For Ukrainians arriving in Poland, obtaining a PESEL identification number with UKR status has become a key factor in accessing social services. This status, intended for individuals under temporary protection, opens up the possibility of legal residence, free healthcare, and social benefits. However, as it turns out, obtaining UKR status depends directly on actions taken at the moment of crossing the border.
The critical importance of the declaration at the border
According to information provided by Inpoland, the key stage of the process is the very moment of arrival in the country. If the applicant does not inform the border guard that they are crossing the border specifically due to military hostilities, this information will not be recorded in the system.
The absence of this mark leads to serious consequences: at the użąd (municipal administration), such a person can only obtain a "standard" PESEL. This form of identification does not provide the rights intended for individuals under temporary protection, effectively depriving the person of access to specific social support.
Difficulties with retrospective registration
The situation is complicated for those who have already arrived in Poland but, for some reason, did not inform the border guards of the reason for their relocation. Obtaining "UKR" status retroactively will be significantly more difficult. The right to this status is based precisely on the fact of crossing the border due to military hostilities, and without the initial recording of this fact in the system, restoring rights becomes difficult.
Data update: deadline August 31
For those already in Poland under temporary protection, the need to keep data up to date remains relevant. Ukrainians are obliged to update information in the PESEL registry. Ignoring this requirement threatens the loss of UKR status.
To update data, you must visit the city or gmina administration at your place of residence by August 31. A valid foreign passport must be present during the visit.
Strengthening control over employment contracts
In addition to identification issues, control over the employment of foreigners is being tightened in Poland. Starting July 8, 2026, the country will begin intensified checks of employment contracts. The Labor Inspectorate has been granted the authority to reclassify civil-law agreements into official employment contracts if it is established that the worker is de facto an employee of the company rather than an external contractor.