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Poland is preparing for another extension of temporary protection for Ukrainian citizens. According to the government draft dated December 29, 2025, UKR status is expected to remain in force until March 4, 2027.
Along with extending the status itself, the state is introducing new rules, deadlines, and restrictions that are already important to understand — especially for those planning to stay in Poland long term or switch to other grounds for legalization.
We Will Help You Understand the New Deadlines and Choose a Safe Legalization Path
In this article, we explain what exactly will change, which dates are critical, and what Ukrainians should pay attention to in 2026–2027.
Until What Date Will UKR Status Remain Valid?
According to the updated provisions, temporary protection for Ukrainians in Poland will be extended until March 4, 2027.
This means that until that date, stay in Poland will remain legal on the basis of:
- UKR status;
- the visa-free regime;
- national visas;
- previously extended decisions (decyzje);
- valid residence cards.
In practice, the state is giving Ukrainians one more full year of stability, but at the same time it is sending a clear message: after 2027, there will be no automatic extensions.
14 Days to Obtain UKR Status After Entry
One of the most important changes concerns newly arrived Ukrainians.
After entering Poland, there will be only 14 calendar days to apply for UKR status.
If within this period a person:
- does not submit the application,
- does not complete the status registration,
UKR status will not be granted.
In that case, the person will only be able to obtain a regular PESEL, without the rights and benefits granted to people with UKR status (access to social benefits, simplified procedures, protection, and more).
This rule fundamentally changes the approach: from now on, delaying after arrival in Poland will no longer be an option.
mObywatel: The App Is Becoming Mandatory
The mObywatel digital app will continue to play a key role.
According to the draft:
- the app remains valid;
- it is used as proof of UKR status;
- installing it effectively becomes mandatory.
In practice, mObywatel is most often used to confirm:
- the legality of stay,
- the existence of the status,
- access to certain public services.
Therefore, if the app has not yet been installed or activated, it should be done as soon as possible.
CUKR Residence Card: New Deadlines and a Lot of Uncertainty
New Final Submission Deadline
The draft law sets a new final deadline for submitting documents for the CUKR residence card — March 4, 2027.
Previously, the legislation mentioned March 4, 2026, but that date has already been postponed twice. The deadline has now been extended by another year.
Case Processing Time Is Increasing
Another important change is the extension of application processing times:
- before: up to 90 days
- after the change: up to 180 days
This means that waiting for a decision may take twice as long as before, and this factor must be taken into account when planning legalization in Poland.
When Will It Actually Be Possible to Apply for CUKR?
At the time these changes are being prepared, the launch date for accepting CUKR residence card applications remains unknown.
For now:
- the list of documents has not been changed;
- the conditions remain the same as before;
- in practice, it is currently impossible to submit an application because the mechanism has not yet been launched.
In other words, the CUKR card formally exists in the law, but in practice it is not yet working.
By What Deadline Do You Need to Legalize Your Stay?
The key date is March 4, 2027.
By that time, a person with UKR status must:
- submit documents for any appropriate residence card (work, business, family, studies, etc.), or
- legalize their stay under the general rules of immigration law.
What Happens If You Do Not Do This?
If legalization is not completed by March 4, 2027:
- from that date, the person will be given 30 days to leave Poland.
For certain categories (Ukrainians with UKR status and other persons with UKR status who have visa-free access to the EU):
- after March 4, 2027, an additional 90 days of legal stay under the visa-free regime will apply;
- after that — 30 days to leave or move to another country.
No automatic extensions are provided after that period.
What Does This Mean in Practice for Ukrainians?
Despite the extension of the status until 2027, the overall direction of policy is obvious:
- temporary protection is gradually coming to an end;
- the state is encouraging a transition to standard forms of legalization;
- responsibility for one’s status is increasingly shifting to the individual.
That is why 2026 is the best time to:
- decide on your basis of stay;
- prepare your documents;
- submit your application without rush and without unnecessary risk.
Who We Are and Why Ukrainians Turn to Work Permit
The Work Permit team has been assisting Ukrainians with legalization matters in Poland for many years.
We:
- work throughout all of Poland;
- interact with voivodeship offices every day;
- handle cases from the first consultation to receiving the decision;
- help choose a real and safe legalization strategy rather than temporary fixes.
We do not scare people with changes in the law — we explain them and help them prepare in time.
We Will Help You Choose the Next Step for Legal Stay in Poland
