Publication date: 01.04.2025
My name is Igor Osipchuk, I am a lawyer from Warsaw. The key areas of law in which I have been practicing for 30 years are migration, civil, labor, criminal law, and public utilities law. I always focus on achieving concrete results and set high standards in my work. For me, it is important not only to complete the task, but also to ensure the best result that fully meets the expectations of my clients.
Input data: A man contacted me, who is currently residing in Poland and wishes to apply for a Ukrainian pension. The problem was that he could not travel to Ukraine due to mobilization, which complicated the pension application process. The man had approached various institutions, where they told him that it was impossible without traveling to Ukraine.
Problem: The client received several rejections from different institutions, as they told him that to apply for a pension, he needed to be physically present in Ukraine. This created serious difficulties, as traveling to Ukraine was impossible due to mobilization, and without the pension, the client could not ensure his financial stability.
Solution: I explained to the client that there is an international agreement between Ukraine and Poland, which allows applying for a Ukrainian pension while staying in Poland. According to this agreement, documents can be submitted through the relevant authorities of both countries without the need to travel to Ukraine.
We prepared and submitted the necessary documents to both countries:
- In Poland — to the Rzeszów International Pension Fund (ZUS).
- In Ukraine — through the Lviv International Department of the Pension Fund of Ukraine.
Documents submitted:
- A copy of the work book and other documents confirming the work experience in Ukraine.
- An application for the pension, stating the impossibility of traveling due to mobilization.
- Copies of documents confirming legal residence in Poland.
- Other documents confirming social security in Ukraine and Poland.
Result: The client is currently waiting for a decision on the pension calculation. Thanks to the international agreement and our assistance, he was able to avoid the need to travel to Ukraine. This process helped him maintain access to social benefits and resolve the issue on time without leaving the country.
How to apply for a Ukrainian pension in Poland?
The international agreement between Ukraine and Poland allows applying for a pension without traveling to Ukraine.
To do this, you need to complete a few simple steps:
- Preparation of documents.
Gather all documents confirming your work experience in Ukraine, as well as proof of residence in Poland. - Application in Poland.
Submit an application to the Rzeszów International Pension Fund (ZUS), which handles international matters. - Application in Ukraine.
Submit an application to the Lviv International Department of the Pension Fund of Ukraine for pension processing abroad.
Documents for pension application:
- Copies of documents confirming work experience in Ukraine.
- Documents confirming residence in Poland (visa, registration).
- Application stating the impossibility of traveling due to mobilization.
- Additional documents as required by the pension authorities.
How a lawyer helps in the pension application process:
- Consultation on international pension provision.
- Preparation and verification of all necessary documents.
- Submission of the application to the relevant authorities in Poland and Ukraine.
- Monitoring the pension application process and resolving issues.
- Support at all stages of the process.
Applying for a Ukrainian pension in Poland through the international agreement is a viable option for those who cannot travel to Ukraine. With careful preparation of documents and an understanding of the legislation, the client can receive the pension even while abroad. Proper legal assistance greatly simplifies this process and helps avoid mistakes that could lead to delays or refusals.
