From March 5, the rules for Ukrainians in Poland are changing: what you need to know
5 March 01:36
From March 5, 2026, the support system for Ukrainian citizens in Poland will change. The special law adopted after the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022 will cease to apply. Instead, the rules for temporary protection have been integrated into Poland’s basic migration legislation. This was reported by the Ukrainian Embassy in Poland, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
At the same time, the key support mechanisms for Ukrainians will remain in place, but some of the conditions will change.
Will Ukrainians remain legally in Poland?
According to the decision of the Council of the European Union, temporary protection for Ukrainian citizens will remain in effect until March 4, 2027.
Staying in Poland is considered legal if a person:
- entered the country after February 24, 2022, due to the war;
- has received a PESEL number with UKR status;
- does not have temporary protection in another EU country.
In this case, Ukrainians can legally reside in Poland and use basic social services.
What medical services are available to Ukrainians
Persons with temporary protection have access to medical services on terms similar to those of Polish citizens.
Full access to the healthcare system is possible provided that:
- having medical insurance;
- payment of contributions to the ZUS social insurance system.
If you do not have insurance, free medical care is provided only in cases of:
- life-threatening situations;
- during pregnancy and after childbirth;
- for children under 18 years of age.
There are some exceptions for war victims, victims of violence, and people living in collective accommodation centers.
New rules for living in refugee centers
From March 5, 2026, Poland is introducing a new system of accommodation assistance for Ukrainians.
The Minister of Internal Affairs may provide:
- accommodation in collective accommodation centers;
- or financial assistance for housing.
The duration of assistance is:
- up to 60 days after re-entering Poland;
- a total of just over 12 months throughout the entire period of temporary protection.
This takes into account the entire period of residence in the centers since 2022.
Transition period until summer 2026
A transition period will be in effect until June 30, 2026.
Voivodes may allow people to remain in collective accommodation centers even if they exceed the residence limit.
This is done so that Ukrainians can:
- complete the school year;
- find permanent housing.
After this date, people who do not belong to vulnerable groups will lose their right to free accommodation in such centers.
Social benefits for Ukrainian families
Child benefits, in particular the 800 program, are provided under the general conditions applicable to foreigners in Poland.
The main requirements are:
- the guardian must be employed or engaged in economic activity;
- the child must fulfill their school education obligations.
Local authorities monitor the use of funds.
In case of violation of the conditions, payments may be suspended.
When temporary protection may be terminated
Temporary protection may be terminated if the person:
- has obtained another legal residence status in EU countries;
- has applied for international protection;
- has been granted temporary protection in another EU country;
- has provided false information or forged documents.
The status is also lost if the person:
- has left Poland for more than 30 days;
- voluntarily renounces protection;
- has obtained another residence permit.
