2026 - UNHCR Poland

Important Legal Changes from 4 March 2026 for refugees from Ukraine

March 4, 2026

The legal rules that apply to refugees from Ukraine in Poland will change from 4 March 2026 onwards.

These changes mean that temporary protection (PESEL-UKR) will now be based on a different set of laws – the Act on Granting Protection to Foreigners within the Territory of the Republic of Poland instead of the previous Special Act.

You may have some concerns about these changes.

It is important to be informed of the most important changes may impact your daily life, including accommodation, healthcare and social services.

Below we explain what this means for you and who to reach out to for further information tailored to your individual situation.

Will I lose my legal stay?

No, you will not automatically lose your legal stay. If you have PESEL UKR, it remains valid and your stay remains legal until 4 March 2027.

However– if you registered for PESEL UKR on the basis of a declaration only, you will need to acquire and present a valid travel document before 31 August 2026 at the nearest urzad gminy (click here for more information on how to extend your travel document). Please note: this is especially important for children under the age of 18 who were previously verified based on photographs attached to the parent(s)/guardian’s passports.

Do I need to do anything?

You do not need to leave Poland or apply for a different legal status.
You do not lose your legal status.

However– if you registered for PESEL UKR on the basis of a declaration only (without presenting a valid travel document) you will need to acquire and present a valid travel document before 31 August 2026 at the nearest urzad gminy (click here for more information on how to extend your travel document). Please note: this is especially important for children under the age of 18 who were previously verified based on photographs attached to the parent(s)/guardian’s passports.

If you arrived in Poland after 4 March 2026 you will need to register for PESEL UKR within 30 days of arriving in Poland (click here for information on how to register for PESEL UKR).

You may also need to take some active steps when it comes to access to public healthcare and ensuring you are insured via the National Health Fund (NFZ). Click here for more information. See more information on healthcare access and eligibility below.

You may also need to take active steps to secure accommodation before 30 June 2026 if you are currently living in a collective accommodation facility as a single parent caring for three or more children.

Will I still be able to access services?

Yes, but some important changes will be introduced. You can find some of the most important ones for you here:

From 5 March 2026 onwards

You will need to be insured through NFZ to access healthcare. Please click here for more information.

Nothing will change if you are still allowed to live in a collective site, or you are pregnant, in labour or post-partum, if you are below 18 or a survivor of torture or violence, or if you were injured because of the war.

Emergency healthcare, for example, as a result of an accident, is always available.

From 5 March 2026 onwards

You will have limited access to social services provided by MOPS/GOPS/OPS

You are entitled to shelter, meals, essential clothing, targeted allowance only.

From 5 March 2026 onwards

Nothing will change for citizens of Ukraine who hold PESEL UKR when it comes to working or opening a business in Poland.

Ukrainians who stay legally in Poland without PESEL UKR status can work without extra permits for the next 3 years. Nothing will change if you opened a business before 4 March 2026, from 5 March 2026 more rules will apply (general rules for foreigners opening a business in Poland will apply).

From 5 March 2026 onwards

Nothing will change when it comes to benefits like the Child Raising Benefit (800+) and Dobry Start (300+).

The same rules apply: you must be “professionally active” (click here for information on what this means exactly, NB: you do not need to work to be eligible) and your child(ren) must be enrolled and attending Polish school.

From 30 June 2026 onwards

Single parents caring for three or more children will no longer be able to live in collective accommodation free of charge.

If you have disabilities (severe or moderate), are a man over the age of 65, are a woman over the age of 60 (if you do not receive a Polish pension, do not work, and do not have adult children in Poland who are legally required to support you), are pregnant or caring for a child up to 12 months, a child in an international foster care facility or a previously hospitalised person you will be able to continue residing in a collective site.