Poland Adjusts Support for Ukrainian Refugees as Temporary Protection Laws Change

As of March 5, 2026, Poland is transitioning Ukrainian refugees from a special assistance law to standard legal frameworks, impacting access to housing, healthcare, and social benefits. The changes come as the initial legal provisions enacted following the Russian invasion of Ukraine expire.

Key Changes to Temporary Protection

The core mechanisms of temporary protection for Ukrainians in Poland are now governed by the Law of June 13, 2003, on the provision of protection to foreigners on the territory of the Republic of Poland. Legal residency for those who arrived after February 24, 2022, possessing a PESEL number with UKR status and not receiving temporary protection elsewhere in the EU, is recognized until March 4, 2027, according to an Executive Decision of the Council of the EU. AP News

Healthcare Access

Individuals with temporary protection maintain access to healthcare comparable to Polish citizens, contingent upon having health insurance and paying contributions to the ZUS (Social Insurance Institution). Those without insurance are entitled to free medical assistance only in emergency situations threatening life or health, during pregnancy and postpartum, and for individuals under 18 years of age. Exceptions apply to those wounded in hostilities, victims of torture or violence, and residents of collective accommodation centers.

Housing Assistance

A new permanent housing assistance system is in effect from March 5, 2026. The Minister of the Interior can provide accommodation and meals – either in collective centers or through cash assistance – under the following rules: a maximum of 60 days from the initial entry into Poland for newly arrived individuals, and a cumulative limit of 12 months throughout the entire period of temporary protection. This 12-month limit includes all time spent in collective accommodation centers since 2022.

A transition period extends until June 30, 2026, allowing individuals already residing in collective accommodation centers to remain even if they have exceeded the 12-month limit. This provision aims to provide time for completing the school year and securing permanent housing.

After June 30, 2026, those not classified as vulnerable will no longer be eligible for free accommodation in collective centers.

Family Benefits and Education

Educational assistance (800+) and other family benefits are provided under the standard conditions applicable to foreigners, requiring professional activity from the guardian and the child’s fulfillment of schooling obligations. Supervision and control over the expenditure of assistance for children under foreign guardianship are fully vested in the poviat (county) authorities. Payments may be suspended for non-compliance with these terms.

Termination of Temporary Protection

Temporary protection is not granted or is terminated if an individual:

• Holds a permanent residence permit, long-term EU resident status, temporary residence permit, or refugee status (in any EU country).
• Files an application for international protection.
• Receives temporary protection in another EU state.
• Is a citizen of an EU Member State.
• Provides false information or forged documents.
• Enters Poland through small border traffic.

Temporary protection too ends with a departure from Poland exceeding 30 days, a written refusal of protection, or the acquisition of another legal status.

Future of Legal Stay

Temporary protection is currently valid until March 4, 2027. Decisions regarding extensions or changes to the legal status of Ukrainian citizens in Poland will be made by the Polish government. AP News

In November 2025, Polish President Karol Nawrocki signed a law altering assistance to Ukrainian citizens, stating they would be treated like other national minorities. AP News The law was urgently prepared by the Polish government and approved by parliament on September 17.