Publication date: 25.09.2025
Why you should check your status under the temporary protection program for Ukrainians in Poland
Due to the dynamic legal situation resulting from the armed conflict in Ukraine, many Ukrainians in Poland use the temporary protection mechanism or another form of legal protection. However, the formal protection status — especially the UKR status — may change, be incorrectly registered, or be lost due to procedural reasons. Therefore, regular status checks, timely responses, and — if necessary — professional legal assistance are crucial for protecting your rights and social benefits.
Question
What is UKR status and what rights does it provide?
Answer
UKR status (usually recorded in the Polish system in the “foreigner status” field) arises from the provisions of the “special law” on assistance to Ukrainian citizens in connection with the armed conflict. Individuals covered by this program use the temporary protection mechanism (temporary protection) — an EU and national law instrument applied in case of a mass influx of refugees.
Having UKR status usually means that a foreigner:
- has the right to legal residence in Poland under the special law;
- can exercise rights provided by the special law (e.g., access to the labor market, social benefits, medical care, children’s education, etc.);
- has the entry “UKR” in administrative databases (e.g., the foreigner registry or PESEL number) — an official confirmation of temporary protection.
Temporary protection, the same refugee status in Poland has been extended at the EU level until March 4, 2027, providing a period of stability for Ukrainians using this mechanism.
What rights does UKR status provide
UKR status grants specific rights, including:
- Right of residence — legal living in Poland during the protection period.
- Right to work — Ukrainians with UKR status may legally work in Poland without additional permits (within limits provided by the special law).
- Access to education — children and youth have the right to attend Polish schools.
- Medical care — access to basic healthcare and hospitalization.
- Social benefits and public assistance — entitlement to social and educational benefits, provided legal requirements are met.
- Maintaining legal status — only an active status guarantees full access to these rights.
If UKR status is lost or changed (e.g., to NUE, meaning no temporary protection), access to rights and benefits may be restricted or completely suspended.
Why it is important to regularly check your status
- Preserving social and medical benefits — if status incorrectly becomes inactive, ZUS may suspend payments.
- Protecting medical care rights — changing status to NUE results in losing access to healthcare services.
- Avoiding administrative sanctions — a status error may require returning “wrongfully received” benefits.
- Ability to intervene legally quickly — the earlier the problem is detected, the easier it is to fix.
- Continuity of rights and confidence in stability — active status = peace of mind regarding work, education, and healthcare.
Checking your status is not a formality, it is a practical necessity. Regularly monitoring UKR status allows you to control your rights to residence, work, healthcare, and social benefits. Don’t wait for problems — make sure the system “sees” you correctly. A simple online check can prevent significant losses and unpleasant consequences in the future.
What to do if the status is inactive or incorrect
- Check travel history (keep tickets, stamps, confirmations).
- Submit a request to restore UKR status to the Border Guard or foreigner department.
- Attach evidence (tickets, documents).
- Demand a written response and, in case of refusal, file an appeal.
- Seek a lawyer’s assistance if authorities remain inactive or refuse without grounds.
An inactive or incorrect UKR status is not a sentence — it is a situation that can be corrected. The key is systematic action: gather evidence, submit a request, demand an official response, and if necessary, involve a lawyer. The sooner you start, the higher the chances of restoring your rights and avoiding loss of benefits or legal residence.
When can UKR status be lost
Under the special law, leaving Poland for more than 30 days results in automatic loss of UKR status and its change to NUE (no protection). The travel direction does not matter. Exceptions: foreign assignment over 30 days by a Polish employer; re-entry from Ukraine for evacuation (confirmed, e.g., by the diia.pl app); technical errors in registers if actual stay abroad was shorter. Status is often lost incorrectly due to inaccuracies in Border Guard entries/exits, delays in status updates, system errors, or lack of supporting documents.
When to use the legal services of Legal Service “Consultant”
If the status was incorrectly changed to “–” or NUE.
If authorities refuse to restore it.
If ZUS has suspended payments.
If a full restoration procedure is required.
If there are grounds to apply for refugee status.
If long-term legal support is needed.
Legal Service "Consultant" are your reliable partner when rights are at risk or the system is malfunctioning. Timely specialist assistance allows you to restore status, protect benefits, and ensure legal residence. Don’t delay — the sooner you reach out, the sooner you resolve the issue and preserve your rights.
Why Legal Service “Consultant”
- Experience and specialization in migration law.
- Individual approach.
- Comprehensive case handling — from documents to court.
- Minimization of errors and delays.
- Assistance in restoring social benefits.
- Constant monitoring of legislative changes.
- Client peace of mind and confidence.
Your international protection is the key to legal life, work, education, and social benefits in Poland. Don’t risk it due to system errors or formalities. Check your status in e-administration systems now. If it is inactive or changed without grounds — contact Legal Service "Consultant" immediately. Prepare documents and confirmations of your trips. Don’t delay — appeal deadlines are limited, and every day of delay may cost you rights and benefits.
