In what cases can Ukrainians in Poland have their residence card cancelled?

Many Ukrainians have already obtained a residence card and feel confident living and working in Poland. However, not everyone knows that this document can be cancelled either by decision of the Office or at the foreigner's own request. Lack of information about the grounds and procedure may lead to problems with visas or entry into the country. Find out in which cases Ukrainians can have their residence card cancelled and how to properly apply for its cancellation

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Many Ukrainians have already obtained a residence card and use it as their primary document for legal residence in Poland. However, it is important to remember that having a card does not guarantee permanent status — Urząd may revoke it in a number of cases. We explain when this happens and what to do if you want to voluntarily surrender your card.

The main reasons for cancelling a residence card

1. A change in the circumstances on the basis of which the card was issued — for example, dismissal, completion of studies, closure of a business or termination of family ties, if the card was issued for family reunification.

2. Prolonged absence from Poland without valid reasons or notification to the province.

3. Inconsistency with the purpose of stay — if a foreigner has declared that they are studying or working, but in fact does not do so.

4. Violation of the conditions of residence — lack of stable income, health insurance or non-payment of taxes.

5. Providing false information or forged documents when submitting an application.

6. Violation of Polish laws or actions that pose a threat to public safety.

7. Voluntary cancellation if the foreigner submits an application for refusal.

A residence card is a right to stay, not a guarantee. Therefore, it is important to monitor the validity of the grounds on which it was issued and to inform the Urząd in a timely manner of any changes.

How to cancel a residence card yourself

Sometimes Ukrainians themselves want to give up their card — for example, when moving to another country, losing their job or closing their business. The procedure seems simple, but it has its nuances.

You should give up your temporary residence card if:

▪️ there are no grounds for which you received it (you quit your job, closed your sole proprietorship, or withdrew from university);

▪️ you plan to leave Poland for a long period of time;

▪️ you want to stop the consideration of an already submitted application for a card (before a decision is made).

Who is required to notify Uzhend

By law, it is the foreigner himself who is obliged to notify the province of the change in circumstances. The employer or educational institution also submits their notifications, but you cannot rely solely on them: sometimes documents are processed with delays, and the status in the databases may remain active, which creates difficulties when re-entering or applying for a new visa.

What happens if you do not cancel your residence card on time

If a person has left Poland but the card formally remains valid, this may cause confusion in the future: when attempting to apply for a new visa or work permit, the consulate may refuse, considering that you already have a valid residence permit. The opposite situation is also possible at the border — cancellation of the card upon entry.

To avoid such problems, it is important to submit a waiver application yourself.

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How to apply for a residence card waiver: step by step

Step 1. Prepare the application

There is no ready-made form; the application is written in free form in Polish. It should include:

1. the addressee — the Voivode who issued the card;

2. your details;

Wording: if the card has already been received — ‘I hereby report the disappearance of the grounds on which the residence card series... was issued’; if the application is still being considered — ‘I request that the consideration of case No... be terminated’.

The document must be signed and dated.

Step 2. Submit your application

You can submit it in person at the office or send it by post. Be sure to keep the confirmation of receipt — it is your protection in case of disputes.

Step 3. Wait for notification

Once your application has been processed, you will receive notification of the change in status. This is usually sent to your Polish address. It is not possible to check the status online, but you can contact the inspector handling your case.

Step 4. Return the card (if you have already received it)

After cancellation, the card must be returned to the office. In most cases, the processing fee is non-refundable, as the service is considered to have been provided.

Need help with immigration issues?

Contact the lawyers at Visit Ukraine for advice.

Reminder! More and more Ukrainians working and living in Poland are using two bank cards at once — Polish and Ukrainian. This is convenient for transfers, paying for purchases and storing savings, but it may raise questions from the tax authorities of both countries. It is important to understand what rules apply to residents of Poland and Ukraine and when it is necessary to declare income. Find out what conditions allow you to legally use bank accounts in two countries at the same time.

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