Some Ukrainians in Poland risk losing their UKR status starting September 1, 2026, along with the right to receive 800 Plus. By August 31, those who received PESEL UKR without presenting a valid foreign passport must update their information, writes InPoland, citing ZUS.
This requirement may affect a significant number of Ukrainian children. In the early months following the start of the full-scale war, parents and guardians often registered them for PESEL UKR without a foreign passport.
Who needs to update PESEL UKR by August 31
Ukrainians who received PESEL with UKR status without presenting a valid foreign passport need to contact any local government office (gmina). There, they must confirm their identity and update their information in the PESEL register based on a valid passport.
This must be done no later than August 31, 2026.
If the requirement is not met, starting September 1, the UKR status will change to NUE. This will mean the loss of temporary protection in Poland and the need to have another legal basis for further residence in the country.
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Why Ukrainians may lose 800 Plus payments
The UKR status is directly related to the rights of Ukrainian refugees to a number of guarantees provided in Poland. Therefore, losing it may also lead to the cessation of 800 Plus payments.
ZUS has urged Ukrainians affected by this requirement not to delay updating their documents until the last day. Especially, parents should check what documents were used to register their children for PESEL UKR.
After losing the UKR status, the right to temporary protection will be annulled. For legal residence in Poland, such a person will need another legal basis provided by law.