Poland: Information for stateless people and those at risk of statelessness fleeing Ukraine
Entry status
•
Visitor under Schengen rules, temporary protection, asylum-seeker, or temporary stay
permit
2. ROUTES TO INTERNATIONAL PROTECTION
There are various routes to protection in Poland, including a special law for (eligible) Ukrainian nationals and
their family members, temporary protection under EU law, asylum/refugee protection, and subsidiary
protection. Routes to protection that may be accessible to stateless people and those at risk of statelessness
depending on their circumstances are summarised in the table below.
What is it?
Refugee Status (Asylum)
Subsidiary Protection
Temporary Protection
Protection under 1951
Convention Relating to the
Status of Refugees
Temporary protection for
persons who do not meet
1951 Convention definition
but would be subject to
serious harm upon return
Temporary protection for
eligible persons fleeing the
war in Ukraine (family
members of Ukrainian
nationals, beneficiaries of
international protection (or
permanent residence and
unable to return to country
of origin) in Ukraine prior
to 24 Feb 2022)
Yes, if eligible and have
documents to prove
eligibility. Stateless and
undocumented persons are
advised to seek legal advice
(e.g., from HNLAC)
Foreigners’ Office
Headquarters (Warsaw) or
delegation in Biała
Podlaska; online
application process should
be available soon
Apply at the Foreigners’
Office in person; provide
documents proving
eligibility; submit an
application form; if
healthcare,
accommodation and
meals/monetary assistance
required, separate
application form to be
submitted; certificate
confirming entitlement
provided
Can stateless
Yes
and/or
undocumented
persons apply?
Yes
Where to
apply?
Border Guard Service either
at the border or in-country
Same as Refugee Status
Procedure &
rights
Written application in
Polish; surrender all
documents; interpreter
provided; interview;
temporary identity
certificate valid for 90 days,
extendable to 6-months;
may be detained for
specific reasons up to 48hrs
or 60 days (extendable up
to 6 months) upon court
decision; decision within 6
months, though sometimes
takes 15 months; access to
medical assistance,
UNHCR/NGOs, free legal
assistance; right to
accommodation and social
assistance; if application
Same as Refugee Status