Poland's Temporary Protection Scheme for Ukrainians to Undergo Major Changes
Polish authorities have officially announced that the current temporary protection regime for Ukrainian citizens will not be extended beyond March 4, 2026. After this date, Ukrainians will be subject to the standard legalization procedures applied to all other foreign nationals. Officials from the Ministry of the Interior and Administration stated that the special law enacted at the start of the full-scale invasion has fulfilled its purpose, and the domestic situation has now stabilized. This shift marks a significant policy change for the country that has hosted the largest number of Ukrainian refugees since 2022.
Following the deadline, the PESEL UKR status will no longer serve as the sole basis for Ukrainians to remain in Poland. Holders of this status will be able to apply for a three-year temporary residence permit (karta pobytu). Ukrainians arriving in Poland after March 4, 2026, will still be eligible for protection but must apply for a PESEL UKR within 14 days of entry.
Impact on Social Benefits, Healthcare, and Housing
The changes will also affect access to social benefits, healthcare, and housing support. The '800 Plus' child benefit will only be paid to parents who are officially employed in Poland. Those without employment will not receive this assistance. Regarding healthcare, free access to doctors will be limited to insured individuals—meaning those who work and pay contributions to ZUS, the social insurance institution. Exceptions include pregnant women, women after childbirth, and children under 18, who will receive free emergency care even without insurance.
In the housing sector, free accommodation for able-bodied individuals will be discontinued. It will only be provided in exceptional cases to vulnerable groups, such as single pensioners and persons with significant disabilities. As Karol Nawrocki noted,
'Ukrainians should have the same rights as other foreigners in Poland.'
Separately, Poland's annual tax return campaign via the Twój e-PIT service begins on February 15. Filing electronically ensures refunds are transferred to a bank card within 45 days, while paper submissions can take up to 3 months. The system automatically prepares draft declarations (PIT-37 and PIT-38) based on employer data; these drafts will be accepted automatically on April 30 if the taxpayer does not make manual amendments.
The overhaul of the temporary protection framework signals Poland's gradual return to standard immigration procedures, which will impact the lives of many Ukrainian citizens who sought refuge there. With conditions for receiving social payments and medical care also changing, Ukrainians must prepare to adapt to new requirements. This underscores the critical need for clear information and preparation ahead of the planned reforms.