Since 2022, Poland has become for many Ukrainians not only a place of temporary refuge, but also a country for a new beginning, professional development, launching their own businesses, and building a long-term future.
Along with new opportunities, new challenges have emerged: legalizing residency, obtaining a residence card, acquiring EU long-term resident status or citizenship, as well as conducting business in accordance with Polish legislation.
Specially for theInternational Business Woman Magazine, Mariia Yazhynska — Co-Founder of LB Centrum and Director of BK “Shobeli pl Sp z.o.o.” — spoke about why more and more Ukrainians are choosing to build their long-term lives in Poland, what challenges they face during the legalization process, and what opportunities are currently opening up for Ukrainian entrepreneurs.
Since 2022, Poland has become for many Ukrainians not only a temporary refuge, but a country for a new beginning. How has the demand for legalization and doing business changed among Ukrainians?
Since 2022, we have seen a significant transformation in the requests of Ukrainians in Poland. Whereas previously most inquiries concerned temporary residence or employment, today Ukrainians are increasingly building stable lives in Poland.
People are no longer thinking in terms of “staying for a few months,” but rather in terms of stability and development. This includes legal residence, their own businesses, investment in the future, obtaining an EU residence card, or citizenship.
There has been a particularly noticeable increase in interest in starting businesses. Ukrainians are actively creating their own brands, agencies, salons, online projects, and entering the European market. This is a very strong trend that demonstrates the high level of adaptability and entrepreneurial spirit of Ukrainians.
What difficulties do Ukrainians most often face when applying for a residence card or an EU long-term resident card?
Most often, the problem is not the procedure itself, but an incorrect approach to documentation and a lack of understanding of the legalization process.
People submit incomplete sets of documents, fail to verify whether their grounds for residence are still valid, or do not respond to letters from the authorities in time. Such mistakes can not only significantly delay the process but also lead to a refusal.
Many people also underestimate the differences between various types of legalization — a residence card, an EU long-term resident card, and citizenship. Each procedure has its own requirements and nuances, so it is very important to choose the right strategy from the very beginning.
To what extent does Poland remain open to Ukrainian businesses and entrepreneurs today?
Poland remains one of the most open countries in Europe for Ukrainian businesses. Ukrainians are actively integrating into the Polish market, establishing companies, creating jobs, and developing new areas of business.
Of course, the requirements for conducting business are becoming more structured and formalized, but this is a natural process for a stable economy. At the same time, Poland continues to offer broad opportunities to people who are ready to work systematically, operate legally, and think strategically.
Do you see a trend of Ukrainians increasingly moving from temporary legalization toward obtaining Polish citizenship?
Yes, definitely. If several years ago most Ukrainians viewed Poland as a temporary solution, today we see a completely different approach — people are planning their lives strategically and with a long-term perspective.
There has been a significant increase in interest in permanent residence, an EU long-term resident card, and Polish citizenship. Ukrainians seek stability, the opportunity to legally develop their businesses, travel freely, and build a future for their children in Europe.
“It is no longer about ‘waiting out a difficult period,’ but about conscious integration and creating a new stage of life in Poland.”
What mistakes can lead to a refusal of legalization or delay the process for years?
The most common mistake is postponing legalization until the situation becomes critical. Very often, people seek assistance only when the problem requires a much more complicated solution.
Other common reasons for delays or refusals include:
— incorrectly prepared documents;
— outdated or incomplete information;
— lack of official income;
— ignoring letters from the authorities;
— errors when completing documents and making payments.
When it comes to legalization, consistency and attention to detail are extremely important, as even minor mistakes can affect the processing time or the final decision.
How has the profile of Ukrainians in Poland changed over the past few years — who is most likely to start a business and invest in their own development today?
Today, we see a much more mature and strategic Ukrainian entrepreneur in Poland. Whereas several years ago the primary goal was stable employment and basic legalization, Ukrainians now think in terms of long-term development, scaling, and integration into the European market.
At the same time, Ukrainians now have a noticeable impact on the Polish economy. They not only actively establish companies, but also create new jobs, pay taxes, and invest in the development of services and local markets.
“Ukrainian business has become an important part of the Polish economy.”
What would you advise Ukrainians who are just planning to build a long-term life or business in Poland?
The most important thing is not to be afraid to build your future in Poland. Today, the country offers broad opportunities to people who strive for professional development, work legally, and think strategically.
My recommendation is not to postpone legalization matters and to avoid looking for “workarounds.” Properly prepared documents, a systematic approach, and a solid foundation provide peace of mind and create the conditions for developing your life or business without constant stress.
And most importantly — invest in yourself, your knowledge, and your personal development.
“This is the greatest guarantee of stability in any country today.”
Photo: Photo: from the subject’s archive