New EU Residency Rules for Ukrainian Refugees in 2026: Updates for Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic

Revised EU Residency Regulations for Ukrainian Refugees

According to ХВИЛЯ: Starting in April 2026, several European Union nations, including the Czech Republic, Poland, Germany, and France, will implement changes to the rules governing Ukrainian refugees. These updates reflect a shift from initial emergency measures toward more structured, long-term residency frameworks. Specifically, the Czech Republic will open a one-month application window from April 1 to 30, 2026, for its Lex Ukraine program. This initiative allows eligible refugees to obtain a five-year residence permit. Applicants must apply independently via the Czech Ministry of the Interior's portal, meeting criteria such as continuous residence in the Czech Republic for over two years and proof of sufficient income or qualification for humanitarian exceptions.

Poland has also approved a model for transitioning from the PESEL UKR status to a special three-year CUKR residence card. To qualify, an individual must have maintained an active UKR status continuously for at least 365 days, with it being active as of June 4, 2025, and at the time of application. The transition process in Poland is conducted exclusively online through the MOS portal.

Restrictions and New Procedures in Germany and France

Germany will introduce restrictions from March 2026 for individuals with dual status. Those already granted temporary protection in another EU country will be ineligible to receive it in Germany. For Ukrainians already legally residing in Germany, current residence permits have been extended until March 4, 2027. In France, the status is not automatically renewed; therefore, refugees must personally submit their documents to the local prefecture approximately three weeks before their current permit expires.

Furthermore, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), a €7 electronic permit for short-term travel to the EU, is scheduled to launch in 2026. The new ETIAS entry rules will not apply to Ukrainians who already hold an EU residence permit or temporary protection status in a member state.

“Temporary protection will not be granted to those who already have it in another EU country. Before relocating, one must officially close the status in the first country.” - Legal experts

The changes taking effect in April 2026 will create new opportunities but also present challenges for those planning to remain in Europe. Given the varying requirements across countries, it is crucial for refugees to stay informed about all updates and adhere to application deadlines to secure their legal status in the EU.

As these new residency regulations come into effect, it's essential to stay informed about the broader context of potential changes to asylum policies that may impact the rights of Ukrainian refugees across Europe. Understanding these developments will help navigate the evolving landscape of refugee support and integration in EU countries.