Regularisation of Ukrainians in Poland – amendments to the special law

The amendments will, above all, extend the legal stay of Ukrainian citizens in Poland from 24 August 2023 until 4 March 2024. 

According to the draft law, if a Ukrainian citizen has lawfully arrived in the Republic of Poland on or after 24 February 2022 and wishes to stay in Poland (therefore benefitting from the special law), his or her stay will be legal until 4 March 2024 (instead of 24 August 2023 as the act stipulates now). 

Ukrainian citizens being parents or carers who benefit from the special law and whose minor children attend a kindergarten or school in Poland on 4 March 2024 are to be allowed to legally stay here until 31 August 2024. 

Among other things, national visas, temporary residence permits as well as residence cards will also remain valid until 4 March 2024 if their expiry date is after 24 February 2022. 

The introduction and validity of the amendments affecting Ukrainians will depend on the Senate's work and further legislative process. If adopted, the amended special law on Ukrainians will become effective 14 days after promulgation.

Do you want to know more about the planned amendments to the special law? If so, feel free to contact our experts.