Ukrainian Residents in Poland Can Now Apply for CUKR Residence Card Online
Ukrainian citizens with PESEL UKR temporary-protection status can now switch to the new CUKR residence card, granting three years of legal stay in Poland. Applications are accepted exclusively online via the MOS portal until March 4, 2027.
As of May 4, 2026, Ukrainians with PESEL UKR status who are in Poland under temporary protection can obtain a special CUKR residence permit, which grants the right to legally reside in the country for three years.
Key Features of the CUKR Card
The Office for Foreigners emphasizes that the procedure is simplified and does not require the submission of documents regarding income, employment, or place of residence. The main advantage of CUKR is the freedom to change employers without notification and faster processing.
Applications are accepted exclusively between 4 May 2026 and 4 March 2027, and applications for the permit can only be submitted online via the MOS portal. The statutory deadline is 90 days, though during the initial months of the application window, processing may take longer due to high office volumes.
Important Considerations
Upon receiving the CUKR card, UKR status is cancelled, and benefits tied exclusively to that status disappear with it. However, general social rights are retained. The period on the CUKR card counts toward the residency period required to obtain EU resident status, but the count begins from the date the CUKR was issued, not from the start of your stay in Poland with UKR status.
For Ukrainian expats: If you have PESEL UKR status and plan to stay in Poland long-term, switching to CUKR locks in three years of documented residency and simplifies your path to eventual permanent residence or citizenship. However, consult a lawyer first to understand which temporary-protection benefits you'll lose, especially regarding social services and family support.
Sources
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