Poland is ending temporary protection for Ukrainians: what will happen to PESEL UKR and how to remain legally after March 4, 2026

Poland has set the end date for temporary protection for Ukrainians as March 4, 2026. Read on to find out what will happen to PESEL UKR status, what legalization options will remain, and how to prepare for the new residence rules

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Poland has officially set the end date for temporary protection for Ukrainian citizens as March 4, 2026. After that, the PESEL UKR status will expire, and the rules for Ukrainians staying in the country will gradually return to the general rules that apply to foreigners from outside the European Union.

This was reported by InPoland.net.pl. The decision means that Ukrainians who plan to remain in Poland after this date should already be preparing to transition to other forms of legal residence.

What does the end of temporary protection in Poland mean?

After the special law regulating the stay of Ukrainians expires in 2022, PESEL UKR will no longer grant the right to legal residence and work. Ukrainians will find themselves in the same legal situation as other third-country nationals.

At the same time, the Polish authorities say that the transition will not be abrupt. Separate legalization mechanisms are being prepared for Ukrainians to facilitate the change of status and avoid a mass loss of the right to stay.

Temporary residence permit: what is known about the residence card

One of the key decisions will be the possibility of obtaining a temporary residence permit (residence card). For Ukrainian citizens, this procedure will have restrictions: it will only be possible to submit an application once.

This means that the choice of grounds for a residence card — work, study, or other — will be of strategic importance. Mistakes or non-compliance with requirements may complicate further legalization.

Special CUKR card: new status for Ukrainians

Separately, the Polish side announced the introduction of a special CUKR card. It will allow persons with UKR status to legally reside in Poland for up to three years.

CUKR is expected to be a transitional solution for those who are not ready to immediately switch to standard migration instruments but plan to stay in the country in the medium term.

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EU long-term resident status: the most stable option

One of the most reliable mechanisms for legalization remains the status of a long-term resident of the European Union. However, the requirements for this are much stricter.

To obtain this status, you must:

● have lived in Poland legally for at least 5 years without interruption;

● have a stable, confirmed income for at least 3 years;

● have a command of Polish at a level not lower than B1.

This path is suitable for Ukrainians who are already integrated into the Polish labor market and plan to live in the EU for the long term.

What grounds for residence will remain after March 4, 2026

After the temporary protection expires, Ukrainians will have access to standard grounds for legal residence in Poland, including:

● official employment or entrepreneurial activity;

● studying at Polish educational institutions;

● family reunification;

● humanitarian grounds.

Each of these options has its own requirements for documents, income, and application deadlines.

Why you should prepare for the changes in advance

Although there is still time until March 2026, experts advise not to postpone legalization until the last few months. Changing your status, submitting applications, and collecting documents can take a long time, and the workload on migration authorities will increase.

In such circumstances, consulting with immigration lawyers who specialize in Polish law and assisting Ukrainians will help you choose the best option and avoid the risk of losing your legal status. You can also get this kind of support through Visit Ukraine — this is especially relevant for those who plan to stay in Poland for a long time.

We remind you! Ukraine has opened a new vice-consulate in Rzeszów (Żeszów), which will serve about 60,000 citizens. Read about the services that the institution will provide.

Photo: ukrainianinpoland.pl

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