Major Policy Shifts Set for March 2026: Pension Indexing and New Rules for Ukrainians in Poland

Key Reforms Coming to Ukraine in March 2026

According to Главком: Significant changes affecting pensions, social benefits, and utility tariffs are scheduled to take effect in Ukraine starting March 1, 2026. The government has announced a 12.1% indexation of pensions, a figure that exceeds the previous year's recorded inflation rate by 4%. This adjustment is part of a broader effort to provide economic stability for the nation's retirees. The Pension Fund's budget for 2026 is set at over 1.2 trillion hryvnias, ensuring predictability for more than 10 million pensioners. The average pension in 2026 is expected to be approximately 6,500 hryvnias.

Also beginning March 1, 2026, the minimum pension payment for families of fallen defenders will increase to 12,810 hryvnias per person, up from 7,800 hryvnias. For families consisting of two or more members of a deceased defender, the payment will be no less than 10,020 hryvnias for each, instead of 6,100 hryvnias. The indexation of payments to these families will commence on March 1, 2027. According to Denys Uliutin,

“We will carry out a 12.1% indexation starting March 1. This is 4% higher than the inflation index recorded for the previous year. This indexation applies fully to all pensioners who receive their pensions directly from the Pension Fund.”

Utility Tariff Adjustments and International Updates

Regarding tariffs, starting March 1, 2026, the gas tariff for Naftogaz customers will be 7.96 hryvnias per cubic meter. The electricity tariff for the population will be 4.32 hryvnias per kilowatt-hour. The gas price will remain in effect until April 30, 2026.

In Poland, new regulations concerning the status of Ukrainians will come into force on March 5, 2026. This decision was adopted on January 20. The official website of the Polish government notes that

“The special law adopted in March 2022 was a response to the massive influx of refugees from Ukraine following Russia's aggression against that country. Nearly four years later, the situation has stabilized-the majority of adult Ukrainian citizens are employed, and their children attend Polish schools.”

These changes reflect the evolving integration of Ukrainian refugees within the European Union.

It is also worth noting that from March 1, 2026, the cost of a single-entry visa to Egypt will rise to $30, up from $25. The cost of a multiple-entry visa will be $60. These changes result from a decree by the President of Egypt that approved the maximum visa fee in December 2025. Furthermore, the Egyptian parliament approved a bill to increase duties on November 2, 2025.

The transition to daylight saving time in 2026 is scheduled for the night of March 28-29, with clocks moving forward at 03:00. Therefore, Ukrainians and other citizens planning travel or with connections to Poland or Egypt should prepare for these adjustments.

These upcoming changes in Ukraine are poised to significantly impact the welfare of the population, particularly pensioners and families of fallen defenders. The increase in pensions and social payments reflects government efforts to enhance social protection amid economic instability. At the same time, adjustments to energy tariffs may cause concern among the populace, requiring adaptation to new conditions. Furthermore, the new provisions in Poland regarding Ukrainians illustrate the ongoing shifts in bilateral relations, which could positively affect Ukrainian migrants seeking work and education abroad.