On March 5, 2026, updated rules concerning the residence and employment of Ukrainian citizens entered into force in Poland. Some provisions of the special act ceased to apply, but the simplified procedure for legal employment was retained.
Can Ukrainian citizens still work in Poland?
Yes. The applicable rules depend on the individual’s legal basis for staying in Poland.
Ukrainian citizens who were already working on the basis of a notification submitted by their employer before March 5, 2026 may continue working under the previously declared conditions. A new notification is not required solely because the legislation changed.
People benefiting from temporary protection may work under the notification procedure until the end of temporary protection. Under the rules current when this article was prepared, temporary protection was expected to remain in force until March 4, 2027.
Ukrainian citizens who are staying in Poland legally but do not benefit from temporary protection may also work under the notification procedure during a transitional period lasting until March 4, 2029.
Who submits the employment notification?
The employer, not the employee, submits the notification. It is filed electronically through a government portal and sent to the relevant district labour office.
Under the rules applying after March 5, 2026, the employer should submit the notification within seven days of the employee starting work.
A candidate should ask the employer to confirm that the required notification has been filed.
What should the employee check?
Before starting work, make sure that:
- Your stay in Poland is legal.
- You have received a written contract.
- You understand the content of the contract.
- The contract states the position, salary, schedule, and place of work.
- The contract conditions match the conditions declared by the employer.
- The employer has submitted the required notification.
- You have received your own signed copy of the contract.
Do not start work based only on a verbal promise that the documents will be prepared later.
Is a PESEL UKR number enough on its own?
PESEL UKR confirms a status related to temporary protection, but employment also depends on whether that status remains valid, whether the person’s stay is legal, and whether the employer has completed the required notification procedure.
Before starting a new job, it is therefore worth checking not only the PESEL number but also the specific legal basis for residence and employment.
What happens when you change employers?
A new employer must independently complete the procedure required for legal employment. A notification submitted by the previous company does not automatically transfer to a new employer.
A new notification may also be required when important employment conditions change, such as the position, number of working hours, or salary.
Important notice
Migration and employment law may change. Before signing a contract, check current information on official government websites or contact a labour office, the National Labour Inspectorate, or a specialist in migration law.
This article is for general information only and does not constitute individual legal advice.
