of the Joint Representative Body of Trade Union Associations took place, where proposals to the draft law 'On the State Budget-2026' were approved. The demands for the new level of the minimum living wage and minimum wage have already been submitted for consideration to the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine.

This is stated in the relevant decision of the Trade Unions dated July 22, 2025.

At the meeting of the united trade unions, proposals to the draft law 'On the State Budget-2026' were approved. Among the main requirements is the review of the minimum living wage and minimum wage. These issues have already been submitted for consideration to the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine.

New level of the minimum living wage

In particular, the trade unions propose to set the level of the minimum living wage at the beginning of 2026 at the following levels:

• 8,620 UAH - for one person per month;
• 7,740 UAH - for children under six years old;
• 9,790 UAH - for children from six to 18 years old;
• 11,670 UAH - for able-bodied individuals;
• 7,320 UAH - for non-working individuals.

New level of minimum wage

According to the decision of the trade unions, it is proposed to set the new level of minimum wage from January 1, 2026, at no less than:

• 50% of the projected average monthly salary (approximately 12,190 UAH);
• the actual level of the minimum living wage for able-bodied individuals.

Moreover, in case of inflation or salary increases, automatic increases in the minimum wage are anticipated.

Indexation of incomes and wages

The trade unions also demand a full-fledged indexation of incomes, the establishment of a salary at the first tariff category at the level of minimum wage, funding for guaranteed wage payments, and a systemic reform of wage payments.

Minimum wage without additional payments

In turn, the trade unions propose to avoid manipulations with the amount of minimum wage, not considering certain additional payments. Such a step will help to separate net salary from additions and ensure greater transparency in this area. In addition, it is proposed to exempt from taxation the part of the salary paid at the level of the minimum living wage.