As of 1 July 2024, significant changes regarding the employment of Ukrainian nationals in Poland came into force by virtue of the amendment of the Act of 15 May 2024 on assistance to Ukrainian nationals in connection with the armed conflict on the territory of Ukraine (Journal of Laws of 2024, item 854).
Extension of legal residence of Ukrainian citizens
Until 30 June 2024, the arrival of Ukrainian citizens in Poland due to the war effort was considered legal. The new legislation extends this deadline to 30 September 2025, allowing Ukrainian citizens to continue to stay and work legally in Poland without having to obtain a work permit.
Conditions for legal residence and work
Ukrainian citizens who have arrived in Poland since 24 February 2022 and wish to stay here can apply for a residence card if they meet the following conditions:
- They had UKR status on 4 March 2024,
- Have UKR status at the time of application for a residence card,
- They have maintained uninterrupted UKR status for at least 365 days.
These persons will be able to work legally in Poland without the need to obtain a work permit, on the same basis as Polish citizens. This means that they will be able to undertake and carry out economic activities.
Changes to employers' obligations from 1 July 2024.
The amendment does not fundamentally change the procedures for employing Ukrainian nationals, however, it shortens the time for submitting a notification to the labour office from 14 to 7 days from the day a Ukrainian national starts working. The transitional provision allows the 14-day deadline to be maintained for notifications that started before 1 July 2024.
From 1 July 2024, a Ukrainian citizen may work in Poland if:
- He stays legally in Poland, e.g. he arrived legally after 24 February 2022 because of the war and declares his intention to stay.
- The employer will notify the competent labour office of the employment within 7 days of the employment.
- The working hours or the number of hours is not less than that indicated in the notification.
- The remuneration shall not be less than the minimum rate specified in the notification, in accordance with the minimum wage regulations.
New salary requirements
The amendment introduces the obligation to indicate at least the minimum wage or the minimum hourly rate in the notification. This applies to both employment contracts and civil law contracts.
Information obligations towards the employment office
Employers must resubmit a notification to the labour office in the event of:
- Changes in the type of contract (e.g. from an employment contract to a contract of mandate),
- Changes in position or type of work,
- Reductions in working hours or hours of work,
- Reduction of the monthly or hourly rate of pay.
Special rules for Ukrainian doctors and nurses
The amendment extends by 32 months the period during which Ukrainian doctors, dentists, nurses and midwives can apply for permission to practice their profession in Poland. This period lasts until 24 October 2024.
Summary
The 1 July 2024 amendment introduces important changes for employers of Ukrainian nationals. The extension of legal residence and work until 30 September 2025 and new notification requirements are key points to keep in mind.
As experts in the legalisation of residence and work of foreigners in Poland, we offer full support in the process of obtaining the necessary documents. Contact us telephone or email for more information.
