Poland has set the final date for the temporary protection for Ukrainian citizens - March 4, 2026. After this date, the PESEL UKR status will cease to be valid, and the conditions for the stay of Ukrainians in the country will change to comply with the general rules for non-EU foreigners. This is reported by InPoland.
Temporary Protection in Poland Ends on March 4, 2026
After the special law expires, the stay of Ukrainians in Poland will only be possible under general conditions. At the same time, the Polish authorities are preparing specific mechanisms aimed at facilitating legalization specifically for Ukrainian citizens.
Among the planned solutions:
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the possibility of submitting a one-time application for a temporary residence permit, known as the residence card;
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the introduction of a special CUKR card for individuals with UKR status, which will allow them to legally reside in Poland for up to three years.
These tools are expected to provide a transitional option for those planning to stay in the country after the end of temporary protection.
How to Stay in Poland After the UKR Status Expires
One of the most stable options for legalization remains the status of long-term EU resident. To obtain it, one must:
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have lived in Poland for at least five years on legal grounds;
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have a confirmed stable income for at least three years;
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speak Polish at a level not lower than B1.
Also, after March 4, 2026, standard grounds for legal stay will remain available, including official employment or business operation, education, family reunification, and humanitarian reasons. Recently, the interest of Ukrainians in long-term forms of legalization has significantly increased.
Let us remind you, temporary protection in the EU for Ukrainians ends in March 2027.