Starting April 1, 2023, Ukrainian citizens with a PESEL number and UKR status will be able to apply for a temporary residence permit if they have taken a job—including one in a highly skilled profession, such as a Blue Card, or are running a business in Poland.
The new regulations concern residence permits related to basic forms of economic activity, namely:
– temporary residence and work permits,
– temporary residence permits for the purpose of working in a profession requiring high qualifications,
– temporary residence permits for the purpose of conducting business activities.
To obtain one of the residence permits listed above, a Ukrainian citizen must meet the requirements set forth in the Foreigners Act.
An application for a residence permit may be filed by a Ukrainian citizen who:
- is residing in Poland and has a PESEL number with the status "UKR,",
- works or operates a business in Poland, for example, based on an entry in the CEIDG.
It is best to complete the application for a temporary residence permit using the online form; this will help you avoid errors in the application and ensure that your information is submitted directly to the system.
After completing the application, you must print it, sign it by hand, attach the necessary supporting documents, and send it by mail or deliver it by other means to the provincial office with jurisdiction over your place of residence.
Applying for these residence permits is optional
Ukrainian citizens who have arrived in Poland since February 24, 2022, and do not wish to take advantage of this option may continue to reside in the country legally under temporary protection.
Based on the EU Council’s decision to introduce temporary protection, it is highly likely that the period of stay considered legal—which currently ends on August 24, 2023— will be extended accordingly, at least until March 4, 2024.
