Special law for Ukrainians in Poland repealed: what will change for refugees from March 5, 2026

The special law for Ukrainian refugees has been repealed in Poland, but the temporary protection regime remains in force. Find out what rules for stay, residence, and social assistance will apply to Ukrainians after March 5, 2026

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In Poland, a special law on assistance to Ukrainian citizens, adopted after the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, has ceased to be in force. At the same time, the main support mechanisms remain in place — they have been transferred to systemic laws regulating the provision of protection to foreigners.

This was reported by the Ukrainian Embassy in Poland, explaining what rules will apply to Ukrainians after the changes.

What changes after the repeal of the special law

The special law that regulated assistance to Ukrainian refugees in Poland after February 24, 2022, officially expired on March 5. At the same time, temporary protection mechanisms have not been abolished.

They have now been transferred to systemic legislation, primarily to the Act of June 13, 2003, on granting protection to foreigners in the territory of the Republic of Poland.

This means that the rules for Ukrainians staying in the country are changing their legal form, but the temporary protection regime itself continues to operate.

How long can Ukrainians legally stay in Poland

According to the EU Council's Executive Decision, the stay of Ukrainian citizens with temporary protection is recognized as legal until March 4, 2027.

Legal status is maintained provided that the person:

● entered Poland after February 24, 2022, due to the war;

● received a PESEL number with UKR status;

● does not have temporary protection in another European Union country.

These criteria remain key to confirming the right to stay in Poland under temporary protection.

Access to healthcare for Ukrainians in Poland

Persons with temporary protection retain access to healthcare on terms similar to those enjoyed by Polish citizens. Full access to medical services is possible if:

● the person has medical insurance;

● contributions are paid to the ZUS social insurance system.

At the same time, persons without insurance can receive free assistance only in certain cases:

● in case of an immediate threat to life or health;

● during pregnancy and after childbirth;

● for children under 18 years of age.

There are also some exceptions for people injured in combat, victims of torture or violence, and people living in collective accommodation centers.

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New residence rules for Ukrainians

Starting March 5, 2026, a new system of housing assistance for people under temporary protection will come into effect in Poland. The Minister of Internal Affairs may provide:

● accommodation and meals in collective accommodation centers;

● or cash assistance for accommodation.

However, restrictions will apply:

● up to 60 days of accommodation for new arrivals after their first entry;

● no more than 12 months in total throughout the entire period of temporary protection.

This limit is cumulative — it takes into account the entire time spent in the centers since 2022.

Transitional period until June 30, 2026

A special transitional period has been introduced for people already living in collective accommodation centers. Until June 30, 2026, the voivode may allow such persons to remain in the center even if the 12-month residence limit has already been exceeded. This decision was made so that people would have the opportunity to:

● complete the school year;

● find permanent housing;

● prepare for changes in the assistance system.

After June 30, 2026, persons who do not belong to vulnerable groups will lose their right to free accommodation in the centers.

800+ payments and other social assistance

Family payments, including 800+, will continue to be provided to Ukrainians under the general conditions applicable to foreigners. This means that certain requirements must be met in order to receive assistance:

● the child's guardian must be professionally active;

● the child must attend school.

Control over the use of funds received by children from the foreign care system has been completely transferred to the county authorities. In case of violation of the conditions, payments may be suspended.

When temporary protection may be terminated

Temporary protection is not granted or is terminated in cases where the person:

● has another legal status in any EU country (e.g., permanent or temporary residence or refugee status);

● has applied for international protection;

● has received temporary protection in another EU country;

● is a citizen of an EU country;

● has submitted false information or forged documents;

● has entered Poland under the local border traffic regime.

Status may also be lost in the following cases:

● departure from Poland for more than 30 days;

● written waiver of protection;

● obtaining another legal status.

What Ukrainians in Poland should consider

Despite the repeal of the special law, the temporary protection regime for Ukrainians will remain in force until March 4, 2027. However, the rules are gradually being integrated into the general system of Polish migration law.

In such circumstances, it is particularly important to monitor your legal status and complete the necessary paperwork in a timely manner. If you have any questions about legalizing your stay, changing your status, or applying for a residence permit, Ukrainians can contact immigration lawyers. For example, the Visit Ukraine platform offers consultations with specialists who can help you navigate immigration procedures, prepare documents, and avoid mistakes in the legalization process.

We remind you! The Polish Border Guard has the right to check that everyone crossing the border has sufficient funds. Financial requirements vary depending on citizenship and the planned length of stay. Read more about the minimum amounts required to enter Poland in 2026.

Photo: aileenchik / freepik

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