In March 2025, further amendments to the provisions of the Law on Assistance to Citizens of Ukraine in Connection with the Armed Conflict on the Territory of Ukraine of 12 March 2022 (i.e. OJ 2025, item 337) came into force. The amended law brings significant improvements for both employees and entrepreneurs, including landmark regulations for conducting business. We outline the key changes below, with a particular focus on new business opportunities.
1. changes concerning residence matters of Ukrainians in Poland
The most significant changes in this area are:
1) Extension of legal residence
Ukrainian citizens who have arrived in Poland since 24 February 2022 can legally stay in the country until 30 September 2025. This also applies to the validity of visas and temporary residence permits, which provides stability for employers and employees.
2) Temporary residence permit
From 2025. Ukrainians under temporary protection can apply for a temporary residence permit for 3 years, issued together with a residence card. The process is simple and electronic, and holders of this status do not need a separate work permit.
3) Safety verification
Before issuing a residence card, the provincial governor verifies that the person does not pose a threat to state security. The procedure takes up to 30 days (60 days in exceptional cases), which may affect the time for legalisation of employment.
2. Expanding business opportunities for Ukrainians in Poland
The most groundbreaking change is the introduction of Article 42w, which equates the rights of Ukrainian citizens with a temporary residence permit with the rights of Poles to conduct business. on What does this mean in practice?
- From 2025, Ukrainian citizens with a temporary residence permit can establish companies and do business in Poland - from sole proprietorships to limited liability companies - without the additional formalities required of foreigners. The registration process at the CEIDG or KRS is identical to that for Polish citizens.
- Ukrainian entrepreneurs can operate in any industry (subject to licensing requirements, if applicable), provide services, trade or employ workers on the same basis as Poles.
- The three-year validity period of the temporary residence permit provides legal certainty, enabling investment planning, long-term contracts or applying for business support (e.g. subsidies).
- Article 42w opens the door to cooperation with Ukrainian companies, increasing competitiveness and innovation on the Polish market. For Ukrainians, it also means an alternative to salaried work - they can create their own businesses and jobs.
The changes effective from 2025 are a step towards a fuller integration of Ukrainian citizens in Poland. A stable three-year stay and the lack of the need to obtain a work permit facilitate employment, but it is the freedom of doing business that may prove to be the most important in practice, especially for those thinking of starting or developing their own business in the territory of Poland.
authors:
Maciej Oczkowski - advocate
Michał Wojtyczek – attorney, head of the Ukrainian Desk department
This entry provides general information on the legal issue at stake. It does not constitute legal advice or a solution to a specific case or legal problem. Due to the unique nature of each factual situation and the volatility of the legal situation, we recommend that you seek the assistance of a law firm for legal advice.