New Rules for Ukrainians in Poland in 2026: What Changed on 5 March

On 5 March 2026, the law winding down the special measures introduced for Ukrainian citizens in 2022 took effect in Poland. This isn't a one-off tightening — it's a planned shift from an emergency, wartime regime to the standard rules that apply to all foreigners. Here's a breakdown, based on the text of the law, of what's already been repealed, what's been extended, and — most importantly — which dates you can't afford to miss.

Context: why this is happening now

The special law on assistance to Ukrainian citizens was adopted on 12 March 2022 as an emergency, temporary measure. Almost four years on, the government describes the situation as more stable: most refugees are working, and their children attend Polish schools. On that basis, some of the emergency provisions are being wound down, while others are being folded into general legislation (in particular, the 2003 law on granting protection to foreigners in Poland). As of early February 2026, around 966,000 Ukrainian refugees were registered in Poland.

What was repealed as of 5 March 2026

The law directly repealed three provisions of the special law:

• the extension until 4 March 2026 of the deadline to fulfil the obligation to leave Poland (formerly article 42(6) of the special law);
• the extension until 4 March 2026 of the voluntary departure deadline set out in a return obligation decision (article 42(7));
• the basis for a one-off, 1-year or 6-month residence permit for those who didn't meet the standard requirements (article 42a(1)) — 4 March 2026 was the last day a voivode or the Head of UDSC could grant a permit on this basis; permits already granted remain valid.

Also repealed: the Border Guard's discretion not to initiate, or to discontinue, return-obligation proceedings against a Ukrainian citizen under a simplified basis (article 42b).

What's extended until 4 March 2027

At the same time, the law extended a range of deadlines until 4 March 2027 — the date through which temporary protection currently applies under the EU directive:

• the periods of stay and validity of national visas issued to Ukrainian citizens, where the expiry falls within the period since 24 February 2022;
• the validity periods of temporary residence permits issued to Ukrainian citizens over the same period;
• the validity periods of residence cards, foreigner ID documents, and "consent to tolerated stay" documents issued to Ukrainian citizens;
• the period of stay recognized as legal for those who exhausted their permitted stay under a Schengen visa;
• the exemption from the business scale/quality requirement (article 142(1)(3) of the Foreigners Act) for those applying for a business-based temporary residence permit via CEIDG.

The critical deadline: 31 August 2026

This is the most important date for anyone whose PESEL UKR was granted based on a declaration (for example, a birth certificate) rather than a passport. If such a person doesn't confirm their identity with a valid travel document by 31 August 2026, their UKR status will be automatically changed starting 1 September 2026 — with loss of temporary protection and the right to legal residence. Records can be checked and updated at a local civil registry office (urząd gminy).

A new rule for new arrivals

For anyone seeking temporary protection in Poland after 5 March 2026, a new restriction applies: the application for a PESEL with UKR status must be filed within 30 days of crossing the Polish border. Missing this window will be treated as a waiver of temporary protection.

Temporary protection also lapses automatically if: you're absent from Poland for more than 30 days, you submit a written renunciation of protection, or you obtain another legal residence status.

The CUKR card: a transitional way out of temporary protection

Until 4 March 2027, refugees have the option to apply for a CUKR residence card — a special 3-year card that moves a temporary protection holder onto standard temporary residence status. This is a one-time, transitional option: any subsequent residence permit is issued under the general rules. For a detailed breakdown of the conditions, procedural traps, and common misconceptions, see our separate article: The CUKR Card: Myths and Facts About Moving On From Temporary Protection.

Work and business: what stays the same

The simplified notification-based employment procedure (no separate work permit needed) remains in place. The law introduces a 3-year transition period during which all legally residing Ukrainian citizens can keep working under notification on the same terms as before. Anyone who started a business under the special law's rules before 5 March 2026 can continue operating it under the previous terms for as long as their residence remains legal.

Healthcare and the 800+ benefit

Once the law took effect, full access to healthcare is limited to insured refugees (the uninsured only receive emergency care). Exceptions — access to care — remain for: victims of torture or violence; minors; those with confirmed residence at a collective accommodation centre; and women who are pregnant, giving birth, or in the postpartum period.

Payment of the 800+ benefit and other family allowances is conditional on the parent's employment activity and the child attending school in Poland — failing to meet these conditions can result in payments being suspended.

Accommodation at refugee centres (OZZ)

Since November 2025, the right to live at a collective accommodation centre with full board is limited to strictly defined vulnerable groups: people with disabilities and their caregivers; women aged 60+ and men aged 65+ with no Polish pension, no job, and no adult children in Poland obligated to support them; pregnant women and parents with a child under 12 months; people from foreign institutional foster care; and those discharged after at least 7 days of NFZ-funded hospitalization. Others who were living at a centre before 4 March 2026 but no longer qualify can stay no later than 30 June 2026.

Children's education

Special provisions (extra Polish-language lessons, preparatory classes, simplified hiring of intercultural assistants) remain in effect through the end of the 2025/2026 school year. After 31 August 2026, the education system switches to the general rules applied to all foreign children.

Frequently asked questions

Does anything change for me if I'm already working and insured? For most refugees who already work and have access to healthcare on general terms, day-to-day life barely changes — what's changing is mainly the legal basis of your stay, not your way of life.

My PESEL UKR was issued based on my passport — do I need to confirm anything by 31 August 2026? The requirement to confirm identity with a travel document applies to people whose PESEL UKR was granted based on a declaration (for example, a birth certificate), not a passport. If you're unsure how your own PESEL was issued, it's worth checking with a local civil registry office (urząd gminy).

What happens after 4 March 2027 if temporary protection isn't extended again? Under the law as it currently stands, anyone who hasn't obtained another legal basis for residence by that date (including the CUKR card) will need to legalize their stay through the general procedure — that is, file an individual application like any other foreigner. See also our article on types of residence permits in Poland.

relocy.pro — a law and immigration consulting office in Warsaw. Operating since 2020, 1,835+ cases handled, 98% approval rate.