The purpose of the act is to create specific legal rules of law aimed at supporting Ukrainian citizens who, due to the war, had to leave their country and come to Poland.
The act is necessary and regulates important issues related to the stay and work of Ukrainian citizens in Poland. It is worth paying attention that the special act covers only Ukrainian citizens and their spouses who do not have Ukrainian citizenship, entering Poland directly through the Polish-Ukrainian border. The act also applies to Ukrainian citizens who have the Pole’s Card, regardless of the border through which they entered Poland. Staying in the territory of Poland is considered legal for a period of 18 months, starting from February 24, 2022. If a child is born in the territory of the Republic of Poland, his stay will also be considered legal if the mother meets the criteria set out in the first sentence.
For this reason, people from other countries who fled from Ukraine due to hostilities and stay in Poland must legalize their stay in Poland under normal conditions. This means that they will have to apply for a temporary residence card or other residence permits in Poland, at the latest on the last day of legal stay in Poland.
In fact, citizens of other countries entering Poland from Ukraine and not having a Polish or Schengen visa have only 15 days to legalize their stay, compared to Ukrainian residents who have 90 days to submit an application.