#GMILegalUpdate: Amendment to the Ukrainian Special Bill published – legal stay of Ukrainian citizens in Poland extended until September 30, 2025

Amendment of the so-called the Ukrainian Special Bill, i.e. the Act on assistance to citizens of Ukraine in connection with an armed conflict on the territory of this country, was signed by the President and published in the Journal of Laws on June 11, 2024. The amended regulations will enter into force on July 1, 2024.

The key changes that will come into force on July 1, 2024 are:

• extension of the automatic right of residence of Ukrainian citizens in Poland until September 30, 2025;
• shortening from 14 to 7 calendar days the deadline for the employer to submit to the labor office a notification about the start of work by a Ukrainian citizen;
• introducing the possibility of submitting applications for temporary residence permits for non-working family members with UKR status, including children.

The amendment also introduces a number of other changes. The following further changes are in particular worth mentioning:

• Ukrainians who have UKR status and have had it for at least 365 days, including as of March 4, 2024, will be able to submit electronic applications for special 3-year residence cards. The date from which it will be possible to submit these applications will be announced in a separate announcement from the Minister of Interior and Administration;
• a clear list has been established of instances necessitating a renewed notification to the labor office about the employment of a Ukrainian citizen – e.g. in the event of a change of position or type of work performed;
• Ukrainian workers will be obliged to inform their employers about receiving a temporary residence and work permit within 7 days from the date of receiving this permit, so that the employers have the opportunity to submit an appropriate notification to the labor office.

It is currently unknown what the regulations on the employment and stay of Ukrainian citizens in Poland will be like after September 30, 2025. It is recommended to apply ahead of time for appropriate temporary residence permits ensuring legal stay and the right to work in Poland also after September 30, 2025.