Publication date: 04.04.2025
Legalization – all areas Wage debt recovery
Case Circumstances: In 2023, Oleksandr, a Ukrainian citizen, moved to Poland under the temporary protection program introduced to support individuals forced to leave Ukraine due to the military conflict. According to Polish legislation, individuals residing in Poland on the basis of temporary protection are entitled to various social benefits, medical care, and the ability to work. However, in order to exercise these rights, it was necessary to obtain a Polish PESEL number – an individual number that serves as the foundation for registration in the social, tax, and healthcare systems of the country.
Oleksandr approached us for legal assistance, as the registration process was unclear to him. He did not know where and how to properly submit the documents and had questions regarding the next steps in case of refusal. His main goal was to obtain a PESEL number to legalize his stay in Poland, allowing him to receive medical care, social benefits, and work officially.
Work Process:
Consultation and Defense Strategy:
The first step was to thoroughly study Oleksandr's situation, clarify all the circumstances of the case, and provide him with clear legal recommendations. It turned out that Oleksandr had temporary protection status but did not know how to correctly complete the registration to obtain a PESEL number. During the consultation, we explained to him the key points of the registration process, the documents required for submission, as well as the legal consequences and potential risks.
Together with the client, we developed a strategy that included:
- checking all the documents Oleksandr already had (including the biometric passport and confirmation of temporary protection status);
- determining whether he had the right to submit an application to the local government body to obtain a PESEL number;
- a plan of action in case the documents were insufficient or if difficulties arose during the registration process.
Preparation of Procedural Documents:
The next step was to prepare all necessary documents for submission to the local government bodies and tax services. Given the specific nature of the registration process for individuals who have received temporary protection, we thoroughly reviewed all requirements of Polish legislation and prepared:
- Application for PESEL: In the application, we provided all necessary details, confirmation of Oleksandr's temporary protection status, and indicated that he was entitled to register under Polish law.
- Documents confirming identity: This included the biometric passport and documents confirming the temporary protection status (such documents had to be attached to the application).
- Recommendations for submitting the application to the local government bodies: We provided Oleksandr with a detailed guide on completing the form, specifically how to fill out the registration form for the PESEL system.
- Assistance in gathering additional documents: Since obtaining a PESEL number requires proof of registered residence in Poland, we helped Oleksandr obtain confirmation of his place of residence.
Representation in Government Authorities:
Our lawyers supported Oleksandr at all stages of the application submission to the local authorities. Together with him, we visited the local government offices where the application for PESEL was submitted and ensured proper representation during communication with the tax authorities.
During the submission, the lawyer explained all the requirements and sent a request for additional clarifications regarding possible next steps in case of delays or refusal. We also ensured that Oleksandr received answers to all questions arising during the application process.
Result:
Thanks to the professional assistance of our lawyers, Oleksandr successfully obtained his PESEL number. Obtaining this number was a crucial step in legalizing his stay in Poland. Now, Oleksandr was able to work officially, as well as use medical services and receive social benefits, to which he was entitled under Polish law.
Professional legal assistance is essential for successfully navigating the legalization process in Poland, especially when it comes to obtaining a PESEL number. Thanks to clear recommendations and careful guidance through all stages, the client was able to successfully complete the procedure and legally work in Poland. This case highlights the importance of legal consultations during immigration and document processing. Professional support allowed Oleksandr to avoid potential mistakes and delays, ensuring his legal status and ability to work in Poland.
