Ukrainian citizens who are covered by the provisions of the special aid act can be employed without a PESEL number and work permit. However, they need to be reported through the praca.gov.pl portal.

Having a PESEL number is also not required for legal residence in Poland. However, a PESEL number gives access to the 500+ benefit, a 300+ school benefit, and a one-off benefit of 300 PLN for Ukrainian citizens covered by the special act as well as other benefits. It can also come in handy when opening a bank account.

A Ukrainian citizen with a PESEL number may also set up a business and run it on the same terms as Polish citizens.

An application for a PESEL number can be submitted in any city or township office.  
With the application one must show:

• a document confirming the applicant's identity, e.g. passport, Pole's Card, Ukrainian ID card (in the case of persons under the age of 18, a birth certificate may be used as a proof of identity);
• a 35 x 45 mm colour photograph (some offices allow the photograph to be taken free of charge on site)

Applications for a PESEL number on behalf of children are submitted by a parent. If a child resides in Poland without parents, the application is submitted by a temporary guardian or a person who exercises actual custody over the child.

A Ukrainian citizen submitting an application should remember to provide his/her Polish phone number and email address and give consent to set up a Trusted Profile. Access to the profile makes it easier to complete a lot of formalities, such as applying for social security benefits.

Find more in the PRO HR April 2022.