Fewer benefits and more opportunities: what changes can Ukrainians in Poland expect from July 1
Polish President Andrzej Duda agreed to legislative changes that extend the period of temporary protection for Ukrainians until the end of September 2025. Later, at the EU level, the period of stay of refugees was extended until March 4, 2026. This means that temporary protection for Ukrainians in Poland will continue in the future.
In addition to the extension of the period of stay in Poland, the changes in the legislation contain several more innovations. In particular, it is about the cancellation of some benefits and the introduction of others, a new procedure for processing documents, etc.
Extending the term of temporary protection will allow Ukrainians to receive medical services, social and family benefits, assistance from ZUS (Social Insurance Institution), as well as the opportunity to live in collective accommodation facilities.
Cancellation of benefits
From July 1, support in the form of payment for accommodation and meals for our fellow citizens will be financed only on the basis of an agreement with the local voivodeship or local self-government body. This innovation aims to use funds more efficiently and provide assistance to those who need it most.
The rules for participation in the costs of accommodation and meals in collective accommodation centers will also change.
As of July, benefits related to the compensation of the costs of accommodation and meals of refugees, which were incurred by the owners of private property, will be canceled. The payment for financing the production of photos for documents and a one-time financial assistance in the amount of 300 zlotys are also stopped.
Changes to the conditions for processing documents
From now on, it is necessary to submit documents for obtaining a PESEL UKR certificate immediately after arriving in Poland, and not within 30 days. PESEL will be issued only in the presence of valid travel documents (passport). Ukrainians who received a PESEL UKR on the basis of other documents must confirm their identity with local authorities within 60 days.
The conditions for canceling temporary residence permits have also changed. New grounds for cancellation of documents for citizens of Ukraine include national security considerations, long-term absence from Poland (at least six months) or entering data into the list of persons whose stay in Poland is undesirable.
Innovation for schoolchildren
To facilitate the adaptation of Ukrainian children in Polish schools, a new position of intercultural assistant is being introduced. These specialists will help children who do not know the Polish language or do not know it enough to better integrate into the educational process.
