Poland sees changes to family reunification, new benefit requirements for those displaced from Ukraine and the launch of a vaccination campaign

New benefit requirements for children of Ukrainian nationals

From 1 June 2025, under the amendment to the Act on Assistance to Ukrainian Citizens, children of Ukrainian nationals residing in Poland will be required to attend Polish schools in order to continue receiving the 800+ benefit and the Good Start benefit. An exception will apply to students enrolled in the highest grade of the Ukrainian education system, who will be allowed to continue their education online.

The aim of this change is to better promote the integration of Ukrainian children into the Polish education system. The 800+ benefit (approximately EUR 192) is paid monthly by the state for each child until the age of 18. The Good Start benefit (approximately EUR 72) is paid at the beginning of each school year to assist with school preparations, for children and teenagers up to the age of 20.

Easier family reunification for EU Blue Card holders

New regulations were announced to make it easier for family members to join foreigners residing in Poland on the basis of a temporary residence permit for the long-term mobility of an EU Blue Card holder.

The temporary residence permit for the long-term mobility of an EU Blue Card holder is a new type of a temporary residence permit. It can be granted to a foreigner who intends to work in Poland in a position that requires high qualifications.

Under the new rules, family members will be able to reunite with a resident in possession of this permit without having to meet the strict requirements that apply to holders of standard temporary work and residence permits. In particular, they will not be required to have a stable and regular income or provide proof of accommodation in Poland: health insurance coverage will be sufficient.

UNICEF and WHO launch vaccination campaign for people displaced from Ukraine

According to UNICEF data, approximately 70% of Ukrainians living in Poland are vaccinated - 20% less than the Polish population, 37% of Ukrainian mothers do not know how to vaccinate their child in Poland and almost 20% have trouble understanding or translating medical documentation.

In response to this data, the Institute of Mother and Child - in collaboration with UNICEF and the World Health Organisation (WHO) - launched an educational campaign called Trust Vaccines to promote access to vaccination among the Ukrainian population. The campaign includes training for doctors and nurses to better prepare them for conversations with Ukrainian parents.