Many Ukrainian citizens working legally in Poland are wondering about their future – can they count on a Polish pension? The answer is yes. However, many myths have arisen around this topic. We explain the requirements that must be met, how length of service is calculated, the minimum pension amount in 2026, and why permanent residence in Poland is so important.
The main conditions for granting a pension from ZUS
To apply for a pension in Poland, a Ukrainian citizen must meet the same basic criteria as Poles. The main requirements include:
- Reaching retirement age: 60 years for women and 65 years for men.
- Relevant insurance experience: minimum 20 years for women and 25 years for men.
Many foreigners fear they won’t be able to accumulate the required years of official employment solely in Poland. However, this is where an important international agreement comes in handy.
How does seniority aggregation work?
A bilateral social security agreement has been in force between Poland and Ukraine since 2012. This means that when determining pension eligibility, years of official employment in the home country and in Poland are added together. For example, if a woman worked for 18 years in Ukraine and two years in Poland, she already has the required 20 years of service to be eligible for retirement.
However, it should be remembered that no one pays “for someone else.” Each country pays only its share of the benefit: the Ukrainian Pension Fund for the years worked in Ukraine, and the Polish Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) – proportionally for the contributions paid in Poland during legal employment
What is the minimum pension in 2026 and popular myths?
Rumors often circulate on social media that a Ukrainian citizen only needs to work one day in Poland to receive a full pension. This is a myth. For one day’s work, the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) will only charge pennies, equivalent to the contribution paid.
However, there is a mechanism for subsidizing the minimum pension. From March 1, 2026, after this year’s indexation, the minimum pension in Poland is 1978.49 PLN gross (approximately PLN 1,800 net). If the total benefit amount (Ukrainian plus Polish portion) does not reach this level, the Polish state may compensate the difference. Details on this are provided on the Polish portal Interia Business, emphasizing that these rules apply to all foreigners.
How to apply for a Polish-Ukrainian pension?
Once you’ve verified that you meet the requirements, you need to take formal steps. You can apply for a pension based on your foreign employment experience at a ZUS branch or conveniently online via the Electronic Services Platform (PUE ZUS / eZUS).
A special two-sided form must be attached to the standard application (EMP) – in the case of Ukraine it is a form PL-UA 8, in which we show periods of insurance in the territory of another country.
Living in Poland is a necessary requirement
The most important nuance is that the above-mentioned supplement to the minimum pension from ZUS can be received only on condition of permanent residence in Poland. If the pensioner decides to return to Ukraine, travel to another country in Europe or loses the UKR status , the Polish office will immediately stop paying this allowance.
ZUS rigorously verifies whether a retiree is actually in the country, using data from the Border Guard. Leaving Poland may result in loss of benefits, reports the Visit Ukraine website, appealing to Ukrainians to monitor their status and avoid having to return unduly collected funds.
Sources: ZUS (Social Insurance Institution) / Interia Biznes / Visit Ukraine
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