Poland has extended temporary protection certificates until 2027: details

Poland has extended temporary protection certificates until March 4, 2027. Find out who is affected by the changes, how they will affect citizens, and whether new documents are required for legal residence

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The Polish government has officially extended the validity of temporary protection certificates for foreigners until March 4, 2027. This decision applies to persons who are not covered by the Special Act on Assistance to Citizens of Ukraine, but who belong to the category of displaced persons defined in the EU Council Decision on the mass influx of refugees from Ukraine.

Temporary protection in Poland for this category is arranged through the Office for Foreigners, which issues the relevant certificates. These confirm the right to legal residence and access to a number of social and legal guarantees.

Do I need to obtain new documents?

It is important to note that the extension of temporary protection does not require the replacement of documents already issued. There is no need to affix new stamps or obtain updated forms — their validity is automatically extended by law.

This means that foreigners who have received certificates with validity dates before:

● March 4, 2023,

● September 4, 2023,

● March 4, 2024,

● March 4, 2025,

● March 4, 2026,

– can use these documents until March 4, 2027, without any additional procedures.

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Temporary protection under the Special Act for Ukrainians

It should be noted that Ukrainians with a PESEL ukr number receive temporary protection under the Special Act. Currently, this status is valid until September 30, 2025, but the Polish authorities are already preparing amendments that will extend the term until 2026.

Tip: As the rules for refugees may change, it is worth checking the current requirements in advance, especially before traveling, applying for a job, or extending your legal status.

If you plan to stay in Poland for a long time or want to legalize your stay in another EU country, Visit Ukraine lawyers will help you with all the necessary documents — from consultations on temporary protection to preparing a complete package for obtaining a residence permit or work permit. This is especially important if you encounter bureaucratic difficulties or language barriers.

We remind you! Starting in 2026, Ukrainians in Poland will be able to apply for a new CUKR residence card — a temporary residence permit for 3 years for persons with UKR status. Read our previous article to find out who is eligible for a CUKR card, what documents are required, how to apply online, and what changes are coming to the legalization process.

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