Which Ukrainians in Poland need to update PESEL UKR by August 31

Some Ukrainians in Poland need to confirm their identity with a valid foreign passport by August 31, otherwise they will lose PESEL UKR status and the right to temporary protection. This requirement does not apply to all holders of the number, but only to those who were registered without a passport. This is reported by In Poland.

PESEL UKR by August 31: who needs to contact the municipality

Ukrainian citizens who received PESEL UKR status only based on a personal application, without presenting a valid document for traveling abroad, must update their data. They need to show a valid passport at any municipal office by August 31, 2026.

This may primarily concern children under 18. Previously, their identity was often confirmed by a photo glued into the mother’s, father’s, or legal guardian’s passport.

Those who already presented a valid foreign passport during the initial registration of PESEL UKR do not need to contact the institution again. Their status will be automatically extended until March 4, 2027.

How to update PESEL UKR data in Poland

To confirm identity, one should contact any municipal office, regardless of residence, and present a valid passport. The service is free, and the PESEL number will not change: personal data will be updated in the register.

A separate rule applies to those who received PESEL UKR under the Pole's Card, with an invalid passport, or another document with a photo. After receiving a new valid passport, the data must be updated within 60 days. In this case, a delay does not automatically mean the loss of temporary protection.

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What will happen without updating PESEL UKR status

If a person registered solely based on their application does not submit their passport by August 31, from September 1, they will lose PESEL UKR and temporary protection in Poland. In the absence of another legal basis, this will mean loss of the right to legal residence.

Also, without a valid PESEL UKR status, one will not be able to apply for a CUKR residence permit. Therefore, Ukrainians should not delay their visit to the municipality if they have doubts about the document based on which their number was issued.

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