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For several years now, Poland has remained one of the main countries of refuge for Ukrainian citizens. Polish law provides several legal mechanisms that allow foreigners to stay in the country legally in cases where their life, health, or freedom is at risk in their home country. The best-known of these are refugee status and temporary protection.
Classic refugee protection in Poland is regulated by the Law “On Granting Protection to Foreigners on the Territory of the Republic of Poland,” adopted back in 2003. This act defines the procedure for filing an application, reviewing the case, issuing residence permits, as well as access to social and financial assistance.
After February 24, 2022, a separate special regime was introduced for Ukrainian citizens — temporary protection, which significantly simplified the legalization of stay. It is granted on the basis of the special Law “On Assistance to Citizens of Ukraine” of March 12, 2022, and provides for obtaining UKR status together with a PESEL UKR number.
We Will Help You Understand UKR Status, PESEL, And The Next Steps
It is important to understand that temporary protection and refugee status are different legal instruments with different consequences, validity periods, and conditions of use. Below, we will look at them in detail.
Does Poland Currently Grant Temporary Protection To Ukrainians
As of today, the temporary protection program for Ukrainian citizens has been extended until September 30, 2025. If a Ukrainian enters Poland and plans to use UKR status, they are required to submit an application within 30 days of entry.
The application is submitted to:
- the gmina office (local administration);
- or the city office at the place of actual residence.
The extension of the program means the automatic extension of the right to legal stay for all persons who have already received this status.
Ukrainians do not need a visa to enter Poland if they cross the border on the basis of:
- a biometric passport (visa-free stay of up to 90 days);
- a valid Schengen or national visa;
- a temporary or permanent residence card;
- an application for protection (for persons applying for refugee status).
Entry Of Children
Children may cross the border:
- with their own passport;
- with a birth certificate;
- or with their details entered in one parent’s passport.
A child under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Notarized consent from the other parent is not required in most cases. Accompaniment by relatives or third parties is also allowed on the basis of written authorization.
Temporary Protection And Refugee Status: What Is The Difference
For Ukrainians who entered Poland after 24.02.2022, temporary protection is a faster and simpler way to legalize their stay. At the same time, refugee status remains relevant for those who do not fall under the special law or who have individual grounds for protection.
Main Differences Between The Statuses
- Application authority
- Refugee status: Polish Border Guard
- Temporary protection: gmina office at the place of residence
Processing Time
- Refugee status: from 6 to 15 months
- Temporary protection: from one day
Validity Period
- Refugee status: indefinite (until possible cancellation)
- Temporary protection: valid until the end of the program
Right To Work
- Refugee status: after 6 months of processing
- Temporary protection: immediately after obtaining the status
Residence Card
- Refugee status: immediately after a positive decision
- Temporary protection: after 9 months, valid for 3 years
What Rights Do Refugee Status And Temporary Protection Provide
After obtaining either of these statuses, a foreigner receives a number of important rights, including:
- access to social and financial benefits;
- the possibility of registering with the labor office;
- the right to free or reduced-cost medical care;
- access to education on equal terms with Polish citizens;
- the opportunity to register as a sole proprietor and run a business;
- participation in retraining and integration programs.
How To Get Temporary Protection In Poland: Step By Step
The procedure for obtaining UKR status is combined with receiving a PESEL UKR number.
Step 1. Crossing The Border
When entering Poland, it is important to declare your intention to stay in the country and ensure the date of entry is recorded.
Step 2. Preparing The Application
The application form is provided at the gmina office or available online. All data must be entered in Latin letters.
Step 3. Personal Submission
The application must be submitted in person. For children, one of the parents or a guardian submits the application.
Step 4. Biometrics
Fingerprints are taken (for persons aged 12 and older).
Step 5. Receiving PESEL
The number is assigned within a few weeks after submitting the documents.
Step 6. Contact Details
If desired, you may add your phone number and email address to the state register.
Step 7. Trusted Profile
This allows you to handle most administrative matters online.
Required Documents For Temporary Protection
When applying at the gmina office, you need to have:
- the document used to enter Poland;
- your Ukrainian tax identification number;
- documents for children (if applicable);
- proof of the date of entry;
- 3.5 × 4.5 cm photographs;
- a Polish phone number (for the profile).
Who Is Eligible For Temporary Protection
The following can obtain UKR status:
- Ukrainian citizens who entered after 24.02.2022;
- the husband or wife of a Ukrainian citizen (without Ukrainian citizenship);
- holders of the Polish Card and their close relatives.
The following are not eligible:
- persons who already have a residence card;
- those who already have protection in another EU country.
How To Obtain Refugee Status In Poland
The refugee procedure is individual and more complex.
Main Stages
- Completing the application
- Submitting it to the Border Guard
- Registration and interview
- Receiving a temporary certificate
- Waiting for the decision and replacing the document with a residence card
For persons in a vulnerable situation, submission by mail is allowed.
What Benefits Ukrainians Can Receive In Poland
Financial assistance can be divided into three groups:
- Polish state programs;
- international humanitarian funds;
- targeted social benefits.
- These include:
- child benefits;
- adaptation payments;
- support from international organizations;
- tax relief and housing subsidies.
Employment In Poland After Obtaining Status
Persons with refugee status or temporary protection may work without additional permits.
Main ways to find a job:
- registering with the labor office;
- online job portals;
- job fairs;
- recruitment agencies;
- contacting employers directly.
Restrictions And Consequences Of Obtaining These Statuses
It is important to take the following into account:
- refugee status restricts travel to Ukraine;
- long absence from Poland may lead to loss of protection;
- obtaining protection in another EU country cancels UKR status in Poland.
Extension Of Status And Trips To Ukraine
Temporary protection does not require a separate extension, but absence from Poland for more than 30 days may lead to its loss. Trips to Ukraine are only possible if the established time limits are observed.
How To Stay In Poland On A Permanent Basis
Obtaining protection or refugee status is only the first stage. After that, the following may be possible:
- obtaining a residence card;
- legalization through work or business;
- applying for permanent residence after 5 years;
- later obtaining EU citizenship.
We Will Explain Your Rights, Risks, And Next Legalization Steps
