Legal stay and work in Poland

What changed on 5 March 2026

The act of 23 January 2026 on phasing out the solutions arising from the act on assistance to Ukrainian citizens (Dz.U. 2026 poz. 203) entered into force on 5 March 2026. Some earlier rules were repealed and some were moved to other acts. Temporary protection still applies, but on a different legal basis.

Since that date, applications for a temporary residence permit are processed fully under the Act on Foreigners. Decisions issued earlier under the repealed provisions of the special act remain valid.

Legal stay with UKR status

Ukrainian citizens holding a PESEL number with UKR status may stay in Poland legally until 4 March 2027. The period is extended automatically and no application is required. The validity of other documents, including national visas, residence cards and temporary residence permits, is also extended automatically.

This does not remove the need to keep your documents in order. If you plan to stay longer, check in advance which basis of residence will apply to you after March 2027.

Working in Poland: the praca.gov.pl notification

A Ukrainian citizen under temporary protection may work in Poland without a separate work permit. The formal duty rests with the employer. The employer notifies the labour office through the praca.gov.pl portal within 7 days from the day work begins.

Ask your employer or coordinator to confirm that the notification has been submitted. It is the basic document confirming that your work is legal. Together with your contract, it shows on what basis and on what terms you are employed.

Citizens of other countries

Different rules apply to citizens of Moldova, Georgia and other countries. The act on the conditions for permitting work to foreigners has applied since 1 June 2025. It sets out when a work permit is required and when another basis is sufficient.

Check your basis of residence and your basis of work separately. These are two different documents, and a valid visa alone does not always give the right to work.

Documents worth keeping at hand

• a passport or another identity document,
• confirmation of your PESEL number with UKR status, a residence card or a visa,
• an employment contract or civil law contract in Polish,
• confirmation that the employer submitted the notification of employment,
• accommodation documents, if housing is provided by the agency,
• a Polish bank account number for salary payments.

Where to get free support

Ukrainian citizens can turn to the National Integration Offices (Krajowe Biura Integracji). They provide free help with administrative, legal and professional matters, enrol people in Polish language courses and arrange meetings with an adviser or psychologist. The offices do not provide accommodation and do not pay out benefits.

How HR WORK supports candidates

We explain which documents are needed before work starts and what the next stages of recruitment look like. Your coordinator stays available after you start, so questions about the contract, the schedule or the paperwork can be raised at any time.

This page is for information only and does not constitute legal advice. Rules may change, so check the current state of the law at gov.pl or with the authority handling your case before submitting any documents.