In a long-anticipated move, the Polish government allowed the 2022 “Special Act on Assistance to Citizens of Ukraine” to lapse at midnight on 4 March 2026, replacing the emergency regime with permanent provisions of the Act on Foreigners. The change does not leave refugees in legal limbo: the Council of the European Union’s blanket decision on temporary protection remains in force, so all Ukrainians holding a PESEL-UKR number continue to enjoy legal stay and labour-market access until at least 4 March 2027.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Ukrainian Embassy in Warsaw immediately launched information campaigns explaining what has—and has not—changed. From now on, refugees must rely on their PESEL-UKR record, plus the digital “Diia.pl” credential in the mObywatel app, as primary proof of status. Anyone entering Poland after 4 March 2026 must register for a PESEL-UKR within 30 days of arrival; failure to do so will jeopardise both legal stay and access to benefits.
If you or your organisation are unsure how to navigate these updated registration rules and digital requirements, VisaHQ can provide step-by-step support through its Poland portal (https://www.visahq.com/poland/). The service helps individuals and employers obtain PESEL-UKR numbers, Trusted Profiles and other essential documents, making the transition to the new system faster and more reliable.
![Poland ends special war-time act but keeps temporary protection for Ukrainians until 2027]()
Financial support is also being modernised. The flat per-diem subsidy that funded hundreds of collective accommodation centres will be phased out and replaced by a means-tested housing allowance. Refugees who are single parents with three or more children have been given until 30 June 2026 to secure private housing; municipal social-services offices will assist with deposits and rent guarantees.
For global-mobility managers the biggest takeaway is administrative: all extensions, residence-card swaps and status verifications must now be filed through Poland’s MOS 2.0 e-platform rather than local voivodeship offices. Employers that second Ukrainian staff to Poland must budget extra lead time to secure a Trusted Profile (Profil Zaufany) and an e-signature before submitting MOS applications.
While the shift from ad-hoc to systemic rules offers much-needed clarity, it also signals that Poland expects refugees to integrate or move on. Companies relying on Ukrainian talent should review employment contracts, ensure PESEL-UKR numbers have been verified against valid passports, and schedule MOS filings well before the summer rush.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Ukrainian Embassy in Warsaw immediately launched information campaigns explaining what has—and has not—changed. From now on, refugees must rely on their PESEL-UKR record, plus the digital “Diia.pl” credential in the mObywatel app, as primary proof of status. Anyone entering Poland after 4 March 2026 must register for a PESEL-UKR within 30 days of arrival; failure to do so will jeopardise both legal stay and access to benefits.
If you or your organisation are unsure how to navigate these updated registration rules and digital requirements, VisaHQ can provide step-by-step support through its Poland portal (https://www.visahq.com/poland/). The service helps individuals and employers obtain PESEL-UKR numbers, Trusted Profiles and other essential documents, making the transition to the new system faster and more reliable.
Financial support is also being modernised. The flat per-diem subsidy that funded hundreds of collective accommodation centres will be phased out and replaced by a means-tested housing allowance. Refugees who are single parents with three or more children have been given until 30 June 2026 to secure private housing; municipal social-services offices will assist with deposits and rent guarantees.
For global-mobility managers the biggest takeaway is administrative: all extensions, residence-card swaps and status verifications must now be filed through Poland’s MOS 2.0 e-platform rather than local voivodeship offices. Employers that second Ukrainian staff to Poland must budget extra lead time to secure a Trusted Profile (Profil Zaufany) and an e-signature before submitting MOS applications.
While the shift from ad-hoc to systemic rules offers much-needed clarity, it also signals that Poland expects refugees to integrate or move on. Companies relying on Ukrainian talent should review employment contracts, ensure PESEL-UKR numbers have been verified against valid passports, and schedule MOS filings well before the summer rush.
