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PESEL UKR for a student from Ukraine – how to obtain it and what benefits it offers in Poland?
What is the PESEL UKR status and why is it important for a student?
For young people from Ukraine who arrived in Poland due to the war, PESEL UKR is the most important identity document. It serves as official confirmation of temporary protection status in Poland. For students starting or continuing their education at Polish universities, this status opens the door to legal residence and free education under specific conditions, while also easing everyday academic and administrative formalities.
Benefits of having a PESEL UKR during university studies:
- Legal residence and education – a guarantee of legal stay within the territory of Poland and the opportunity to study under the same conditions as Polish citizens.
- Access to the labour market – students with PESEL UKR status can take up legal employment with any Polish employer without the need to obtain additional permits.
- Financial aid and scholarships – the eligibility to apply for maintenance grants, emergency financial aid, and other forms of financial support offered by universities.
How to obtain a PESEL UKR and transition to a residence card?
An application for a PESEL number with UKR status must be submitted in person at any municipal, town, or district office within the deadline specified by current regulations from the date of entry into Poland. You must bring a travel document (passport) and a recent photograph to the office.
However, many Ukrainian students wonder how to change their PESEL UKR to a residence card. The current provisions of the Special Act allow individuals with temporary protection to apply for temporary residence (among others, for the purpose of university education or employment).
- Submit an application to the Voivodeship Office – this process is initiated via the online MOS system (Case Handling Module).
- Prepare a certificate from your university – an official document confirming that you are a student of a specific course and academic year.
- Ensure continuity of legal stay – submitting a residence card application while your PESEL UKR status is still valid allows for a smooth transition to long-term legal residence in Poland.
Important tip: Remember that leaving Poland for a period longer than the time limit specified in the Act (e.g. a trip to Ukraine) may result in the automatic loss of your PESEL UKR status. It is advisable to monitor these deadlines so as not to lose your student and employment rights.
The mObywatel app and Diia.pl
After receiving your PESEL UKR number, make sure to activate your Trusted Profile (Profil Zaufany) and download the mObywatel app. It contains the Diia.pl digital document, which, together with your passport, confirms your legal residence and allows you to cross borders freely within the Schengen Area.