The Ukrainian Embassy in the Republic of Poland reminded that the Special Law on Assistance to Ukrainian Citizens of March 12, 2022, will cease to be in force on March 5.
“All key mechanisms of temporary protection have been transferred to systemic laws, primarily to the Act of June 13, 2003, on granting protection to foreigners on the territory of the Republic of Poland. The stay of a beneficiary of temporary protection is recognized as legal until March 4, 2027,” the embassy said in a statement on its Facebook page.
It is noted that for this period, the stay is recognized as legal if the person: entered Poland after February 24, 2022, as a result of armed conflict; received a PESEL number with UKR status; does not have temporary protection provided by another EU member state.
The embassy added that for persons who already had a PESEL number with UKR status at the time of the entry into force of the law of January 23, 2026, this status remains valid.
“UKR status is now regulated by the Population Registration Act (Ustawa o ewidencji ludnosći). An application for a PESEL number with UKR status must be submitted in person to any commune authority within 30 days of arrival. A photograph and fingerprints must be attached to the application… Until August 31, 2026, persons who have been granted UKR status on the basis of an application are required to confirm their identity with a foreign passport (if a passport was provided). If this requirement is not met, the status will be changed to NUE (which does not grant the right to legal residence or any social assistance from the state),” the diplomatic mission warned.
It is reported that persons with temporary protection now have access to medical care on terms similar to those of Polish citizens. Full access to medical services is provided if you have medical insurance and pay contributions to ZUS. People without insurance are entitled to free assistance only in cases of immediate threat to life and health, during pregnancy and the postpartum period, and until the age of 18.
Changes will be made to the provision of accommodation in collective accommodation centers.
“The Minister of Internal Affairs may provide accommodation and meals (in a collective accommodation center or financial assistance) according to the following rules: a maximum of 60 days from the date of first entry into Poland (for new arrivals); in total, no more than 12 months during the entire period of temporary protection. This limit is cumulative (total) — all time spent in the centers since 2022 is taken into account,” the statement said.
For vulnerable groups, collective housing with meals is provided by the Minister of Social Welfare. Vulnerable groups include: persons with disabilities (moderate/severe disability, as well as their caregivers); persons aged 60+ (women)/65+ (men) without a Polish pension, who are not working and do not have adult children receiving alimony; pregnant women or mothers with children under 12 months of age; persons from abroad who are under the care of institutions/families; persons who have just been discharged from hospital after hospitalization lasting at least 7 days and paid for by the NFZ.
It is reported that a special transition period is in effect until June 30, 2026: the voivode may allow everyone who already lives there to remain in the center (even if the 12-month limit has long been exceeded). This period has been introduced to give people time to finish the school year and find permanent housing. After June 30, 2026, persons who do not belong to vulnerable groups will lose their right to free accommodation in collective accommodation centers.
“Educational assistance 800+ and other family benefits are provided under the general conditions applicable to foreigners — that is, provided that the guardian is professionally active and the child fulfills their school obligations. The authority to supervise and control the expenditure of assistance for children from the foreign care system is entirely vested in the county authorities. In case of violation of the conditions, payments may be suspended,” the embassy informs.
Temporary protection is not granted and/or is terminated if the person: has a permanent residence permit, long-term EU resident status, temporary residence permit, refugee status, etc. (applies to all EU countries); has applied for international protection; has been granted temporary protection in another EU country; is a citizen of an EU member state; has provided false information or forged documents; has entered under the local border traffic regime.
Temporary protection is also terminated in the event of departure from Poland for a period exceeding 30 days, written refusal of protection, or acquisition of another legal status.
Temporary protection is valid until March 4, 2027. Further decisions on the extension or change of the legal stay of Ukrainian citizens in Poland are within the competence of the Government of the Republic of Poland.
