Temporary protection in Poland has become an important mechanism of assistance to citizens of Ukraine who were forced to leave their country due to the war. This initiative, implemented by the Polish government in accordance with European standards, provides Ukrainians with legal residence, access to education, medicine, employment and social services. In the conditions of the unstable situation in Ukraine, this status is critically important for ensuring the rights and needs of those seeking safe haven in Poland.
Confirmation of stay in Poland
Ukrainian refugees staying in Poland will need to officially confirm their location in the country. As of January 2025, the official number of registered Ukrainians in Poland is almost one million people. At the same time, analysts from the CenEA center assume that the real number may be 30-40% higher.
In this regard, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Poland plans to change the status of Ukrainian refugees from “temporary protection” to “temporary stay”. This will mean that Ukrainian citizens will have to appear in person at local administrative institutions (communes) to confirm their stay in Poland.
Mandatory registration of departure from the country is also introduced. If a Ukrainian plans to leave Poland or move to another EU country, he will need to officially declare his departure.
In case of non-confirmation of stay, persons may lose the right to receive social assistance and other provided benefits. The Polish government assures that these changes are not implemented to limit the rights of Ukrainians, but to ensure transparent accounting and fair distribution of resources.
Who is entitled to temporary protection in Poland
According to Polish legislation, the right to temporary protection is granted to:
- Citizens of Ukraine and members of their families who lived in Ukraine until February 24, 2022.
- Stateless persons and foreigners who until this date had a permanent residence permit in Ukraine and cannot safely return to their country of origin.
The special law allows Ukrainian refugees to stay in Poland legally for 18 months from February 24, 2022 (that is, until August 24, 2023).
What gives the status of temporary protection
Obtaining the status of temporary protection in Poland provides a number of rights and opportunities:
- Legal stay on the territory of the country for 1 year with the possibility of extension.
- Access to education for children and adults, the opportunity to study in Polish educational institutions.
- Health insurance and the right to free or partially paid medical services.
- The right to employment without additional permits.
- Social assistance, including financial support and housing.
- Access to banking services and the possibility of opening an account.
- The right to move to another EU country even before obtaining a residence permit.
Also, in the case of a lack of resources in Poland, a person can be resettled in another EU country with its consent.
How to get temporary protection in Poland
Temporary protection can be obtained only in one EU country. In Poland, it is provided together with the PESEL UKR code. This is a special identification number that gives the right to use social benefits, medical care, work and study in the country.
Since March 2023, the PESEL UKR status has become mandatory for those who plan to stay in Poland. It must be received within 30 days of arrival.
The procedure for obtaining a PESEL UKR
To issue a PESEL UKR, you need:
- Fill out the application for obtaining a PESEL number.
- Submit documents to the administration of the commune or the administration of the city district.
- Provide a passport or other identity document.
- In the case of submitting an application for a child, an additional birth certificate.
- Bring a 35×45 mm color photograph.
After registration, a person receives a printout with a PESEL number.
New legislation on the temporary residence card (Karta Pobytu)
Recent changes in Polish legislation canceled the simplified procedure for obtaining a temporary residence permit for Ukrainians. From now on, only persons with PESEL UKR status can apply for a temporary residence card.
You can get a temporary residence card:
- For official employment in Poland in a highly qualified profession.
- For conducting business activities on the territory of Poland.
How to renew temporary protection in Poland
If a Ukrainian leaves Poland for more than 30 days, the PESEL UKR status is canceled, and social assistance payments are stopped along with it. You can renew your status by contacting the commune administration after returning to the country. However, there is a risk that the status will not be restored, especially if the person has returned from regions where there is no active hostilities.
Social insurance authorities (ZUS) receive information about border crossings by Ukrainians from the Border Service, which allows them to monitor payments and the status of persons under temporary protection.
Electronic document Diia.pl
The special law of Poland recognizes the Diia.pl electronic document as an official identity card for citizens of Ukraine. It gives the right to cross the border multiple times without the need to obtain a visa, and also confirms legal stay in Poland. Poland has officially notified other EU countries that Diia.pl is sufficient for movement within the territory of the European Union.
What will happen if a Ukrainian temporarily leaves Poland?
If a citizen of Ukraine voluntarily leaves Poland and decides to return to Ukraine for permanent residence, he automatically loses the right to temporary protection.
If a Ukrainian returns to an EU country where he previously received temporary protection, he can be readmitted, but the decision remains with the respective state. Poland can refuse to re-grant temporary protection, but a person can apply to another EU country to receive it.
Therefore, temporary protection in Poland is an important support mechanism for Ukrainians, which ensures their rights, social guarantees and the possibility of integration in the new society. However, it is important to follow all procedures and update documents in a timely manner to avoid legal difficulties.
