Pensions in Poland for Ukrainians in 2026: Who Is Eligible and How to Receive Benefits

Poland remains one of the key destinations for Ukrainians working abroad, so the issue of pensions is becoming increasingly relevant. As of 2026, clear rules apply: work experience in both countries is taken into account, and benefits may be calculated separately. Learn more about who is eligible for a pension in Poland and how to apply for it

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An increasing number of Ukrainians are working officially in Poland and paying contributions to the social insurance system. This naturally raises the question: Can they expect to receive a pension, and how is it calculated?

As of 2026, clear rules are in place: even just a few years of work can affect future benefits. In addition, there is an agreement between Ukraine and Poland that allows for the recognition of insurance periods in both countries.

In this article, we will explain who is eligible for a Polish pension, what conditions must be met, and how much you can receive.

We previously reported that Poland is changing the “800+” program: payments may continue automatically starting in 2027.

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Can Ukrainians receive a pension in Poland?

Ukrainians are eligible for a pension in Poland if they have officially worked in the country and paid contributions to the social insurance system (ZUS). Citizenship is not a decisive factor here—the key factor is the fact of legal employment and insurance contributions.

It is important to understand that the Polish pension system operates on the principle of individual savings: every contribution that an employer or employee pays to ZUS forms the basis for future payments. This means that even a relatively short period of work in Poland can entitle a person to a partial pension.

The social security agreement between Ukraine and Poland plays a special role. It stipulates that if a person has worked in both countries, their insurance record can be combined. This is particularly important for those who do not have sufficient work history in just one country.

As a result, several options are possible:

1. The person receives a pension only from Poland (if all the service record was accumulated there);

2. Receives two separate pensions—Polish and Ukrainian;

3. Or receives partial payments based on the service record in both countries.

Important! Poland is changing the rules of the “800+” program.

What are the retirement age and basic conditions in 2026?

In Poland in 2026, the retirement age has not changed:

- 60 years old – for women

- 65 years old – for men

To receive a pension, two basic conditions must be met:

- Reach retirement age;

- Have at least the minimum insurance record with contributions to ZUS.

Important note: for individuals born after 1948, pension eligibility does not depend on the number of years of service. Even a few years of official employment entitle you to a pension—but the amount will be very low.

Length of service matters in other respects:

- To receive the minimum guaranteed pension;

- To increase the pension amount.

To qualify for the minimum pension, you typically need:

- 20 years of service – for women

- 25 years of service – for men

Ukrainian service may also be counted under an international agreement.

Note: if your work history is insufficient, a pension will still be granted, but it will be calculated based only on the contributions actually paid—without any top-up to the minimum level.

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How work history is calculated: Poland + Ukraine

If a person has worked in both Ukraine and Poland, their insurance history is not “lost.”

Thanks to an agreement between the countries, periods of employment can be combined to determine pension eligibility.

Here’s how it works: each country counts the work history acquired on its territory, but also takes into account periods of employment in the other country—to verify that the minimum requirements are met.

Important:

1. Payments are not combined—each country pays its own share;

2. The pension amount depends solely on the contributions paid in a specific country;

3. Ukrainian work history can help “make up” the necessary years for the minimum pension in Poland.

For example, if a person has 10 years of service in Poland and 15 years in Ukraine, these periods can be counted together to qualify for benefits. However, the amount of the Polish pension will be calculated based only on the 10 years of contributions to ZUS.

Another important point: it is sufficient to submit a pension application in one country—at your place of residence. The authorities will then exchange information on their own and initiate the procedure in the other country.

For detailed information on how foreigners can legalize their stay in Poland online in 2026 — click here.

Minimum Pension in Poland in 2026: How Much Is Paid

As of 2026, the minimum pension in Poland, after indexation effective March 1, is approximately 1,978 zł gross (before taxes).

The actual take-home amount will be lower—depending on taxes and individual circumstances.

Important to understand:

1. This amount is not automatically guaranteed;

2. To receive the minimum pension, you must have sufficient service time (20/25 years);

3. Residency in Poland is also a factor.

If your work history is shorter, you will still be eligible for a pension. However, the amount may be significantly lower—only a few hundred zlotys.

The amount of the pension is determined on an individual basis and depends on:

- The amount of contributions paid;

- The length of employment;

- The retirement age (the later you retire, the higher the payment).

Remember! PESEL UKR in Poland must be updated by August 31, 2026.

Is it possible to receive two pensions at the same time?

Ukrainians can receive a pension from both Poland and Ukraine simultaneously if they worked in both countries and paid contributions to the respective social insurance systems. This is provided for by an agreement between the countries, which does not combine the payments but separates them.

Each country calculates and pays the pension separately—based only on the work experience acquired within its territory. That is, Poland considers only contributions to ZUS, while Ukraine considers contributions to the Pension Fund of Ukraine. As a result, a person effectively receives two independent payments.

At the same time, pension eligibility is determined based on total service time. This means that periods of work in Ukraine can help meet the minimum requirements for a pension in Poland but do not affect its amount.

Payments can be deposited into a bank account, including one abroad, but the process depends on the specific country and institution. A Polish pension can generally be paid out in both Poland and Ukraine, while the procedure for receiving a Ukrainian pension abroad is determined separately.

Ukrainians in Poland will be able to apply for a CUKR card starting May 4, 2026. We explain what you need to know in this article.

How to apply for a pension through ZUS: step-by-step

Pension applications in Poland are processed through the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS). If a person resides in Poland, this institution coordinates the process, even if part of the work history was acquired in Ukraine.

The first step is to submit a pension application. This can be done in person at a ZUS office or online via the PUE ZUS platform. The application must list all periods of employment—both in Poland and in Ukraine.

Documents confirming work history and earnings must be attached to the application. For Poland, this data is usually already in the ZUS system, but Ukrainian work history must be confirmed separately—with certificates or documents from the Pension Fund of Ukraine.

After the application is submitted, ZUS independently contacts the Ukrainian side to confirm the periods of insurance. The person does not need to submit a separate application in Ukraine—the exchange of information takes place between the institutions.

The decision to grant a pension is made after verifying all data. Then, each country calculates its portion of the benefits separately and disburses them according to its own rules.

In practice, most international cases involving Ukraine are handled by a specialized ZUS unit in Rzeszów, so the process may take longer than the standard pension application.

What is important for Ukrainians to consider in 2026?

In 2026, the rules remain stable, but there are several nuances that directly affect the pensions of Ukrainians in Poland. First of all, even a short period of official employment matters—contributions to ZUS do not disappear and are taken into account when calculating payments.

At the same time, one shouldn’t expect a high pension without a long work history. If a person has worked in Poland for only a few years, the payment will be minimal, as the system directly depends on the amount of contributions. That is why, for those planning to stay in the country long-term, it is important to work officially and without gaps in employment history.

Residency plays a separate role. To receive a supplement to the minimum pension, you usually need to actually live in Poland. If a person moves to another country, the conditions may change.

You should also consider your residency status. For many Ukrainians, the special UKR status is valid in 2026, which grants the right to legal employment and the payment of contributions. Its renewal directly affects the ability to accumulate insurance service.

Another important point is not to delay the processing of documents. If part of the service record was acquired in Ukraine, it is better to check all certificates and data in advance to avoid delays when submitting the application.

Are you planning to work or move to Poland and want to be sure of your future pension rights? The immigration lawyers at Visit Ukraine will help you navigate all the details: from legal employment and document processing to confirming your work history and interacting with ZUS and the Pension Fund of Ukraine. You’ll receive clear answers tailored to your specific situation, without the risk of mistakes or wasted time. Contact us for a consultation today and build your financial security abroad with confidence!

👉 Schedule a consultation to assess your options and avoid document issues before they arise!

Reminder! For Ukrainians traveling to Ukraine via Poland, it is important to check your documents and residency status in advance. What Ukrainians need to know before traveling to Poland in 2026 — find out more at the link.

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