See more
Publication date: 26.03.2025
10 years of legal practice in Ukraine and 3 years of practice in Poland.
Olena Muranovska Provides Consultations on the Legalization of Ukrainian Citizens in Poland
She will provide a detailed list of documents that need to be prepared and assist in the process. All forms for submission to the relevant Voivodeship Office will be correctly filled out in Polish by the lawyer. Additionally, she will take care of the necessary certificates and extracts from registers that may be required when processing various documents.
Legalization of Ukrainian Citizens in Poland
The legalization of Ukrainian citizens in Poland depends on several factors: residence status, purpose of stay, and available grounds for obtaining a permit. The main options are:
- Temporary Protection (UKR). For Ukrainians who left after February 24, 2022, a special UKR status applies. It grants the right to reside in Poland until March 4, 2025, access to the labor market without additional permits, medical insurance, and social assistance. If you are still in Poland under this status, it is important to stay updated, as changes may occur after 2025.
- Residence Permit (Temporary or Permanent). If you plan to stay in Poland for a longer period, obtaining a residence permit (Karta Pobytu) is recommended. The main options include: based on employment – if you have an official employer who submits the application; based on business – if you have opened a sole proprietorship (FOP) or a company; based on studies – for students enrolled in Polish universities; family reunification – if your partner or relative has a residence permit. The application must be submitted to the Office for Foreigners in your Voivodeship. The processing time can range from several months to a year.
- Obtaining Polish Citizenship. After three years of legal residence (or two years with Polish ancestry), you can apply for citizenship. There is also the Pole’s Card (Karta Polaka), which provides additional privileges.
- Other Options. If you have Polish ancestry or work in strategic industries, there are expedited procedures for obtaining resident status.
How to Obtain Documents from Ukraine While Staying in Poland?
Since you cannot apply in person, there are two main options:
- Through the Ukrainian Consulate in Poland – You can submit a request, but the process takes longer.
- Through a lawyer/representative in Ukraine – A faster option if you issue a power of attorney.
Legal Assistance in Obtaining Documents from Ukraine
- Obtain the necessary document in Ukraine and send it to Poland.
- Issue a power of attorney to represent your interests.
- Apostille or legalize documents.
- Translate them with a sworn translator.
Which Documents Need an Apostille for Poland?
An apostille is a special stamp confirming the authenticity of a document for use abroad. It simplifies document legalization in countries that have signed the 1961 Hague Convention (Poland and Ukraine are among them).
- Birth, marriage, and divorce certificates.
Police clearance certificate.
Educational documents (diplomas, certificates).
Notarized documents (power of attorney, declarations).
Poland accepts apostilled documents without additional consular legalization, but they still need to be translated by a sworn translator in Poland.
A sworn translation is an official translation of documents with legal validity. A sworn translator has a license and is registered with the Polish Ministry of Justice.
When Is a Sworn Translation Required?
- When submitting documents for a residence permit (birth certificates, police clearance certificates, diplomas).
For marriage or birth registration.
For the recognition of Ukrainian education in Poland (nostrification).
For official requests to Polish state institutions.
A lawyer in Poland can significantly simplify the legalization process, assist with documentation, and help avoid mistakes that could lead to rejection. Olena Muranovska has extensive experience in consulting and successfully handling legalization documents for Ukrainian citizens in Poland.
