Electronic submission of documents for the CUKR residence card in 2025: the Senate adopted important amendments to the law on foreigners

Poland updates the rules for the stay of foreigners: electronic applications for residence cards, introduction of the CUKR card for Ukrainians with PESEL UKR and a new procedure for family reunification. Find out how the new procedures will work, who can get a CUKR card and what will change in the procedure for submitting documents

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On November 6, 2025, the Polish Senate supported amendments to the Law on Foreigners, which significantly change the rules for submitting applications for residence cards and introduce a new type of permit for Ukrainians with PESEL UKR status.

The document includes three large blocks of innovations: electronic submission of applications via MOS, introduction of the CUKR card, and new rules for the family reunification process.

Below is a detailed description of each of the changes.

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Electronic submission of applications via MOS: the end of paper applications

Poland is switching to a fully digital system for considering applications for:

- temporary residence,

- permanent residence,

- EU long-term resident permit.

Such applications will be submitted only online via the Case Management Module (MOS).

In addition, for some applications, the submission of digital attachments will be mandatory, in particular:

- Temporary residence and work permit;

- EU Blue Card permit and mobility of the holder;

- Temporary residence permit for an intern, volunteer, scientist;

- Business;

- Studying at higher education institutions.

This format will allow for faster filtering of fictitious applications, speed up the work of voivodeships and improve the exchange of information with ABW.

Requirements for electronic submission of applications in Poland

To submit documents under the new rules, the applicant must sign the completed application form and mandatory attachments with one of the permitted signatures:

- qualified electronic,

- personal (e-dowód),

- trusted signature (Profil Zaufany) - of the employer, internship organizer, head of a scientific institution or educational institution.

Important! Together with the application form, you can submit electronic documents or digital copies of paper certificates that are necessary to confirm the data specified in the application.

The requirement for personal presence remains

Despite the transition to an electronic format, a foreigner is required to appear in person to:

- present a passport,

- take fingerprints,

- provide a sample signature,

- confirm the right to housing (for an EU resident).

This stage has remained due to migration security requirements.

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CUKR card for citizens of Ukraine with PESEL UKR: a new permit for 3 years

For Ukrainians with PESEL UKR, the state is introducing a new special type of permit - CUKR, which will be issued for a period of 3 years.

Who can get a CUKR card

To be eligible for a CUKR card, the candidate must simultaneously meet three conditions:

- Have PESEL UKR status as of June 4, 2025,

- Have PESEL UKR on the day of application,

- Maintain this status continuously for at least 365 days.

How to apply for CUKR for citizens of Ukraine?

The application will be available only online, through a special service MOS 2.0 (Moduł Obsługi Spraw).

Important! The application process has not started yet. The Polish government has not yet launched a special online portal through which applications for the CUKR card will be accepted.

To facilitate the process, the voivode will receive automatic access to the necessary data of applicants from the PESEL register, including personal data, information about a valid international passport (or lack thereof) and confirmation of compliance with the three aforementioned conditions for UKR status.

For Ukrainians applying for a CUKR card, some standard requirements will be canceled. In particular, a personal appearance at the uzhend, fingerprinting and personal presentation of a passport will not be required. However, despite these simplifications, certain obligations remain. Applicants will be required to submit a sample of their signature for the residence card on a special form. A photo will also need to be added to the online application. In addition, the draft law gives the voivode the right, in justified cases, to still summon applicants to present a valid passport or other documents.

When will it be possible to obtain a CUKR card?

These innovations will not come into force immediately after the law is signed by the president (if he signs it). The procedure for submitting documents for CUKR cards will be launched only after the Minister of Internal Affairs announces a special notification on the implementation of the necessary technical solutions. This notification must be published at least 14 days before the official launch of the system.

How much will it cost to obtain a CUKR card?

Access to the MOS 2.0 (Moduł Obsługi Spraw) system will be free of charge.

The only costs for Ukrainian citizens when obtaining a CUKR card will be the payment of a stamp duty for processing the application (PLN 340) and a fee for making plastic (PLN 100).

We told you about what CUKR is and how to obtain this status in this material.

New rules for family reunification

As part of the changes to the legislation, Poland is introducing a separate procedure for foreigners who want to reunite with family members who are outside the country. The new rules introduce the concept of “separated family member” – this is the name given to a person who legally resides in Poland and applies for a permit for a relative currently abroad.

A special form is being created for such situations. It will contain information about both the applicant and his/her relative for whom the permit is being issued. Unlike the general procedure, which is being transferred to electronic format, the submission of documents for family reunification will remain purely paper-based.

Along with the application, it will be necessary to submit printed materials: a current photo of the foreigner, a copy of a valid passport and other documents confirming the grounds for issuing a permit. Thus, the direction of family reunification receives its own, separate and more detailed procedure.

Polish migration legislation is becoming increasingly complex, and new procedures are more technological. In such conditions, the support of a specialist helps to avoid risks and speed up the receipt of the necessary documents.

A migration lawyer is a specialist who supports all processes related to moving, staying and legalization abroad. As part of the consultation, you will receive:

- Analysis of your situation, taking into account the latest changes in Polish legislation;

- Individual advice and explanations of what documents are needed in your case;

- Step-by-step application plan to avoid mistakes and refusals;

- Answers to all questions regarding staying, working or moving family members.

This is a solution for those who want to act confidently, save time and avoid risks when processing documents.

Sign up for a consultation today - get professional support and solve your migration issues quickly and correctly!

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Reminder! Poland plans to tighten the conditions for obtaining citizenship for foreigners. Read how many years you now need to live in the country to be eligible for citizenship under the new rules.

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