Temporary protective status for Ukrainians in Poland

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Consultant # 27

Lawyer

Poland / Poland

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Publication date: 15.09.2025

Temporary Protective Status for Ukrainians in Poland

The full-scale war in Ukraine forced millions of the country’s citizens to leave their homeland and seek refuge in the European Union, primarily seeking safe residence abroad. Temporary protection for Ukrainians in Poland has become one of the main tools for legalizing their stay and obtaining social support.

This legal mechanism was immediately defined both at the level of European Union legislation and all internal regulations of the Republic of Poland, which significantly ensured comprehensive protection of the interests of citizens in difficult life situations. It enabled Ukrainians to legally stay in Poland, use social and medical services, and access the labor market and educational programs. Temporary protection provides a sense of stability and security necessary for adapting to new conditions and facilitates integration with local society. It is also an important tool for supporting families, particularly children, by ensuring access to education and social benefits.

The main goals of granting this status are:

1. Ensuring legal status and safety for Ukrainians.
2. Facilitating integration in Poland.
3. Providing Ukrainians with opportunities to participate in all professional and educational programs.
4. Ensuring access to social and medical care.

Validity and legal basis of protection

Temporary protection for Ukrainians in 2025 is granted, in most cases, for one year from the date of registration, but it can be extended according to the decisions of the European Union and Polish government regulations. The legal basis includes:

• EU Directive on granting temporary protection to persons who have left their country due to an emergency situation.
• Legal acts of the Republic of Poland concerning temporary protection of Ukrainians.
• Government decisions regarding further extension of the period and conditions of stay, taking into account any changes in the situation in Ukraine.

Temporary protection for Ukrainians in Poland in 2025 remains an important legal instrument that guarantees safety, social support, and the possibility of integration into a new environment. The flexibility of this mechanism, based both on EU decisions and Polish law, allows for adaptation of rules to changing conditions in Ukraine. This means that Ukrainian citizens can rely on further extension of protection and stability of stay as long as there is an objective need for such support.

Rights and privileges for Ukrainian Citizens

Ukrainians with UKR status have the right to:

1. Legal long-term residence in Poland.
2. Education for children and adults, as well as vocational training.
3. Access to the labor market without additional permits.
4. Social benefits, including temporary protective allowances.
5. Medical care and access to the healthcare system.
6. Right to housing compensation, support under municipal programs, assistance in obtaining a document.

By understanding and utilizing these rights, Ukrainian citizens can secure stability and actively participate in Polish society. Access to education, healthcare, employment, and social support not only ensures their well-being but also facilitates smoother integration and a more predictable future in Poland.

PESEL UKR or CUKR — What’s the Difference

To effectively use the rights and benefits, it is important to understand the difference:

• PESEL status — an individual, unique registration number that allows a person to use educational, social, and training services.
• CUKR — a physical card confirming temporary protection status in Poland, containing personal data and protection period.
• In general, temporary protection status does not change automatically, and for extension or modification, re-registration in the system is required.

Understanding the difference between PESEL UKR and CUKR allows Ukrainian citizens to effectively exercise their rights, access social and educational services, and plan their continued stay in Poland. This ensures stability, security, and the ability to legally integrate into the new environment.

What happens after protection expires — possibilities for further stay

After temporary protection for Ukrainians expires, a person has several options:

1. Apply for temporary or permanent residence in the Republic of Poland.
2. Apply for asylum, assistance with status renewal.
3. Official employment or studies in Poland to legalize residence under temporary protection.

Additionally, Ukrainians with UKR status are entitled to social support through local social security authorities, employment centers, employment support programs, educational institutions, and healthcare services. Available benefits include one-time financial assistance, child support programs, housing and food allowances.

Although temporary protection provides a wide range of benefits, certain conditions apply: temporary nature of status, compliance with employment and residence rules, and limited access to some social services available only to permanent residents. Many Ukrainians face bureaucracy, difficulties in formalities, and language barriers.

Legal Market "Consultant" can provide support at every stage:

Professional advice on residence legalization and official employment.

Assistance in obtaining social benefits and clarifying their amounts.

Preparation of documents to obtain PESEL UKR or CUKR.

Protection of clients’ rights in courts and other Polish authorities.