Poland changes migration rules: what awaits Ukrainians from August 1
30 July 2025 06:54
On August 1, 2025, new rules will come into force in Poland concerning foreigners, including Ukrainians, who plan to apply for Polish citizenship. The changes include the introduction of new stamp duty rates, longer application processing times, and the digitalization of all employment-related procedures, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
These innovations are part of a broader reform of migration policy aimed at optimizing processes, increasing state budget revenues and streamlining the system for foreigners, whose number is constantly growing in Poland.
New prices: stamp duties increase several times
Starting from August, foreigners should be prepared for significant expenses when processing documents:
- Submission of an application to the voivode (recognition of citizenship): pLN 1000 (previously PLN 219).
- Appeal to the President of Poland (granting citizenship): pLN 1669 (previously it was free).
- Proof ofcitizenship: pLN 277 (previously PLN 58).
- Renunciation of citizenship: pLN 1669 (previously free of charge).
For many Ukrainians who moved to Poland after 2022, this can be a serious financial obstacle.
Other costs: not only stamp duty
Other costs are added to the total amount:
- Polish language certificate (B1 level) – about 170 euros.
- Translation of documents – from 20 to 60 zlotys per unit.
- Notarization of copies – 6-12 euros.
- Payment for transcription of foreign documents into the Polish register.
Application processing time – up to 6 months
Previously, cases were considered within 2-3 months, although in large cities this period was often longer. From now on, the maximum processing time is increased to 6 months. This applies to both appeals to the president and procedures for recognizing or confirming citizenship.
Full digitalization of employment
The good news is that from August 1, all work permit documents will be submitted exclusively through the Praca.gov.pl website:
- No more paper applications.
- Possibility to track the status in real time.
- Faster processing and less bureaucracy.
Context: why is it important now?
Poland remains the main destination of labor migration for Ukrainians. As of 2025, the country is home to more than a million Ukrainian citizens. Due to the growing burden on administrative services, the government decided to streamline the system:
- increase budget revenues
- simplify procedures;
- introduce unified digital standards.
All these innovations have become part of Poland’s Comprehensive Migration Strategy for 2025-2030.
Potential difficulties for Ukrainians
- Thecosts may become unaffordable for people with low incomes.
- Longer processing times will make life planning more difficult.
- Digital literacy – not everyone is ready for a full transition to the online format.
Tips for those planning to obtain citizenship
- Prepare documents in advance: everything should be translated, transcribed, and notarized.
- Familiarizeyourself with the Praca.gov.pl portal – the entire employment process will take place there.
- Consult with lawyers to avoid making mistakes.
- Follow the changes on official websites.
According to the Office for Foreigners in Poland, as of May 2025, almost a million Ukrainian citizens, mostly women and children, are under temporary protection in Poland.
In total, 1.55 million Ukrainians have valid residence permits in this country. Since February 24, 2022, the main characteristic of the migration situation in Poland has been a significant increase in the flow of Ukrainian citizens, who currently account for 78% of the total number of foreigners in the country.
The majority of Ukrainians legalized their stay by obtaining a PESEL number in accordance with the Polish law on support for Ukrainian citizens in connection with the war. As of the beginning of 2025, there were 993 thousand such persons. Approximately 61% of them were women, and 77% of the adult population. Every second person registered under temporary protection is a child.
Another 462 thousand Ukrainian citizens have temporary residence permits, most of which are related to employment. In addition, 92 thousand people have received permanent or long-term residence permits in the European Union.
Ukrainians most often settle in large urban agglomerations. Most of them live in the following voivodeships: Mazovian (22%), Dolnośląskie (12%), Greater Poland (11%), Lesser Poland and Silesia (9% each)
