Important Updates to the Special Law for Ukrainian Citizens: Adapting to the Labor Market Needs as of May 15, 2024

We would like to inform you about significant changes introduced in the special law concerning Ukrainian citizens, signed on May 15, 2024. These changes are aimed at adapting the regulations to the current needs and situation in the labor market.

In the Act of March 12, 2022, on assistance to the citizens of Ukraine, several changes were introduced.

  1. Definition of “citizen of Ukraine”: The first amendment concerns the definition of a ‘Ukrainian citizen,’ which now also includes the spouses and minor children of Ukrainian citizens who have arrived in Poland from Ukraine due to the war. These citizens cannot be citizens of Poland or any other European Union countries.
  2. Extended stay: Another change concerns the duration of the legal stay of Ukrainian citizens in Poland. Those who have legally arrived in Poland since February 24, 2022, can legally stay until September 30, 2025. This also applies to children born in Poland whose mothers have the same status, provided that these children are not citizens of Poland or other EU countries.
  3. Extension of visas/residence cards: All visas and residence cards that expire between July 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025, will be automatically extended until September 30, 2025. Thanks to this, Ukrainian citizens will not have to go through additional administrative procedures, making it easier for them to plan long-term residence and work in Poland.
  4. Numer PESEL: These changes include extending the validity period of the PESEL number for Ukrainian until September 30 2025. new regulations make it easier for Ukrainian citizens to access PESEL and require them to confirm their identity at the municipal office. These citizens can also apply to change their status in the PESEL register if they meet certain conditions. Ukrainian citizens are obligated to obtain a PESEL UKR number immediately upon arrival Until now, the time to obtain a PESEL was 30 days.
  5. Informing the employer about the decision regarding the residence card: Ukrainian citizens who have received a decision granting a residence card must inform their employer about it within 7 days of receiving the decision.
  6. Elimination of the subsidy for accommodation: The previous subsidy of 40 zł per day, which was intended for the accommodation of Ukrainian citizens, has been eliminated.
  7. Abolition of the one-time allowance: The one-time payment of 300 zł, which was intended as a start-up allowance for newly arrived Ukrainian citizens, has been eliminated.
  8. Additional support for children studying in Polish schools: An additional financial support of 800 PLN per month is granted only for the children of citizens who attend Polish schools. It aims to support the education and integration of children in the Polish school system, which contributes to their better functioning in the new environment.
  9. Modification of other laws: “Specustawa” (Special Law) also modifies other laws, such as: income tax, the educational system, medical professions, the granting of protection to foreigners, population registration, the professions of nurse and midwife, educational law, passport documents, and the mObywatel application. (more detailed information can be found at chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://isap.sejm.gov.pl/isap.nsf/download.xsp/WDU20240000854/O/D20240854.pdf)

The special law aims to facilitate integration and provide support to Ukrainian citizens staying in Poland due to the war situation in Ukraine. The new regulations will come into effect starting from July 1, 2024. We ask that you carefully review the above changes and adhere to them.

 

In case of any questions or need for additional information, we are at your disposal.

Link: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://isap.sejm.gov.pl/isap.nsf/download.xsp/WDU20240000854/O/D20240854.pdf