CUKR living card: when applications open and what you need to know

Obtaining a CUKR residence card is an opportunity for Ukrainians who have been living in Poland for a long time to transition to a more stable status without having to reapply for temporary protection. Find out what CUKR is and how to obtain this status

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In July 2024, changes to Polish legislation concerning assistance to Ukrainian citizens came into force. The main innovation is the introduction of a new type of residence permit: the CUKR residence card, which is issued as part of temporary protection. It will be available to Ukrainians residing in Poland under UKR status and will replace their current status.

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What is a CUKR residence card?

CUKR is a new legal residence status for Ukrainian citizens, introduced on the basis of amendments to the law of 15 May 2024. It allows the temporary protection status to be replaced with a temporary residence permit for a period of 3 years. Along with the residence card, the PESEL number will also be automatically updated — it will be marked with CUKR, but will remain the same (no new number will be issued).

When will applications start?

It is planned that applications will start in the third quarter of 2025, after the launch of a special online service. Until then, it will not be possible to submit an application. All applications will be accepted exclusively in electronic form; manual submission of documents will not be permitted.

Who will be eligible for a CUKR residence card?

Ukrainian citizens (and other persons recognised by the Special Act) who:

▪️ had a PESEL UKR as of 4 March 2024;

▪️ retain this status at the time of application;

▪️ have lived in Poland continuously for at least 365 days;

▪️ have a valid foreign passport.

Children born in Poland to a mother with valid UKR status are also eligible for the card if she has a CUKR residence card.

It should be noted that if the PESEL UKR was lost through no fault of the person (e.g. due to a system error), it can be restored with the date of assignment retained in order to ensure legal continuity of residence.

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Who will not be able to apply for the card?

The card will not be issued to persons who:

▪️ are blacklisted or entered in the Schengen Information System as undesirable persons;

▪️ violate public order or pose a threat to national security;

▪️ have not paid the fees for processing the application or producing the card.

How to apply?

The procedure will be completely digital. To apply, you need to:

▪️ use the online service of the Office for Foreigners;

▪️ sign the document with an electronic signature or a trusted profile;

▪️ attach a digital photo and proof of payment (300 PLN for processing the application + 100 PLN for producing the card, or 50 PLN for minors).

All information about the applicant (full name, date of birth, passport details, place of residence, etc.) must be provided in a special form. It is also necessary to confirm that the information provided is accurate. Applications without signatures or missing information will not be accepted.

For persons who are legally incompetent, the application must be submitted by their parents, guardians or temporary carers.

What rights does the CUKR residence card grant?

This document:

▪️ legalises your stay in Poland for 3 years;

▪️ gives you the right to work and engage in entrepreneurial activity;

▪️ allows you to freely leave and return to Poland;

▪️ serves as the basis for obtaining other social and legal guarantees.

Reminder! If you are planning a trip to Europe in 2025 and want to minimise the risk of being denied a Schengen visa, it is wise to consider applying through consulates of countries with high approval rates. Find out how to choose the best country to apply in to increase your chances of a successful trip.

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