Stricter Rules for Legal Residence of Foreigners in Poland
The Polish government has implemented stricter controls on the legal stay of foreigners. Under the new rules, once their residence permits expire, foreign nationals will have a 30-day grace period to leave the country voluntarily. Failure to depart within this timeframe will result in deportation and a ban on entering the entire Schengen Area. These changes are part of broader legal amendments affecting Ukrainians and other foreigners, which took effect in March 2026. This move aligns with a wider European trend of reassessing migration policies in the wake of recent population movements.
A special law granting Ukrainian citizens a unique status has now expired. Concurrently, the deadline for applying for a PESEL UKR identification number has been shortened to 30 days from the date of crossing the border. Social benefits for foreigners have become more targeted and are now contingent on their level of integration into Polish society. Mandatory departure is required upon exhausting the 90-day visa-free limit or when national visas or residence permits expire.
Implications for Foreigners and Ukrainians
Particular attention is given to cases involving the denial or revocation of a temporary residence card, refugee status, or international protection. In such situations, foreigners are given a strict 30-day period to gather necessary documents and exit Poland. Non-compliance leads to the individual's data being entered into the Schengen Information System (SIS), which blocks their ability to visit European countries for a period ranging from several months to several years.
'If a foreigner does not leave Poland voluntarily within the established one-month period, the mechanism for forced deportation is initiated.'
For Ukrainian citizens who fled due to the war, the right to temporary protection remains in force until March 4, 2027. These changes signal a significant tightening of control by the Polish government over the legal stay of foreigners, which will undoubtedly impact the lives of many individuals residing in the country. The policy shift reflects Poland's adjustment to hosting one of the largest groups of migrants in the EU in recent years.
The heightened control over foreigners' legal stay indicates a shift in Poland's immigration policy, particularly concerning Ukrainians, who have become one of the largest migrant groups. The legislative changes may have serious consequences for those unable to meet the new requirements, affecting their ability to remain in the country, work, or receive social benefits. Furthermore, this underscores broader trends among European nations toward stricter border controls and immigration processes.