Diia.pl – a digital identity document

The project is implemented by the Ministry of Digital Affairs in Poland. It began in July 2022 and is currently ongoing.

Refugees from Ukraine who have benefitted from temporary protection in Poland can access a digital residence permit through a free of charge application (Diia.pl). This residence permit is recognized across the EU and facilitates cross border movement within the Schengen area and to/from Ukraine. 

The main goals of the project are:

• Facilitating the movement of Ukrainian refugees – temporary protection beneficiaries within Schengen area.
• Simplification of the personal identification process.
• Simplification of administrative procedures for obtaining a residence permit for temporary protection
• Facilitating access to digital services in Poland to Ukrainian refugees

Main activities of the Good Practice

Thanks to the introduction of a digital residence permit (Diia.pl) refugees from Ukraine have immediate access to eID (identity confirmation) as well as the legality of their stay in Poland. Used together with a valid travel document it also allows the movement within the Schengen area for 90 days in any 180-day period and crossing EU’s external borders (included Polish-Ukrainian border). Ukrainian citizens can use the Diia.pl after receiving a PESEL number (National Identification Number) and activating a trusted profile, which allows identity verification online.

Currently, Ukrainian citizens residing in Poland with temporary protection status who have Diia.pl application can benefit from the access to an electronic prescription and a digital COVID certificate. Diia.pl can be used by any Ukrainian refugee over 13 years of age. Younger children’s documents can be added to their parent’s document.

Elements which helped facilitate the implementation of the good practice

• Advanced level of access to digital services in Poland
• mObywatel (mCitizen) application issued by the Polish government – a digital wallet for documents and services now also offers document Diia.pl.

What challenges were encountered in delivering the project and how were they overcome?

Challenges

Initially, Diia.pl did not extend to Ukrainian citizens under the age of 13.

How they were overcome

Legislation changes were required to add Ukrainian citizens under the age of 13 to the parent’s document/profile. In addition, new processes and solutions were required to be built for this service within the mObywatel app. As of June 2023, parents and legal guardians can add documents of children under the age of 13 to their document/profile.

Results of the Good Practice

• Ukrainian refugees obtained an easy electronic tool for identity confirmation and certifying the legality of their stay in Poland
• The process of issuing a digital document is faster than issuing paper documents.
• Diia.pl users can travel within the Schengen area for 90 days within every 180-day period.

In what way does the good practice meet one or more of the four objectives of the Global Compact on Refugees?

Objective 1: Ease the pressures on host countries

Diia.pl enhance refugee self-reliance by facilitating the possibility of movement within Schengen area and giving them access to digital services in Poland.

Next steps

For Diia. pl users who fled the war in Ukraine, and currently work in Poland and have an active right to practice a profession (doctor, dentist, nurse, midwife), a Polish document confirming the recognition of professional qualifications will be issued.