EU Extends Temporary Protection for Ukrainian Citizens to March 2028
The EU Council formally extended temporary protection for Ukrainian nationals until March 4, 2028. Poland's Office for Foreigners confirms the extension, allowing Ukrainians to remain legally in Poland under the expanded framework.
On August 5, 2026, Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1912, adopted on July 30, 2026, formally extended the temporary protection regime for displaced Ukrainian nationals. The protection, originally introduced on March 4, 2022, now runs until March 4, 2028—giving Ukrainian residents an additional two-year window to plan their long-term residency status.
Poland's Office for Foreigners has confirmed that Ukrainian citizens and certain members of their families (spouses, minor children) who came to Poland from February 24, 2022, in connection with military operations retain legal residence status under this extension. The decision applies across the entire EU and Schengen Area.
What This Means for Ukrainians in Poland
- Your temporary protection (UKR status) remains valid until March 4, 2028
- You continue to have the right to work in Poland without a separate work permit
- You can begin transitioning to long-term residence permits (CUKR or standard permits) at your own pace
- The extension provides time to complete integration requirements (such as Polish language certification) needed for permanent residence
If you are a Ukrainian national with temporary protection in Poland, this extension gives you security for the next two years. However, plan ahead: temporary protection will eventually end. Consider whether you wish to transition to a CUKR card (a special temporary residence permit valid for 3 years) or apply for a standard residence permit based on employment, study, family, or business activity. March 4, 2027 marks the EU-wide deadline for the first phase of support reductions; March 4, 2028 is when temporary protection itself expires.
Sources
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