The Polish government is lifting the state of epidemic threat. In particular, the automatic renewal of visas and permanent residence permits will be blocked. Find out what Ukrainians who are in the country with expired documents should do

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Polish President Andrzej Duda has signed amendments to the Special Law on Assistance to Ukrainians. Now, IDPs will be able to stay in the country legally until March 4, 2024. 

In particular, children studying at school or attending kindergarten in Poland can stay in the country until the end of the 2023-2024 school year.

Due to the changes, the validity periods of:

- national visas

- residence cards;

- Polish identity documents;

- documents of tolerated stay.

In addition, Ukrainians staying in Poland for more than 180 days now have to pay 75% of the cost of a place in a shelter.

From July 1, 2023, the Polish government plans to cancel the state of epidemic threat of Covid-19. This decision will cause changes in certain legislative acts of the country. In particular, the procedure for automatic extension of visas and permanent residence permits for foreigners after the expiration of their documents will be canceled.

What should Ukrainians do? How to legally stay in Poland?

Prerequisites for granting permission

Since March 2020, a rule has been in force in Poland, according to which the validity period of national visas and residence permits must be extended automatically. This decision was made in connection with the Covid-19 pandemic. Thanks to this, foreigners, including Ukrainians, had the right to stay in Poland even on the basis of an expired permit or visa.

Consequences of canceling the epidemic threat

If the decision is adopted, Ukrainians who have an extended residence permit in Poland will have until August 24, 2023, to obtain new documents for legalization or leave the country.

Ukrainians who arrived in Poland after the start of the full-scale invasion and received PESEL UKR status in the country will not be affected by these changes.

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How can I continue to legally stay in Poland?

Foreigners can legalize their residence in Poland until August 24, 2023, in three ways:

• issue a temporary residence permit;

• get a visa;

• to leave the Schengen area for 90 days and return to Poland on the basis of visa-free travel.

Currently, Poland has an opportunity to get a visa without leaving Ukraine. The procedure is carried out through an authorized person, but the visa is considered invalid until the citizen of Ukraine crosses the Polish-Ukrainian border. The passport of a Ukrainian must have a stamp of entry to Poland.

Experts note that currently there is no surge in the submission of documents for temporary residence permits in Poland.

We remind you! Many Ukrainian citizens have been forced to seek temporary protection and settle down in European countries for more than a year. Find out what Ukrainians miss the most and what they would change in European countries in our article.

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

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