The President has signed a bill into law ending the Special Ukrainian Act

3 March 2026

On 19 February 2026, Poland’s President Karol Nawrocki signed a bill repealing the provisions of the Act on Assistance to Ukrainian Citizens in Connection with the Armed Conflict in Ukraine, which abolishes a number of remedies for Ukrainian citizens and their families. The Act establishes definitive deadlines for entitlements and new verification obligations for Ukrainian citizens in Poland, which are crucial for legalising their stay and continuing their employment with Polish companies.

Key dates for legality of stay:

extensions have been granted for temporary protection (the “PESEL UKR” registration number) and validity of stay based on visa-free travel, and for visas and temporary stay permits which expired after the outbreak of the war in Ukraine
deadlines in residence matters remain suspended

31 August 2026 – the final deadline for confirming identity using a valid travel document at any district office for persons who have obtained a PESEL UKR number based on a declaration
from 1 September 2026 – failure to verify identity will result in the automatic loss of UKR status and right of stay
from 5 March 2026, newly arrived Ukrainian citizens will have 30 days to apply for a PESEL UKR number,
leaving Poland for longer than 30 days will result in the loss of temporary protection, including for employees who are posted abroad by a Polish employer.

Labour market and business:

notifications of employment:
- remain in force as the basis for employing Ukrainian citizens who hold a PESEL UKR number
- a 3-year transition period from the Act’s date of entry into force is envisaged for persons who do not have temporary protection
business activity:
- from 5 March 2026, business activity on the same terms as Polish citizens will only be available to persons with the appropriate residence permit, including those with temporary protection (including holding a PESEL UKR), permanent residence, a Polish Card, long-term EU resident status or an EU Blue Card
- persons who started their business before 5 March 2026 will be able to continue with it as long as their stay in Poland remains legal.

The date of entry into force of most of the Act’s provisions is 5 March 2026.