Poland: Loss of PESEL UKR status for unverified citizens

Certain Ukrainian citizens holding PESEL UKR status in Poland risk losing their temporary protection and status starting September 1, 2026. This change affects individuals who were originally granted a PESEL UKR number without presenting a valid travel document, such as a passport.

To maintain their status, these individuals were required to visit a municipal or city office to confirm their identity with a valid travel document by the August 31, 2026, deadline. Failure to comply results in the status being automatically changed to NUE, which signifies the loss of UKR status and associated temporary protection.

Authorities have highlighted that minors are particularly vulnerable. This includes children who did not possess their own travel documents when the PESEL was issued and whose identities were verified using a parent's or guardian's document.

The loss of UKR status carries significant implications for future residency, as a valid PESEL UKR is a prerequisite for obtaining a CUKR residence card.