5 March 2026 - phasing out of the special act

The Act of 23 January 2026 on phasing out the solutions resulting from the Act on Assistance to Citizens of Ukraine (Journal of Laws 2026, item 203) entered into force on 5 March 2026 (Art. 54). It concerns mainly Ukrainian citizens with temporary protection.

  • The rules of temporary protection were moved to the Act on Granting Protection to Foreigners (Art. 106-110f). It expires, among other cases, after leaving for over 30 days (Art. 109b para. 1 point 2).
  • The UKR status at the PESEL number confirms the protection. Details: UKR status and temporary protection.
  • The employer notifies the labour office of the work of a foreigner with temporary protection within 7 days (Art. 5a of the Act on Entrusting Work). For 3 years these rules also apply to Ukrainian citizens without protection but with a legal stay (Art. 41). See work of a Ukrainian citizen.
  • A person with UKR status can apply for selected temporary residence permits despite protection (Art. 45). See CUKR or an ordinary residence card.
  • For applications submitted from 5 March 2026 the stamp duty for the permit is not refunded after a refusal or discontinuation (Art. 113c of the Act on Foreigners and Art. 29 of the Act of 23 January 2026). See fees for the permit and the card.

4 May 2026 - the CUKR card

From 4 May 2026 the provisions of Art. 42c-42w of the Act on Assistance to Citizens of Ukraine on the CUKR residence card apply (announcement M.P. 2026, item 371). The application template is set by the regulation Journal of Laws 2026, item 530. Details: CUKR card.

31 August and 1 September 2026 - identity

Persons with a PESEL number assigned on the basis of a declaration had to confirm their identity at the municipal office by 31 August 2026. From 1 September 2026 the UKR status of those who did not was changed to NUE status (Art. 25).

Ahead of you

  • 4 March 2027 - until this date certificates issued before 5 March 2026 are valid (Art. 20), and the stay is legal during the proceedings if the CUKR application was submitted by this date (Art. 42x).
  • After the end of the maximum period of protection you have 30 days to leave Poland (Art. 299 para. 6a of the Act on Foreigners). See loss of UKR status.
  • Individual provisions of the Act of 23 January 2026 enter into force later: on 1 January, 5 March and 1 September 2027 (Art. 54 points 1-3).

We have collected all the guides for Ukrainian citizens in the Ukraine section.