New rules for helping Ukrainian refugees will come into force in Poland in September: what will change

Poland is changing its approach to supporting Ukrainian refugees — new rules governing social assistance, accommodation, registration and other aspects of Ukrainians' stay in the country will soon come into force. Find out exactly what will change for Ukrainians in Poland

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Poland is preparing for a new stage in its migration policy. Already in September 2025, updated rules for supporting Ukrainians who have found refuge in the country will come into force. The new law, approved by joint Senate committees without a single amendment, changes the focus of assistance to refugees.

Why were the new rules adopted?

The update to the legislation is linked to the extension of temporary protection for Ukrainian citizens until 4 March 2026. Poland, which has taken in the largest number of Ukrainian refugees, is gradually changing its approach: most people have already integrated and can support themselves. At the same time, there are still a number of vulnerable groups that need state support.

As Deputy Minister of the Interior Maciej Duchcik explained, the changes are intended to bring Polish laws into line with EU standards and prevent abuse.

What will change from September?

The most important changes concern living conditions, social benefits, registration procedures and the employment of Ukrainians in the medical and education sectors.

Accommodation in centres — only for vulnerable people

From 31 October 2025, the mass accommodation of Ukrainians in collective centres will cease. From 1 November, provincial governors will only be able to provide accommodation and meals to certain categories of people:

▪️ children receiving benefits (800+),

▪️ pensioners receiving payments,

▪️ persons with disabilities (moderate or severe),

▪️ women aged 60+ and men aged 65+ who do not receive a pension.

Each person will receive compensation of PLN 15 per day.

Stricter registration requirements

The law tightens border control. The possibility of obtaining benefits for persons who frequently enter under the local border traffic regime is abolished. Now:

▪️ border guards will collect fingerprints,

▪️ data on border crossings will be recorded in the national system,

▪️ the personal presence of a child when obtaining a PESEL number will be mandatory, regardless of age.

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Extension of 800+ payments for young people

The updated law addresses gaps in the previous system: now, Ukrainian teenagers who continue their education in higher education institutions or vocational courses after reaching the age of majority will also be eligible for 800+ payments. This will ensure continuity of support during the transition from school to higher education.

Fight against fraud

The list of grounds for revoking residence permits has been expanded. They can now be revoked in the following cases:

▪️ submission of false information,

▪️ fictitious marriage,

▪️ attempts to circumvent migration rules in any other way.

In addition, the processing time for residence applications is being extended, particularly for highly skilled workers and long-term EU residents.

Education and healthcare

Funding for educational programmes for Ukrainian children is continuing. Schools that have opened additional classes will be able to continue paying teachers for overtime.

As for medical professionals from Ukraine, they will be able to continue working in Poland under a simplified procedure until March 2026. However, controls on the recognition of qualifications and verification of documents have been tightened.

When will the new rules come into force?

The updated law will come into force 14 days after its official publication. This means that the new rules will effectively come into force in August.

Book a consultation with a migration lawyer at Visit Ukraine to get help with any questions related to legalisation abroad.

Reminder! Poland may initiate the return of the visa regime with Ukraine.

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