New rules for the residence of Polish citizens in Ukraine. Do I need to get a residence permit in 2023?

Since February 24, 2022, Poland has actively welcomed Ukrainians, not only providing them with temporary protection but also establishing favorable conditions at the legislative level for their legalization, employment, education, and access to administrative services in the country.

In September 2022, a law came into effect in Ukraine that reflects the guarantees offered by Poland to Ukrainian citizens and provides several advantages for Poles who entered our country after February 24, 2022.

As a result of this law, we receive numerous inquiries from Polish citizens and their family members seeking clarification on specific provisions that may apply to them. They also reach out to us for support and assistance in obtaining the necessary documents for the legalization of Polish citizens in Ukraine.

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The Law on the Stay of Polish Citizens in Ukraine

The Law grants Polish citizens and their family members, including spouses and children regardless of their nationality, the right to legally reside in Ukraine for a period of 18 months starting from September 16, 2022. However, there are certain conditions to be aware of:

• Entry into Ukraine must be done in compliance with the prescribed procedures for temporary stay, originating from the territory of the Republic of Poland.
• The 18-month stay can only be extended if the individuals possess supporting documentation that confirms their specific grounds for extension, such as admission to a university, continuation of studies, employment contracts, and so on.

Furthermore, the law allows Polish citizens to work in Ukraine without the need for a special permit from the Employment Center. They are also granted the opportunity to engage in business activities under the same terms and conditions as Ukrainian citizens.

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Why is it beneficial for Polish citizens to obtain a temporary residence permit in Ukraine?

It's worth noting that the law doesn't prevent Employment Centers from issuing or renewing work permits for Polish citizens. This means that if you don't need a work permit for other purposes, you can save around 8,000 to 22,000 hryvnias. However, we still recommend that our clients apply for a temporary residence permit.

Here are the advantages of having a residence permit:

• Registration of residence. To register your place of residence in Ukraine, you need a temporary residence permit (TRP). For foreigners, especially those who are employed, having a registered residence is often required for various purposes such as filing lawsuits, entering into contracts, performing certain notarial actions, and more. It's also important if you own property in Ukraine.
• Protection of rights: If certain provisions of the law are suspended or canceled, Polish citizens and their family members will be protected by the rights granted by the temporary residence permit (TRP).
• Duration of stay: Initially, the temporary residence permit is issued for 18 months, with the possibility of an extension. In the case of employment, it can be granted for up to 3 years, and for educational purposes, it's issued for the duration of your enrollment in an educational institution, usually up to 4 years.
• Family reunification: If you have family members, especially with different nationalities, the TRP allows them to legally stay in Ukraine and obtain a residence permit for the same period as the Polish citizen, following the principle of family reunification.

Interesting situations arise when Polish citizens in Ukraine plan to purchase real estate, seek employment, get married, and more. Their connections to Ukraine become stronger and more complex.

Our lawyers carefully consider each individual situation, taking into account the advantages and disadvantages of different options, in order to find the most suitable solution for you.

The cost of obtaining a residence permit in Ukraine can be found here. 

Don't hesitate to contact us for a consultation regarding your stay in Ukraine.