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By August 31, 2026, some citizens of Ukraine in Poland need to confirm their identity to maintain their UKR status. We explain who is affected by this requirement, what the changes mean for workers, entrepreneurs, and their employees, as well as how SMAR POLAND can help navigate the situation and find a solution.
RESIDENCE STATUS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
If you are a citizen of Ukraine and are in Poland, you need to have a legal basis for your stay and work
This could be:
- PESEL with UKR status — for some holders, it is necessary to confirm identity by August 31, 2026
- stamp confirming the submission of documents for a residence card
- valid visa;
- other legal basis for residence.
STATUS UKR: DEADLINES AND ACTIONS
If you did not present an identity document when applying for PESEL UKR, you must confirm your identity by August 31, 2026 at the urząd gminy or urząd miasta.
If you do not have UKR status or another valid basis for residence, it is necessary to act in a timely manner
- submit documents for a residence card;
- lub podać inną podstawę prawną do pobytu, taką jak wiza.
WHAT EMPLOYERS NEED TO CHECK
When receiving citizens of Ukraine, it is necessary to submit a notification if the employee is not exempt from this for another reason
If the candidate does not have a PESEL UKR, a stamp confirming the application for a residence permit, and a valid visa, they can stay for no more than 90 days under the visa-free regime — and only with legal residency.
Dla już zatrudnionych pracowników zbierz i zweryfikuj dokumenty potwierdzające ich aktualny status rezydencji oraz prawo do pracy.
Neglecting these requirements may result in fines ranging from 1,000 to 30,000 zlotys for each employee and serious consequences for the staff (fines, obligation to leave the country, ban on re-entry to the Schengen area)
Self-Employment (JDG)
Ukrainian citizens without a PESEL UKR can register or continue to run a business if they have a basis that allows them to conduct business activities in Poland
W zależności od sytuacji, taka podstawa może być:
- karta pobytu przyznająca odpowiednie prawo
- permanent residence (pobyt stały);
- EU long-term resident status;
- inna podstawa przyznająca prawo do prowadzenia działalności gospodarczej
If you registered your sole proprietorship before March 4, 2026, but do not have a suitable basis for further residence and conducting business, it is necessary to act in a timely manner:
- submit documents for a residence permit related to business activity
- lub zapewnić inną podstawę prawną umożliwiającą kontynuowanie prowadzenia działalności.
Important restriction for entrepreneurs
Foreign entrepreneurs without a permanent residence permit cannot hire foreign employees who do not have free access to the labor market
To ograniczenie może znacząco wpłynąć na możliwości rozwoju zespołu.
Our partners SMAR POLAND can provide consultation, assess your situation, identify potential risks, and give recommendations for further actions.
They will also advise you on which specialists to contact for preparing the necessary documents.
Important: SMAR POLAND is not a legal company and does not directly engage in legalization. The partners help to assess the situation comprehensively and determine possible next steps.
If you have questions about your residency status, work, or doing business in Poland, our partners will help you understand your situation and find a suitable solution.
Partner · SMAR POLAND
SMAR POLAND sp. z o.o. — accounting services for sole proprietors in Poland. The bureau states that it does not engage in legalization and is not composed of lawyers: consultation is needed to assess the risks regarding status, employment, and the company, and to understand whom to approach for documents.
For new clients, use the promo code TROJMIASTO: mention it to the operator when ordering the service. Terms are available on the “Our Partners” page.
+48 509 541 409 · ap@smaroutsourcing.pl · smaroutsourcing.pl
