Poland repeals special law for Ukrainians: what will change in March
24 February 12:53
Poland is ending the special legal regime for Ukrainian refugees that was introduced after the start of the full-scale war. The Polish president has signed a law abolishing the special provisions and transferring Ukrainians to the general rules for the temporary protection of foreigners. This was reported by visitukraine .today, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
The new rules will take effect on March 5, 2026. They will apply to registration, legal residence, access to social benefits, and integration procedures.
What the 2022 special law provided for
After February 24, 2022, Poland passed a special law that made life as easy as possible for Ukrainians:
- quick receipt of documents;
- the right to work without additional permits;
- access to medical care;
- education for children in schools;
- social benefits.
In fact, a separate system of legalization of stay was in place for Ukrainians.
What will change from March 5
The repeal of the special law does not mean the loss of protection. Ukrainians will continue to remain under temporary protection, but now within the framework of general EU legislation on foreigners.
The main changes are:
1. Transition to general rules of temporary protection
Ukrainians will no longer have a separate legal status. They will be transferred to the standard temporary protection system that applies to all foreigners.
2. Legality of stay is preserved
Persons whose documents were automatically extended due to the war retain their legal status.
Applications for legalization of stay can be submitted until March 4, 2027.
There’s no plan to revoke status on a large scale, but checks to make sure procedures are followed will get stricter.
3. PESEL UKR — now a strict term
One of the key innovations is a clear registration rule.
After entering Poland, you must apply for PESEL UKR within 30 days.
If this is not done:
- temporary protection will be terminated;
- it will be considered that the person has voluntarily renounced their status;
- the person will be transferred to the normal regime for foreigners.
The system becomes more formalized and less flexible than in the early years of the war.
Payments and benefits: conditions are tightening
The Polish authorities emphasize that assistance must be linked to integration.
Social benefits will be provided primarily to those who:
- are officially employed;
- pay taxes;
- whose children attend Polish schools.
In this way, the state stimulates economic activity and the long-term integration of Ukrainians into Polish society.
What remains unchanged
Despite the repeal of the special law, Ukrainians retain:
- the right to work;
- access to medical services;
- their children’s right to education.
It is not access to services that is changing, but the legal model of residence.
Why Poland has opted for change
After four years of war, temporary status is gradually transforming into long-term residence. Poland seeks to transfer Ukrainians from “emergency mode” to the standard European system.
According to various estimates, there are millions of Ukrainian citizens in the country, and the new rules should make the system more predictable and controllable.
The main thing for Ukrainians
- There is no need to panic: status will not be automatically revoked.
- It is important to comply with the 30-day deadline for PESEL UKR.
- It is worth keeping a close eye on the legalization deadlines.
- Social support will be more closely linked to official employment and integration.
March 5, 2026, marks the beginning of a new phase for Ukrainians in Poland — without a separate special regime, but with basic protection remaining in place.
