Many Ukrainians residing and working in Poland, especially men of conscription age, are wondering how Polish authorities will approach the issuing of temporary and permanent residence permits and EU long-term resident permits after 30 September 2025.
In 2025, we can expect the situation related to the legalisation of the stay of Ukrainians to evolve. The fate of the war and related international decisions is currently unknown. The outcome of the US elections makes one think about a possible freeze of the conflict still next year. In addition, due to the labour shortage, the Polish authorities would probably like to allow Ukrainians to stay and work in Poland as much as possible. The question is, will they be able to afford it?
As reported by many sources, offices are currently a little confused on these issues. It is likely that in time there will be new legal regulations and changes in migration policy that will affect, among other things, the possibility of obtaining permanent residence or long-term residency in Poland.
Advice from Vitas Group: If you are looking for work and job opportunities in the Tricitiy, we would be happy to help you settle your legal status in the best possible way. This process can vary depending on each person’s individual situation and changing legislation. We keep abreast of changes on a regular basis and will certainly find the best solution for you!
What are the new rules for the stay of Ukrainian citizens in Poland after the recent legal changes?
What we now know for sure is the extension of the right of residence of Ukrainian citizens in Poland until the end of September 2025, provided it has been legal so far. As of 1 July 2024, an amendment to the law on assistance to Ukrainian citizens is in force.
Thanks to the new provisions, both refugees from Ukraine with UKR status and those who benefit from legally extended residence permits can legally stay in Poland until 30 September 2025.
Opportunities to apply for temporary residence and residence cards for Ukrainians – legal residence in Poland until 30 September 2025.
The current legislation states that if a Ukrainian citizen has come legally to Poland in the period from 24 February 2022 in relation to the hostilities and wishes to stay in Poland, he or she is entitled to do so until 30 September 2025.
Many experts recommend that refugees planning to stay in Poland for a longer period of time should apply for a temporary residence permit now or at the latest at the beginning of next year. This is all so that, regardless of how the war goes on, they will be able to legitimise their stay in Poland in advance, even after 30 September 2025. The amended law also allows non-working family members (including children) with UKR status to apply for temporary residence permits.
Also good news is the law’s announcement to allow Ukrainian refugees with UKR status to apply electronically for 3-year residence cards. The condition will be to have held UKR status for at least 365 days, including 4 March 2024.
The date for the launch of the applications is not yet known. It is to be determined by the Ministry of Interior and Administration in the near future.
Extended visas, residence cards and other residence permits for Ukrainian citizens
For Ukrainians residing in Poland on the basis of a national visa, the validity of which expired after 24 February 2022, the legal stay has been extended by law until 30 September 2025. However, it is important to note that during the extension period, the visa does not entitle them to cross the border.
Temporary residence permits, residence cards, Schengen visas and tolerated stay permits, which were already expiring after the outbreak of war, were extended in the same way and until the same date.
Also, Ukrainians holding a Pole’s Card who came to Poland after the outbreak of the war and stayed in our country legally have their right of residence extended until 30 September 2025.
Statement on entrusting work to Ukrainian national – change of deadline
The rules for the employment of Ukrainian nationals in the latest version of the Act remain almost unchanged. The statement of on entrusting work to Ukrainian citizen is still in force. However, the employer has not 14, but 7 days to send the statement to the labour office.
The statement on entrusting work to Ukrainian citizen is still the most convenient way of employing Ukrainian citizens, which does not require an official fee. Please note that it only applies to those Ukrainians who are legally residing in Poland.
For this, the employer may first employ the foreigner and only send a notification within the next 7 days. It is worth noting that this is currently the only possible form of employing war refugees from Ukraine who have temporary protection in Poland.
In order to work on the basis of a declaration of entrustment of work to a foreigner or a work permit, a Ukrainian citizen needs a residence document, e.g. a visa, a residence card, a visa-free stay (concerning holders of valid biometric passports).
It is currently unknown how the regulations on the employment and residence of Ukrainian citizens in Poland after 30 September 2025 will evolve. It is worth taking steps now to obtain the relevant permits, e.g. for temporary residence ensuring legal stay and the right to work in Poland also after 30 September 2025.