March 2026 Law Changes for Ukrainians in Poland — What You Need to Know

On 5 March 2026, a new law came into force that significantly changes the rules governing the legal stay of Ukrainian citizens in Poland. Some special provisions have expired — others have been extended. Here is what you need to know.

What Expired on 5 March 2026?

As of the date the law took effect, three special provisions ceased to apply:

• The simplified pathway for obtaining a temporary residence permit — for individuals who did not meet the standard requirements.
• Automatic extension of voluntary departure and leave-the-country deadlines.
• The Border Guard's authority to suspend return proceedings.

What Is Extended Until 4 March 2027?

• The validity of national visas, temporary residence permits, residence cards, and other residence documents issued to Ukrainian citizens.
• The legality of stay for individuals who have exhausted their permitted visa-free period (90 days within 180) or Schengen visa stay.

Good News for Employers — Declaration Procedure Extended to 2029

The ability to employ Ukrainian citizens under the notification procedure (employer declaration) remains fully available until 2029. Polish employers have more than three additional years to use this proven, fast, and cost-effective pathway — without the need for a formal work permit.

What Does This Mean in Practice?

For Ukrainian Citizens Living in Poland

• If you hold a valid residence document — your stay is legal until 4 March 2027.
• If you were using the simplified residence pathway — contact a specialist to verify your current status.
• Do not wait until the last moment — apply for a residence card at least 2–3 months in advance.
• If you have exhausted your visa-free or Schengen visa time — your stay is legal until 4 March 2027, but regularise your status as soon as possible.

For Employers

• Hiring Ukrainians via the declaration procedure remains fully available and legal — nothing has changed.
• Monitor the expiry dates of your employees' residence documents — their stay is legal until 4 March 2027, but documents are not renewed automatically.
• Keep copies of each employee's current residence documents.
• If you employ dozens or hundreds of Ukrainian workers, outsourcing your legalisation administration eliminates the risk of penalties.