Temporary protection for Ukrainian citizens in 2026 — UKR status, the 31 August deadline and what comes next until March 2027
For hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian citizens living in Poland, 2026 brings two key messages: temporary protection has been extended to 4 March 2027, while at the same time the rules governing UKR status changed on 5 March 2026. This guide explains exactly what changed, who must act and by when, and how to secure your stay for the longer term.
Temporary protection extended to 4 March 2027
By decision of the Council of the European Union, temporary protection for people fleeing the war in Ukraine — granted under Directive 2001/55/EC — is in force until 4 March 2027. This means protected persons do not have to apply for asylum and their stay in Poland remains legal.
The end of the “special act” — what changed on 5 March 2026
As of 5 March 2026, the so-called Ukrainian special act (the act on assistance to Ukrainian citizens) was wound down. Some of the previous solutions disappeared, and temporary protection itself was moved into the Act on granting protection to foreigners within the territory of Poland. For most people this means a change of legal basis and new formal obligations.
Confirming your identity by 31 August 2026 — the most important deadline
If you received a PESEL UKR number on the basis of a declaration alone, without showing a passport (this applies to many people who arrived shortly after 24 February 2022), you are required to confirm your identity with a valid travel document at any municipal (gmina) office by 31 August 2026.
This is a deadline you must not miss. After that date, such a person's UKR status will be changed to NUE status and temporary protection will expire — you will then need to obtain a new basis of stay in order to remain in Poland legally.
Entering Poland after 5 March 2026
People who entered Poland after 5 March 2026 and wish to be covered by temporary protection must file an application for a PESEL UKR number within 30 days of entry. A delay may mean no protection and the need to legalise your stay under the general rules.
Diia.pl instead of a paper certificate
Beneficiaries of temporary protection are no longer issued a paper certificate. The document confirming protection is the Diia.pl app — make sure it is active and up to date.
What next? How to secure your stay beyond protection
Temporary protection is a temporary solution. If you are building your future in Poland, it is worth thinking ahead about a more stable basis of stay. The most common routes are:
- A temporary residence permit (residence card) — for example based on work, business, studies or family. More in our guide to the residence card in Warsaw.
- A permanent residence permit or EU long-term resident status — for those who meet the conditions of longer, uninterrupted residence. See: legalising your stay in Poland.
- Legal work — a work permit or an employer's declaration. Check: employment of foreigners in Poland.
Moving from temporary protection to a residence card requires an application to the voivode, a complete set of documents and strict deadlines. A formal error or delay can sink the application — which is why it is worth doing it with a lawyer.
How we can help
Our law firm handles cases of Ukrainian citizens every day: from confirming UKR status and formal obligations, through residence card applications, to permanent residence and citizenship. We will review your situation, prepare a complete set of documents and keep track of deadlines — including the nearest one, 31 August 2026. See our offer for foreigners in Warsaw.
Legal status as of 30 June 2026. Temporary-protection rules are amended from time to time — before making a decision, confirm the current rules or contact our firm.
Useful links
Frequently asked questions
Until when is temporary protection for Ukrainian citizens valid?
Who must confirm their identity by 31 August 2026?
What is NUE status and what does it mean for me?
How do I move from temporary protection to a residence card?
Will I still receive a paper protection certificate?
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