MAGISTERS · International Legal Support
Lawyer in Poland — Legal Assistance and Support for Ukrainians
Legal matters in Poland and Ukrainian cases handled from abroad: documents, family disputes, inheritance, immigration status, business and contracts. We assess your circumstances and determine which steps can be taken remotely and which require a professional authorised to practise in Poland.
Online consultations. We assist clients in Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, Poznań, Gdańsk and other cities without suggesting that we maintain a physical office in each location.
Start with your situation
What legal assistance do you need in Poland?
In practice, there are two distinct types of cases: matters governed by Polish law and Ukrainian legal matters handled while the client lives in Poland. The courts, documents, powers of representation and procedures differ.
POLAND
A matter governed by Polish law
PESEL UKR, temporary residence cards, employment and commercial contracts, companies, leases and disputes with counterparties. We identify the competent authority and whether a Polish adwokat or radca prawny is required.
UKRAINE
A Ukrainian case while living in Poland
Divorce in Ukraine, child maintenance, inheritance, retrieval of documents, court judgments and powers of attorney — including arrangements for representation in Ukraine without the client having to return.
CROSS-BORDER PROCEDURES
Documents for use in both countries
Apostilles, translations, proof of marital status, use of court judgments and notarised documents abroad; the requirements depend on the document and its intended use.
Professional qualifications matter: representation in Polish courts must be undertaken by someone authorised to do so under Polish law. Being a Ukrainian advocate does not automatically confer registration as a Polish adwokat or radca prawny. Where Polish litigation representation is required, we agree separately on the professionals involved and the scope of their engagement.
Legal services involving Poland
We first determine the applicable legal framework and required documents. We then agree whether a Polish lawyer, accountant, notary or immigration specialist needs to be involved.
Immigration and residence status
PESEL UKR, temporary protection, CUKR, residence cards, employment and family-based permissions; assessment of official notices and grounds for maintaining or renewing status.
Employment and workplace disputes
Review of umowa o pracę, umowa zlecenie or B2B contracts, unpaid remuneration, termination and employer documentation.
Business formation and ongoing support
Sp. z o.o., sole proprietorship (JDG), company documents, KRS, CEIDG, corporate amendments, contracts and coordination with accountants.
Real estate and tenancy
Review of draft lease and sale agreements, deposits, return of rental security deposits (kaucja), contractual obligations and available property documents.
Family and inheritance matters across borders
Marriage, divorce, children, maintenance and inherited assets involving Polish and Ukrainian institutions.
Refusals, administrative appeals and litigation
Review of decisions and time limits, preparation of legal arguments and coordination with an appropriately authorised representative in Poland.
THE RULES IN 2026
PESEL UKR, temporary protection and the CUKR card: what Ukrainians should know
Poland’s updated temporary protection framework has applied since 5 March 2026. For people holding a valid PESEL with UKR status, lawful stay under the relevant regime has been extended until 4 March 2027. In each case, it is important to verify whether the status remains valid, whether any event has caused it to lapse and whether identity verification requirements have been met.
PESEL UKR
Indicates temporary protection under the applicable rules. Extended absence from Poland, acquiring a different status and other circumstances may affect its validity.
CUKR — a three-year residence card
Applications have been accepted through the electronic MOS portal since 4 May 2026. This special permit is intended for eligible beneficiaries of temporary protection, subject to individual requirements.
A standard residence card (karta pobytu)
Employment, business, family and other residence routes each have their own conditions. Holding PESEL UKR does not automatically make a person eligible for every type of permit.
Important: people who originally obtained PESEL UKR without presenting photo identification were required to verify their identity by 31 August 2026. If they did not, their actual status and available procedures must be checked rather than assuming that temporary protection continues automatically.
Official guidance: gov.pl/web/udsc and mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl. These addresses are provided for reference as plain text, without outgoing links.
PESEL, temporary protection, residence cards and citizenship: the differences
| Term | What it means | Important distinction |
|---|---|---|
| PESEL | A Polish personal identification number. | The number alone is not a general authorisation to reside or work in Poland. |
| PESEL UKR | A PESEL number with a status confirming coverage under temporary protection. | Residence and work rights must be assessed under the current special rules. |
| CUKR | A special temporary residence card available to eligible former beneficiaries of temporary protection. | Applications are made through MOS and are subject to personal eligibility criteria; the card is not issued automatically to everyone with UKR status. |
| Karta pobytu | A document evidencing the relevant residence permit. | The grounds, validity and right to work depend on the type of permission granted. |
| Permanent residence and citizenship | Separate legal statuses, each with its own requirements. | Neither follows automatically from temporary protection or registering a company. |
If someone offers to “exchange your PESEL for a residence card”, first establish which particular type of permit is proposed, whether you qualify and what legal effect the change of status will have.
Ukrainian legal matters you can handle while living in Poland
A key advantage of cross-border legal support is the ability to deal with Ukrainian courts, notaries and public authorities without requiring the client to travel back. The available arrangements depend on the procedural rules and the agreed mandate.
Divorce in Ukraine while living in Poland
We check jurisdiction, the marriage certificate, any children and the other spouse’s position; prepare the claim and handle the Ukrainian court proceedings. Personal attendance can often be reduced, though not ruled out in every case.
Certificates, archives and apostilles
Obtaining replacement certificates and archival records, retrieving court judgments and preparing documents for use in Poland. We first check whether the underlying record exists and which release procedure applies.
Inheritance and property in Ukraine
Assistance with succession proceedings, liaison with notaries, proof of kinship, powers of attorney, property disputes and registration of inheritance rights under Ukrainian law.
Presenting a Ukrainian judgment or certificate to a Polish authority may require a particular document format, certification or translation. An apostille is not always necessary: the relevant treaties, exceptions and rules of the specific procedure must be considered.
CORPORATE LEGAL SUPPORT
Starting a business in Poland: Sp. z o.o., JDG or an existing company
Registering a legal entity and an individual foreign national’s right to conduct business are separate legal issues. We therefore begin by examining the founder’s or entrepreneur’s immigration status, business model, tax position, powers and banking requirements.
Spółka z o.o. — a Polish limited liability company
A limited liability company registered in KRS and having its own legal personality. The statutory minimum share capital is PLN 5,000. Management board responsibilities, tax duties and corporate formalities also need to be considered.
JDG — sole proprietorship
Registration through CEIDG is available to people legally entitled to operate this type of business in Poland. For non-EU nationals, eligibility depends, among other things, on the applicable basis of residence.
Buying an existing company
Before purchase, review KRS records, accounts, debts, beneficial ownership, contracts and management powers. VAT registration, an active bank account or a “clean history” must not be assumed without documentary evidence.
Key steps in setting up a company
- Check the chosen legal form, entitlement to conduct business and ownership structure.
- Select a company name, PKD activity codes, registered address and management arrangements.
- Prepare incorporation documents and file through the relevant KRS or S24 procedure.
- Check the allocation of NIP and REGON numbers, beneficial ownership filings and related duties.
- Arrange a bank account in accordance with the bank’s customer identification requirements.
- Organise accounting, tax services, any required registrations and commercial contracts.
Avoid confusing these registrations
KRS is the company register; CEIDG registers sole traders; NIP is a tax identifier; and REGON is a statistical number. Having one does not remove the need for the other applicable procedures.
Depending on the circumstances, different tax regimes may apply, including general rules, flat-rate PIT, ryczałt and CIT. Tax rates depend on status, income type, eligibility and the law in force at the relevant time. It would be misleading to advertise one universal tax rate for all sole traders.
It is not appropriate to guarantee company registration “within 24 hours”, VAT approval or a bank account without identity checks. Timing and outcomes depend on the documents, registry or court, the bank and the ownership structure.
Contracts, employment, property and disputes in Poland
Employment matters
We assess the right to work, employment or civil-law contracts, unpaid remuneration, dismissal, claims against employers and supporting evidence.
Renting and buying property
We review agreements, deposits (kaucja), termination provisions, transfer of ownership, Polish registry extracts and transaction risks. Notarial acts are performed by an authorised notary.
Inheritance and family matters
We identify the applicable law, competent jurisdiction, proof of family relationships and relevant procedures in Poland and Ukraine; court proceedings require an appropriately authorised Polish representative.
In cases of detention, criminal allegations or receipt of a court document in Poland, the first priority is to establish procedural status and deadlines. Defence in Polish criminal proceedings must be conducted by someone authorised under Polish law.
Legal help in Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, Poznań and across Poland
An initial consultation does not require you to be in the same city as your legal adviser. Document review, legal planning, coordination of powers of attorney and some negotiations can take place remotely. For filings, notarial acts or court hearings, we assess local jurisdiction and whether an authorised professional is needed.
Warsaw
Immigration and corporate matters, documents, family and employment issues. We identify the relevant voivodeship office, court, notary or registry.
Kraków and Lublin
Residence status, contracts, family and inheritance documentation, and Ukrainian legal matters managed from Poland.
Poznań, Wrocław and Gdańsk
Remote consultations and coordination of Polish procedures with locally authorised professionals where required.
How MAGISTERS handles a cross-border legal matter
01
We assess the circumstances
You explain your location and status and provide the documents you have received.
02
We identify the applicable law
We establish whether Polish or Ukrainian law applies and who is authorised to handle the matter.
03
We agree on the scope of work
We confirm stages, responsible professionals, documentation, expected timescales and fees.
04
We prepare the documents
We review evidence, applications, translations, agreements and powers of attorney.
05
We coordinate the procedure
We track the matter and the next agreed steps under the engagement.
Legal fees and documents required
What affects the price
Fees depend on the nature of the case, the number of parties, the involvement of a Polish lawyer or consultant, translations, urgency and possible litigation. The services and payment terms are agreed before work starts.
Government charges, notaries, translators, registry fees and other third-party expenses are accounted for separately.
What to prepare before contacting us
- Passport and details of your nationality, place of residence and current status in Poland.
- Copies of decisions, refusals, requests, letters and documents showing when they were received.
- Contracts, certificates, powers of attorney, judgments and relevant correspondence.
- A short timeline of events and an explanation of the outcome you wish to achieve.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions about lawyers and legal assistance in Poland
These answers provide initial guidance. The final approach depends on your documents, legal status and the law in force.
Can a Ukrainian advocate represent me in a Polish court?
Ukrainian advocate status alone does not entitle someone to act as a Polish court representative. The professional qualification, registration and procedural authority of the person handling the case must be verified.
Can I get divorced in Ukraine while living in Poland?
Many Ukrainian divorce proceedings can be handled remotely through an advocate. Whether the parties need to appear, how a judgment is issued and how it can be used in Poland depend on the circumstances.
How can I obtain documents from Ukraine without travelling there?
Depending on the document, a representative in Ukraine may obtain a replacement certificate, archival record or copy of a judgment. Entitlement to request it and the form of any power of attorney are assessed individually.
Until when is PESEL UKR status valid?
Under the Polish rules in effect in October 2026, the lawful stay of temporary protection beneficiaries holding valid PESEL UKR status is extended until 4 March 2027. Individual circumstances may nevertheless cause the status to lapse.
What is the CUKR card and how do I apply?
CUKR is a special three-year temporary residence card for people who meet the eligibility requirements to transition from temporary protection. Since 4 May 2026, applications have been submitted electronically through the MOS portal.
Can I open a sole proprietorship (JDG) with a Ukrainian passport?
A passport or nationality alone does not determine entitlement to register a sole proprietorship. The relevant basis of lawful residence and its entitlement to carry on business must be checked.
What is the minimum share capital of a Polish Sp. z o.o.?
The statutory minimum share capital of a Spółka z ograniczoną odpowiedzialnością is PLN 5,000. Actual formation and operating costs include additional items.
Can I buy an existing company with VAT registration and a bank account?
A purchase may be possible if legal requirements are met, but VAT status, bank accounts, outstanding debts and the ability to continue trading all require verification. These cannot be guaranteed on the basis of a seller’s advertisement.
Can I register a company entirely online?
Electronic procedures are available for some registration steps. However, identity checks, signatures, powers of attorney and bank requirements depend on the particular parties and procedure.
Can an advocate handle an inheritance in Ukraine while I am in Poland?
Certain steps can be organised through a representative, but notarial requirements, deadlines for accepting inheritance and any personal declarations must be considered separately. A fully remote process is not always possible.
Do Ukrainian documents need an apostille for use in Poland?
Not always. Requirements depend on the document, any applicable international agreement and the Polish authority receiving it. Translation and authentication are separate issues.
How much does a legal consultation about Poland cost?
The price depends on the subject, the documents to be reviewed and whether a Polish licensed professional is needed. Scope and fees are agreed before any paid engagement begins.
Legal references and official information
Polish procedures are assessed under the applicable rules on foreign nationals, business activity and professional representation. For independent verification, the following official resources may be consulted:
- Polish Office for Foreigners — gov.pl/web/udsc;
- MOS foreigners’ case portal — mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl;
- Official business guidance — biznes.gov.pl;
- National Court Register — ekrs.ms.gov.pl;
- Polish legal profession registers — rejestradwokatow.pl and kirp.pl.
These addresses are plain text, without outgoing links. The rules may change; the information on this page has been updated for October 2026.
Contact MAGISTERS
Discuss your legal matter in Poland
Tell us what happened, where you are, what documents you have and what you need to achieve. We will identify whether the matter falls within Ukrainian practice, Polish law or requires coordination between professionals in both countries.
+38 (097) 718 11 88Message us on TelegramMessage us on WhatsApp
Online consultations. Availability of representation and the professionals involved depend on the applicable country’s law and the agreed engagement.