Changes for Ukrainians in Poland from October 1: new rules for submitting documents for a CUKR card

The rules for legalization for Ukrainians in Poland are changing. Find out when you can submit documents for a CUKR card, how long your legal stay will last, and what new requirements will apply in 2025–2026

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The legal stay of Ukrainian citizens in Poland has been extended until March 4, 2026. At the same time, amendments to the special law defining the procedure for submitting documents for obtaining a CUKR residence card, which opens the way to three years of legal residence, are expected to come into force soon. This was reported by inpoland.net.pl.

What innovations is Poland introducing?

According to Zbigniew Bogucki, head of the Chancellery of the President of the Republic of Poland, President Karol Nawrocki will no longer sign bills that provide for new special conditions for Ukrainians. This means that the rules adopted last time will remain decisive, and no new concessions are expected.

The previous version of the special law allowed Ukrainian citizens who had temporary protection to obtain a 3-year residence card (CUKR). However, the requirement was to confirm UKR status as of March 4, 2024, for at least 365 consecutive days.

The new amendment changed this date: now, to submit documents, you must have continuous UKR status as of June 4, 2025.

Until when can documents for a CUKR card be submitted?

Ukrainian citizens will be able to apply for a residence card until March 4, 2026. At the same time, the person who submitted the documents will be considered to be legally staying in Poland until the card is issued or a decision to refuse is made.

At the same time, Ukrainians who arrived after the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine will receive cards with a special mark — “Previously had temporary protection” (Poprzednio posiadacz ochrony czasowej). This will be official confirmation that the cardholder was in Poland under state protection and took advantage of the legalization mechanism provided for by a special law.

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When will the changes take effect?

The provisions on the issuance of CUKR cards will take effect on the date specified in the announcement to be published by the Minister of Internal Affairs and Administration in the Official Journal of the Republic of Poland, Monitor Polski.

What should Ukrainians who plan to stay in Poland do?

For Ukrainians who want to stay in Poland legally, it is important to prepare documents in a timely manner and closely follow official announcements from the Polish authorities. The process of obtaining a residence card requires collecting a complete set of documents and correctly filling out the application.

If you have difficulty understanding the procedures or document requirements, it is advisable to seek the help of immigration lawyers. For example, on the Visit Ukraine portal, Ukrainians can get advice and support for legalization in Poland. This helps to avoid mistakes that could lead to rejection and saves time in complex legal processes.

Not sure which consultation format to choose? Contact our managers via Telegram or WhatsApp – they will help you choose the best option for your situation.

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

Photo: Depositphotos

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