Half of Ukrainian IT workers want to emigrate, and this is due to mobilization
26 August 2025 11:13
Ukrainian IT-community is divided in its plans for the future: almost half of specialists (48%) are considering emigration, and the same number, 48%, plan to stay in Ukraine or have already returned from abroad. This is evidenced by the research data of the DOU portal, conducted as part of the summer salary survey 2025, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
Key figures of the survey
The survey covered more than 22 thousand IT-specialists in Ukraine and almost 2.5 thousand abroad. The results refute the widespread opinion about the mass exodus of Ukrainian IT specialists after the opening of borders.
Among those 48% who are considering emigration:
- 14% are actively planning to move (2% – in the near future, 12% – after the opening of borders);
- 26% are thinking about emigrating but have not yet taken concrete action;
- 8% would like to leave temporarily with subsequent return.
The share of those who do not plan to leave is also 48%:
- 14% categorically do not intend to go anywhere;
- 27% have no such plans now;
- 7% have already returned from abroad.
Gender and age peculiarities
The most pronounced differences are observed between men and women. Men are significantly more likely to plan emigration: 16% of men are actively preparing to move versus only 5% of women. At the same time, 29% of men are considering such a possibility, while among women there are 19% of such men.
Interestingly, women are more likely to return from abroad: 14% versus 3% of men. Overall, 49% of women do not plan to move, compared to only 38% of men.
Age also matters, although less critically. Young professionals under 25 are more likely to want to leave, 53% of them against 45% of IT specialists over 30. At the same time, young people are more likely to consider temporary emigration with subsequent return (13% vs. 8% overall).
The mobilization and reservation factor
Military status turned out to be one of the most important factors influencing the migration plans of male IT workers. The study showed a clear correlation between having a reservation or deferment from service and the desire to stay in Ukraine.
Aitiv men with a reservation or deferment are more likely to plan to stay in Ukraine, while those who do not have such protection are significantly more likely to consider emigration or actively plan it.
The most stable group are those who have already served in the Armed Forces: among them only 31% plan to leave. This is the lowest figure among all categories by military status.
Itis important to note that distrust in the authorities and the state remains at a high level regardless of the military status: among those who have a reservation or deferment, this factor is mentioned by 70% of respondents, and among those who do not have it – 75%.
For men without reservation or deferment, fear of mobilization becomes the dominant factor: it is mentioned by 78% of respondents in this group, which makes it the most influential reason for considering emigration.
At the same time, financial status and income level have no noticeable influence on the desire to emigrate among men, except for women with high incomes (from $5000), who are more likely to plan to move in the near future.
Дивіться нас у YouTube: важливі теми – без цензури
Geographical characteristics
Plans to emigrate differ significantly by region of residence. IT specialists from western cities plan to leave less often: in Lviv, Ternopil, Rivne, Chernivtsi, Lutsk and Khmelnitsky less than 12% of specialists actively plan to emigrate.
But the highest rates are observed in the East and South: in Dnipro, Odessa, Poltava, Sumy and Mykolaiv 15-20% of IT specialists are preparing to leave.
The exception is Kharkiv, where the share of those who are thinking about moving (44%) is equal to Lviv. The researchers assume that those who wanted to leave the city have already done so.
Unexpected is the situation in Uzhgorod, where 20% of IT workers are actively preparing to move after the opening of borders – one of the highest rates. This may be due to the fact that some of those who relocated to Transcarpathia at the beginning of the war are now considering further relocation abroad.
Return situation
Among Ukrainian IT specialists who are currently abroad, 42% have not yet decided on their future plans – a significant increase compared to last year (32%). 20% plan to return, and 37% have no such intentions.
The country of stay has a significant impact on return plans.
The most frequent plans to return are from:
- Hungary (42%);
- Croatia (37%);
- Romania (36%).
Less frequently plan to return from:
- Cyprus (4%);
- Canada (8%);
- Czech Republic and Portugal (9% each);
- USA (10%);
- Germany (13%).
Financial situation influences the decision to return more than emigration. Those who spend more than they earn are more likely to plan to return (24% vs. 20%). And professionals with a better financial situation are more likely to plan to stay abroad.
Reasons for emigration and return
The main motives for leaving:
- Distrust of the authorities and the state (69% among those in Ukraine and 56% among those abroad).
- Search for a safe place to live (65% and 67%).
- Fear of mobilization (65% and 55%).
- Desire for balance and tranquility in life (64% and 41%).
Gender differences in motivation are quite pronounced. For men, the most important are distrust of authority (72%) and fear of mobilization (71%). For women – excess stress (68%) and search for a safe place (64%).
Young people are more likely to be motivated by interest in other countries and cultures (52%), better professional opportunities (39%) and a high standard of living (35%).
Reasons to stay or return:
- Family and close people (68% among those in Ukraine and 62% among those abroad).
- Belief in Ukraine and desire to join the development (65% and 54%).
- Difficulties of adaptation – 72% of those who plan to return miss their familiar life and culture.
Conclusions
The research shows a deep split in the Ukrainian IT community regarding the future. Almost half of specialists (48%) are considering emigration, which indicates serious migration sentiments in the industry. At the same time, the other half plans to stay in Ukraine or has already returned from abroad, which demonstrates the stability of part of the IT community.
Key trends:
- The share of those who are thinking about emigration to some extent has remained virtually unchanged over the year: half of IT professionals want to leave (48% in 2025 vs. 51% in 2024).
- The share of those who are undecided about plans to return from abroad has increased (from 32% to 42%).
- At the same time, the share of those who categorically do not plan to return has decreased (from 45% to 37%).
Читайте нас у Telegram: головні новини коротко
