CUKR residence card. When can I submit my documents?

Starting in 2026, Ukrainians in Poland will be able to apply for a new CUKR residence card — a temporary residence permit valid for three years for persons with UKR status. Find out who is eligible for this card, what documents are required, how to apply online, and what changes are being made to the legalization procedure

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On July 1, 2025, amendments to the law on assistance to Ukrainian citizens came into force in Poland, which will significantly affect the legalization of refugees. This involves the introduction of a new category of temporary residence permit – the CUKR residence card, which can be obtained by Ukrainians staying in Poland under temporary protection (PESEL UKR).

The introduction of this system provides new opportunities for Ukrainian refugees, but also involves a number of important conditions and procedures. In this article, we explain in detail what a CUKR residence card is, who is eligible to obtain one, how to apply, and when this will be possible.

What is a CUKR residence card?

The CUKR residence card is a new temporary residence permit in Poland valid for three years, which Ukrainians with PESEL UKR status can obtain. Instead of remaining under temporary protection status, Ukrainians will receive formalized residence rights and expanded opportunities, from employment to doing business.

Upon receiving the card, the PESEL status will be automatically updated from UKR to CUKR, but no new number will be assigned.

When can you apply?

Although the law came into force on July 1, 2025, the actual submission of documents will be possible from January 1, 2026, when the special online platform MOS 2.0 will start operating. While the system is under development, applications are not being accepted.

The first steps towards the implementation of this system have already been taken — on June 4, 2025, a draft resolution of the Ministry of Internal Affairs appeared on the website of the Center for Government Legislation.

Main advantages of the CUKR residence card

Validity period – 3 years

No restriction on staying outside Poland for up to 6 months (instead of 30 days with UKR status)

Access to the labor market without a separate permit

Possibility to conduct business activities

Access to medical services, education, and social assistance

Electronic document submission procedure

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How to apply?

Applications for a CUKR residence card must be submitted exclusively in electronic form via an online service controlled by the Office for Foreigners. Applications submitted in paper form or through other channels will be automatically rejected.

To submit an application, you will need:

- A qualified electronic signature or a trusted profile (Profil Zaufany)

- A digital photograph

- Proof of payment of the stamp duty and card production fee

- A valid foreign passport

Cost

300 PLN — stamp duty (subject to change)

100 PLN — card production (for adults)

50 PLN — card production (for children under 18)

Who is eligible for a CUKR card?

Applicants for the card must meet ALL of the following conditions:

- Have PESEL UKR status as of March 4, 2024

- Have a valid PESEL UKR at the time of application

- Have had PESEL UKR continuously for at least 365 days

- Have a valid foreign passport

- Children born in Poland can also receive a card if their mother has a PESEL UKR and has already obtained a CUKR residence card.

Who will be refused?

The following persons will not be able to obtain a CUKR card:

- Those included in the list of foreigners whose stay is undesirable

- Who are banned from entering the Schengen area

- Whose stay poses a threat to national security

- Who have not paid the mandatory fees

What information does the application contain?

The electronic form will contain the following fields:

- First name, last name, date of birth, citizenship

- Foreign passport details

- Address in Poland

- Criminal record

- Declaration of truthfulness of data (“Jestem świadomy odpowiedzialności karnej...”)

- Signature (electronic or certified)

The following will be automatically retrieved from databases:

- Photo

- Fingerprints

- Signature sample

How will the applicant be checked?

After submitting the application, the voivode automatically sends a request to:

- Border Guard

- Police

- Internal Security Agency

The response is expected within 30 days, maximum 60 days. If no response is received, it is assumed that there are no grounds for refusal.

How long does it take to get a decision?

According to the special law, the voivode must make a decision within 90 days of the application being submitted. If any deficiencies are found, the period starts from the moment they are fixed.

Cardholder responsibilities

- Notify of any change of address within 15 days

- Update personal data (for example, in case of a change of passport or name)

- Pick up the finished card within 60 days, otherwise it will be canceled

When can the permit be canceled?

- Leaving Poland for more than 6 months

- Threat to national security

- Inclusion in the list of undesirable foreigners

What if I have already applied for another type of card?

If a Ukrainian citizen who meets the requirements has already applied for another card (e.g., for employment) but has not yet received a decision, they can submit a new application to CUKR. The previous proceedings will be automatically terminated.

What other residence cards are available to Ukrainians?

In addition to CUKR, Ukrainian citizens can apply for other types of cards:

- For employment

- For family reunification

- Blue card (for highly qualified specialists)

- For business

The CUKR residence card is a big step toward stabilizing the legal status of Ukrainians in Poland. It gives you a long-term residence permit, full integration into society, access to the job market, and social benefits.

However, it is important to follow updates, have an electronic signature ready, and ensure that all documents are up to date. Applications can be submitted from January 2026, and the government plans to make the procedure as automated and convenient as possible.

The Visit Ukraine lawyer`s team provides professional assistance in legalizing your stay in Poland, applying for a residence card, checking documents, and representing your interests in provincial offices. If you feel that the process is being delayed without explanation, do not hesitate to consult us.

We remind you! New rules for residence cards have already come into force in Poland. The law narrows the list of grounds for obtaining a residence card and restricts the circle of foreigners who can apply for one. Read our previous article to find out who is affected by the changes and who retains the right to legalize their stay.

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