Hiring Ukrainians in 2026 in Poland

Hiring Ukrainians in 2026 remains one of the most frequently discussed topics among employers in Poland. This is due both to the large number of Ukrainians working in Poland since 2022 and to successive legislative changes that affect the rules of their legal stay and employment. Since March 2024, new regulations have been in force, with further updates scheduled for 2025–2026.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the key issues related to employing Ukrainian citizens in 2026. It covers the legal framework, procedures, legislative changes, and employer obligations. In addition to practical tips, you will also find examples and a summary of common mistakes that entrepreneurs continue to make.

Current Legal Status – Until When Can Ukrainians Legally Work in Poland?

Under the latest amendment, the Special Assistance Act now extends legal stay and work rights until 4 March 2026. This means that Ukrainians who entered Poland after 24 February 2022 and obtained UKR status can continue to work legally. Yet, certain conditions still apply.

The most important rules:

• The “UKR” status is still the basis for legal residence and work.
• Employment is possible both based on a notification of work assignment and a work permit.
• For many industries, employing Ukrainian citizens is simplified.

Forms of Legalising the Employment of Ukrainians in 2026

Employment of a Ukrainian citizen in Poland can take place in several ways. Two procedures remain crucial.

1. Notification of Work Assignment – Simplified Rules

This is the most commonly used mode of employing Ukrainian citizens. The employer submits a notification in the praca.gov.pl system within 7 days of the start of work.

Requirements:

• legal residence of a Ukrainian (e.g. PESEL UKR);
• conclusion of a contract (employment or civil law);
• remuneration not lower than the minimum wage;
• work performed in accordance with the information in the notification.

Note: no labour market test is required, and no decision from the office is needed.

2. Type A Work Permit

It is required when:

• a citizen of Ukraine does not have the UKR status;
• the employer wants to hire on a basis other than notification
• the work does not comply with the conditions of the notification.

Type A permit is issued by the voivode, usually for up to 3 years.

3. Statement on Work Assignment (only in specific cases)

Following the amendments from 2023–2024, the statement procedure is no longer significant for Ukrainians with UKR status. Yet, it can still be used for those staying in Poland under other residence titles.

Residence of Ukrainians in Poland in 2026 – Which Documents Are Valid?

A citizen of Ukraine may legally reside and work in Poland based on:

• the special act (UKR status) – stay and work valid until 4 March 2026;
• a temporary residence and work permit;
• a national visa (D);
• a humanitarian visa;
• visa-free travel (only short-term – up to 90 days within 180 days, requires additional work legalisation).

Example 1

An employee from Ukraine received PESEL UKR in 2022. He started work in Poland and has been working for one employer under an employment contract since then. The employer regularly submits notifications about the entrustment of work. The last one was in 2024. In 2026, the employee continues to work legally, as he has a UKR status valid until 4 March 2026, and the employer fulfils formal obligations.

Example 2

An employee from Ukraine entered Poland in 2024 on a biometric passport. Legal stay covers 90 days under visa-free travel. The employer wants to hire him immediately. Thus, he must submit a notification of entrusting the work or obtain a work permit. Without notification, employment is illegal.

Example 3

In 2023, the employee from Ukraine started her studies in Poland and has a temporary residence permit in connection with her education. She can work without a permit, but only if she is a full-time student. After graduating in 2025, her residence permit expires. To continue working, the employer must legalise employment through a permit.

Example 4

An employee from Ukraine works as a driver. The notification was submitted to the position “driver – domestic transport”. The employer begins to send employees to international transport. As this changes the nature of the work, including the scope of duties and where it is performed, it is necessary to submit a new notification.

Example 5

The employee from Ukraine had a PESEL UKR, but left Poland for 8 months. Upon his return in 2026, his UKR status expired. To employ him again, the employer must obtain a work permit or enable him to obtain a new residence title.

More on this topic can be found here.

Changes in Employing Ukrainians in 2025/2026

In 2024 and 2025, several amendments were introduced that affect the employment of Ukrainian citizens.

The most important changes:

• extension of UKR status until 4 March 2026;
• introduction of mandatory verification of employment conditions (inspections of the National Labour Inspectorate)
• more detailed rules for the temporary work of Ukrainians;
• changes in documenting wages and contract requirements;
• planned digital procedure unification in 2025/2026.

Obligations of an Employer Hiring a Ukrainian Citizen in 2026

1. Reporting the employment

Notification of work assignment or submitting an application for a work permit.

2. Archiving documents

The employer must keep:

• a copy of the residence permit;
• a copy of the contract;
• confirmation of the notification;
• payroll documents.

3. Lawful remuneration

Since 2025, a Ukrainian citizen must not earn less than an employee in a comparable position.

4. Informing the Office

The employer must report any change in the terms and conditions of employment.

Typical Mistakes Made by Employers

• failure to submit a notification within 7 days;
• employment not consistent with the notification (different rate, different position);
• lack of copies of residence permits;
• incorrect settlement of holidays and overtime;
• entrusting work to a person whose UKR status has expired.

Example:

The job was changed from warehouse worker to forklift operator, but the notification wasn’t updated. Such work is illegal.

The National Labour Inspectorate And Border Guard Control in 2026

For 2024–2026, the intensification of inspections related to the employment of foreigners has been announced.

The following aspects will be controlled:

• compliance of the contract with the notification;
• payment of salaries;
• occupational health and safety conditions;
• legality of residence and work.

Can Ukrainians Run a Business?

Yes—if they hold a PESEL UKR status or a residence card. They may open sole proprietorships, pay social insurance contributions, and issue invoices.

Hiring Ukrainians in 2026 in Poland – Summary

Hiring Ukrainians in 2026 is based on the rules of the special act. Yet it is supplemented by new regulations on inspections and documentation. Employers should pay special attention to proper notifications. Compliance between assigned work and the notification, document retention, and verifying the employee’s residence status is also crucial.

The sooner employers adjust their procedures to the upcoming changes, the lower the risk of inspections or penalties.

If you plan to employ a Ukrainian citizen in 2026 and have doubts about procedures, notifications, documents, or UKR status, contact our firm. We will advise you, prepare the documents, and ensure that the employment is fully legal and secure.

FAQ – Most Frequently Asked Questions About Hiring Ukrainians in 2026 in Poland