How Ukrainians in Poland can obtain the right to a Polish pension: conditions, length of service, payments

Ukrainians living and working in Poland can receive financial support in the form of a local pension, provided they meet certain requirements. Thanks to an international agreement, work experience gained in Ukraine can also be taken into account. Find out more about who is eligible for a Polish pension, what documents are required, and how the double payment mechanism works

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When working abroad, many Ukrainians wonder whether they will be able to count on social guarantees in another country in the future. The issue of pensions is particularly relevant — is it possible to receive a pension in Poland if you work there officially? And is it possible to receive a pension from two countries at once?

In this article, we explain the conditions under which Ukrainian citizens can apply for a pension from the Polish Social Insurance Institution (ZUS), how work experience is taken into account, and what is required to receive payments.

Which Ukrainians are eligible for a Polish pension?

Poland has long been a second home for hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians. Many are not just working here temporarily, but are building a life for years to come. In this case, the question naturally arises — how to provide for yourself in the future, and whether you can count on a pension from the Polish state.

InPoland reports that, according to current Polish legislation, not only citizens of the country are entitled to a pension in Poland, but also foreigners who meet certain requirements. For Ukrainians, this mechanism operates thanks to a bilateral agreement between Ukraine and Poland, which came into force in 2014. It allows insurance periods in both countries to be taken into account, even if these periods do not coincide in time.

So which Ukrainians are entitled to a Polish pension?

The main condition is legal employment. A person is entitled to a Polish pension if they:

– are officially employed in Poland;

– pay pension contributions to ZUS (Social Insurance Institution);

– are permanently resident in the country.

To be eligible, they must also have reached retirement age – 60 for women and 65 for men.

Work experience also plays an important role. In Poland, women must have at least 20 years of insurance experience and men must have at least 25 years of insurance experience to be eligible for a pension. If the experience is less, ZUS may still grant a pension, but its amount will be correspondingly lower.

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How is Ukrainian work experience taken into account in Poland?

Thanks to an intergovernmental agreement, Poland recognises Ukrainian work experience, even if it was not continuous or related to the Polish period of employment. This means that when considering pension entitlement, ZUS may take into account the years worked in Ukraine and for which contributions were paid to the Ukrainian Pension Fund.

However, there is an important detail to consider: Polish pensions are calculated exclusively for the period of employment in Poland. This means that employment in Ukraine is taken into account when determining pension eligibility, but payments from ZUS are calculated solely on the basis of Polish contributions.

This may be particularly important for those who have only worked in Poland for a few years but have a long employment history in Ukraine.

Is it possible to receive a pension in Poland and Ukraine at the same time?

Yes, Ukrainians can claim two pensions at the same time — one from Poland and one from Ukraine. The system works as follows:

– ZUS pays the part of the pension corresponding to the Polish length of service;

– the Ukrainian pension fund compensates for the periods worked in the homeland.

Thus, if a person has worked for 10 years in Poland and 15 years in Ukraine, they have the opportunity to receive both pensions — from different sources, but within a single coordinated system. This allows for a more stable financial future, even in cases where the Polish length of service is not complete.

How can Ukrainians apply for a pension in Poland?

The application process is quite convenient. An application for a Polish pension can be submitted:

– directly to ZUS — in person, by post or via the PUE ZUS electronic platform;

– through the Ukrainian Pension Fund — in this case, the documents are forwarded to the Polish side.

Applicants must complete the relevant forms (UA-PL 8 or UA-PL 9), after which their data is forwarded for consideration to both countries. Each country decides on the allocation of its part of the pension.

There is also the possibility of early retirement for those who have worked in difficult or hazardous conditions. This applies, in particular, to people born between 1949 and 1969. If such working conditions existed in both Ukraine and Poland, the relevant length of service can be taken into account on both sides.

Reminder! The ‘800 Plus’ programme in Poland will continue to operate after 30 September, but payments to foreigners will depend on a number of conditions. The new rules, prepared by the Ministry of the Interior and Administration, are aimed at streamlining the system and regularly checking applicants through ZUS. Who among Ukrainians will be able to receive payments in Poland after 30 September — we explain here.

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