Poland is preparing important changes to the rules governing the issuance of Polish seafarers’ books to foreign nationals. The new requirements are particularly relevant for Ukrainian seafarers who currently reside in Poland under temporary protection.
Under the legislation adopted by the Polish parliament, simply proving legal residence in Poland will no longer be sufficient for certain categories of foreign applicants seeking a Polish seafarer’s book (książeczka żeglarska).
Foreign nationals falling under the relevant categories will additionally need to hold one of the following Polish residence permits:
- a temporary residence permit;
- a permanent residence permit;
- an EU long-term resident permit.
The change is significant because under the existing rules Ukrainian citizens have been able to apply for a Polish seafarer’s book if they legally reside in Poland.
According to information previously published by the Maritime Office in Szczecin specifically for Ukrainian seafarers, a Ukrainian citizen legally staying or residing in Poland could obtain a Polish seafarer’s book. For Ukrainian citizens and other third-country nationals outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland, the document is generally issued for five years.
The new legislation introduces a separate Article 10a into Poland’s Maritime Labour Act. It states that a seafarer’s book may be issued to a foreign national legally residing in Poland, but certain categories of applicants will additionally be required to possess a temporary residence permit, permanent residence permit or EU long-term resident permit.
This distinction is especially important for Ukrainian citizens who have PESEL UKR and are staying in Poland under the temporary protection system.
PESEL UKR confirms a Ukrainian citizen’s status connected with temporary protection and legal stay in Poland, but it is not itself one of the residence permits specifically listed in the new provision.
As a result, Ukrainian seafarers relying exclusively on temporary protection may no longer meet the residence requirement applicable to these categories once the new rules enter into force.
A different situation applies to Ukrainians who obtain residence status through the CUKR system. A CUKR residence card is connected with a temporary residence permit, meaning that its holder has a residence basis different from PESEL UKR temporary protection alone.
The practical difference therefore becomes important: legal stay in Poland and possession of a qualifying Polish residence permit will no longer necessarily mean the same thing for the purpose of obtaining a seafarer’s book.
The change primarily affects the issuance of new documents. Polish seafarers’ books that have already been legally issued do not automatically become invalid simply because the eligibility requirements for obtaining a new document change.
Under Polish maritime law, a seafarer’s book is an official personal document of a seafarer. It confirms the holder’s identity, records employment and sea service aboard ships and may be used in connection with crossing the Polish border as a seafarer.
For citizens of Poland and generally eligible EU, EEA and Swiss nationals, a Polish seafarer’s book can be issued for up to 10 years. For third-country nationals who do not fall within those categories, including Ukrainian citizens, the document is normally issued for five years.
The standard fee for issuing a Polish seafarer’s book is currently PLN 200, while students and pupils eligible under the legislation pay PLN 100.
Applicants also need to satisfy maritime professional and medical requirements.
According to information provided by the Maritime Office in Szczecin for Ukrainian seafarers, the application process normally requires an application form, passport, recent passport-style photograph, confirmation of valid medical fitness for work at sea and valid basic STCW safety training certificates.
Ukrainian STCW training certificates may be accepted by the Polish maritime administration after successful verification of their authenticity and legality.
The required basic safety training includes personal survival techniques, basic or advanced firefighting, elementary first aid or medical first aid, and personal safety and social responsibilities.
The Polish authorities have also previously clarified that Ukrainian certificates, diplomas and seafarers’ books cannot simply be exchanged for their Polish equivalents. Obtaining a Polish document is a separate administrative procedure.
Applications for a seafarer’s book can be handled by Polish maritime authorities. The Maritime Office in Szczecin has previously indicated that applications may be submitted personally or electronically through the Polish ePUAP system where applicable.
The standard processing period indicated by the maritime administration is approximately 30 days.
The legislative change forms part of a much broader Polish reform intended to support shipping companies and create more favourable conditions for vessels operating under the Polish flag.
The legislation was approved by the Sejm on June 19, 2026. The Senate subsequently introduced amendments, which were considered and accepted by the Sejm on July 17. The legislation was then forwarded to the President of Poland for signature.
One of the reasons given for introducing the new residence requirement is the need to clarify the rules under which foreign nationals can receive Polish seafarers’ documents.
For Ukrainian seafarers living in Poland, the practical consequences could therefore be significant. Until now, legal residence itself has played a central role in determining eligibility. Under the new system, some applicants will have to demonstrate a specific residence permit in addition to the fact that they are legally staying in Poland.
Seafarers who currently rely only on PESEL UKR should therefore pay particular attention to the final entry into force of the legislation and the requirements published by Polish maritime authorities.
Those holding or obtaining a qualifying temporary residence permit, permanent residence permit or EU long-term resident permit should remain eligible provided they also satisfy the other requirements for issuance of the document.
Seafarers who already possess a valid Polish seafarer’s book should also distinguish between the validity of an existing document and eligibility to obtain or replace a document under the new rules.
As of August 17, 2026, the official legislative record shows that the bill has passed the Polish parliament and was forwarded to the President for signature on July 17. Seafarers planning to apply should therefore verify the final effective date and transitional provisions once the legislation is officially promulgated.
