The new CUKR card and MOS 2.0 system: what will change for Ukrainians in Poland?

Poland is gradually changing its approach to legalising the stay of foreigners, focusing on digital services and clear legal mechanisms. For Ukrainians, this means new opportunities to obtain a residence permit without queues and unnecessary bureaucracy, but at the same time, new requirements and nuances that are important to consider in advance. Learn more about the conditions for obtaining a CUKR card and submitting documents through the MOS 2.0 system

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Poland has officially launched the next stage of changes in its migration policy regarding foreigners. According to ua.pl, on Friday, 12 December, Polish President Karol Nawrocki signed amendments to the law on foreigners. The document provides for the complete digitisation of applications for residence cards, as well as the introduction of a separate format for residence permits for Ukrainian citizens.

What exactly is changing, how will it affect Ukrainians, and what should you pay attention to? We will tell you more in this article.

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A digital state instead of queues: what changes with the launch of MOS 2.0?

One of the key decisions of the Polish authorities is to completely abandon the paper submission of documents for a residence card. The new version of the state system for servicing foreigners will allow applications to be submitted exclusively online, via a browser, at a time convenient for the applicant.

MOS 2.0 actually changes the very approach to legalisation. Instead of visiting the provincial offices in person to submit documents, the applicant fills out an electronic form, uploads files, signs the application electronically, and only comes to pick up the finished card after a positive decision. The system allows you to save drafts, return to the application, and edit it without losing data.

Importantly, access to the platform is free, and the state explicitly declares the possibility of independent submission without paid intermediaries. Only state fees remain mandatory.

What is the e-Doręczenia system for receiving official letters and when will it become mandatory in Poland? We discussed this in our previous article.

What is a CUKR residence card?

CUKR is a temporary residence permit in Poland for Ukrainian citizens who previously enjoyed temporary protection and have PESEL UKR status. This card confirms the legal stay of a foreigner in Poland on the basis of a permit issued in accordance with the Foreigners Act.

The CUKR card has a special note: ‘Poprzednio posiadacz ochrony czasowej’ (previously enjoyed temporary protection). It records the transition from temporary protection status to a standard residence permit without losing the continuity of legal residence.

Obtaining a CUKR card means that a Ukrainian citizen is no longer staying in Poland on the basis of UKR status, but enjoys the rights of a foreigner with a temporary residence permit. This status gives the right to work in Poland without a separate work permit, to conduct business activities on general terms, and to travel within the Schengen area within the established limits.

Read also: Poland introduces new fines for not having car insurance.

Who can obtain a CUKR card in Poland?

Obtaining a CUKR card is not automatic. The Polish side clearly links this right to the fact of long-term and continuous use of temporary protection. This applies to Ukrainian citizens (as well as their family members) who had UKR status and were legally residing in Poland for a specified period.

The issue of children, both those who came from Ukraine and those who were born in Poland after the start of the full-scale war, is regulated separately. In such cases, the application is submitted by parents or legal guardians, provided that all formal requirements are met.

Important! The system will automatically verify the data through the PESEL UKR register. If the information is incomplete or outdated (missing passport details, fingerprints, signature, etc.), the electronic application may be rejected at the outset.

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How to obtain a CUKR residence card through MOS: step-by-step instructions

Applications for a CUKR residence card will be submitted exclusively in electronic format through the updated MOS 2.0 state system. Personal presence at the stage of submitting documents is not required, and you will only need to visit the provincial office to receive the finished card.

To submit an application, you must:

– Create a new account in the MOS system (even if you have previously used the old version of the system);

– Log in to the system via login.gov.pl using a trusted profile;

– Fill out an electronic application for a CUKR residence card for Ukrainian citizens who are under temporary protection;

– Sign the application electronically (a trusted profile, qualified electronic signature or personal electronic signature will suffice);

– Upload the necessary attachments in digital format: a current photograph and confirmation of payment of state fees;

– Pay the mandatory fees: PLN 340 (stamp duty for granting a temporary residence permit) and PLN 100 (fee for issuing a residence card).

After submitting the application, the system will generate an official confirmation of receipt of documents (UPO), which can be saved in PDF or XML format. If the application is filled out correctly and all data is confirmed in the registers, the provincial office will contact the applicant only to issue a ready-made personalised residence card.

What rights does the CUKR card give and what changes for Ukrainians?

Obtaining the card means switching to a temporary residence permit, and with it — full access to the Polish labour market without additional permits, the ability to conduct business on the same terms as Polish citizens, as well as the right to travel to Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

In addition, the time spent living with a CUKR card counts towards the length of stay required to obtain EU long-term resident status.

Along with new opportunities come new obligations. After obtaining a CUKR card, UKR status is cancelled, and with it, some of the social benefits linked specifically to temporary protection. Assistance under other programmes is only possible if their rules are met.

Cardholders are also required to report any change of address, not to leave Poland for more than six months, and to collect their card on time. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in the loss of the permit.

Despite the adoption of the law, the specific date for the launch of the system and the acceptance of applications has not yet been announced. It is important to understand that 1 January 2026 is not the automatic start date, and until the official launch, it will not be possible to submit applications under the new rules.

Useful tips to help you legalise your stay in Poland after the end of temporary protection — collected at the link.

Why should you prepare for the changes in advance?

The transition to a digital model means that errors in data, incorrect documents or the wrong choice of legalisation strategy can cost you time and status. This is especially true for families, entrepreneurs and those who plan to stay in Poland for a long time.

That is why Ukrainians should assess their situation in advance, check the data in the registers and understand whether the CUKR card is suitable in a particular case.

Visit Ukraine's migration lawyers help Ukrainians in Poland with legalisation, status analysis, preparation for submission, and support in complex cases.

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Reminder! The Polish labour market is on the verge of the most significant changes in recent years. The 2025 reform has already completely restructured the procedures for employing foreigners, and 2026 may be even more challenging due to the expiry of the special law on temporary protection for Ukrainians. Read about the new rules for employing foreigners in 2026 in Poland here.

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