For Ukrainians living in Poland under temporary protection, a critical phase is approaching. Ignoring the new registration rules may lead to the loss of UKR status and, consequently, the loss of access to social guarantees, healthcare, and the labor market. The key condition for maintaining rights is updating data in the PESEL registry.
Personal Presence and Biometrics
Polish authorities have tightened the procedure for updating data. Remote updates are no longer possible — individuals must personally visit the użąd (population registration office) of the city or gmina where they actually reside. A valid foreign passport must be brought along. The procedure may include the collection of biometric data, particularly fingerprints, which requires the applicant’s personal presence.
Urgent Need for a Foreign Passport
The absence of a foreign passport becomes a serious obstacle. If the document is lost or has expired, its issuance should be started immediately. Without a valid passport, visiting the użąd is meaningless, as this document serves as the basis for confirming identity and updating records in the registry.
Deadline and Economic Context
The established deadline for updating information is August 31, 2026. Missing this date automatically jeopardizes legal residence and social rights. Against this backdrop, the Polish labor market shows interest in temporary personnel: requests for such employees increased by 10% in April 2026 alone. However, access to this opportunity directly depends on having a correct status in the PESEL system.
The situation with legalization is also becoming more complex in other areas. In particular, foreign doctors face the annulment of conditional licenses if they lack a certificate proving knowledge of the Polish language at level B1. Among Ukrainian medical professionals working in the country, nearly one-third have not yet provided the necessary language confirmations, highlighting a general trend toward stricter integration requirements.
