Polish immigration law in 2026: every change so far, and what's next

Polish immigration law has changed many times since mid-2025. This is the full list, with dates, as of 8 October 2026. Each item links to a guide with the details.

Already in force

1 June 2025: a new law on employing foreigners. The labour market test ended, everything moved to praca.gov.pl, and work permits can no longer be extended. The same day, the EU Blue Card became easier to get: a six-month contract is enough, and listed IT specialists can qualify on experience. Read work permits in 2026 and the Blue Card.

1 July 2025: stricter student visas. Many first-year applicants need NAWA's statement and B2 in the language of study before a consulate issues a student visa. Read the student visa rules.

1 August 2025: higher citizenship fees. Recognition rose from 219 zł to 1,000 zł; an application to the President now costs 1,669 zł. Read citizenship in 2026.

12 October 2025: EES begins. The EU's Entry/Exit System started at the Schengen external borders, Poland included.

1 December 2025: work fees and the declaration list. A work permit costs 200, 400 or 800 zł, a declaration 400 zł instead of 100 zł, and Georgia left the list of countries whose citizens can work on a declaration. Read working on an oświadczenie.

1 January 2026: a new minimum wage. 4,806 zł gross a month. Work permits and declarations can't offer less.

5 March 2026: the special act for Ukrainians begins to wind down. The same law ended refunds of the stamp duty when a residence case ends in a refusal or is discontinued, for applications filed from that day.

10 April 2026: EES fully operational. Short-stay visitors' entries and exits are recorded digitally, with fingerprints and a photo, instead of passport stamps. Read EES and ETIAS.

27 April 2026: residence applications only in MOS. Temporary, permanent and EU long-term resident applications are filed online, with a Trusted Profile; a certificate replaces the passport stamp. Read how to apply, step by step and how to get a Profil Zaufany.

4 May 2026: CUKR card applications open. Ukrainians with UKR status can apply for a three-year residence card until 4 March 2027. Read the CUKR card.

4 August 2026: the EU extends temporary protection to 4 March 2028. Polish law still set 4 March 2027 for UKR status when we checked.

Still under discussion

• Tacit approval (draft UD408, May–July 2026). If the voivode doesn't decide on a temporary residence permit within 60 days, it would count as granted, but only for citizens of selected countries. A draft, not law.
• Work permit exemptions (draft, July 2026). Citizens and residents of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, the UK and the US would no longer need a work permit. A draft, not law.
• Citizenship. The President's bill would require 10 years of residence; the government is preparing a model with 8 years, a test and a loyalty declaration. Neither was law when we checked.
• ETIAS. The EU's travel authorisation for visa-free visitors had no confirmed start date.

Dates to keep in mind

• 4 March 2027: the last day to apply for the CUKR card; the end of UKR status under current Polish law; and the end of the current suspension of deadlines in residence cases. Read how long a karta pobytu takes.
• 4 March 2029: the end of the notification route for Ukrainian workers without temporary protection.

What this means for you

Most changes apply to cases started after they took effect, so the date you file matters. If you're about to apply for anything, check the current rules first, file a complete application, and keep a copy of everything you submit. If you'd like us to check your situation against these changes, start with a free case review: see temporary residence permits.

Related serviceTemporary Residence Permit →