Four years after opening its borders to millions fleeing Russia’s 2022 invasion, Poland is recalibrating its immigration framework. On 20 February 2026 President Karol Nawrocki signed a bill that abolishes the special act granting Ukrainian refugees broad, automatic rights to residence, work, benefits and education. From 5 March all Ukrainians in Poland will be subject to the same Foreigners Act that governs other third-country nationals, though their right to stay is automatically extended until 4 March 2027 to allow time to regularise status.
Background. The original “Special Act” was rushed through parliament in March 2022 as more than three million Ukrainians crossed into Poland. It waived labour-market tests, offered immediate access to public healthcare, and covered schooling costs for children. While Brussels lauded Warsaw’s openness, domestic critics argued the package placed a disproportionate fiscal burden on municipalities and distorted the labour market. Government data show around one million Ukrainians still reside in Poland; they contributed an estimated 2.7 % to GDP in 2025.
What changes. • Residence: refugees must now apply for temporary or long-term permits under standard rules and register for a PESEL ID number within 30 days of entry. • Benefits: free accommodation and meals will be limited to vulnerable groups; cash allowances for housing will end. • Labour market: the right to start a business on the same basis as Polish citizens ceases; employers must secure regular work permits. • Education: extra Polish-language classes and intercultural assistants in schools will be phased out after the current academic year. • Healthcare: uninsured Ukrainians will receive treatment on the same terms as uninsured Poles, with exemptions for children, pregnant women and war-wounded.
![Poland ends special legal regime for Ukrainian refugees]()
Political lens. The president, allied with the conservative opposition, framed the move as restoring “fairness” to Poles who felt refugees enjoyed “unconditional privileges”. The centrist governing coalition insists support will continue but through EU-wide temporary-protection rules rather than a national carve-out. NGOs warn of administrative backlogs at voivodeship offices and the risk that some refugees fall into irregular status.
Business implications. Multinationals that hired Ukrainians under simplified rules must verify employees’ right to work after 5 March and budget time for permit filings (currently taking 3–5 months). HR teams should inform staff about PESEL deadlines and health-insurance requirements. Companies providing housing to Ukrainian contractors will lose state subsidies. Mobility managers should also prepare for potential outflows as some Ukrainians consider relocating to other EU states with more generous support.
For employers and individuals seeking hands-on guidance through Poland’s evolving visa landscape, VisaHQ’s Poland portal (https://www.visahq.com/poland/) offers step-by-step application tools, document checks and courier services that can simplify the shift from the outgoing special regime to standard Foreigners Act procedures.
Looking ahead. The Interior Ministry says a new “single support system for all foreigners under EU temporary protection” will be drafted by summer. Employers and universities are lobbying for digital filing and shorter processing times to avert labour shortages, particularly in IT, logistics and construction.
Background. The original “Special Act” was rushed through parliament in March 2022 as more than three million Ukrainians crossed into Poland. It waived labour-market tests, offered immediate access to public healthcare, and covered schooling costs for children. While Brussels lauded Warsaw’s openness, domestic critics argued the package placed a disproportionate fiscal burden on municipalities and distorted the labour market. Government data show around one million Ukrainians still reside in Poland; they contributed an estimated 2.7 % to GDP in 2025.
What changes. • Residence: refugees must now apply for temporary or long-term permits under standard rules and register for a PESEL ID number within 30 days of entry. • Benefits: free accommodation and meals will be limited to vulnerable groups; cash allowances for housing will end. • Labour market: the right to start a business on the same basis as Polish citizens ceases; employers must secure regular work permits. • Education: extra Polish-language classes and intercultural assistants in schools will be phased out after the current academic year. • Healthcare: uninsured Ukrainians will receive treatment on the same terms as uninsured Poles, with exemptions for children, pregnant women and war-wounded.
Political lens. The president, allied with the conservative opposition, framed the move as restoring “fairness” to Poles who felt refugees enjoyed “unconditional privileges”. The centrist governing coalition insists support will continue but through EU-wide temporary-protection rules rather than a national carve-out. NGOs warn of administrative backlogs at voivodeship offices and the risk that some refugees fall into irregular status.
Business implications. Multinationals that hired Ukrainians under simplified rules must verify employees’ right to work after 5 March and budget time for permit filings (currently taking 3–5 months). HR teams should inform staff about PESEL deadlines and health-insurance requirements. Companies providing housing to Ukrainian contractors will lose state subsidies. Mobility managers should also prepare for potential outflows as some Ukrainians consider relocating to other EU states with more generous support.
For employers and individuals seeking hands-on guidance through Poland’s evolving visa landscape, VisaHQ’s Poland portal (https://www.visahq.com/poland/) offers step-by-step application tools, document checks and courier services that can simplify the shift from the outgoing special regime to standard Foreigners Act procedures.
Looking ahead. The Interior Ministry says a new “single support system for all foreigners under EU temporary protection” will be drafted by summer. Employers and universities are lobbying for digital filing and shorter processing times to avert labour shortages, particularly in IT, logistics and construction.
