How to handle legalization in Poland for Ukrainian citizens on your own
To legally live and work in Poland, you need to obtain the appropriate documents.
Ukrainian citizens who arrived in Poland after February 24, 2022, are subject to a simplified legalization procedure. They can obtain a special PESEL number, which gives them the right to work, study, medical care, and other social services.
To obtain a PESEL number, you need to contact your local government office (City Hall or Municipality). To do this, you need to fill out an application, present a biometric passport or ID card, and a document confirming your identity and Ukrainian citizenship.
After obtaining a PESEL number, you can proceed to obtain other documents necessary for legalization in Poland.
These may include:
- Residence card (karta pobytu) – gives you the right to permanent residence in Poland.
- Work permit (zezwolenie na pracę) – gives you the right to work in Poland.
- Polish Card (karta Polaka) – gives you the right to a simplified procedure for obtaining Polish citizenship.
Information about what documents you need to obtain, as well as how to obtain them, can be found on the website of the Office for Foreigners in Poland (Urząd do Spraw Cudzoziemców).
Tips for self-legalization in Poland
If you decide to handle legalization in Poland on your own, here are a few tips that will help you save time and avoid mistakes:
- Read the information about how to obtain documents on the website of the Office for Foreigners in Poland.
- Prepare all the necessary documents in advance.
- Don’t forget to make copies of the documents you will be submitting.
- Be prepared to visit various government agencies to obtain documents.
- If you have difficulty obtaining documents on your own, you can seek help from specialists. There are many companies in Poland that provide services related to legalization for Ukrainian citizens.
It is important to remember that legalization in Poland is a mandatory condition for staying and working in this country. If you do not obtain the necessary documents, you may be deported from Poland.
Here are some additional details about the legalization process in Poland for Ukrainian citizens:
- The simplified legalization procedure is valid for 18 months.
- To obtain a permanent residence card, you need to have a work permit and live in Poland for at least 5 years.
- To obtain a work permit, you need to have a job offer from a Polish employer.
- To obtain a Polish Card, you need to prove that you have Polish roots.