Certificates confirming temporary protection for Ukrainians in Poland remain valid until March 4, 2027. There is no need to renew them, but new documents are no longer issued: from now on, status will be confirmed by PESEL UKR. This is reported by In Poland.
Certificates of protection in Poland: until what date are they valid
Since March 5, 2026, the head of the Office for Foreigners has stopped issuing certificates of temporary protection. This also applies to cases where the previously issued document was lost or damaged.
All certificates issued before this date are valid until March 4, 2027. There is no need to exchange them due to the extension of the term: the validity of the document has been extended by law.
At the same time, a certificate can lose its power earlier. This will happen if its owner is assigned a PESEL number with UKR status or there are legal grounds to cancel the document.
PESEL UKR for Ukrainians in Poland: how to replace the certificate
Ukrainians who still use the certificate should apply for PESEL UKR in any commune in Poland. There is no need to leave the country and cross the border again.
The PESEL UKR is now the main confirmation of rights for temporary protection. Holders of this status can also use the electronic document Diia.pl in the mObywatel app, which confirms the legality of their stay in Poland.
Those who do not obtain PESEL UKR before the certificate expires should clarify their further status in advance. After March 4, 2027, the old document will no longer be a basis for confirming temporary protection.
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Working in Poland with a certificate: what the employer must do
Certificate holders have free access to the Polish labor market. However, after employment, the employer must notify the district labor office through the portal praca.gov.pl within seven days.
If a Ukrainian started working before March 5, 2026, notification of that job is not required. But in the case of a new employment, the obligation for the employer arises again.
Changes are primarily important for those who have been using the certificate for years and have not obtained PESEL UKR. Transitioning to the new way of confirming status will help avoid problems with documents, work, and legal stay in Poland.
Let us remind you that in Poland they want to imprison for 30 years for violations in the army.