The stay of Ukrainian nationals residing in Poland under temporary protection (‘UKR status’) has been extended to September 30, 2025.
Immigration Changes for Residence Permits
- The new rules also apply to all Ukrainian nationals residing in Poland on the basis of visas, residence permits and on the basis of visa-free stay.
- Non-working dependents holding UKR status are able to submit temporary residence permit applications for family reunion. Previously, only working holders of UKR status could file for residence permit applications.
- A new type of application for a residence card for Ukrainian nationals residing in Poland due to the war has been introduced but this scheme is not yet available in practice.
- Holders of the card will be exempted from work permit obligation and will be able to open business activity under the same rules as Polish citizens.
- Submission of application for a residence card will be possible if a Ukrainian national:
- held the UKR status on March 4, 2024,
- hold the UKR status at the moment of submission of application,
- hold the UKR status uninterruptedly for at least 365 days.
- It will only be possible to apply for a residence card electronically.
Immigration Changes for Work Authorization
- The period for an employer to notify the authorities about commencement of work by a Ukrainian national has been shortened from 14 to 7 days.
- A resubmission of the notification is required when:
- the type of contract between the entity entrusting the work and the Ukrainian citizen has changed, or
- the position or type of work performed has changed, or
- the working hours or the number of working hours per week or month specified in the notification has been reduced, or
- the monthly or hourly wage specified in the notification was reduced.
- As of July 1, 2024 Ukrainian citizens are obliged to inform the employer, within 7 days, of obtaining a temporary residence permit for the purpose of work. After the Ukrainian citizen informs the employer, the company will be required to submit a notification within 7 days.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
The aim of a new type of residence permit is to transfer status of Ukrainian nationals from temporary protection to standard temporary residence permit and limit the number of individuals holding UKR status. With consideration of these changes, it is likely that overall waiting time for residence permit processing will increase.
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.