Changes to regulations regarding the stay and work of Ukrainian citizens in 2026–2027

The President of Poland has signed an amendment to the special act on assistance for Ukrainian citizens. Discover the deadlines for employers and how to prepare for the phase-out of special regulations.

Key regulatory changes regarding Ukrainian citizens (2026–2027)

The President of Poland signed the Act of January 23, 2026, which introduces significant modifications to the scope of assistance for Ukrainian citizens. These changes involve the gradual phase-out of certain provisions of the current special act and require both employers and employees to take appropriate legal steps to ensure the continuity of legal employment.

Key deadlines and rules

The regulatory change process has been scheduled over time to allow companies and foreign nationals to transition smoothly to standard procedures. Here are the key dates:

• April 5, 2026 – the official start of the process to phase out special regulations resulting from the special act.
• March 4, 2027 – until this date, Ukrainian citizens with UKR status can legally reside in Poland without the need for additional formal actions.
• March 5, 2026 – individuals arriving in Poland from this date onwards will be required to obtain UKR status within 30 days of arrival for their stay to be considered legal.

It is worth noting that individuals who do not hold UKR status but reside in Poland legally (e.g., based on extended visas, visa-free travel, or residence permits) can also continue working at least until March 4, 2027. In such cases, the basis remains a timely notification to the District Labour Office (PUP).

Business perspective: How to prepare?

The legislator is clearly signaling that after March 4, 2027, most special solutions will cease to apply. This means a necessary shift toward classic legalization paths, such as applications for temporary residence and work permits. The year 2026 should be treated as a transition period, ideal for reorganizing HR strategies.

Recommended actions for employers:

1. Documentation audit: Analyzing which employees are using UKR status and which are staying in Poland on other grounds.
2. Legalization planning: Preparing a schedule for submitting temporary residence applications to avoid a backlog of formalities in 2027.
3. Securing work continuity: Verifying the validity of current permits and notifications to the authorities.

As the WorkerService employment agency, we support our partners in monitoring legal changes and in the comprehensive employment legalization process. Thanks to our experience, we help entrepreneurs safely navigate this period of regulatory shifts while ensuring full compliance with the law.

If you need support in verifying documents or advice regarding new procedures, we encourage you to contact our experts.