Temporary protection for Ukrainians after 4 March 2026 – what’s changing?
24/02/2026
Temporary protection for Ukrainians after 4 March 2026 – what is changing? The most significant change is the expiry of the extraordinary ‘special Ukrainian law’ and the transfer of most of its provisions to the general system for the protection of foreign nationals. Temporary protection remains in force, but under different rules and within a more formalised legal framework. The changes stem both from decisions by European Union institutions and from new provisions in Polish law. For Ukrainian nationals residing in the Republic of Poland, this means new administrative obligations, a partial restriction on social assistance, and a change in the procedure for confirming the legality of their stay.
From 5 March 2026, the Act of 23 January 2026 on the expiry of the measures arising from the Act on assistance to Ukrainian citizens in connection with the armed conflict on the territory of their country comes into force. This Act brings to an end the period of emergency regulations introduced following the outbreak of the war and establishes systemic rules governing the operation of temporary protection in Poland. At the same time, the Council of the European Union has decided to maintain protection for people fleeing Ukraine until 4 March 2027, which ensures the continuity of legal residence.
Why does temporary protection for Ukrainian citizens remain in force after 4 March 2026?
Temporary protection remains in force because it has been extended until 4 March 2027 by a decision of the European Union institutions. The legal basis is Council Implementing Decision 2024/1836 of 25 June 2024 on the extension of the protection introduced by Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2022/382. In practice, this means that Ukrainian nationals staying in the territory of the Republic of Poland continue to benefit from the protection mechanism provided for under EU law.
This mechanism derives from Council Directive 2001/55/EC of 20 July 2001 on minimum standards for giving temporary protection in the event of a mass influx of displaced persons (OJ EU L 212, 7 August 2001). The Directive allows Member States to activate a simplified protection system in the event of a sudden influx of refugees. It was on this basis that the Council of the European Union adopted Implementing Decision (EU) 2022/382 of 4 March 2022, which recognised the existence of a mass influx of people fleeing Ukraine following the start of the Russian invasion.
The armed conflict on Ukrainian territory remains the main reason for maintaining temporary protection. The EU institutions state explicitly that the scale of the threat to the safety of civilians makes it impossible for many people to return safely to their country of origin. This is precisely why the protection system across the Union has been maintained and adapted to the current situation.
The expiry of the special act and the new system for the protection of foreign nationals in Poland
The most significant change following 4 March 2026 is the expiry of the so-called ‘special Ukrainian Act’ and the incorporation of its provisions into the general migration law system. This took place pursuant to the Act of 23 January 2026 on the expiry of the provisions arising from the Act on Assistance to Ukrainian Citizens, which came into force on 5 March 2026.
The special act of 12 March 2022 established a separate, simplified legal framework for people fleeing Ukraine. It regulated, amongst other things, the rules on residence, access to the labour market, social benefits and education. After several years of operation, the legislator decided to transition from an emergency model to a systemic model.
The new provisions do not abolish temporary protection. Instead, they alter its structure. The key mechanisms of the Special Act have been transferred to the Act of 13 June 2003 on the granting of protection to foreign nationals on the territory of the Republic of Poland. This means that Ukrainian citizens are now subject to the same legal framework as other foreigners granted protection.
President Karol Nawrocki signed the Act on 19 February 2026. The news of the signing was published by the Office of the President of the Republic of Poland. In a video released by the Office, the President pointed out that the new provisions bring the phase of emergency assistance to an end and introduce systemic solutions for foreign nationals.
UKR status and the UKR PESEL number remain the basis for legal residence
UKR status continues to be the most important confirmation of temporary protection in Poland. Ukrainian citizens who have arrived in Poland as a result of the war retain the right to legal residence if they hold a PESEL UKR number. This mechanism has been incorporated into the provisions of the Act on Granting Protection to Foreigners on the Territory of the Republic of Poland.
The UKR PESEL number is an administrative identifier confirming the legality of residence and access to many public services. Under the new regulations, an application for this number must be submitted within 30 days of entering Poland. Failure to register within this period results in the expiry of temporary protection. This stems from the new regulations concerning the registration of PESEL UKR status.
UKR status may also be lost in other situations, for example, if a person leaves Poland for a period longer than 30 days. Information about such a departure is forwarded to the system by the Commander-in-Chief of the Border Guard, and the status in the PESEL register is automatically updated.
For those already residing in Poland, the most significant consequence of the new regulations is that their stay remains lawful until 4 March 2027. However, if anyone plans to arrive after 2026, they must strictly comply with the new registration requirements.
The electronic DIIA card and the mObywatel app as new residence documents
Following the changes in 2026, the system for confirming the legality of residence will become largely digital. Paper certificates previously issued by the Head of the Office for Foreigners will be replaced by electronic documents.
The main tool is the electronic DIIA card. This document is linked to the administrative system operated by the Office for Foreigners and serves as digital confirmation of temporary protection status. It replaces the previous paper certificates confirming the granting of protection.
In addition, it is possible to confirm one’s residence status via the mObywatel app. This functionality was introduced on the basis of the regulations governing the mObywatel app. As a result, a Ukrainian citizen can store a mobile document on their phone containing data from the PESEL register and confirming the legality of their stay.
The electronic system serves two purposes. Firstly, it speeds up administrative procedures for foreign nationals. Secondly, it makes it easier for employers, government departments and public institutions to verify their status.
Employment of Ukrainian citizens following the changes in 2026
After 4 March 2026, Ukrainian citizens may continue to work in Poland without the need to obtain a work permit. The basis for this is a notification mechanism regarding the assignment of work, which the employer must submit to the employment office within 7 days of the start of employment.
This arrangement has been retained in the new regulations governing the employment of foreign nationals. This means that the simplified recruitment procedure has been maintained, although it now operates within the general legal framework governing the employment of foreign nationals.
In addition, the legislator has introduced a transitional period. For several years, employers may also use the notification mechanism in relation to Ukrainian nationals who do not benefit from temporary protection but are residing in Poland legally.
Data from the Central Statistical Office show just how significant this regulation is. Over a million foreign nationals work in Poland, a significant proportion of whom are Ukrainian citizens, and a large group of whom are employed under civil law contracts.
Restrictions on social assistance and changes to access to healthcare
Following the changes introduced in 2026, social assistance for those covered by temporary protection has been restricted. The principle is simple: the system is moving away from universal assistance funded from the state budget and is focusing on supporting those in particularly difficult circumstances.
The new regulations stipulate that social assistance benefits will be granted mainly in the form of accommodation, meals, essential clothing or targeted allowances. These provisions are based on the social assistance legislation.
The changes also extend to the healthcare system. After 5 March 2026, free state-funded medical care will be available primarily to those belonging to so-called ‘particularly vulnerable groups’. These include, amongst others, children, pregnant women, people with serious war injuries and victims of violence.
Other Ukrainian citizens may access public healthcare on the same terms as other foreign nationals – most commonly through health insurance provided through employment or self-employment.
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Business activities of Ukrainian citizens following the changes
Individuals with UKR status may continue to run a business in Poland under rules similar to those applicable to Polish citizens. This entitlement stems from the regulations governing the participation of foreign entrepreneurs in economic activity in Poland.
At the same time, the new regulations introduce a significant distinction. Ukrainian citizens who started a business before 5 March 2026 under the special act may continue to operate under the existing rules for as long as their stay in Poland remains lawful.
The situation is different for those who do not benefit from temporary protection. From 5 March 2026, they must meet the general conditions for foreigners to carry out business activities. In practice, this means they must hold an appropriate residence permit.
This arrangement is transitional in nature and helps to maintain economic stability for entrepreneurs who started their businesses whilst the special act was in force.
What will happen to temporary protection after 2027?
Temporary protection for Ukrainian nationals in the European Union is currently in force until 4 March 2027. This deadline stems from EU Council Implementing Decision 2024/1836 and earlier decisions from 2022 and 2023.
Council Directive 2001/55/EC provides that temporary protection may be extended for a maximum of three years. In practice, this means that the protection scheme should be replaced by other forms of legal residence, such as a temporary residence permit or long-term resident status.
The European Union institutions state in legislative documents that Member States should put in place mechanisms enabling Ukrainian nationals to transition from temporary protection to standard forms of residence. These include, amongst other things, permits relating to work, education or running a business.
This is why ‘Temporary protection for Ukrainians after 4 March 2026 – what is changing?’ effectively marks the start of the transition from an emergency assistance system to the standard migration system applicable across the European Union.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happens if a Ukrainian national does not apply for a PESEL UKR number within 30 days of entering Poland?
Failure to apply for a PESEL UKR number within 30 days of entry may result in the expiry of temporary protection. In practice, this will be treated as a waiver of this status. Therefore, those arriving in Poland should register with the relevant authority as soon as possible.
Will the paper certificate confirming temporary protection status remain valid?
Ultimately, paper certificates are to be replaced by an electronic card within the DIIA app. This new solution will enable digital confirmation of protection status and identity. In future, it will also be possible to confirm residence via the mObywatel app.
Will people covered by temporary protection still be able to apply for legal residence in Poland?
Yes, the extension of the recognition of legal residence provides time to submit an application for another residence permit. People under temporary protection may, until 4 March 2027, apply, for example, for a temporary residence permit or other forms of legalisation of residence. This allows for a gradual transition to standard migration procedures.
Will all refugees from Ukraine be able to access collective accommodation?
The planned changes envisage restricting access to collective accommodation facilities mainly to those belonging to particularly vulnerable groups. These include, amongst others, older people, people with disabilities and families in difficult life circumstances. The aim is to better target public assistance.
Will it still be possible to access social benefits and healthcare after the changes?
People covered by temporary protection will continue to have access to basic benefits, including healthcare, family benefits and selected forms of social support. However, some support schemes may be restricted or modified. The specific conditions depend on the applicable regulations and benefit periods.
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