The Polish government has approved changes to the special law on assistance to Ukrainian citizens, which will take effect after March 4, 2026. It concerns a gradual transition from temporary wartime solutions to systematic rules for the residence of foreigners. This is reported by InPoland.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration explains that most Ukrainians in Poland are already working, their children are studying, so there is no need to maintain a separate legal system created at the beginning of the full-scale war. According to government spokesman Adam Szłapka, the new regulations are intended to provide more stable forms of temporary or permanent residence.
Changes in the status of Ukrainians in Poland
The special law of 2022 effectively introduced a separate regime for Ukrainian refugees. Now, some provisions will be integrated into the general legislation on foreigners. Meanwhile, the PESEL UKR will remain a confirmation of legal residence, but paper certificates will be replaced with the electronic DIIA card, and identification can be completed through the mObywatel application.
The legal stay of Ukrainians and persons whose permits were automatically extended due to the war has also been extended. Applications for legalization of stay can be submitted until March 4, 2027.
New restrictions after March 4, 2026
The bill introduces a number of significant changes, including:
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mandatory PESEL UKR registration within 30 days after entry, otherwise temporary protection will be considered lost;
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restriction of social benefits, which will only be provided to specific categories;
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narrowing access to free healthcare for unemployed individuals;
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assistance with housing and food only for vulnerable groups.
The issue of entrepreneurship is separately regulated. The opportunity to start a business under the same conditions as Polish citizens will be terminated. Companies registered earlier under the special law will be able to operate until the end of the legal residence period, provided they meet other requirements.
Previously, we wrote about how to stay in Poland after the end of temporary protection on March 4, 2026.