Emigration to Poland: how can Ukrainians move in 2025?

Poland is one of the most popular destinations for Ukrainians to emigrate to, as the country offers comfortable living, employment and business conditions. If you are planning to move in 2025, it is important to prepare in advance for visa application, work permit and legalization of residence. Find out more about the algorithm of actions for emigration, peculiarities of paperwork for legalization of stay in Poland

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Poland continues to be one of the most popular destinations for Ukrainians seeking to emigrate to the European Union. In 2025, it attracts with its stable economy, safe environment, developed infrastructure and geographical proximity to Ukraine. Polish is a relatively easy language to learn, and cultural and historical ties between the countries facilitate quick adaptation.

Citizens of Ukraine can legally stay in Poland by obtaining work permits, studying at local universities, or starting their own business. Thanks to various legalization options, Poland remains an attractive country for long-term residence.

Are you planning to move to another country?

Contact Visit Ukraine lawyers! Our specialists will answer all your questions and provide you with the necessary support in migration matters.

Moving to Poland: stages of preparation

Poland remains one of the most popular countries for Ukrainians seeking to emigrate for employment, education or business. In 2025, the process of moving to Poland remains structured and requires careful preparation.

The first stage. Choosing an emigration option

Before moving, it is important to determine which emigration method suits you best. You can emigrate for work on the basis of an employment contract or as a self-employed person, study at Polish universities with the possibility of further employment, business emigration through starting your own company or investing, as well as family reunification (marriage or family ties with a Polish resident).

Each of these options requires an appropriate type of visa or residence permit. You can get advice on choosing a relocation option from Visit Ukraine lawyers.

The second stage. Preparation of documents and visa issues

To cross the border and legally stay in Poland, you must have the proper documents:

1. Foreign passport: biometric passport for visa-free entry or regular passport for visa;

2. Work or student visa: if you plan a long-term stay;

3. Employment or training agreement: if you plan to work or study.

4. Health insurance: required for obtaining a visa and for paperwork in Poland. You can get a reliable insurance policy through the Visit Ukraine service in a few minutes;

5. Proof of financial solvency: may be required when applying for a long-term visa or a residence card.

The third stage. Legalization of stay in Poland

After arriving in the country, you need to complete a number of formal procedures for legal residence.

If you plan to stay in Poland for more than 30 days, you need to register your place of residence with the relevant city office (Urząd Miasta or Urząd Gminy).

To stay in Poland for more than 90 days, you need to apply for a temporary residence card (Karta Pobytu).

Types of residence cards:

1. Temporary residence card (up to 3 years) - for work, study or business;

2. Permanent residence (indefinite) - available to holders of the Card of the Pole or those with family reasons for residence;

3. Long-term residence permit in the EU - after 5 years of continuous residence in Poland.

The process of obtaining a residence card is a process that requires knowledge of legal nuances. Visit Ukraine lawyers can help with the preparation of documents and submission of the application.

The fourth stage. Preparing for the move

You need to have a Polish bank account to receive your salary, pay taxes and other financial transactions. Popular banks: PKO Bank Polski, ING Bank Śląski, Santander Bank.

Accommodation must be rented in advance through OLX.pl, Otodom or Gumtree. To rent, you need a NIE (foreigner's identification number) or a residence card.

The cost of renting a house in Poland in 2025 depends on the city and conditions. Warsaw: 1-room apartment - from 3000-3500 PLN (~650-750 euros). Krakow, Gdansk, Wroclaw: 2500-3000 zlotys (~550-650 euros). Lodz, Poznan, Lublin: 1800-2500 PLN (~400-550 EUR). Many Ukrainians share apartments or choose cheaper options in the suburbs.

Moving to Poland by car

When planning a trip to Poland by car, Ukrainian drivers need to prepare in accordance with the current requirements. This will ensure a smooth border crossing and a comfortable stay in the neighboring country.

Documents required for entry:

- A valid foreign passport;

- Driver's license: both international driving licenses and new Ukrainian driving licenses are accepted;

- Vehicle registration certificate;

- Green Card insurance policy.

You can apply for a Green Card online through the Visit Ukraine portal. The calculator on the website allows you to quickly calculate the cost of the policy according to the type of vehicle. Insurance options are available for a period of 15 days to 1 year for cars, trucks, trailers, motorcycles and scooters.

Ensure peace of mind when travelling - apply for a Green Card at Visit Ukraine right now!

Ways of legalization in Poland

Ukrainians who arrived in Poland after July 1, 2024, have three main ways to legalize their stay. Each option depends on the purpose of stay and personal circumstances. Let's take a closer look at these possibilities.

1. PESEL UKR: temporary status for Ukrainians

The easiest way to stay in Poland is to obtain the PESEL UKR status. This is a special identification number that allows Ukrainians to:

- Receive social assistance;

- Rent housing and open a bank account;

- Legally stay in Poland without a visa or residence card;

- Travel freely within the EU.

You can apply for PESEL at local administrations by presenting an identity document. Fingerprints are also required for persons aged 12 and older.

Ukrainians who have received PESEL UKR can apply for a one-time allowance of 300 zlotys (about 2000 hryvnias). You can apply for the payment at administrative centers.

However, PESEL UKR holders cannot leave the territory of Poland for more than 30 days, otherwise their status will be canceled. Also, starting from July 2024, a valid foreign passport is required to apply for PESEL UKR.

2. Residence card: temporary residence permit

The second option for legalization is to obtain a residence card (karta pobytu). It is granted on the basis of:

- Studying at a Polish university;

- Official employment;

- Conducting business activities.

This document allows Ukrainians to legally stay in the country for a long time and enjoy the same rights as Polish citizens. With a residence card, you can cross borders without needing a visa.

The card contains the basic data of the holder: biometric information, photo, registration address, PESEL number and work permits. Starting from April 1, 2023, Ukrainians who legally work in Poland or do business can apply for a residence card.

3. CUKR card: a special permit for 3 years

The latest innovation was the introduction of a special residence card CUKR, which is issued for a period of three years. It has the same rights as a regular residence card, including access to the labor market.

However, the CUKR card has some differences. It is granted only to those Ukrainian citizens who:

- Have an active UKR status at the time of application;

- Stayed in Poland with continuous UKR status for at least 365 days;

- Have a valid foreign passport.

Successful obtaining of the CUKR card means that a Ukrainian will receive a residence card marked “Poprzednio posiadał ochronę czasową” (previously had temporary protection).

The paperwork process can be complicated and requires detailed preparation. To avoid mistakes and refusals, we recommend that you contact Visit Ukraine lawyers. Our specialists will help you with obtaining PESEL UKR and residence cards, filling out applications and collecting the necessary documents, obtaining a work permit and doing business in Poland. Leave a request for a consultation on the Visit Ukraine website, and our experts will tell you which legalization option is right for you.

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How to apply for a residence card in 2025?

A residence card is an official document entitling foreigners to temporary or permanent residence in Poland. It allows its holders to legally live, work, study and use most social and medical services in the country. The residence card also allows crossing the borders of Poland without the need for additional visas.

Ukrainians can obtain one of two main types of residence permits:

1. Temporary residence card (karta czasowego pobytu). This document is issued for a period of 1 to 3 years with the possibility of an unlimited number of extensions. Cardholders have the right to officially work, study, receive health insurance and social support.

2. Permanent residence card (karta stałego pobytu). It is issued for 10 years with the right of further extension. It allows Ukrainians to live in Poland permanently, work without additional permits, receive medical care, social benefits, and even apply for citizenship. This card can be obtained after passing a Polish language exam.

Who is eligible for a residence card?

Starting from April 1, 2023, Ukrainians who arrived in Poland after February 24, 2022 and have PESEL UKR status can apply for a residence card. To do so, you must meet one of the following conditions:

- Official employment - execution of an employment contract (umowa o pracę) or a civil law contract (umowa zlecenie);

- Doing business in Poland - registration of your own company or limited liability company (Sp. z o.o.);

- Obtaining a Blue Card - a special permit for highly qualified specialists in the fields of IT, medicine, architecture, science, engineering and energy;

How to apply for a residence card?

The application must be submitted to the Voivodeship Office (Urząd Wojewódzki) at the place of residence. The proceedings take from 3 to 6 months, so it is important to submit documents in advance.

Required documents:

- A completed application form (can be filled in online on the MOS platform);

- A valid foreign passport;

- Documents confirming the grounds for residence (employment contract, business registration certificate, etc.);

- Proof of residence in Poland (lease or ownership of a dwelling);

- Photos of a suitable format;

- Proof of financial resources for living in Poland;

- Receipt of payment of the state fee.

The cost of a temporary residence card is 440 PLN, and a permanent residence card is 640 PLN. Payment is made at an Urząd Wojewódzki office or online.

How to obtain a work permit in Poland

In order to work in Poland officially, Ukrainian citizens must obtain a work permit (Zezwolenie na pracę). This is a document confirming that a foreigner has the right to hold a certain position on the basis of an agreement concluded with the employer.

Depending on the nature of employment and the employee's status, work permits in Poland are divided into 5 types:

1. Type A is the most common option, which is granted to foreigners working in Polish companies on the basis of an employment contract;

2. Type B - for managers of commercial organizations who work in Poland for more than 6 months during the year;

3. Type C - for employees of foreign companies seconded to work in Poland for a period exceeding 30 days;

4. Type D - for employees of foreign companies performing temporary tasks in Poland, but their company does not have a representative office here;

5. Type E - for foreigners working in Poland on the basis of special circumstances that do not fall into the other categories.

How to apply for a work permit?

The process of obtaining a work permit is initiated by the employer. It is the employer who submits the documents to the voivodeship office at the place of company registration.

Required documents:

- An application from the employer;

- An agreement confirming the employment of a foreigner;

- If the position belongs to a regulated profession, a permit from the relevant Polish authorities is required;

- A document confirming previous legal status in Poland (if the Ukrainian has already worked in the country);

- A power of attorney (if the documents are submitted by an authorized person);

- Receipt of payment of stamp duty.

Depending on the type of permit, additional documents may be required.

The work permit is issued for a period of up to 3 years, but the employer is entitled to apply only for an annual work visa, which must be renewed. The processing time takes 1-3 months depending on the workload of the administration.

Oświadczenie - a declaration of intent to work. It is issued for a maximum period of 6 months during the year. The processing time is 2-3 weeks.

Zaświadczenie - an invitation for seasonal work. It is issued for a period of up to 9 months, but no later than December 31 of the current year. It takes up to 3 weeks to process.

We advise you to contact the migration lawyers on the Visit Ukraine platform, who will help you with emigration to Poland, take care of the process of submitting documents to various structures and obtaining appropriate decisions.

Where do Ukrainians work in Poland?

In 2025, the labor market in Poland remains open for Ukrainians, offering jobs in various industries. Most vacancies are available in the agricultural sector, construction, logistics, food and processing industries, mechanical engineering, services, and hospitality.

For those who do not speak Polish, the most available jobs are in logistics warehouses, where it is necessary to pick and sort goods, as well as in food production and processing enterprises.

The average income of a Ukrainian without knowledge of the language is between 4000 and 5500 PLN. Accordingly, a Ukrainian can receive from 37 to 51 thousand UAH per year in terms of hryvnia currency. For certain types of work without knowledge of the language, you can get 6-7 thousand gold (in terms of 60-70 thousand UAH per year).

Starting in 2025, the minimum wage requirements will change, which will affect the receipt of a residence card.

If you need support in finding a job, checking the employer, preparing documents or legalizing diplomas, please contact Visit Ukraine lawyers!

New rules of employment in Poland for foreigners

From 2025, all foreign workers in Poland will be able to work only based on an employment contract (umowa o pracę). This means that civil law contracts, such as an assignment agreement (umowa zlecenie) or a contractor agreement (umowa o dzieło), will no longer be available for foreigners.

The main forms of labor relations for Ukrainians in Poland:

- Employment contract - provides for social guarantees, pension contributions, sick leave and paid vacation;

- Appointment or election to a position;

- Cooperative labor agreement.

Financial support for Ukrainians in Poland

In 2025, the Rodzina 800+ program continues to provide financial support to families with children. It provides for a monthly payment of PLN 800 for each child under 18 years of age. The application period for the new period from June 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026 will begin on February 1, 2025.

The application can only be submitted online via the mZUS mobile application, the PUE ZUS or EMP@TIA portals, and the online banking system.

Starting June 1, 2025, a prerequisite for receiving assistance will be that the child is studying in a Polish educational institution and is registered in the Educational Information System (SIO).

Additional support programs:

- Dobry Start - a one-time payment of 300 PLN for school preparation;

- Aktywni w żłobku - support for families with children attending nurseries.

Minimum wage and subsistence level in Poland

From January 1, 2025, the minimum wage in Poland has been increased and now amounts to PLN 4666 gross (approximately PLN 3510.92 net). The minimum hourly rate has also been increased to PLN 30.50 gross (PLN 22.03 net).

This information is important for those applying for a residence card, as non-compliance with the salary standards may result in a refusal to issue a residence permit.

In addition, the subsistence minimum has changed. For one person, it is now PLN 1010 net. For a family - PLN 823 net for each family member.

Medical care for Ukrainians in Poland

Ukrainians officially working in Poland have access to the public healthcare system through the NFZ (Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia). This entitles them to free treatment under the national insurance. For those who want to see a doctor more quickly or receive an extended package of services, private health insurance is available.

All citizens of Ukraine who arrived in Poland after February 24, 2022, can benefit from free medical care. To do this, you need to have a document confirming the date of border crossing.

Medical hotline for Ukrainians: 800 190 590 (around the clock, in Ukrainian).

Free medical care includes:

- Reception of primary care doctors and specialists;

- Dental treatment;

- Diagnostic tests;

- Inpatient treatment and rehabilitation.

To receive the services, you must have a PESEL number or a passport with a border crossing stamp after 02/24/2022.

If you are planning to move to Poland, you should take care of health insurance in advance. You can get advice on obtaining a policy for Ukrainians abroad at Visit Ukraine.

We remind you!  All taxpayers in Poland who have paid more advance payments than necessary during the year may receive a tax refund. However, there are certain exceptions. Find out when a tax refund is not possible.

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