Extension of Aid for Ukrainian Refugees

Updated September 2026: this post describes the 2024 amendment. The deadlines below have been corrected to the current state of the law: temporary protection and legal stay on a PESEL UKR run until March 4, 2027 under the Act of January 23, 2026 (Journal of Laws 2026, item 203).

The Polish government has updated the Act of March 12, 2022, on assistance to Ukrainian citizens due to the conflict in Ukraine. Initially set to expire on June 30, 2024, the provisions were extended by that amendment and, after further extensions, now run until March 4, 2027 under the Act of January 23, 2026 (Journal of Laws 2026, item 203).

Transition from Temporary Protection to Temporary Residence

Ukrainian citizens with a PESEL UKR number have their stay legalized until March 4, 2027. Starting July 1, 2024, they can transition from temporary protection to temporary residence if they:

• Update their data in the PESEL UKR database;
• Submit an electronic application to the voivode;
• Had active UKR status on March 4, 2024, and on the application date;
• Held a PESEL number in Poland continuously for 365 days before applying.

Applications for this permit (the CUKR residence card) have been open through the MOS portal since May 4, 2026, and the new residence status is valid for three years.

Termination of Certain Benefits

Beginning July 1, the following benefits will be suspended:

• Funding for photographs;
• One-time cash benefit of 300 PLN.

End of Private Home Accommodation

Starting July 31, financial support for accommodation and meals for Ukrainian refugees will be managed through agreements with the voivode or local government. The 40 PLN daily benefit for private homeowners will be discontinued due to system abuses, with aid focusing on communal living centers.

Tightening the System, Increased Oversight by Voivodes

The amendment aims to tighten the aid system in communal facilities and prevent abuse. The voivode can provide:

• Communal accommodation and meals;
• Reception points;
• Transport related to accommodation or medical care;
• Other necessary actions with ministerial consent.

Aid will continue for those at risk of social exclusion, including:

• Individuals with disabilities;
• Elderly over 60 (women) or 65 (men);
• Pregnant women or those with infants;
• Sole caregivers of three or more children, with one under 14;
• Minors in foster care.

Educational Benefits for Children

The amendment links the 800 PLN child benefit and the “Good Start” benefit to school attendance in the Polish education system. Benefits will be suspended if school attendance is not confirmed.

Inclusion of Two Categories of Foreigners

The law will also cover:

• Minor children of Ukrainian citizens;
• Minor children of spouses of Ukrainian citizens.

These individuals will be able to access aid institutions provided for in the aid law.

Access to the Polish Labor Market

The amendment modifies labor market access for Ukrainian citizens, with detailed information for employers including:

• Reducing the employment notification period from 14 to 7 days;
• Requiring new notifications of changes in terms and conditions of employment;
• Mandatory inclusion of the minimum wage in the notification;
• Obliging Ukrainian citizens to inform employers if they are granted a temporary residence permit.

Medical Profession Rights

The amendment extended the period for assigning temporary medical practice numbers to doctors or dentists providing healthcare to Ukrainians and reinstated psychological services by Ukrainian citizens from July 1, 2024. The Act of January 23, 2026 phases these simplified routes out under transitional provisions.

Summary:

The Polish government has kept temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees in force until March 4, 2027. Key changes include transitioning from temporary protection to temporary residence, terminating certain benefits, focusing on communal living support, tightening oversight to prevent abuse, linking educational benefits to school attendance, including additional categories of foreigners for aid, modifying labor market access, and extending medical profession rights. The changes emphasize the importance of meeting specific requirements and adhering to new regulations to ensure continued support and access to benefits.