Legalization in Poland in 2026: why a foreign passport and updated PESEL are required

In 2026, the approach to legalization of stay is changing for many Ukrainians in Poland. After several years of special regulations, there is a gradual transition to general rules that apply to all foreigners. In this system, a valid foreign passport and up-to-date data in the PESEL register play a key role. We explain why this issue becomes critical in 2026, who needs a foreign passport for further legalization, and why it is necessary to update PESEL or PESEL UKR after obtaining a new document.

Why the passport issue has become relevant in 2026

After the full-scale invasion, many Ukrainian citizens stayed in Poland under special simplified rules. Some entered without a valid foreign passport and received a PESEL number with UKR status, which allowed them to live and work legally. From 2026, the situation is changing. The Polish government is preparing systemic changes that предусматривают gradual transition from a special regime to standard mechanisms of legalization of foreigners. This means that when applying for a residence permit, changing legal status, or other permits, general requirements will increasingly be applied. One of the basic requirements in such procedures is a valid foreign passport as the main document confirming identity and citizenship.

Why a foreign passport is needed in 2026

In the system of general migration law in Poland, a foreign passport is a key document for:

• applying for a temporary or permanent residence permit;
• changing legal status of stay
• confirming identity during administrative procedures;
• correct identification in state registers.

PESEL or PESEL UKR does not replace a passport. It is an identification number in the Polish system, but not a document on the basis of which most decisions regarding stay are made.

What PESEL with UKR status is and why it is not sufficient

PESEL with UKR status is a number assigned to Ukrainian citizens within temporary protection. It provides access to work, healthcare, social services, and state services. At the same time, PESEL alone does not confirm identity without connection to a valid document. In 2026, when legalization will increasingly follow general rules, data in PESEL must match the valid foreign passport.

What to do if you do not have a valid foreign passport

If you do not have a valid foreign passport or it has expired, it must be obtained or renewed through:

• Ukrainian consular institutions;
• passport services operating abroad.

A foreign passport is a basic document without which further legalization in 2026 may be difficult or impossible.

Why it is necessary to update PESEL or PESEL UKR after obtaining a new passport

After obtaining a new foreign passport, data in Polish registers is not updated automatically. The system may still contain information about the old document or completely different data. A mismatch between passport and PESEL may lead to:

• problems with identity confirmation;
• complications when applying for a residence permit;
• delays or refusals in migration procedures;
• technical issues in state systems.

That is why after obtaining a new passport it is necessary to update data in PESEL or PESEL UKR.

How to update data in PESEL or PESEL UKR

Updating data is carried out through Urząd Gminy or Urząd Miasta — usually where the PESEL number was issued. The procedure is as follows:

• personal visit to the local authority;
• submission of an application to change data in the PESEL register;
• presentation of a new foreign passport;
• waiting for the changes to be entered into the system.

In different municipalities, the procedure may have its own specifics, but the principle remains the same.

What this means for Ukrainians in Poland in 2026

In 2026, a valid foreign passport and up-to-date data in PESEL are no longer a formality, but a necessary condition for further legalization. This applies to those who plan to stay in Poland, work, apply for residence permits, or change their legal status.

Advice from Gremi Personal

If you plan legalization in Poland in 2026, check now:

• whether you have a valid foreign passport;
• whether your passport data matches the information in PESEL or PESEL UKR.

Timely updating of documents and data will help avoid delays and problems when applying for a residence permit or other permits.

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