Poland extends special law for Ukrainians until March 2026

Poland has extended the special law granting Ukrainian refugees legal stay and certain benefits until March 4, 2026. This extension, however, introduces several changes that restrict access to benefits and social guarantees for citizens who are not working. Key changes include:

• Medical services: Adult Ukrainians will have limited access to some medical programs, including rehabilitation, dental services, and certain treatment programs.
• Social assistance: Receiving benefits, such as under the Rodzina 800+ program, will now depend on certain conditions being met. Only families where both parents are employed and children attend Polish schools will be eligible for assistance. Exceptions are provided for parents of children with disabilities.
• Residence status: Legal residence has been confirmed until spring 2026, after which Ukrainians will have to comply with the standard rules that apply to other foreigners.
• On âBanderaismâ: Proposed amendments to the Criminal Code will allow for punishment for âspreading Banderaism or Volhynian lies.8 This wording is already causing debate, as critics see it as a threat to freedom of speech and a political subtext.
• On citizenship: The document provides for a significant complication of the procedure for obtaining a Polish passport. In particular, the possibility of increasing the period of continuous residence from the current 3 to 10 years before applying for citizenship is being considered.

After March 4, 2026, special rules for Ukrainians will cease to apply. Further residence in Poland will only be possible on general grounds 8 through a work visa, residence card, study, or other standard grounds for foreigners. This decision will significantly change the living conditions for hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians who remain in the country.