Pension Benefits for Ukrainians in Poland
Ukrainians of retirement age who meet specific criteria can access Polish pension payments. These benefits can amount to approximately 1,879 złoty, which is over 23,000 Ukrainian hryvnias. This financial support is significant, especially when compared to the minimum pension in Ukraine, which was set at 2,595 hryvnias as of January 2026. For many Ukrainian retirees, such supplementary income is a crucial financial lifeline.
Eligibility Requirements for the Polish Pension
To qualify for a Polish pension, an individual must have been formally employed in Poland for at least one month and made a minimum of one contribution to the Polish Social Insurance Institution (ZUS). Furthermore, the general work experience requirements are:
- 20 years for women;
- 25 years for men.
The retirement age is set at 60 for women and 65 for men. A supplementary payment is granted on a top-up basis if the calculated pension falls below the Polish minimum. It is critical to note that these payments are made only to those who are physically residing in Poland; the right to the supplement is forfeited if the pensioner returns to live in Ukraine.
Polish government expenditure on these pension supplements reached 221,000 złoty in 2020 and grew substantially to 1.26 million złoty by the incomplete year of 2025. ZUS verifies an individual's residence on Polish territory and can demand the repayment of benefits if violations are discovered. These conditions and the growth in spending highlight Poland's active policy of supporting Ukrainian citizens residing within its borders. This initiative is part of broader European efforts to provide stability for displaced populations.
The introduction of pension payments for Ukrainians in Poland underscores the growing need for social security provisions for migrants, particularly amid rising economic instability.
This policy may incentivize Ukrainians to remain in Poland to secure a stable income and improve their economic standing. The Polish government's steps also reflect a commitment to supporting migrants through social integration and enhancing quality of life, which could become a significant factor in the development of bilateral relations between Poland and Ukraine.